The first rain ✗ seunghan

✗ 13

"So will you please say hello
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won't be long
They'll be happy to know"

Seunghan's deep voice resonated through the convenience store, breaking the silence. "Still breathing, I see," he remarked, his furrowed brows a testament to his curiosity.

Sieun turned, her eyes locking onto his, a hint of wariness flickering across her face. he wondered what brought her here, especially at this late hour.

"What brings you here?" Seunghan asked aloud, his gaze drifting to the steaming ramen in her hands. "Shotaro's cooking not good enough?" The question held a hint of amusement, but Sieun's response was tinged with frustration.

"Why does he always send you?" she muttered, shaking her head. Seunghan's brow arched, "He never sends me." Sieun's tone remained nonchalant, "So it's always coincidence?" The air was thick with unspoken understanding.

Seunghan shrugged, his expression neutral. "It is coincidence." He grabbed another ramen cup from the nearby shelf, the action effortless.

Sieun's gaze drifted toward the rain-soaked window, the droplets blurring the world outside. The rhythmic patter created a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within.

Seunghan's gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable as he spoke. "You're always eating alone"

Sieun hummed, her shoulders shrugging slightly, a nonchalant gesture that belied the turmoil brewing within. "I am new here, what do you except?" she explained, her tone matter-of-fact.

Seunghan's brow arched, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why so cold?" he asked, his voice neutral, yet probing. Sieun sighed defeatedly, her gaze dropping, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her own emotions. She couldn't deny it; she had grown cold and distant lately, a protective mechanism to shield herself from the world.

"Why are you always eating alone?" she countered, her voice even, her eyes meeting his in a silent challenge.

Seunghan's gaze drifted to the rain-soaked window, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the convenience store's lights. "It's peaceful" he replied, his voice low and measured.

Sieun hummed as she couldn't help but appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded her here. The rain pattered against the window, creating a soothing melody that calmed her frazzled nerves. It was moments like these that she cherished, away from the drama and gossip that seemed to follow her everywhere.

As she sat there, lost in thought, Seunghan's ramen beeped, signaling it was ready. He sat beside her, his gaze fixed on the rain-soaked window as the steam wafted up, carrying the savory aroma of his meal.

Seunghan's presence was unsettling, yet strangely comforting. His eyes drifted to her ramen, "That'll taste good with kimchi too," he said curtly, his voice low and smooth.

Before Sieun could respond, he trudged a packet of kimchi from his pocket and slid it beside her. "Thanks" she murmured, unsure what to make of Seunghan's unexpected gesture.

Seunghan nodded, his gaze returning to the window. "Eat up" he said, his voice softening ever so slightly. The silence between them was no longer oppressive, but companionable.

Sieun unwrapped the kimchi, adding a spicy kick to her ramen. As they ate, the rain drummed on, filling the silence between them. It was a strange, yet comforting sense of togetherness, one that Sieun couldn't quite explain.