Episode 12 – Paint Me the Rain / Confession Under Clouds

Act II: Sunshine Between Us

The art clubroom smelled of wet canvas and fresh paint.

Yuki's hands trembled as she carefully wrapped a new painting in soft tissue paper.

The image was delicate: a rainy day, but the rain wasn't fierce or frightening. Instead, it was gentle—each drop like a tiny silver thread weaving through soft gray clouds.

She had painted it for Ren.

When she saw him later that day, waiting outside the school gates, she felt her heart race.

"I made this for you," she said, holding out the package.

Ren's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yuki…" he murmured, carefully unwrapping the gift.

His eyes scanned the painting, tracing every drop, every cloud.

"It's… beautiful."

Yuki smiled shyly.

For a moment, the world felt still.

Then Ren stepped closer.

Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

Yuki's breath hitched.

His voice was soft, almost trembling.

"Thank you… for this. And for being here."

She looked up into his eyes, shining with unspoken emotion.

"I… I want you to know something," Ren whispered.

Yuki nodded, heart pounding.

He swallowed hard.

"I've been scared… to let anyone in."

"But with you, it feels different."

He paused, then added quietly, "I'm glad the rain brought us together."

Yuki's eyes filled with tears—not of sadness, but hope.

As the rain outside began to fall gently, their hearts beat in quiet harmony.