Curious Hearts

Chapter 10

Jay waited for Ain outside the school gate. He wasn't usually one to overthink things,but today felt different—special. He adjusted his watch for the tenth time in the past five minutes, feeling a flutter of nerves in his stomach.

When Ain finally emerged, Jay's breath caught in his throat. She looked beautiful with her bright smile lighting up her face. He couldn't help but smile back, feeling a rush of warmth in his chest.

"Hey, sorry I'm a bit late. I hope you weren't waiting long."

Jay shook his head and nonstop smiling.

"Not at all. You look... beautiful."

Ain blushing.

"Thanks. So do you."

They walked side by side toward a small café that Jay had chosen.

"I'm really glad you asked me out today."

Ain smiled.

"I'm glad you came. I've been wanting to... you know, spend more time with you."

"Me too, Ain. It feels... easy, being around you. Like I can just be myself."

"I feel the same way. You've made moving here so much easier. I didn't expect to make such a good friend so quickly."

Jay fingers tracing the edge of his coffee cup.

"Is that all I am to you, Ain? A good friend?"

Ain shocked at his question. She hadn't expected him to be so direct, but she appreciated it.

"Honestly, Jay.. I don't know. I mean, I know I care about you—a lot. More than I've cared about anyone in a long time. But I'm still figuring out what that means."

"I get it. And I'm not asking for answers right now. I just.. I want you to know that I care about you, too. A lot. And I'm willing to wait, to figure it out with you."

"Thank you, Jay. That means a lot to me."

As they finished their drinks, Jay leaned back in his chair.

"Ain.. can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you move to Busan? I mean, I know it's probably personal, but.. I'm curious."

"It's okay, my parents thought it would be a good idea for me to get a fresh start. I was going through some things in Seoul.. and they thought a change of scenery might help."

"I understand, I'm glad you came here, though."

"Me too. I didn't expect to find someone like you here."

"I feel the same way too."

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Just then, the rain started to pour outside. Ain look at the rain, feeling nostalgia over her. She loved the rain—it always reminded her of home, of Seoul, and the good memories she had there.

Jay watched her quietly.

"Hey... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just... thinking."

"Whatever it is, I'm here. You don't have to face it alone."

Ain felt her heart swell with emotion at his words. She realized, in that moment, that Jay was more than just a friend. He was someone she could trust, someone who cared for her deeply, someone she wanted to let in.

"Thank you, Jay.. i mean it."

As the rain continued to pour, Jay finally spoke.

"Do you want to go for a walk?"

"In the rain??"

"Why not? Sometimes, you just have to do something a little crazy."

"Okay, let's do it."