UNDER THE SAME RAIN

It was James.

He stood just behind her, arm extended, holding the umbrella gently over both their heads. His eyes met hers, steady and calm, but laced with something deeper—something soft and aching.

Sophie turned slowly, unsure if she was dreaming again. The rain poured all around them, but under the small circle of shelter, time felt paused.

They looked into each other's eyes. Neither said a word at first.

Just the sound of the rain.

Just their breathing.

Sophie opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. Her throat felt tight, like words would only unravel her.

James finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Let me walk you home."

He didn't wait for Sophie to answer.

Without another word, he took a step forward, and she followed.

They walked side by side, the umbrella shifting slightly between them. The gravel path glistened beneath their feet, and the trees shuddered with every gust of wind. It was a short walk back into town, but it felt much longer. The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was thoughtful. It was full.

A part of Sophie wanted to speak—anything to bridge the distance that still hung in the air between them. But the words wouldn't come. Every few seconds, she'd glance at him from the corner of her eye. He didn't look at her. He kept his gaze ahead, focused, yet distant.

She wondered what he was thinking.

Was he angry? Sad? Just being polite?

The streets of Elowen were mostly empty. The rain had driven everyone indoors. All that remained were the echoes of their footsteps and the gentle rhythm of droplets pattering on rooftops and trees.

As they reached the front gate of her compound, James stopped.

He turned slightly, enough to look at her but not fully face her. His dark hair was beginning to stick to his forehead. A few drops had made their way beneath the umbrella and slid down his cheek.

"Take care of yourself," he said, his voice low. "Goodnight."

It was so formal.

So final.

He turned to leave, already stepping back into the rain.

But before he could go far—

"James!"

Her voice cracked, almost lost to the rain.

He stopped, frozen.

Sophie's heart thundered. She didn't think—she just moved.

She ran toward him, the journal bag at her side bouncing with every step. She barely noticed how drenched she was now, how cold the rain felt against her skin. All that mattered was closing the space between them.

She reached him just as he began to turn around.

Her arms wrapped around him tightly.

He staggered slightly, surprised, and the umbrella slipped from his hand, falling to the wet pavement beside them with a soft thud.

"I missed you, James," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I missed you so much."

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, rain streaking down both their faces. Her fingers gripped his coat.

"I love you."

James didn't move for a long moment. His expression flickered—shock, disbelief, something breaking behind his eyes.

Then she said it again.

"I love you too," she breathed, as if admitting it would keep her heart from falling apart.

A tear—she wasn't sure if it was from her or from the rain—slipped down her cheek.

James slowly raised his hands and placed them on her back. His touch was careful, almost reverent. Then his arms pulled her closer.

"I tried to stay away," he said into her hair. "I thought it was better. That it would hurt you less."

"It hurt more," she whispered. "Not seeing you hurt more."

They stood like that for a while—two broken pieces finding their way back.

"I don't care if you're immortal," Sophie murmured. "I just care that you're here."

James gave a soft breath that might have been a laugh or a sigh. "I was always here. I just didn't know if I was allowed to want this."

The rain poured on.

They didn't care.

Drenched, clinging to each other, in the middle of a sleepy street in Elowen—

That was where they found the beginning of something new.

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