The storm hammered against the bus shelter, a rhythmic counterpoint to the frantic beat of my heart. Across from me, under the shared overhang, sat a man I'd only ever seen from afar - Denzell. A gust of wind whipped rain into the shelter, making me shiver. He looked up, our eyes meeting across the narrow space. He offered a small, hesitant smile. "Quite a storm, isn't it?" he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a surprising thrill through me. "It is," I replied, my voice barely a whisper. A warmth spread through me, a feeling that had nothing to do with the damp chill of the night. Isang komportableng katahimikan ang namayani sa pagitan namin, na nababasag lamang ng patuloy na pagkidlat ng malakas. Bumalik siya sa kanyang ginagawa, pero ako'y naakit sa paraan ng paggalaw ng kanyang mga daliri sa libro na hawak niyo.Pinanood ko siya, na para bang nahipnotismo, hanggang sa tumingin ulit siya sa akin, may tanong sa kanyang mga mata. "A- ah I'm Cazziah," I said, offering my hand. "Denzell," he replied, but he didn't take my hand. it felt almost insulting that he didn't shake my hand. Malakas ang kidlat at alam kong mas lalakas pa ang ulan ngayong gabi. Ilang oras na rin akong naghihintay dito at ang tagal ng bus. Wala akong dalang payong at baka mabasa pa ang mga papel ko, umupo ako sa tabi ni Denzell pero may malaking pagitan pa rin sa amin.

Ash... a woman afraid to love because a man once shattered her pure and innocent heart - only to eventually fall for someone who loves her just as deeply, the same way she once loved another. A friendship that blossomed into the unexpected kind of love that everyone dreams of. Confetti rained down on the court, forming a kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of the cheering crowd. Ash leaned in, her voice barely audible above the noise. "You played amazingly tonight, Nico," she said, her breath hitching in her throat. His smile was radiant, his eyes sparkling under the bright lights. Their exchange - a mix of lighthearted teasing and fleeting, heart-fluttering glances - felt electric amidst the lively atmosphere. "Thanks for coming, Ash," he replied. His voice was deep and warm, sending gentle shivers down her spine.