𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽. 🚏 sunki

🌂 umbrella - 𝘊𝘏. 01

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢."

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

"Shit, I'm late!" whisper-yelled Kim Sunoo, jolting off his bed and running toward the bathroom to do his morning routine-or at least part of it. After completing his abbreviated morning ritual, he glanced out the window to observe the gloomy weather and the likelihood of rain falling soon from the usual fluffy white clouds.

"Of course, today of all days," he muttered, quickly pulling on his outfit and grabbing his bag. He checked the time on his phone, heart sinking as he realized he had exactly two minutes to make it to the bus stop.

Sunoo tore through the kitchen, barely stopping long enough to grab an apple off the counter before dashing out the door. The chilly morning air hit him as he hurried down the street, dodging puddles and silently cursing himself for not checking the weather the night before. He didn't have an umbrella, which was going to be a problem if those clouds turned into rain.

By the time he rounded the corner, he could see the familiar bus stop up ahead. He was relieved he hadn't missed the bus yet, but the relief was short-lived as he felt the first few drops of rain splatter onto his head. "Great," he muttered, pulling his bag closer and hoping the drizzle wouldn't turn into a downpour.

But it was as if the sky had other plans. Within seconds, the rain intensified, each drop growing heavier as Sunoo reached the shelter of the bus stop. Shivering slightly from the chill, he hugged his bag closer, resigned to the fact he was about to show up to his first class soaked.

"Forgot your umbrella, didn't you?"

Sunoo turned, startled by the voice beside him. There stood a tall figure, holding a dark blue umbrella over his head. His face held a playful grin that made Sunoo feel self-conscious for some reason. The guy seemed to be around his age, though his casual confidence gave him a slightly older aura.

"Um... yeah," Sunoo replied, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Didn't think I'd need one."

The boy raised an eyebrow, tilting his umbrella just slightly, causing a few drops to splash onto Sunoo's shoulder.

"Hey!" Sunoo protested, stepping back.

"Oops. Sorry," the boy said, not sounding sorry at all. "I'd offer you some space under my umbrella, but..." He trailed off, eyes glinting with mischief.

Sunoo shifted on his feet, glancing at the rain pouring down around them. "But what?" he asked, slightly defensive but curious.

The boy shrugged. "But I don't think you'd want to 'hog up the space,' right?" He was clearly teasing, but there was a sincerity in his eyes that made Sunoo feel oddly safe.

"Actually... if you're okay with it, that would be really nice," Sunoo admitted, reluctantly stepping closer.

The boy chuckled, moving the umbrella to cover both of them. "See? Not so hard," he said softly. The warmth from the taller's shoulder radiated through Sunoo's thin jacket, and he was grateful for the slight shield from the cold.

As they stood in silence for a moment, Sunoo felt his cheeks flush. The boy's teasing grin hadn't wavered, but there was something calming about it.

"So... you're new around here?" The raven haired asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, first year at Decelis University. You?"

"Same," The boy replied, his voice casual but with a hint of interest. "Haven't met many first-years who look as lost as you do, though."

Sunoo frowned, crossing his arms. "I don't look lost," he said defensively.

The boy raised a brow, clearly amused. "Sure, you don't," he said with a smirk. "You just look... misplaced, maybe."

"Misplaced?" Sunoo scoffed, though he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "And you look like you belong here, Mr. Umbrella Savior?"

"Maybe not here," He replied with a grin, "but I'm good at pretending."

Sunoo laughed softly, shaking his head. "Well, thank you for, uh... letting me 'hog up the space,' I guess."

The raven hair's grin softened into something more genuine. "Anytime," he replied, holding the umbrella a bit closer over Sunoo.

They stood there, watching the rain fall together, a strange but comfortable silence settling between them. The raven tapped his foot, shifting his weight ever so slightly, as if he was waiting for something.

When the bus finally pulled up, Riki glanced at Sunoo, tilting his head toward the open doors. "That's us."

Sunoo nodded quietly, adjusting his bag as he followed Riki onto the bus. They found two empty seats near the back, and Riki slid in first, leaving Sunoo to take the spot beside him.

The hum of the bus engine filled the silence as they settled in. Sunoo stared out the window, unsure of what to say. He could feel Riki's presence beside him-calm, but somehow still noticeable.

After a moment, Riki glanced sideways at him. "So," he started, breaking the quiet, "are you always this quiet, or are you just shy?"

Sunoo blinked, startled. "Huh?"

Riki smirked faintly. "You've barely said a word since we met at the stop. Just wondering if it's your thing or if I'm making you nervous."

Sunoo felt heat creep up his neck. "Oh, um... no, it's not that. I just-" He paused, realizing how awkward he sounded. "I'm not usually this quiet. I guess I didn't even introduce myself."

Riki raised an eyebrow. "You didn't, actually."

Sunoo managed a small, shy smile as he extended a hand, his voice soft but clear. "I'm Sunoo. Kim Sunoo."

Riki glanced at the hand for a second before shaking it, his grip firm but casual. "Riki. Nishimura Riki."

"Riki..." Sunoo echoed, testing the name. It suited him somehow-short, simple, but distinct. "Nice to meet you. Officially, I guess."

"Same," Riki said, leaning back in his seat. "Sunoo, huh? Sounds... bright."

"Bright?" Sunoo tilted his head.

Riki shrugged. "Yeah. You just seem like a sunny kind of guy."

Sunoo's cheeks flushed at the observation, and he ducked his head slightly, a shy laugh escaping him. "I... guess I've heard that before."

They lapsed into a more comfortable silence after that, the bus swaying gently as it made its way through the city.

When they reached their stop, Riki stood first, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Sunoo was following. As they stepped off the bus and onto the sidewalk near the university gates, Riki stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets and looked around.

"Well, Sunoo," he said, testing the name again, "guess I'll see you around."

Sunoo hesitated, his fingers curling around the strap of his bag. "Yeah, see you. Oh and... thanks again, Riki. For... you know." He gestured vaguely at the umbrella.

Riki gave him a mock salute. "Anytime you need to 'hog the space' again, I'll be around."

With one last grin, Riki then turned and walked off toward one of the campus buildings. Sunoo watched him go, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Riki..." he murmured under his breath, the name sticking in his mind as he made his way toward his own class.