Chapter 1: The Storm
Chapter 1: The Storm
Rain had been falling since the afternoon, but by night it had become a full-blown storm.
The streets were nearly empty, the wind was howling outside, and Y/N was more than happy to stay inside her apartment.
After a long day, all she wanted was a hot shower, instant noodles, and a movie.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Wrapped in an oversized hoodie, Y/N settled onto the couch and finally started relaxing.
Then someone knocked on her door.
She paused.
Maybe they'd go away.
Another knock.
Nope.
With a sigh, Y/N got up and walked toward the door.
"Who even goes outside in weather like this?" she muttered.
Opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of a completely drenched stranger.
His dark hair was soaked, rainwater dripped from his jacket, and he looked like he'd spent the last hour swimming instead of walking.
For a second, neither of them spoke.
Then he smiled awkwardly.
"Hi."
Y/N blinked.
"Wow."
"That's not usually how people respond to hello."
"I'm just trying to figure out if you're a person or a walking puddle."
The stranger looked down at himself.
"Honestly? Fair."
A laugh almost escaped Y/N's lips.
Almost.
The guy rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sorry to bother you. My phone died and I got caught in the storm."
As if the weather wanted to support his story, thunder rumbled loudly overhead.
Both of them glanced outside.
The rain wasn't slowing down anytime soon.
Y/N sighed.
"Tough luck."
"I know."
An awkward silence followed.
The stranger shifted uncomfortably.
Rainwater continued dripping from his sleeves.
Y/N looked at the puddle forming beneath him.
Then at him.
Then back at the puddle.
"You know, if you stand there any longer, I'm going to need a mop."
He laughed.
And annoyingly enough, it was a nice laugh.
"I'm Jimin, by the way."
Y/N raised an eyebrow.
"Giving me your name already? That's brave."
"I figured it'd be less weird than being known as 'random guy in the rain.'"
"Good point."
Another flash of lightning lit up the hallway.
Jimin glanced outside before looking back at her.
"Would it be okay if I stayed here until the storm calms down?"
Y/N immediately crossed her arms.
"That's exactly how every horror movie starts."
Jimin looked offended.
"I don't look like a serial killer."
"You don't think serial killers say that too?"
"Okay, that's actually a good argument."
Y/N couldn't help laughing this time.
The poor guy looked exhausted.
And freezing.
And despite what most people thought, she wasn't completely heartless.
Just cautious.
Mostly.
With another sigh, she stepped aside.
"Fine."
Jimin blinked.
"Fine?"
"You can stay until the rain gets better."
His face immediately brightened.
"Really?"
"Don't make me regret it."
"I won't."
The second he stepped inside, water dripped all over the floor.
Y/N stared at the mess.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
Jimin followed her gaze.
"...Oops."
"Congratulations."
"For what?"
"You officially ruined my clean floor in under three seconds."
Jimin laughed while Y/N shook her head.
Something told her this storm was going to be a lot longer than expected.
And somehow...
She had a feeling the stranger standing in her apartment was going to make things a lot more interesting.
