The bell rang sharply, its chime echoing across the busy hallways of Dudley High. Rain rose from his seat, smoothing down the front of his shirt, and walked briskly to Frances's desk with a milk cup in hand.
"Babe, here's your milk," he said softly, handing it to her with a shy but happy smile.
Evie's eyes widened like he had just seen a unicorn strut into the classroom. He slowly turned to look at Rain then at Frances then back at Rain, blinking in disbelief.
"Babe?" He echoed, his voice raised with intrigue.
Both Rain and Frances flushed instantly, cheeks blooming pink like two sunlit peaches caught red-handed.
Frances rolled her eyes with a confident huff, snatching the milk from Rain and taking a long sip like it was no big deal. "What? He is my boyfriend. Can't he call me that?"
Evie raised his hands in surrender, grinning. "Sure! He can do that."
Just then, Coco bounced up to their desks, catching sight of Rain beside Frances. Her eyes lit up and a knowing smile curved her lips.
"It's time for the game. We need to go cheer!"
"Oh! Rain, would you like to go?" Frances turned to him, hopeful.
Rain hesitated. "Oh, I'm not sure… there would be a lot of people there."
"Would you just be alone in class?"
"I'm used to that already, you know."
"Oh true!" she said with a small nod. "We will see when it's time to go home, okay?"
"No problem," he replied warmly.
Frances left with her friends, the air buzzing with their energy and laughter. Rain walked slowly back to his seat, pulling out his book and sinking into the familiar quiet like it was his old friend.
Sometime later, Fallon walked into the classroom and approached him with a light brown bag and a fresh bottle of juice.
"Here's the food that you requested for."
"Oh, thank you. The fresh juice too?"
"It's all in there."
Rain nodded appreciatively, gripping the bag tightly. "I'm going to the basketball court to give Frances food. She hasn't eaten today."
"Alright!" Fallon gave him a thumbs-up and walked off.
Rain made his way to the court, clutching the lunch bag. He paused just before the entrance. The roar of the game had faded, only the soft chatter of girls remained. The players had already left to change, and the court was mostly clear now.
Frances stood with the cheer girls, explaining something with her hands animated. Her voice was sure, her presence magnetic. From afar, she looked like a queen holding court.
She spotted Rain standing awkwardly at the edge, and her face instantly softened. She waved at him with delight.
Rain gave a small wave back, then stepped in slowly and found a spot on the bench, waiting patiently.
Frances turned to the girls, her voice firm. "I hope y'all understand what I mean?"
"Yes Frances! We will do that next time!" they chorused before disbanding, walking away one by one.
Frances jogged to him, her face lighting up like the sun breaking through clouds. She plopped beside him, eyes wide. "I thought you didn't wanna come."
"I brought your food," Rain said, opening the container. "I didn't want it to get cold, so I brought it down here first."
"Oh my! you're so sweet!" she squealed with delight. He handed her the spoon, and she didn't waste a second digging in.
"Eat too! There's not many people here, so stop shying away," she said between bites.
Rain chuckled. "Oh!" He peeled off his nose mask and glasses.
Frances leaned closer and yanked off his hoodie gently. "I wanna see your face like this. You can cover back on our way out," she mumbled, her cheeks full of rice.
"If you like it, no problem," he murmured.
They ate quietly for a while, the atmosphere warm and comfortable. When they finished, Frances placed the spoon aside and rubbed her belly dramatically.
"I'm so full, oh my God!"
"Do you like the food?"
"Of course I do! I always love the food that you used to bring."
Rain's eyes sparkled. "When we get married, the chef will be our permanent cook."
Frances blinked, her spoon halfway back to the box. "Get married? Are you thinking of that already?"
"Sure! Don't you?"
Frances stared at him for a beat, then laughed softly. "I will start thinking of it from now on. How good must it feel to be married… How does it feel to live with someone?"
"You don't live with someone?"
"I've been staying alone since I was 10."
Rain tilted his head, surprised. "Must be nice."
"Feels nice, but sometimes it kills me. It feels like I was about to go crazy."
"I still think it's nice. At least you're not staying with a bunch of bullies."
"I am the bully. Nobody can bully me!" she declared boldly.
Rain burst into laughter, nearly choking on his juice. "But I understand you though," Frances added, her voice softening. "Being in situations where you're at the mercy of other people isn't good. But don't worry, you have me now. Nobody can bully you."
She reached out and held his hand. He looked down at their joined fingers, then back at her.
"Thank you, Cici. I'm glad that I have you."
"Me too. You are the brightness that my life needed, Rain."
Rain looked at her like he had never seen anything more precious. "I love you so much, baby."
"I love you too, babe." Frances smiled, heart full. But the joy twisted when she noticed something behind Rain.
Her expression darkened.
She turned her head slowly, eyes narrowing. A group of girls had been walking past, stealing glances at Rain for a while now, giggling, whispering, staring boldly.
Frances clenched her jaw.
"What are you all staring at?" she snapped, venom in her tone.
"Your boyfriend is so handsome, Frances!" one of them gushed.
Before she could finish her sentence, Frances reached over, yanked Rain's hoodie back up, shoved the glasses over his nose, and practically pushed his mask over his face like armor.
"Have you looked enough? Go away!" she shouted.
The girls squealed and scattered like startled birds.
"Let's leave this place. They're so annoying!" Frances grabbed his hand tightly and stormed out with him.
Rain let himself be dragged along, completely smitten.
She had called him her brightness.
He'd follow her anywhere.