The rain came out of nowhere.
Maya ducked into the nearest shop, soaked and shivering. She sighed, brushing wet hair from her eyes—until a gentle voice spoke.
“Need an umbrella?”
She turned to see a man holding out a bright yellow one, the kind that looked ridiculous and charming all at once.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
He nodded. “Only if you walk with me.”
They stepped into the rain together, side by side beneath the shared canopy. Strangers just minutes ago, now laughing over puddles and forgotten appointments.
“My name’s Noah,” he said.
“Maya.”
They walked aimlessly, passing neon lights reflected in the wet pavement, like a city dreaming in color.
When they reached her street, she hesitated.
“Do you want it back?” she asked, holding out the umbrella.
Noah smiled. “Keep it. Just promise to meet me again the next time it rains.”
Maya grinned, heart fluttering. “Deal.”
