A Rainy Afternoon

The sky darkened without warning, thick clouds rolling in as if summoned by some unseen force. One moment, the sun had been peeking through, casting soft golden light over the town, and the next, the wind picked up, the first few raindrops splattering against the pavement. Within minutes, the drizzle turned into a downpour, sheets of rain falling relentlessly, blurring the streets into watercolor streaks.

Gemini and Fourth barely managed to rush inside the café before getting completely drenched, the door swinging shut behind them with a loud thud.

Fourth sighed, shaking water from his hair, droplets scattering onto the tiled floor. "I didn't think it would rain today."

Gemini ran a hand through his soaked bangs, flicking some water off his fingers. "Guess the weather had other plans." He chuckled, his voice warm despite the chill creeping into his skin.

Fourth disappeared behind the counter for a moment before returning with a towel. Without a word, he tossed it at Gemini, who caught it with a smirk.

"Dry off before you catch a cold," Fourth muttered, rubbing another towel over his own damp hair.

Gemini grinned as he ruffled the fabric through his strands. "You're always looking out for me, huh?"

Fourth rolled his eyes, but the way his lips twitched upward gave him away. He didn't deny it.

Outside, the rain continued, drumming softly against the windows, filling the quiet space with its steady rhythm. The café, usually alive with chatter and the clinking of cups, was empty now, the storm having driven most customers away. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of rain-soaked pavement wafting in from outside. It was just the two of them now, wrapped in the kind of silence that wasn't awkward but comforting, like a pause between heartbeats.

Gemini leaned against the counter, his gaze following the trails of raindrops sliding down the glass. The world outside seemed to slow, softened by the storm.

"You like this kind of weather?" he asked, glancing at Fourth.

Fourth nodded, his towel now draped around his neck. "It's peaceful. Makes everything feel… quieter."

Gemini hummed in agreement. There was something almost hypnotic about the way the rain fell, the way it blurred the lights outside, turning the town into a softer version of itself. He watched as Fourth absentmindedly traced a pattern on the counter with his fingers, his expression calm, as if lost in thought.

A thought struck Gemini, and he turned fully toward Fourth, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Wanna do something fun?"

Fourth arched an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Gemini's grin widened as he extended a hand. "Dance with me."

Fourth let out a scoff, his lips parting in disbelief. "You're ridiculous."

Gemini wiggled his fingers, waiting. "Come on, it's just us. No one's here to judge your terrible dance moves."

Fourth shot him a dry look. "And yet, you are here to judge them."

Gemini laughed. "Okay, fair point. But I promise, no judgment. Just a little fun."

Fourth hesitated. His fingers tightened around the towel around his neck, his weight shifting as if debating whether to brush Gemini off or—

With a quiet sigh, he reached out.

Gemini's grin softened as their hands met, fingers curling loosely around each other. Fourth's hand was warm despite the lingering chill from the rain, his grip hesitant but steady.

And so, in the middle of the empty café, they began to sway, an invisible melody guiding them. There was no music, no rhythm but the soft patter of raindrops against the windows, the hum of the storm outside, and the occasional creak of the wooden floor beneath their feet.

It was slow, almost lazy, more like a gentle rocking than a real dance. Gemini moved first, leading with an exaggerated grace that made Fourth roll his eyes but follow along anyway. Their socks slid slightly on the floor, their movements uncoordinated but easy, effortless.

Gemini laughed as Fourth stepped on his foot. "Ouch. Told you, terrible moves."

Fourth scoffed, his lips twitching. "Shut up."

But he didn't pull away.

They moved in circles, the world outside disappearing into the background. The rain continued to fall, wrapping them in its steady embrace, and in that quiet, empty café, laughter mixed with the sound of the storm.

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