Under the Umbrella

Chapter 3

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12:35 PM in the afternoon. Raindrops still manage to sneak their way out of the clouds and make their way down. Civilians were crowding the streets, the chatter was loud and the atmosphere was cold. Some carried umbrellas with them while some wore hats to shelter their heads. All wore layers over layers of clothes to keep them warm.

[surname] [name] was on her way back to the office after having her lunch break at some nearby restaurant. Although it was still cold, she could care less about the rain. Still, she walked under the shelter only moving out of it to make way for more people to pass. Well, not like she did mind the small wet pellets landing on her once in a while.

She passed the area where she coincidentally met the man a few nights ago. How could she have forgotten? Only now she wishes he was in good health and for his safety. Even if he was still a stranger to her, she still cared. Nonetheless, a crime boss won't falter in the hands of someone who showed him kindness once, much less towards a strange girl who approached him out of nowhere.

Her eyes then widened when she noticed a familiar figure sitting on the same bench. At least he was dressed up warmly this time, although his hands shook without the warmth of the gloves. It was a good thing there was a cafe on the other side of the street.

Her feet took her in another direction. Completely forgot about the work she has yet to go back to. After a couple of minutes, she hoped the man was still outside. Who else did she get the extra hot chocolate for if not him? It was odd how she took a small liking towards a person she only met once.

"Excuse me," she said to the man. Although he was wearing the hoodie of his thick coat, his white hair peeked out from under it which made the lady next to him ever so hopeful that she had gotten the right person. It would be embarrassing for her if she got the wrong person after all.

Mikey turned his head to see the face of the person who dares disturb him during his off time. Although, the sound of her voice felt familiar somehow. Even if it was just their second meeting, his heart began to thump loudly against his chest when their eyes met. His mind went blank as he heard her soft recognizable voice once more.

"It's you again! Would you care for a hot chocolate with me?" she asked with an enthusiastic tone in her voice while holding both cups on each hand. Mikey felt hesitant yet he couldn't refuse and he wondered why.

The rain had already stopped at this point. Nonetheless, it was still cold and cloudy in the city of Tokyo. Although, these two strangers felt warmth coming from the hot chocolate they sipped from the cup. Mikey, however, felt warmth engulf his cold heart once again.

It had already been a few minutes as the two sat in silence. Mikey's words couldn't come out of his mouth while [name] was busy pondering about what she would say. That was until [name] received a call from the office, saying that they needed her immediately. A panicked aura seemed to grow around the girl as she remembered about her work and how late she was.

"I'm sorry! I have to go, it was nice staying with you again.. Uhm.." she trailed off, realizing she didn't even get his name earlier on. Well, she didn't have the time to worry about names right now. She only bowed her head slightly, apologizing for leaving so abruptly.

Mikey could only stare at her shrinking figure before it disappeared into the crowd. He felt somewhat sad and disappointed about her leaving. His heart felt heavy as he stared at whatever remains of the hot chocolate the lady had given him.

Well, he would've said his name once he realized they haven't exchanged theirs yet. If only the words hadn't stuck on his throat, the things he needed to say on the tip of his tongue.

Be that as it may, he promised himself he would the next time he would see her again. A tiny spark of hope made his heart flutter. What did you call this feeling in your heart if it wasn't the feeling of falling in love?