This Is How I Fall In Love With You

When The Rain Has Stopped

The rain poured down heavily outside, big droplets splattering on everything. The people scurried under roofs and establishments, trying their best not to get drenched. I flung open the door of the convenience store, shook my umbrella a few times, and placed it inside a metal shoot for wet umbrellas. The air condition blew a cold wind, making me shiver in my slightly soaked clothes. People lounged and waited in the store for the rain to pass. Everyone looked exhausted and had dark shadows under their eyes, their bodies slouched as if weighed down by some invisible force. The sound of the rain blocked out the low conversations in the store.

I went to aisle three, looking for a snack. A variety of biscuits and cupcakes were arranged on the shelf. None of them appealed to me. I walked over to the beverage aisle, the tall, narrow refrigerators misted with vapor and ice. I took a lemon iced tea and barely noticed the boy to my right, holding a bottle of mineral water and halfway to closing the refrigerator, staring at me with wide eyes and his face pale.

"Raphael?" I said, surprised. My voice oddly trembled.

Raphael averted his eyes from mine, looking unsure about what he should do. He shook his head and closed the refrigerator. He smiled weakly, looking down at me.

"Hey," he cleared his throat. The color in his face slowly returned, his cheeks flushed.

I could feel the heat rise to my face, my heart pounding. It's been two years since I last saw him. The boy whom I secretly liked, then grew to love. The boy who never knew what I felt for him, or probably did but didn't care. The boy who was, I can say, my first and true love.

"This is unexpected," I muttered. "I... you're here."

"Yeah," Raphael pursed his lips. "It's been a long time."

"I know," I answered. "It's raining so hard outside so I came by for a drink to let it pass."

I groaned inwardly, I didn't have to tell him that! It was like I was trying to defend myself from what, going to this convenience store because I knew he'd be here?

"Me too," Raphael smiled. That same smile that was so endearing and open. "I don't have an umbrella."

I needed to stir the conversation into something more... interesting. We were getting awkward. I needed to act... normal.

"I have," I blurted. "It's just too rainy so I... Anyway, how are you?" I said cheerfully.

"I'm fine, thanks." Raphael still looked uneasy.

Did I look like that? Uncomfortable? If I did, I had to stop. And why would he be uncomfortable with seeing me again? He has no right...

"College just changes you," I said. "High school's so different."

"You're right," Raphael nodded, finally looking calm and relaxed.

"And to think it gets harder when you're out in the real world," I sighed.

"You're right," he said again, his eyes distant.

"Is that all that you're going to say?" I laughed. "That I'm right? Why do you look so worked up?" I joked.

Raphael shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm just really shocked to see you again."

"Why?" I asked. "Am I that scary? Did I turn out for the worst?" I gripped the bottled juice, droplets of cold vapor dripping down my hand. I kept my tone light and casual. I had to show him I wasn't affected in any serious way about this coincidence.

"No, it's not like that at all," Raphael looked alarmed. "It's just a real coincidence, us meeting like this. Who would've thought?"

"Yeah." I walked toward the counter, gesturing for us to pay for our drinks. He followed behind me.