The summer rain had come out of nowhere, turning the quiet streets into a blur of mist and golden lamplight. We'd been walking back from the boardwalk, hand in hand, when the first drops started to fall.
At first, neither of us cared. The air was warm, the rain light, and Luigi had only laughed when I yelped at the sudden chill of it hitting my skin.
But now, standing under the striped awning of a little bakery, our clothes slightly damp, my curls frizzing from the humidityâI could barely think.
Because Luigi was looking at me.
Not just looking. Watching.
Like I was the only thing in the world worth seeing.
"You're staring," I murmured, breathless.
He tilted his head slightly, leaning against the brick wall beside me. "Maybe."
I narrowed my eyes. "Why?"
He exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking his head like I'd asked the silliest question in the world.
Then, so softly I almost didn't hear itâ
"Because you're beautiful."
I felt my cheeks get warm.
He wasn't teasing. Wasn't grinning like he was getting away with something. He just... meant it.
The rain fell in steady little patters around us, a car rolling lazily down the street, the scent of sugar and coffee drifting from the bakery behind us.
And thenâhe reached for me.
Not rushed, not uncertain. Just sure. The way he always was.
His fingers brushed over mine first, a quiet request, before trailing up my arm, his palm warm even through the damp fabric of my dress. He was close now, his touch lingering at my waist, his other hand rising to cup my cheek.
I melted into it, into him, my pulse thrumming in my ears.
His voice was a whisper, like he was afraid to break the moment.
"Can I kiss you, Y/N?"
I smiled softly and nodded.
Luigi didn't hesitate.
His lips met mine, warm and slow, like he had all the time in the world. The rain blurred everything elseâthe streetlights, the soft hum of a distant radio, the distant voices of people passing by.
There was only him.
And when he finally pulled away, his thumb tracing my cheek, his eyes dark with something unshakableâ
I knew I'd never love anyone the way I loved him.