Chapter 5: The Encounter in the Rain
That morning, the sky was overcast, heavy clouds stretching across the vast horizon. Thiên Lam looked up and frowned slightly. A downpour seemed inevitable.
She decided to head outside before the rain arrived, hoping to gather some chrysanthemums and mint for tea. With a woven basket in hand, she strolled through the garden, inhaling the crisp morning air mixed with the delicate scent of flowers.
The wind rustled through the trees, sending a few golden leaves fluttering down—autumn had truly arrived.
She was carefully picking fresh mint leaves when a cold droplet landed on her hand. Then another. And another.
The rain had come.
Thiên Lam quickly clutched her basket and hurried toward the wooden house, but just as she reached the porch, she suddenly stopped.
Under the large tree by the path, a young man stood, completely drenched by the sudden downpour.
He looked slightly flustered, his dark hair clinging wetly to his forehead. He wore a white button-up shirt, slightly crumpled, and a pair of sneakers now covered in mud. A worn canvas backpack was slung over his shoulder, soaked from the rain.
Through the shimmering curtain of water, his eyes were strikingly clear, carrying a certain innocence that felt strangely out of place.
Thiên Lam hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.
"Hey! Come inside and take shelter from the rain!"
The young man looked up, his round eyes widening as if surprised that someone was calling him. He glanced around briefly before hesitantly walking toward the porch.
She opened the door, letting him step inside. Warmth immediately enveloped them, driving away the damp chill from the storm outside.
"Where were you going in this weather?" Thiên Lam asked as she handed him a towel.
He took it, rubbing the moisture from his hair, and replied with a slightly sheepish tone,
"Ah… I was walking back to town when the rain caught me off guard. I didn’t think it would come down this hard…"
Thiên Lam glanced at his soaked clothes and felt a twinge of sympathy. She poured a cup of hot mint tea and set it on the table.
"Here, drink some tea to warm up."
The young man took the cup, gently blowing on it before taking a sip. His eyes lit up with surprise, his voice carrying a hint of delight.
"This is really good… Thank you!"
Thiên Lam smiled softly. She sat down across from him, quietly observing.
His features were delicate, his expression gentle yet not fragile. Under the warm golden light of the room, his cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold, but his smile remained bright and unguarded.
A light breeze drifted through the window, carrying the faint aroma of tea.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, its steady rhythm echoing through the quiet house. And yet, despite the storm, a peculiar warmth had settled within these walls.
For some reason, Thiên Lam had a feeling that today was special.
(Chapter 5 - End)
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