Heart's In Bloom

Chapter-6 "Rainy Revelations"

The preparation for the GC had begun, and the boys were giving it their all. Derek, the god of athletes, weightlifting, and football, led the charge. Anni excelled at football, basketball, and cricket, Mummy dominated carrom, Bevda was unbeatable at chess, and Acid shone in athletics. Sexa, though not a competitor, was their ever-supportive friend, always ready to lend a hand.

One rainy day, when classes were canceled, everyone stayed in their hostels. Kiara, however, loved the rain and wandered outside, soaking in the downpour. Derek, smoking in the hostel, watched the rain when he noticed Kiara outside. Mesmerized by her white skin, wet hair, and how her clothes clung to her body, his heart pounded. Crushing his cigarette, he walked outside, slowly making his way toward her.

Kiara stood there, smiling at the rain. Derek approached her, smiling as he touched her shoulder. Kiara turned and smiled back, noticing how handsome he looked.

"Come on, Derek, let's play!" she exclaimed, pulling him towards the muddy ground.

"No, Kiara, I'm not sure about this," Derek protested, but Kiara insisted, dragging him along until he gave in with a laugh.

They laughed and started playing in the mud, jumping and splashing like carefree children. As they danced in the rain, Kiara giggled, "I can't believe we're doing this! It's so fun!"

Derek grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You're crazy, you know that? But in the best way."

Kiara splashed him playfully. "Takes one to know one! Come on, Derek, live a little!"

Derek laughed, feeling a freedom he hadn't felt in a long time. "Alright, you win. This is fun."

In the midst of their fun, Derek slipped and fell into the mud. Kiara rushed towards him, bending down and noticing a small flower stuck in his hair. She plucked it out and playfully slapped him with the flower.

"Gotcha!" she teased, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Derek could only look at her, enchanted by her liveliness. He then reached out, pulling her down beside him. Kiara fell into the mud, and they both burst into laughter, sharing a moment of pure, unfiltered joy.

Kiara tried to get up but slipped again, falling into Derek's arms. "Guess I'm not so graceful in the mud," she laughed, blushing as she looked into his eyes.

Derek chuckled, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. "I think it's perfect. You’re perfect."

They continued to play, Kiara running around and Derek chasing her. At one point, Kiara picked up some mud and smeared it on Derek's face. "Now you look even more rugged!" she joked.

Derek wiped some mud from his face and smiled. "Oh, you're going to pay for that!" He scooped her up, spinning her around as she squealed in delight.

As they collapsed under the tree, catching their breath, Kiara suddenly got an idea. "Stay right here," she said, dashing off. She returned with a handful of wildflowers she’d found nearby.

"What are you up to?" Derek asked, curious.

Kiara grinned mischievously. "You'll see." She proceeded to weave the flowers into a makeshift crown and placed it on Derek's head. "Now you’re the king of the rain!" she declared, laughing.

Derek couldn’t help but laugh along. "Alright, Queen of the Mud, let's see how well you dance." He took her hand and started twirling her around in the rain, their laughter echoing through the empty campus.

Suddenly, Kiara sneezed, looking adorably cute. Derek quickly took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, placing his hands on her to keep her warm. He led her to a tree, and they stood there for a while, sheltering from the rain.

Derek gazed at Kiara, thinking about how she made him happy, breaking through his usual solitude and silence. Kiara noticed his thoughtful look and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Derek smiled softly, replying, "Just how incredible you are. You've brought so much light into my life."

Kiara blushed, leaning closer. "And you've shown me a side of you that no one else sees. It's like we understand each other."

Derek nodded, tightening his hold on her shoulder. "I've always felt alone, but with you, everything feels different. You make me...happy."

Kiara's eyes sparkled. "You make me happy too, Derek."

They shared a tender moment, the rain softly falling around them, sealing their bond even deeper.

END OF THE CHAPTER