He Is My Kind Of Rain

Ombrophobia

Part 1.

Stell hates the rain. And it's not just a mere dislike, he hates the rain to its core. Although he has been dubbed as The Sunshine Boy, it seems even he cannot make the gloomy weather disappear.

Stell shivers as the sound of the heavy rain falling outside his condo was followed by a loud crackling thunder. That's one more item to add to his growing list of things he hates about the rainy season.

Yes, he has a list- and on top of his list are the three major reasons why he hates the rain. First, it gets too cold that he feels the chill seeping through his bones even under 3 layers of clothing. Second, his outdoor activities of course get suspended and he can't help but stay at home and die from boredom. Third and most pathetically, during times like this, when he's feeling cold and alone, he can't seem to remove one person out of his mind.

Stell tossed and turned on his bed restlessly, frowning when he saw the glowing numbers on his desk clock.

1:05 A.M.

He's been laying on his bed for more than 3 hours already but it seems sleep doesn't want to grant his body the rest it needs.

Sighing, he sat up and reached under his pillow for his phone. There are no new notifications displayed but he still tapped his message icon open, his thumb hovering over a particular thread.

Giving in to his impulse, he tapped it open to reveal a message he received the previous day.

"Just got home Stell. Thank you for the strawberry cake sabi nina Mama. Ang cute daw haha! Anyway, enjoy the weekend!"

Stell smiled and bit his lower lip unconsciously. He had re-read the message a dozen times after receiving it but the fluttering in his stomach hasn't subsided even a bit.

Paulo- their group's moody but unnaturally clingy leader has gone home to Cavite to spend their day off with his family as it was his mom's birthday. Stell, knowing about Paulo's mom's birthday, baked a 10-inch strawberry shortcake complete with strawberry designed birthday toppers.

Stell drops the phone and sighs as he clutches his banana-designed pillow to his chest.

"Bakit ba simpleng Thank You lang from Paulo kinikilig na ako?"

Stell can't help but question his sanity.

A sudden strong gush of wind violently hitting his veranda's sliding doors broke Stell from his thoughts. He stood up to check the situation outside the building from his room. Stell's eyes widened when he drew the curtain and it revealed a terrible sight.

The rain, coupled by strong winds, is now pelting more heavily than it was before he went to bed. He watched as the flood gather around the storm drains beside the streets' sidewalks.

Looking around, Stell also noticed the signange of the small convenience store infront of the condominium hanging dangerously sideways.

"Umuwi kaya si Paulo sa unit nya?"

Stell can't help but worry. He knows their leader is supposed to return from Cavite immediately after his mom's birthday. But then, Paulo is the type to check for weather updates before traveling, Stell assures himself.