Continuation — Jare's POV
Everyone was still waiting, eyes locked on me, buzzing with curiosity. I finally gave in with a half-smile.
"Alright, fine. Her name's Jasmine… but I call her Jaz," I said softly.
" So that babe ❤️❤️ ? " Felix asked while grinning
Section exploded into cheers. "Jare's got a Jaz!" Blaster shouted, clapping me on the back.
Jay leaned forward. "Okay, tell us everything. Spill the love story!"
I laughed, trying to ignore how red my face felt. "It's not that big a deal—"
"Oh, it so is," Jay interrupted.
I sighed, then nodded. "Okay. So… I met her two years ago, when I was fifteen. Dad took me along to one of his boring business trips. I hated every minute of it, so during one break, I slipped away and found this tiny coffee shop around the corner. That's where I saw her—behind the counter, hair tied back, laughing at something her coworker said."
For a second, the room faded away, replaced by that moment frozen in my memory.
"She had this natural brightness about her. The kind that made everything else seem dull. I ordered coffee I didn't even like just to keep talking to her. We ended up sitting by the window, talking for hours like we'd known each other forever."
Jane sighed dreamily. "Awww."
I smiled shyly. "And then one evening, it started raining—hard. I was about to head back when I saw her outside the shop, trying to close the umbrellas on the patio. She was soaked from head to toe."
Jay leaned forward. "Let me guess—you ran to help her?"
"Yeah," I said with a laugh. "I gave her my coat, even though it didn't do much. She looked up at me with those eyes, and everything just… stopped. We stood there, rain pouring down, laughing like idiots."
C-in grinned. "And then?"
I rubbed the back of my neck, unable to stop smiling. "Then she kissed me. Right there, under the rain, holding my coat. I swear, my heart forgot how to beat for a second."
The room went completely silent—then Jay squealed. "That is so romantic!"
Jane clapped her hands together. "You guys are like a movie!"
Blaster made a heart shape with his hands. "Section officially declares: you two are adorable."
I couldn't stop smiling now. "We stayed in touch after that. Long-distance wasn't easy, but we kept each other going. Calls, messages, late-night talks… all of it. And now that we've moved to Manila, we finally get to be together again."
Jay's eyes lit up. "Then it's settled. We have to meet her."
Jane nodded. "Yes! Bring Jaz to hang out with us. We want to see the girl who managed to steal Jare's heart in the rain."
Everyone laughed, and for once, all the teasing didn't bother me. Because honestly… part of me was already thinking about introducing them—and reliving that first moment all over
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A/N 💌
First of all, a huge thank you to Cinnamonroll for giving me this wonderful idea — you're honestly the sweetest! 🫶✨
I'm really sorry for not posting these past three days 😞💔 I've been sick and still am, but please know I haven't forgotten you guys! Your love, comments, and little messages always lift my spirits 🌧️❤️🔥
To all my amazing Malayi and Telugu readers — Happy Ugadi! 🎉🌸
May this new year bring you endless happiness, peace, and warmth 💫
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Sending love and tight hugs to everyone reading this 💌
— Ishita 🌙