Rain had arrived without warning.
The sky had been cloudy that morning, sure, but no one expected the sudden downpour that came without thunder, without warning—just a silent shift from gray to rain. The streets of Seoul, which had bustled only moments ago with weekend foot traffic, now transformed. Umbrellas popped open like blooming flowers, their colors brightening the dreary atmosphere. People rushed for cover, newspapers and tote bags held over their heads. Cafés, bus stops, and convenience stores suddenly became shelters.
Lee Jihoon stood beneath the narrow awning of a quiet neighborhood bookstore. The bright yellow sign above him swayed slightly in the breeze, and behind the glass window, the store owner was rearranging paperbacks. Jihoon had just stepped out with a used copy of Norwegian Wood tucked under his arm and a soft paper bag cradling it from the rain.
He liked rainy days. Not when he had errands, but when he could slow down. And yet, as much as he enjoyed watching the rain, he had planned to stop by his favorite café a few blocks down. The café with warm lighting, a view of the passing trams, and the best cinnamon scones. That plan, however, was temporarily paused.
Jihoon unfurled his umbrella—a plain black one, slightly worn at the edges from years of use—and adjusted the handle. Just as he was about to step out into the drizzle, a figure caught his attention across the street.
Standing near a bus stop, without an umbrella, was a woman. Her long hair clung to her face, her blouse soaked through. She was holding her handbag under her arm like a shield, but it was useless. The rain had already drenched her shoulders. She wasn't even moving—just standing still, eyes on the road.
Jihoon narrowed his eyes. Even from this distance, he recognized her.
Kang Yerin.
The same woman he had met days ago at a coffee shop, the one who had spilled coffee on a stranger and then awkwardly tried to trade apologies with genuine kindness. Their interaction had been brief, but her flustered honesty had left an impression.
Jihoon didn't need the system to tell him what to do this time. There was no chime, no prompt.
Some things just didn't need prompting.
He crossed the street carefully, shielding himself from the splashes of passing cars. The rain wasn't harsh, but it was steady—enough to chill skin, enough to ruin a morning.
As he approached, Yerin looked up in surprise, blinking away raindrops.
"Lee Jihoon?" she said, puzzled.
He raised the umbrella slightly so she could see his face. "Looks like your coffee karma came back around."
She let out a startled laugh, wet and light. "Apparently I used all my luck that day. I completely forgot to check the weather forecast."
Jihoon stood beside her, adjusting the umbrella so it covered both of them.
"Why are you just standing here?"
"I was waiting for the bus," she replied, brushing wet strands of hair behind her ear. "But I think there's an accident. All the buses are delayed. It's been like this for fifteen minutes."
Jihoon glanced at the digital sign above the stop. Estimated wait time: 21 minutes.
"Where are you headed?" he asked.
"Just to Samhwa Apartments. It's not far—maybe fifteen minutes on foot."
"I live near there," Jihoon said casually. "Let's walk."
Yerin hesitated. "With one umbrella?"
"We'll figure it out," he replied with a half-smile.
She paused again, then gave a small nod and stepped under the umbrella beside him. The space was tight, but not uncomfortable. Their shoulders occasionally bumped as they walked, but neither seemed to mind.
The world felt different in the rain. Quieter. Softer. The rhythmic patter above the umbrella, the hiss of tires on wet pavement, and the occasional splash from puddles created a calming atmosphere. Most people were rushing to get indoors, but Jihoon and Yerin kept a steady pace, unhurried.
For a while, neither spoke.
But it wasn't awkward. The silence was companionable, the kind that didn't need to be filled. It was rare for Jihoon to feel that way with someone he barely knew.
Halfway through the walk, Yerin glanced at him, her voice low. "You didn't have to come over and help me."
"I know."
"Then why did you?"
He thought for a moment, eyes fixed on the wet sidewalk. "Because I didn't want you to remember this day as a miserable one."
Yerin didn't say anything for a second, then gave a quiet laugh. "That's… unexpectedly sweet."
"I have my moments," Jihoon replied with a smirk.
When they finally reached her apartment building, the rain had lightened, but the sky still hung heavy with clouds. Jihoon lowered the umbrella as she stepped onto the dry front steps.
"Get inside," he said. "You're already half-soaked."
She smiled, brushing water from her sleeves. "Wait." She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small plastic-wrapped item. "Here. I just bought this before the rain started. It's still warm."
Jihoon looked down. A sweet red bean bun.
He raised an eyebrow. "Trying to bribe me with food?"
"It's gratitude," she said. "A warm bun for a warm heart."
He laughed quietly and took it. "Payment accepted."
Yerin hesitated at the door. "Thanks again, Jihoon-ssi. Really."
He nodded once. "Stay dry next time."
With a wave, she stepped inside, the door closing behind her with a gentle click.
Jihoon turned and headed back into the rain, the umbrella overhead barely protecting him from the wind that had begun to pick up.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
You helped someone stay dry and warm.
Reward: 39,000 KRW
He didn't even look at the notification. He was too focused on unwrapping the red bean bun, which was still warm to the touch despite the weather.
He took a bite. Sweet. Soft. Comforting.
Another notification appeared.
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"Kindness doesn't always need to be asked for. Sometimes, the best kindness is offered before the rain soaks through."
Jihoon walked at an easy pace, the city glistening around him. He didn't have a destination now, but it didn't matter.
Sometimes, just walking was enough.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 42
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