A Rainy Evening
Lee Jihoon had checked the weather forecast before leaving home.
It had said "cloudy but no rain."
The forecast lied.
Standing just outside a convenience store, Jihoon watched as heavy raindrops pounded against the pavement, forming small streams along the sidewalk.
People hurried past, some holding umbrellas, others shielding themselves with bags or coats as they rushed for cover.
Jihoon sighed, glancing at his grocery bag.
At least he hadn't bought anything that could get ruined in the rain.
He adjusted his hood and was about to step out when—
He noticed someone else standing near the entrance.
A young boy, maybe around ten years old, was staring at the rain with a troubled expression.
His backpack was firmly strapped to his shoulders, and in his hands, he clutched a thin plastic bag with snacks.
No umbrella. No jacket.
Just a school uniform that looked far too thin for this weather.
Jihoon raised an eyebrow.
Was he waiting for someone?
The kid bit his lip, glancing at the rain again.
Then, hesitantly, he took a small step forward—
Only to quickly step back when a passing car splashed water onto the pavement.
Jihoon sighed.
He had a feeling he knew where this was going.
And sure enough—
Ding!
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is stranded in the rain. Offer them shelter.
Reward: 32,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked. This system really was predictable.
A Simple Offer
Jihoon pulled out his umbrella and casually stepped over to the boy.
"Where are you headed?" he asked.
The kid looked up, startled. "Huh?"
"Your house," Jihoon clarified. "Where is it?"
The boy hesitated. "Uh… just down the street. About five minutes from here."
Jihoon nodded, then tilted his umbrella slightly toward the boy.
"Come on. Let's go."
The boy blinked, clearly not expecting that.
"You… You don't have to," he said quickly. "I can just wait until it stops."
Jihoon glanced at the sky.
The dark clouds suggested the rain wasn't stopping anytime soon.
"You'll be standing here for a while, then." Jihoon smirked. "Unless you like being cold and wet?"
The kid fidgeted.
After a moment, he sighed and nodded.
"…Okay."
Jihoon crouched slightly to adjust the umbrella, making sure the kid was covered.
"All right. Let's move."
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 32,000 KRW
The boy hurried to match Jihoon's pace, walking just beside him.
A Quiet Walk Home
As they walked through the rain, the kid kept stealing glances at Jihoon.
Finally, he spoke.
"…Why are you helping me?"
Jihoon smirked. "Why not?"
The kid scrunched his nose, thinking.
"…Most people wouldn't."
Jihoon sighed. "Yeah. I noticed."
The boy hesitated.
"…Thanks, though."
Jihoon simply nodded.
After a few minutes, they finally reached a small apartment complex.
"This is me," the boy said, pointing at the entrance.
Jihoon stopped, closing the umbrella.
"All right. Get inside before you catch a cold."
The kid hesitated again, then quickly bowed.
"Thank you!"
Then, before Jihoon could respond, he dashed inside, disappearing up the stairs.
Jihoon sighed, shaking out his umbrella.
That was easy.
An Unexpected Return
Jihoon was about to turn back when he heard quick footsteps.
The boy rushed back down the stairs, now holding a small wrapped pastry.
He shoved it toward Jihoon.
"…Here," he muttered. "It's not much, but I wanted to say thanks."
Jihoon blinked.
"You don't have to—"
"I know," the boy interrupted. "But my mom says you should always thank someone properly."
Jihoon stared at the warm pastry in his hand.
Finally, he sighed.
"…Fine. I'll take it."
The boy grinned.
Then, with a quick wave, he ran back up the stairs again.
Jihoon shook his head, amused.
Ding!
[Bonus Kindness Opportunity Unlocked!]
Accepting gratitude teaches kindness.
+10,000 KRW
Jihoon chuckled.
Even accepting gifts counted now?
A Warm Ending to a Cold Day
As Jihoon walked home, the rain finally started to slow.
By the time he reached his apartment, the sky had shifted to a soft gray, the worst of the storm passing.
Stepping inside, he set down his grocery bag and tossed the umbrella near the door.
Hodu trotted over, eyeing the pastry curiously.
Jihoon smirked. "Not for you."
The kitten flicked its tail, unimpressed.
Jihoon sat on the couch, unwrapping the pastry and taking a small bite.
It was still warm.
Soft. Sweet. Comforting.
And somehow, it made the rainy day feel a little less cold.
His phone buzzed.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"Helping someone doesn't have to be big or complicated. Sometimes, it's just about being there when no one else is."
Jihoon leaned back, taking another bite.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 35
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