The rain came down harder than before, washing the streets in silver.
Maya ran under the small awning outside the hotel, her breath fogging in the cool air.
Her mind still replayed the way Adrian had looked at her during the dance — the way he hadn't looked away.
She wanted to believe it meant something…
But believing Adrian meant risking everything.
---
"Running from the rain or from me?"
His voice came from behind her, quiet yet unmistakably steady.
Maya froze. "You again," she murmured, not turning.
Adrian stepped forward, his hair slightly wet, his tie loosened.
"You left without saying goodbye."
She laughed lightly. "Didn't realize goodbyes mattered to you."
He took another step. "They do. Especially yours."
---
For a long moment, neither spoke.
The rain filled the silence between them — soft, rhythmic, almost musical.
Adrian finally said, "You think I didn't notice?
When you smiled at Max, when you danced with him — you looked… happy."
Maya's brows furrowed. "You sound jealous."
He met her gaze. "Maybe I am."
Her heart skipped. "You don't have the right to be."I know," he whispered, voice raw, "but that doesn't stop it."
---
She turned away, trying to steady her breath.
"You were the one who told me feelings are a distraction."
He moved closer, his tone softer. "They were. Until you."
Maya's pulse jumped. "Adrian—"
He reached out, brushing a raindrop from her cheek.
His hand lingered, his touch warm against her cool skin.
For a second, the world felt completely still — no thunder, no wind, just them.
He leaned in — just enough for her to feel the space between them vanish.
Her eyes fluttered shut…
And then—
"Mr. Blackwood!"
The voice shattered the moment. Emily, his assistant, ran toward them with an umbrella.
Adrian froze. Maya stepped back instantly, her heart racing.
The spell broke.
Adrian turned slightly, his tone suddenly clipped and cold.
"I'll be right there."
He didn't look back as he walked away, leaving Maya standing under the awning, half-drenched, half-broken.Later that night, in the hotel café, Max and Lila shared a quiet laugh over dessert.
Lila stole a bite of his cake and smiled.
"You always look so serious, Professor."
He smiled back. "And you always find a way to ruin my composure."
Their eyes met — soft, amused, a flicker of something new.
Outside, the rain softened, but the storm inside two hearts had only just begun.
---