80 - No Umbrella

RAW

On his way back from the dojo, Haruto squinted against the blazing sunlight and pulled his phone from his pocket to check the time.

It was just past 11 a.m. Heading home to prepare lunch, take a shower, and get ready would put him on schedule for the evening plans.

As Haruto mentally reviewed his plans, a message notification appeared on his phone screen. Instinctively, he tapped it to open the messaging app.

"What time do you think you'll be able to come today?"

The message was from Ayaka, accompanied by a sticker of a rabbit peeking out from behind a wall.

Tonight’s fireworks festival wasn’t just about the pyrotechnics; the event also featured numerous food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere. Although the fireworks wouldn’t begin until 7 p.m., Haruto had planned to arrive early to explore the stalls with Ayaka.

"I’ll pick you up at your house at 4," he replied.

The venue was a few train stations away, and Haruto factored in travel time, exploring the stalls, and securing a good viewing spot.

"Got it!! I’ll have my yukata ready by then!!" Ayaka quickly responded, her enthusiasm palpable through the message.

Reading her reply, Haruto couldn’t help but smile. Ayaka, often dubbed the school’s idol for her striking beauty, would undoubtedly look stunning in a yukata. Though it was her personality that drew Haruto to her most, her physical beauty was undeniable, and imagining her dressed up made him smile involuntarily.

Suppressing a goofy grin, Haruto sent a bear sticker giving a thumbs-up in response. He then quickened his pace, eager to get home.

---

At home, Haruto quickly ate lunch. Normally, he’d prepare a proper meal in the kitchen, but with his grandmother at work and his eagerness to see Ayaka overriding his usual routine, he settled for something instant.

Afterward, he showered and styled his hair using a small container of hair wax.

“Looks like I’m running low…” he muttered, inspecting the container.

Haruto rarely used hair products, and this particular wax had lasted him since he bought it with Tomoya in their third year of middle school—over two years ago. But ever since meeting Ayaka, his usage had spiked significantly.

“I’ll have to buy more soon,” he mused. He wanted to leave a good impression, to look cool in Ayaka’s eyes. After all, Ayaka Tōjō was the kind of girl who could captivate every boy in school.

Haruto glanced at his reflection in the mirror, reaffirming his determination. To stand beside Ayaka as her boyfriend, he needed to better himself in every way, both inside and out. He couldn’t allow himself to take her feelings for granted.

As he adjusted his outfit in the mirror, he noticed the room growing dim.

“Is it getting cloudy?” he wondered, moving to the window. This morning’s forecast had promised clear skies all day, but now thick, dark clouds blanketed the sky, blocking out the summer sun.

“Not again…” Haruto grimaced, recalling the sudden downpour that had brought him closer to Ayaka just days ago. While that storm had turned out to be a blessing, rain today would only complicate their plans as a couple.

“Please don’t rain…” he murmured, anxiety creeping into his voice.

---

Just as Haruto was about to leave to pick up Ayaka, large raindrops began pelting the ground outside. Within moments, the rain intensified, filling the house with the deafening sound of water hitting the roof and windows.

“This is the worst…” Haruto groaned, glaring at the torrential downpour.

His phone buzzed with a message from Ayaka: “It’s raining…” A sticker of a rabbit with teary eyes accompanied her words, conveying her unease.

Haruto replied quickly: “It’s probably a sudden shower. It might stop soon.”

“You think so? I hope you’re right…” came her hesitant reply.

Trying to reassure her, Haruto stayed optimistic, but the worsening weather soon dashed his hopes. Thunder rumbled ominously, and the rain showed no signs of letting up.

Ayaka sent another message: “Do you think it’ll stop before the fireworks?”

Imagining her worried expression, Haruto couldn’t bear to let her down. “Let me check the weather,” he replied and opened a radar app on his phone.

“Whoa… It’s completely red…” Haruto muttered. The radar showed their area covered in red, indicating heavy rainfall.

Checking the rain’s progression, Haruto realized it wouldn’t ease anytime soon.

Ayaka messaged again: “I looked at the forecast too… It doesn’t seem like it’ll stop anytime soon.” The accompanying sticker—a teary-eyed rabbit—made Haruto’s heart sink.

“Let’s wait and see for now,” he suggested.

“You don’t have to go out of your way to pick me up. I’m fine meeting at the venue,” Ayaka offered.

“Okay. Worst case, we’ll do that,” Haruto conceded. Yet the relentless rain made him doubt even that plan.

When the time came to leave, Haruto was still stuck at home, watching the rain pour unabated. Frustrated, he checked the fireworks festival’s official website, finding a notice: “Due to severe weather conditions, the event has been postponed to the backup date.”

The realization left Haruto stunned. His phone rang moments later; it was Ayaka.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Haruto… The fireworks have been postponed,” Ayaka said, her voice subdued.

“I just saw,” he replied. “It’s a shame, but at least it’s postponed, not canceled. Let’s go together next week.”

“…Yeah. You’re right,” she said, her tone trying to sound cheerful but betraying her disappointment.

“Next week, we’ll make it even better,” Haruto promised.

---

After ending the call, Haruto sighed heavily. Leaning against the wall, he thought about Ayaka’s forced optimism during their conversation. He also remembered his promise not to let her feel sad again.

Looking out at the unrelenting rain, Haruto steeled himself. He grabbed his bag, packed a few items, and picked up an umbrella. Determined, he stepped into the storm, ready to brave the rain for Ayaka.