Chapter 15

"Sometimes, love is not a grand confession but a quiet moment in the rain, when you realize you're exactly where you're meant to be."

It was supposed to be just another after-school study session.

Pearl and Sharon had planned to review chemistry formulas before the test, sitting at their usual spot near the library steps. But as they packed up, dark clouds rolled in, and the sky broke open, spilling rain so suddenly they both froze, laughter bubbling up despite the thunder above.

"Run!" Pearl shouted, grabbing Sharon's hand before he could process, pulling him under the nearest tree. They were both soaked, hair sticking to their faces, rain drumming on leaves above them, but neither of them let go.

Pearl laughed, breathless, wiping water from her eyes, the drops glinting like tiny stars on her lashes.

Sharon looked at her, chest rising and falling, his fingers still wrapped around hers. His sketchbook was tucked under his arm, forgotten, as he watched her tilt her head back, letting the rain kiss her cheeks.

"Star," he whispered.

She looked at him, the world around them fading into the rhythm of rain. Her smile softened, her heart thumping in her soaked uniform, her eyes searching his.

"What?" she asked, voice barely above the rain.

"I…" he swallowed, stepping closer, "I really like you."

Pearl blinked, the rain blurring her vision, but she didn't look away.

"Sharon…" she breathed, taking a step closer, closing the small space between them.

Their hands were still joined, wet and cold, but her thumb brushed over his knuckles, grounding him. His free hand lifted, hesitating for a heartbeat before gently tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear.

Pearl's eyes fluttered shut at the touch, her lips parting as her breath caught.

And then, under the heavy rain and the grey sky, Sharon leaned in and kissed her.

It was soft, unsure at first, but warm despite the cold rain. Her hands moved to his shoulders, pulling him closer as she kissed him back, her lips tasting like rain, like laughter, like every unspoken word they had kept hidden.

The kiss deepened, gentle but real, as the rain poured around them, the world muffled, their hearts loud. When they finally pulled back, their foreheads rested together, breathing heavily, smiles trembling on their lips.

"You called me Star," she whispered, eyes shining.

"You're my Star," he replied, pressing a soft, quick kiss to her forehead, the kind that made her heart glow.

Pearl laughed, her arms wrapping around him, rain dripping from her hair onto his shoulders. He hugged her back, tight, like he didn't want to let go.

And for a moment, in the middle of that unexpected rain, they didn't need to.

Because in that kiss, in that small, soaked moment, everything unspoken between them finally found its voice.