The rain tapped a steady rhythm against the café window, blurring the neon lights outside into a soft, colorful haze. Kai leaned back in the booth, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Leo fumble with the soggy paper bag on the table.
“You didn’t have to run out there for this,” Kai said, his voice low, teasing. “I told you I wasn’t hungry.”
Leo shot him a look, his cheeks flushed from the sprint through the downpour. “Yeah, well, you say that, but then you steal half my fries every time. Not falling for it tonight.” He pulled out a small box of pastries instead—golden, flaky croissants, still warm despite the weather. The sweet scent filled the space between them, and Kai’s smirk softened into something gentler.
“You’re ridiculous,” Kai murmured, but his hand brushed Leo’s as he reached for one, fingers lingering just a second too long. The touch sent a jolt through Leo, who froze, suddenly hyper-aware of the quiet hum of the café, the rain, and the way Kai’s hazel eyes flicked up to meet his.
“Ridiculous enough to keep you around,” Leo managed, his voice quieter now, almost lost under the storm outside. He didn’t pull his hand back. Neither did Kai.
For a moment, they just sat there, the world shrinking to the warmth of that booth, the unspoken thing between them growing louder than the thunder. Then Kai leaned forward, slow and deliberate, his breath ghosting over Leo’s lips. “Guess I’m stuck with you, then.”
Leo’s heart thudded. “Guess you are.”
