There was one afternoon when it rained unexpectedly after school. Andrea and I stood at the entrance of the building, watching as heavy drops splashed onto the pavement.
"Great," Andrea groaned. "I forgot my umbrella."
I pulled mine from my bag. "I didn't."
She turned to me, hopeful. "You wouldn't mind sharing, right?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You don't have much of a choice."
Andrea grinned and stepped closer as I opened the umbrella. The rain pattered against the fabric above us, surrounding us with a rhythmic sound. We walked side by side, her shoulder barely brushing mine as we made our way to the bus stop.
"You're so prepared," Andrea said, shifting her bag to the other side. "I bet you even check the weather forecast every morning."
"I do," I admitted.
"Of course you do," she laughed. "You're like a walking planner."
I glanced at her, noticing how a few strands of hair had escaped from her ponytail. The wind played with them, brushing them across her cheek. Without thinking, I reached out and tucked them behind her ear.
Andrea blinked up at me, startled.
For a moment, neither of us said anything. The only sound was the rain, steady and unchanging.
Then she laughed softly. "That was… kinda smooth, actually."
I pulled my hand back. "You had hair on your face."
"I know," she said, still smiling. "But still. You keep surprising me, Rest."
I didn't reply.
But for the rest of the walk, I was more aware of the small space between us under the umbrella.