Naivety World

“Okay. Bye”

I said as I hurriedly grabbed the bar of chocolate from the counter and popped out of the supermarket. A slight drizzle had started, but I calculated that if I ran, I could make it home before the rain intensified. Buttoning up my flimsy sweater, I hoped the run would suffice to keep me warm. Good thing I had comfortable shoes on, a wise choice considering the sundress I wore. The speed at which the weather had changed was beyond me.

The first step out into the drizzle was slow and cautious, before I made a dash for it. I barely got far before my lungs protested, forcing me to slow down to a jog and eventually, a brisk walk. In no time, the drizzle had escalated into a downpour. Strands of rain-slicked hair plastered across my face, and my dress clung uncomfortably to my skin. I had to keep going, I told myself, but then the sky lit up and thunder shook the heavens in a loud boom. Looking around, I spied a small lone phone booth and hurriedly ran to it, rushing inside. Another thunderous roar made my heart race, making me inch slightly away from the door until I sensed someone behind me.

Startled, I screamed, turning abruptly, accidentally bumping into the person and the door in the process. My movement continued, unintentionally colliding with him again before his arm encircled me.

“Stop moving,” his voice, a deep rumble, held a note of amusement. Lightning illuminated his features for a split second—a sharp jawline, intense dark eyes, and a wickedly alluring smirk playing on his lips. Thunder boomed, causing me to jump, my eyes darting around the confined space until he firmly cupped my chin, urging me to face him. Before I could react, his warm lips met mine, a stark contrast to the cold rain outside. Time seemed to both stand still and race by, the minutes stretching into eternity yet passing in the blink of an eye, as his lips distracted and comforted, coaxing a low moan from me.

When he finally drew back, a charged silence surrounded us, pregnant with unspoken words. His hand lingered, cupping my chin, his gaze reassuring amidst the thunder and rain.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice a husky rasp that sent shivers down my spine. “I didn’t mean to startle you. The thunder seemed to unsettle you, and I thought that would help.”

I blinked, trying to gather my scattered thoughts. “It’s… it’s okay,” I managed to stammer out, unsure of how to process the turn of events.

A wry smile ghosted across his lips as he glanced out into the rain-soaked darkness. “Looks like we’ll be stuck here for a while.”