Chapter 6: The Rainy Day Confession

A sudden downpour caught us off guard on our way home. We huddled under a small awning, watching the rain drench the streets. Mahiru hugged herself, shivering slightly.

"Here." I slipped off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

She looked up, eyes wide. "But you'll get cold."

"I'll be fine. You're more important."

Her cheeks flushed, and she clutched the jacket tighter around herself. "Amane…"

I swallowed hard. The words were at the tip of my tongue. "Mahiru… I like you."

She blinked, then a slow, warm smile spread across her lips. "I know."

The rain poured around us, but in that moment, all I could hear was the rapid beating of my own heart.