The Rainy Day Escape

The weather changed overnight.

The summer heat, which had been relentless for days, was suddenly replaced by thick, gray clouds stretching endlessly across the sky. The air smelled different—heavy, electric, like the earth itself was waiting.

By afternoon, the first raindrops began to fall, slow at first, then all at once, turning the streets into shimmering reflections of the sky. Thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance, low and lazy, like a warning.

Gemini had been out, wandering through the market stalls near the beach, picking up snacks and small trinkets he didn't need. It was meant to be a quick stop, just something to pass the time.

He had barely made it halfway back when the sky opened up.

"Are you kidding me?" he muttered, pulling his shirt over his head in a weak attempt to shield himself.

The rain came down in sheets, soaking through his clothes within seconds. He had no umbrella, no jacket—just himself and a rapidly growing sense of regret. His shoes splashed against the wet pavement as he ran, his only thought being to find shelter.

He turned a corner and spotted the familiar glow of the café.

Perfect.

He dashed across the street, nearly slipping on the slick ground, and pushed through the door, breathless.

The warmth hit him instantly.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee, faint traces of vanilla, and something else—something comforting.

For a moment, he just stood there, dripping onto the wooden floor, trying to catch his breath.

Fourth, who had been wiping down the counter, looked up. His gaze flickered over Gemini, from the soaked strands of hair clinging to his forehead to the puddle forming at his feet.

His lips twitched. "You look like a wet cat."

Gemini groaned, running a hand through his drenched hair. "Gee, thanks. Great to see you too."

Fourth crossed his arms. "Why didn't you check the weather?"

"I don't plan my life around storm forecasts," Gemini huffed, peeling his damp shirt away from his skin. "Now, do you have a towel, or am I just going to stand here dripping all over your floor?"

Fourth sighed, setting the cloth he had been using aside. "Wait here."

He disappeared into the back, leaving Gemini to shiver slightly in his wet clothes.

Outside, the rain continued its relentless assault on the town, droplets racing down the windows in twisting patterns. A few customers glanced at him with mild amusement, but Gemini ignored them, focusing instead on the sound of footsteps returning.

A clean towel was suddenly thrust toward him.

Gemini reached for it, but before he could grab it, Fourth did something unexpected.

He stepped closer.

Without a word, he lifted the towel and carefully pressed it to Gemini's head, rubbing his hair dry.

Gemini froze.

Fourth's touch was soft, deliberate. His fingers brushed against Gemini's forehead as he worked, his movements slow, unhurried. He didn't seem to mind taking his time, like this was something natural.

Like this was something normal.

Gemini swallowed.

His heart was doing that stupid fluttery thing again.

The café felt smaller, quieter, like the rain had wrapped them in their own little world.

Fourth kept going, as if he hadn't just unknowingly set Gemini's pulse racing. As if this was nothing. As if this was fine.

Gemini, on the other hand, was rapidly forgetting how to breathe properly.

"You're warm," he murmured, barely realizing he had said it out loud.

Fourth paused.

His hands lingered for just a second before he stepped back, handing Gemini the towel properly this time. His expression was unreadable, but the tips of his ears were slightly red.

"Don't catch a cold," he muttered, turning back toward the counter.

Gemini stared at him for a second longer before smiling to himself.

He hugged the towel around his shoulders, letting the lingering warmth sink in.

Outside, the rain kept falling, drumming softly against the windows. The world beyond the café was cold and drenched, the streets empty except for a few hurried figures darting between shops.

But inside, it felt a little warmer.

And Gemini didn't mind staying a little longer.

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