Chapter 3 「Shadows and Showers」

When he stepped back inside to the living room, he saw his sister heading out, a cloak draped over her shoulders and a basket in hand. Surprised to see her going alone, he called out, "Morning. Off to the market?"

Li smiled and nodded. "The baby's craving something," she said, rubbing her stomach. "Want to join me?"

Jet grinned, quickly grabbing his own cloak before joining her. Together, they made their way to the market, though many stalls were closed after last night's festival. Li wandered, her gaze scanning each stall for the food she craved, but she couldn't quite describe it, only that it was salty and savoury.

"Do you have anything specific in mind?" Jet asked, scratching his head. "There's a lot of savoury food here…"

"Just that flavour," Li replied, determined. "This baby really wants it."

Jet chuckled. "Alright. Wait here, and I'll go look around."

Li thanked him, staying in place as Jet headed deeper into the market. After some searching, he returned with a small assortment—dim sum, rice noodle rolls, and a few other treats. Li tasted each one, finally seeming satisfied with his choices.

"You know, you shouldn't be moving around too much while you're pregnant," Jet said, remembering bits from the lessons his parents' tutors had given him.

Li scoffed lightly as she ate. "That advice is really just for Omegas. Betas are strong; a bit of walking won't harm the baby," she said with a small smile. "Besides, those tutors Mother and Father hired? They were only there to teach you about Omegas so you'd know how to handle things when they marry you off to someone."

"Someone." he repeated.

She shrugged. "You know, the person they'll arrange for you. Someone who'll marry you because it's what both families want—nothing more, nothing less."

 "They really expect me to marry, don't they?" he muttered, half to himself. 

Li smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "They just want what's best for you, you know. But maybe you're holding out for someone… different?"

Jet blinked, a bit taken aback by her question. She wasn't wrong—there was a part of him that dreamed of choosing for himself, even if he understood his family's expectations.

"Maybe," he replied, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But you know how it is. I'm expected to marry someone chosen by our family, someone I barely know. It's… just how things are."

Li gave him a sympathetic look, resting her hand on his arm. "Well, whoever it is, I just hope they'll be someone you can at least find some happiness with."

Jet appreciated her words, though he couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to meet someone he connected with.

"When I'm done eating, let's buy lunch for the family. How does that sound?" Li suggested.

Jet nodded, and they continued to wander through the busy streets, stopping at small shops along the way. The market stretched on, seeming to go for miles, but Li didn't plan on walking the whole length. They passed by various stalls—some selling herbs and medicines, others displaying small trinkets and toys.

After a while, Li grew tired from all the walking and decided to rest. Jet led her to a small shop where she could sit and relax.

"Today's weather is perfect," a waiter said to Li as he served her a cup of tea. "It's cool and windy, but the sun's shining. Can't ask for better."

Li smiled, taking a sip of tea as she rested. Jet, still eager to explore, looked around the shop and the lively market beyond. He hadn't ventured this far in a long time, and he felt like there was so much to see.

"Take your time," Li said, noticing his curiosity. "I'll be here, just catching my breath." With her reassurance, Jet gave a small nod and stepped back outside to take in more of the bustling market.

The sky was still clear as he wandered around, picking up little things he thought his parents would like—a bundle of herbal tea, a few small trinkets. But as he walked, the first few drops of rain began to fall. The drizzle quickly grew heavier, surprising everyone around. Adults rushed to find shelter, while children dashed out into the street, laughing and spinning under the downpour.

Jet watched them for a moment, smiling at their joy, then remembered Li waiting back at the shop. He started back carefully on the wet, slippery roads, the rain quickly soaking his hair and shoulders.

Then, all of a sudden, the rain stopped falling on him. Surprised, he looked up, expecting to see the clouds clearing. Instead, he found an umbrella above him—and a familiar scent he couldn't quite shake from his memory.

"Han?"

It was him, holding the umbrella out for Jet, his tall figure somehow both familiar and distant under the grey sky. Han looked at him with that calm, unreadable expression, only softened by the faintest hint of a smile.

"You looked like you were about to drown," Han said, his voice low and even, barely audible over the rain.

Jet blinked, caught between surprise and a strange warmth that rose in his chest. "Thanks," he managed, awkwardly pushing his wet hair back. "Didn't expect to see you here."

Han shrugged lightly. "I was passing through," he replied. He glanced at the soaked roads and back to Jet. "Not a great day for wandering, though."

Jet laughed, his cheeks warming. "Guess I wasn't paying attention. My sister's resting nearby, so I thought I'd look around for a bit."

Han's gaze softened. "Seems you found a bit of trouble instead."

"Yeah, maybe," Jet admitted with a small smile, then hesitated, glancing at the handle of the umbrella. "Are you sure about this? You'll get wet too."

But Han shook his head, his grip firm on the umbrella. "I don't mind." he said as he stepped closer to him.

As they started walking, Jet glanced up at Han, still a little surprised. "I didn't think I'd run into you here. Do you come to the market often?"

"Not really," Han replied, his gaze forward, but a small smile crept onto his face. "Just happened to be nearby."

Jet chuckled, "Seems like you're always around when something unexpected happens."

Han raised an eyebrow, glancing at Jet. "Unexpected like rain?"

"Maybe," Jet grinned, "or maybe more like you showing up out of nowhere. It's almost like you're following me."

Han smirked, his eyes narrowing with a playful glint. "If I was, would you mind?"