Maze

45

It simply took a few minutes for the clouds to gradually rupture, turning the entire town into a cascading waterfall.

Every trickle of water was vicious, quietly hissing as they descended into the earth and pelting into every surface like bullets. Whether they were trees, buildings or even defenseless critters as they skittered all about, discrimination was not in their radar.

Thankfully, before the rain could catch up to us, Edward and I seeked protection underneath a shed adjacent to the basketball court and playground. Our heavy pants filled up the humid air as we collapsed onto the bench, while other people evacuated to their homes and cars. It's always crowded here on the weekends...

Watching the park turning helpless to nature's fury, memories began to flow; this was one of the places where we used to hang out, playing basketball and all sorts of games. The shelter we were in... this was where Edward and I also sheltered when the rain suddenly poured that afternoon, just like this one. That small garden where he had pulled those umbrella-like leaves for us had grown more numerous than the last time.

"Doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon," Edward said, his gaze affixed to the water streaming from the roof of the shed. "We'll have to wait a little longer."

I silently nodded, but one question lingered: Why did he bring us here?

Sure, this park was a few distances away from Lynn's home, but I could not shake off the ulterior motive behind this. We could have just returned home-something I expected from him, but he defied all the odds instead. Was he also nostalgic just like me, reminiscing about all of the outings and games we had done in this base?

Or perhaps, he pondered about when we were together in the storm with our leaf umbrellas, and where he had clutched my hand as we scampered back home? Did he want to relieve that memory again?

Just at the thought of it, had me shaking my head with my ears flushed crimson-I was sure by the intense hotness radiating out of them. No, that could not be it, but the fact that he had been comfortable with me and casually talking about all our moments together lately... it was certainly possible.

Not even the heat rushing through my cheeks could provide some warmth. As the rain roared, the frigid wind bit against not just my skin, but seeping deep into my bones. My body shriveled, my toes curled while I constantly rubbed my bumpy arms, but even creating friction would not help. Damn it, I really should have brought my jacket... Why is the weather changing so rapidly?

Edward suddenly shuffled beside me. Upon glancing, he was pulling his hoodie out of his body. However, his shirt tagged along and I really had to force my perverted eyes to gaze at the fogging scenery instead of his... muscles, but fortunately, he tucked it in and the sigh I emitted inwardly... was kind of loud. But why was he removing his hoodie-

And without any hesitation, he lent it to me.

"Wear this. It helps a lot," he offered, his eye softening. "You're gonna catch a cold if you're staying that way."

What? I blinked, staring at his cloth, enormous enough to cover me. As much as I was tempted to snatch it and douse myself with such comfort, I restrained my temptations and held myself together. He caught me off guard right there.

"I-I'm okay, I can withstand this... you need it more," I murmured. "Y-You're the one easily getting sick here."

"I know, that's why I got my sweatshirt on. You're the one literally shivering, Rena." Edward sighed through his nose, nudging his hoodie. However my inactivity had him inching closer towards me, his deep voice had the tiny hairs on the back of my neck standing up as he whispered, "Just be selfish for once, please."