Five seconds before Destiny

gh the empty street, each step echoing with a heaviness the storm couldn't wash away. His soaked coat clung t

ows that danced with the rain. Huyan looked up at it, eyes distant, then whispered to no one,

ck with dead eyes-eyes too tired to cry, too broken to be angry.

ice, its neon sign barely visible through the rain. The wet pavement reflected

d said bitterly, "You left this behin

nees, face hidden in the crook of his arms. His voice barely a whispe

hrough his chest, a me

ed slowly, tick by tick, until sleep stole him. The door creaked open hours la

ispered, rub

hug him tight. "I'm sorry, Huyan... work wo

tival," he mumbled into her coat

kissing his head. "Tomo

rning to a frown-then to a warm smile. From that day on, he followed her e

uck harder, but a smile tugg

storm just like this, wrapp

n," little Huya

d. You just have to see it from the right place. Stay

word echoe

over him. The sound

ooked u

storm. A girl stood there, soaked herself but unfazed. B

okay?"

he forgot ho

" he whispered, a

you talking to me? Do

him back. He lo

. Just...

don't look homeless. But you're sitting i

a moment. The lump in h

lly. "It's... heavie

. Then, without another word, s

The rain won't fix your probl

lled him to his feet and guided him

he soft patter of rain hitting the roof above. They sat

iches from her bag a

," she said. "But you looked li

quietly, surprised

n front of," she added, unwrapping her ow

above made her blue hair shimmer like t

t means happiness. Or so my mom says."

uy

y. "Nice name. So... why were you s

ed gently, "First Why

. I'm just an intern, but it's like I run the whole d

or the first time that

money. Besides..." she gave a guilty smile, "...the

nd of it. "So, you're in hell...

out me. Your turn. What's haunting you

went s

I even

that shattered the last peaceful image of his mother. A truth so bitter

ranger who offered warmt

l her the truth? Or do I

id quietly. "And found out s

faded, her e

someon

dded. "T

"Then maybe... it's okay to sit in the rain

d at her, e

d you h

someone helped me once too. Or maybe... I just want

torm all around and silenc

fragil

his loop, this encou

, Aya... fe

irst time in

feel compl