The reality of Rain and Phayu [LITA fanfic]

Chapter 1: The Flat Tire

Rain pushed through the double doors of the architecture studio, his footsteps echoing through the empty hallways. He glanced at his watch, grimacing as he saw the time. “10 PM already?” he muttered to himself, shaking his head. “I knew I shouldn’t have taken on that extra detail.” The usual bustle of students had long since faded, replaced by an eerie stillness.

He sighed, stuffing his sketchpad into his bag. The assignment had taken far longer than he had anticipated. First-year architecture was proving to be more demanding than he had expected, but he was determined to succeed. “Late nights and endless cups of coffee,” Rain mused, “the price of brilliance, I guess.”

As he made his way outside, he was greeted by a torrential downpour. “Of course, it’s raining,” he grumbled, breaking into a run towards his car. His black sedan was parked at the far end of the lot, and by the time he reached it, he was thoroughly soaked. “Perfect,” he muttered, flinging open the door and tossing his bag onto the passenger seat. “Just perfect.”

Collapsing into the driver’s seat, Rain let out a long, tired breath. The rain hammered against the roof, a relentless symphony that only added to his already gloomy mood. “Can this day get any worse?” he wondered aloud as he started the engine and pulled out of the lot.

The drive home was uneventful until his car began to shudder. The unmistakable sound of a tire blowing out pierced through the downpour. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Rain groaned, pulling over to the side of the road. He stared out the window, considering his options. Getting out in this weather was the last thing he wanted to do, but he didn’t have much of a choice.

Fishing his phone out of his bag, Rain checked for a signal. “Come on, come on,” he muttered, but the reception was patchy. After a few futile attempts to call for help, he sighed heavily. “Well, guess it’s up to me,” he resigned himself. He had seen his dad change a tire a few times, and he had watched a tutorial video last week. “How hard can it be?”

Stepping out into the rain, Rain’s initial optimism was quickly washed away. His clothes clung to him, and his shoes squelched in the mud. “This is just fantastic,” he grumbled, popping the trunk and pulling out the spare tire, jack, and tire iron. “Why did I think this would be easy?”

He knelt down to start loosening the lug nuts, his wet hands slipping on the metal. “Okay, just like the video,” he coached himself. “Push and turn. Push and—” The nut refused to budge. “Come on!” he shouted in frustration.

Just as he was about to give it another go, bright headlights illuminated him from behind. Rain squinted against the light, shielding his eyes as a large motorcycle pulled over. “Great, now I’m a spectacle,” he muttered.

“Need some help?” A deep voice called out.

Rain turned to see a tall, handsome man approaching him. His dark hair was slicked back from the rain, and water dripped from his leather jacket. Despite his imposing presence, Rain’s trusting nature saw only the help being offered.

“Oh, thank you! That would be amazing,” Rain replied, relief evident in his voice. “My tire blew out and I can’t seem to get the lug nuts off.”

The man knelt beside him, offering a reassuring smile. “Looks like it. Good thing I came along. I’m a mechanic, by the way. I’m Phayu,” he said, extending his hand.

“Really? That’s so lucky! I’m Rain,” he responded, shaking Phayu’s hand.

Phayu chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yeah, it is. Let’s get you sorted.”

Rain scrambled to his feet. “Let me hold the umbrella for you,” he offered, grabbing it from the car.

Phayu nodded, grateful for the small favor. “Thanks. Actually, could you hold my helmet too?” he asked after a moment’s thought.

“Sure thing!” Rain said, taking the helmet. He watched as Phayu expertly set to work, making the whole process look effortless.

Rain held the umbrella over Phayu, who was working diligently on the tire. The rain continued to pour, but the company made the task feel less daunting. Rain couldn’t help but start chatting, his natural enthusiasm bubbling over.

"So, I just started my first year in architecture school. It’s been... a lot, to say the least."

Phayu glanced up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I can imagine. Architecture isn’t exactly a walk in the park."

"Exactly! I mean, I knew it was going to be tough, but wow, the amount of work is insane. I was at the studio until 10 PM tonight working on an assignment."

"Late nights come with the package, huh?"

"Yeah, but it’s not all bad. I’m learning so much, and I love designing things. Seeing my ideas come to life, even just on paper, is really satisfying."

Phayu tightened another lug nut, his focus unwavering despite the conversation. "That’s the spirit. Passion can get you through a lot."

"True. I’m also trying to learn how to be more independent. You know, handling things on my own, like tonight. I thought I could change the tire by myself, but..."

Phayu laughed softly, looking up at Rain. "You’re doing great. Not everyone would even try to change a tire in this weather."

"Thanks. I guess I’m a bit stubborn that way. My dad always taught me to be self-reliant, but sometimes, it’s nice to have help."

Phayu nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. We all need a hand sometimes."

Rain smiled, feeling a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold rain around them. "You’re right. I guess I’ve been so focused on proving to myself that I can handle everything that I forget it’s okay to rely on others too."

Phayu finished with the tire, standing up and brushing off his hands. "Independence is important, but so is community. We’re not meant to go through life alone."

"Wise words, Phayu. I’ll try to remember that."

"Good. Now, let’s get you back on the road."

Rain watched as Phayu gathered his tools, his heart lighter despite the downpour. "Hey, Phayu? Thanks again. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime, Rain. Drive safely, and good luck with your studies."

"Will do. Maybe I’ll see you around?"

"Maybe you will. Take care."

Rain climbed back into his car, his mind buzzing with the unexpected encounter. As he drove off, he glanced in the rearview mirror, watching Phayu mount his bike and ride away. The rain might have been relentless, but tonight, it had brought a new friend into his life, and for that, he was grateful.