Enchanted melody of our hearts

🌧💗SPARKS IN THE RAIN-CHAPTER-8

THE NEXT DAY

It's a Friday, and the last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the bleachers as Naveen fidgeted with the strap of his backpack. Unlike his social butterfly of a sister, Meera, Naveen preferred the quiet company of a few close friends. Today, that meant just Aaron, his companion since kindergarten. "Dude, did you see Jordan trying to hit on Julia again?" Aaron scoffed, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and annoyance. "That guy's relentless. How does he manage to fool so many girls?"

Ever the introvert, Naveen rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Leave it, macha (buddy)." Social commentary wasn't his thing. He was more comfortable lost in a book or tinkering with his latest tech project.

Aaron, oblivious to Naveen's introverted nature, pressed on. "Did you hear the rumor about Jordan? Supposedly, he does underground boxing!"

Naveen's head snapped up, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "Underground boxing? He's, like, seventeen. How can he even get into something like that?"Aaron chuckled. "That's the rumor, Naveen. Age doesn't matter in those circles. They fight in different age groups, and the money can be insane."

Naveen shook his head, a frown creasing his brow. The image of Jordan, the school's resident Casanova, trading witty remarks for brutal punches seemed surreal. "Doesn't sound like a good path," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. 

Aaron grinned. "Yeah, well, some people crave excitement in weird places," he said, slinging an arm around Naveen's shoulder. "Come on, let's get out of here before the hot dogs in Sally's store will become empty".

Naveen, relieved to escape the conversation and the fading light, nodded in agreement as they walked towards the exit.

TURNING POINT-BOOK STORE.

The gentle rhythm of raindrops tapped against the bookstore window, creating a calming melody. Meera, focused on arranging biographies on a shelf, hummed along absentmindedly, her fingers brushing the worn leather spines.

"Meera, you seem in a good mood today!" came a warm voice, pulling her from her thoughts. She turned to see Adam Stone, the bookstore owner, his kind gaze making her blush.

"Oh, Mr. Stone," she stammered, "it's nothing. Just enjoying these biographies."

Lucian, peeking out from behind a stack of fantasy novels, chimed in, "Don't listen to her! She's been glowing all day. Isn't she beautiful when she smiles?"

Meera teased him about his crush on Chloe, the local waitress. "Here you are daydreaming about her again, while she probably doesn't even know your name!"

Lucian turned red. "W-well, we talked a little the other day!"

"A little?" Adam laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Did you get past the weather, Lucian?"

Lucian mumbled something as he hid behind the books. Meera giggled, then glanced outside as the rain intensified. "Looks like a wet one, Meera. Why don't you head home early? No need to get soaked on a slow day. I was planning to close the shop for the weekend anyway; Poppy has a school play, and I wouldn't miss it."

Meera's face lit up. "Oh, wonderful! What's the play about? I bet she'll be amazing."

Mr. Stone beamed. "She's playing a brave princess who has to rescue a grumpy dragon afraid of heights. Quite the adventure!"

As Meera packed up, she smiled at the thought of Mr. Stone's little firecracker of a daughter

Luis and Diego Apartment.

In the chaotic kitchen, Luis and Diego were in the middle of a culinary disaster, trying to make patatas bravas. Utensils were clattering, ingredients were flying everywhere, and the air was thick with curses. Meanwhile, Adrian lounged on the leather couch, flipping through a motorcycle magazine and grimacing at the noise.