I Hate Rains But I Like You

Can It Get Worse ?

Vernon was standing in the middle of a deserted road, cursing at his luck, all alone at the dead of the night. What time it was ? He did not know thanks to his dead phone who had run out of battery. 

But guessing the time he had standing there trying to get his car start, he guessed it must be past 12. He was there for more than half an hour, or maybe less but it seemed like eternity, to him at least. 

He was coming back from his hometown after spending a whole week there. It was a feat in itself as Vernon loved spending (say wasting) time at his apartment watching movies while having pizza in Seoul. But he had to visit cause, apparently it had been almost an year since he had met his parents. 

And though he never admits, he misses them. Their warmth, delicious food his mom makes, all his favourite and the cozy backyard at their home. And now here he was, wearing a plain black tshirt and blue pants, his hands on his waist and his eyes staring at his car, sighing at his situation. 

He was driving in the outskirts of the city when his car suddenly stopped. Tyre was fine and it had fuel too. Basically a problem which could only be solved by someone professional. But there was no garage in sight and his phone had given up already. 

He was considering to walk till he finds a garage or any sight of human presence to get help when he felt something tingle his skin on the arm. He looked at it and found a tiny droplet of water. 

Could it be worse ? Rain ? Seriously ? When his car is not working and phone is dead ? Yeah, he likes rain but only when he can enjoy it. His brain started chasing ideas to get out of this situation which seemed determined to tease him. 

Nothing came to his mind rather than just exasperating at his situation. He could barely complete his thoughts when heavy sound of downpour filled his ears. 

Vernon loves rains. The sound of downpour, cool breeze and the atmosphere, it never fails to make his heart feel warm. He loves sipping hot coffee sitting in his balcony while it rains. He relishes the moments appreciating the beautiful shaded sky unfolds as dark clouds fill the sky. 

And after it had rained, the earth smells so fresh. Sky embellishes pink, yellow and blue colours and lush greenery fills his heart.

Now, a dark sky, dimlit under moonlight, heavy downpour, earth dancing its smell in the atmosphere, it couldn't be more romantic, yeah ? Well it couldn't be more dramatic to be precise. He decided to try his luck once more. 

He sat in the driving seat, his clothes almost wet glueing to his skin. He tried starting the car, literally begging it to, in his mind. But how could it when everything else was already doing its best ? And so it did not start. 

He heaved a deep sigh. He wanted to scream to let out his frustration. But that was not gonna solve anything. So he decided against it. He got his bag from the back seat and covered it with a big plastic bag which he thankfully had for just in case. 

He took another long breath, trying to calm down a bit to tackle the situation before stepping out. He stepped out of the car, speedwalking the another second. He kept taking long strides for 5 minutes, not finding a living soul even miles away. 

His clothes were drenched as it was raining heavily. He wasn't expecting to find anyone helpful anytime soon. But his luck did favour him this time. He saw a building, not a big one with some lights on, giving him some hope. 

He walked faster towards it hoping to get any help he could. He reached near it to saw a board on the entrance indicating it was a small motel. He thanked the stars as this is what he needed right now. He could get the car in morning as he needed to spend the night somewhere. 

He entered as a spooky lit area welcomed him. A man, maybe in his 30s, was sleeping at the reception area. He looked a bit suspicious but Vernon had no other option but to try his luck. He approaced the man a little wary and tried waking him up. 

The man woke up immediately and gave him an annoyed look. But it got better the next second as he asked how could he help Vernon. "Is there a room available ?" Vernon asked his voice a bit hoarse. "Uh yes, you are on luck. There is just one room available" the man answered looking for something. 

Vernon felt a relief through his body. He really can't spend the night in his car. He was about to ask the price of the stay when a voice reached his ears. "Excuse me, is there a room available ?" The voice was very soft and gentle. Vernon and the receptionist both looked up at the same time. 

A man, a bit taller than Vernon, was standing on his side. He looked handsome in the dim light, some of his features prominently shining. Vernon cursed in his mind. But hey, he came first. So, he gets the room. "Uhm sorry, we have only one room available and this man is about to book the same" the receptionist said pointing at Vernon. 

The man on Vernon's side looked at him, his doe like eyes glistening. Now that Vernon looked closely, he could see the outline of the said man's body. He had a lean body, hugging a loose black coat and blue pants. "I really need the room. Can you please check again ?" The man pleaded in his soft voice. 

"I am sorry but that's the only room avalaible. If you guys want, you both can share. That's the only solution right now" the receptionist answered as a matter of fact. The man on the other side of the counter looked at Vernon hopefully. 

Vernon was not against the idea of sharing the room. And if it is with such a beautiful man, he can definitely try. "Can you please share the room with me ? I really don't have any option right now" the man asked, his voice a bit shaky. He was looking at Vernon with his big doe eyes and his lips lifted up in a small smile. 

Vernon had no idea how could someone say no to such beautiful eyes ? "Yeah, I am okay with it" Vernon managed to say after some seconds. He hoped the man didn't caught up to Vernon being mesmerized by his beauty. "Thank you. Thank you so much" the man said, his face lit up and his lips spread in a wide smile. 

Vernon felt warm, though he was drenched and was about to catch cold in some time. Both of them paid for the stay and headed towards the room. The room wasn't upto any of theirs expectations. But it was decent. It had a bed, enough for both of them. A window having curtains, a bathroom big enough to accomodate one person. 

Vernon was too tied up in his mind to have met such a pretty man that he completely forgot that sharing a room meant sharing the bed too. "Do you mind if I get changed first ? I am too soaked right now" Vernon asked the man as he was feeling too cold now. 

"Yeah, please go ahead" the man answered sweetly, leaving Vernon feel a bit hot inside. 

                                 🔹️

Joshua couldn't believe his luck. He was coming back from his meeting when it started raining. And god, he hates rains. Not anything personal, he just doesn't like how it all gets muddy. Rain stops everything. Traffic jams, everything too damp and dull, too much precautions to take care of and a lot of hassle. 

And not to mention, how his ex broke his heart, standing in the middle of the road, both of them drenched as Joshua was in his own world enjoying rains with his boyfriend who just happened to break up with him at the exact moment. That bastard ended it all as if they never existed. As if Joshua never existed in his world. 

Well yes, it is personal. But nevermind Joshua's big ego to not admit it. So, he decided to stay the night at somewhere. Thankfully, he found a motel. Add another problem, this was the last room avalaible. But again his luck worked, and this kind, add too handsome stranger decided to help him. 

So here he is, in this dingy room with a handsome stranger who sounds really nice (and sexy, in Joshua's opinion) while it rains cats and dogs outside.