Under One Umbrella

Chapter 2: A Reason to Stay

Zhynia smiled as she held her coffee.

"Maybe," she replied.

Caelum chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

The two of them laughed before Zhynia headed toward a table near the corner. She thought that would be the end of their conversation.

A few minutes later, Caelum approached her table.

"Would it be okay if I sit here? Every other table is taken."

Zhynia looked around. There were actually a few empty tables, but she decided not to point that out.

"Sure," she said.

As the evening passed, they talked about everything—favorite movies, childhood memories, dreams, and the places they wanted to visit someday.

To Zhynia's surprise, talking to Caelum felt easy. There was no awkwardness, no need to pretend to be someone else.

For the first time in a long while, she forgot about the stress of work and simply enjoyed the moment.

Outside, the rain began to fall again.

When Zhynia checked the time, she was shocked.

"It's already 9 PM?"

"Time flies when you're having fun," Caelum said with a smile.

The coffee shop was preparing to close.

As they walked outside together, Caelum opened his umbrella.

"You can share mine if you'd like."

Zhynia hesitated for a second before stepping beside him.

The distance between them felt small, yet neither seemed to mind.

When they reached Zhynia's bus stop, silence settled between them.

"Well..." Caelum said, scratching the back of his head. "I had a really good time tonight."

"Me too."

For a moment, it looked like he wanted to say something more.

Instead, he pulled out his phone.

"Can I have your number?"

Zhynia smiled.

"I was wondering when you'd ask."

Both of them laughed.

After exchanging numbers, Zhynia boarded the bus.

As the bus pulled away, she looked out the window.

Ethan was still standing there in the rain, waving goodbye.

Her phone vibrated.

Unknown Number: "I know we just met, but I'm already looking forward to seeing you again."

Zhynia stared at the message and couldn't stop smiling.

Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a love story neither of them expected.

To be continued in Chapter 3... ❤️