part two Caught Between Raindrops: A Story of Love and Friendship

Days passed after that rainy afternoon, and Kawaki and Lawei grew closer. They spent more time together, walking to class, sharing laughs, and exchanging shy glances that spoke louder than words. But amidst their growing connection, a storm was quietly brewing. Enter Jatt. Jatt had been Kawaki’s closest friend since their first year of college. They had been inseparable — through thick and thin. But what Kawaki didn’t know was that Jatt had been in love with Lawei long before Kawaki even dared to speak to her. Jatt was the quiet, charming type who expressed his feelings through actions rather than words. He had been leaving flowers in Lawei’s locker anonymously and exchanging casual texts with her for months. Though he never confessed, his gestures spoke volumes. Lawei appreciated his kindness, but she had never thought of Jatt in that way. Her heart had unknowingly leaned toward Kawaki.

The Unraveling Begins One evening, as Kawaki was walking Lawei home after another long day of classes, Jatt happened to see them laughing together, their hands brushing accidentally, but neither pulling away. His heart clenched, and for the first time, he felt something he had never felt before — betrayal and Jatt couldn’t shake the feeling, but he kept it bottled inside, trying to convince himself that maybe it was just his imagination. Yet, the following week, he noticed how Kawaki’s face lit up whenever Lawei was around, and it confirmed his worst fear.

A Confrontation Waiting to Happen One afternoon, Kawaki invited Jatt to hang out like old times. But Jatt was distant, his usual lively energy replaced with a heavy silence. “Jatt, is something wrong?” Kawaki finally asked, his brows furrowed. Jatt looked away, his jaw clenched. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of emotion and “Tell you what?” Kawaki asked, confusion in his eyes, “Lawei,” Jatt said quietly, his gaze finally meeting Kawaki’s. “You… and her.” and Kawaki froze. His mind raced as he realized what Jatt meant. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean for it to happen this way,” he murmured , Jatt’s eyes darkened. “I’ve liked her for a long time, Kawaki.” His voice cracked, the hurt evident. “I thought… you knew.” Kawaki’s heart sank. “I didn’t,” he whispered. “I never knew, Jatt." And the Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating, “I’ve been talking to her for months,” Jatt finally admitted, his voice laced with sadness. “Leaving flowers… texting her. I thought maybe… I had a chance.” Kawaki’s throat went dry. “I never… I didn’t know.” His mind was swirling, torn between his feelings for Lawei and the friendship he had cherished for years.

Lawei Caught in the Middle Meanwhile, Lawei sensed the tension between the two. She wasn’t blind to the sudden distance between them, and it tore her apart. She had no idea about Jatt’s feelings. To her, Jatt had always been a kind friend who made her smile with his thoughtful gestures and One evening, Lawei found herself standing between the two of them after class. The air was thick with unspoken emotions and “Is… something wrong?” she asked, her gaze shifting between the two, Neither of them spoke for a moment. Jatt finally broke the silence. “Lawei,” he said softly, his eyes filled with vulnerability. “Did you ever… did you ever wonder who was leaving those flowers?” and Lawei’s eyes widened slightly. “It was you?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, Jatt gave a small, sad smile. “Yeah… it was me.” and Kawaki looked away, his heart pounding in his chest and Lawei’s heart ached. “Jatt… I never knew,” she murmured, her voice laced with regret,“But you love him,” Jatt said quietly, his eyes briefly glancing at Kawaki. Lawei’s silence spoke louder than words.

Friendship or Love? Jatt turned to Kawaki, his expression unreadable. “So, what now?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of pain and resignation and Kawaki’s heart felt heavy. “Jatt… I don’t want to lose you as a friend,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, Jatt’s jaw clenched, but he forced a small smile. “Sometimes, Kawaki… love doesn’t give us a choice.”

The air between them was suffocating. “I just… I need some time,” Jatt said, his voice filled with quiet heartbreak. And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kawaki and Lawei standing there, feeling the weight of the storm they never saw coming

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