The clouds had been gathering all morning, rolling in like silent waves across the sky. By mid-afternoon, they hung heavy above the city, casting a grey tint over the buildings and streets. Jihoon had noticed the shift while he was browsing through the tightly packed shelves of his favorite secondhand bookstore—one tucked between a bakery and a tiny stationery shop in a quiet alleyway.
He loved the smell inside: aged pages, worn leather covers, and the faint scent of roasted beans wafting in from the café next door. After half an hour of wandering and flipping through paperbacks, he finally made his choice—a gently used novel with a faded spine and a story that promised warmth. He paid the friendly shop owner and stepped outside just as the sky finally opened up.
The rain didn't fall in sheets or pour down aggressively. It came softly—persistent, steady, and soaking everything it touched within seconds. The street shimmered under the sudden downpour, umbrellas popping open one after another like flowers blooming in fast forward.
Jihoon pulled out his own umbrella from his tote bag, flipping it open with practiced ease. The book and Hodu's favorite salmon-flavored cat treats were tucked securely inside, dry and safe.
He took a calming breath and began walking down the street toward the bus stop, enjoying the sound of raindrops drumming against the canopy above his head. It was oddly peaceful, even refreshing. The air was cool, and the rain washed the world into a softer palette—greys, muted greens, and the warm glow of storefronts lighting up early for the evening.
But as he turned the corner, something pulled his attention.
There, just off the sidewalk and beneath a spindly tree, stood a girl. She was in her school uniform—white blouse, navy blazer, and pleated skirt already spotted with water. Her long dark hair clung to her cheeks, and she held a stack of books and papers close to her chest, trying to shield them with her blazer.
Jihoon slowed, watching from a few paces away. The girl stood completely still, eyes downcast, face tight with discomfort and helplessness. Everyone else on the street hurried past her without a glance—umbrellas tilted forward, heads down, rushing to their next destination. She was completely alone in the rain.
He frowned. Something about the way she clutched her books—like they were her last defense against the world—made his chest ache a little.
Without hesitation, Jihoon stepped off the path and walked toward her.
"Hey," he called gently, trying not to startle her. "You're going to get sick like that."
The girl looked up, surprised. Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to speak, but no sound came out.
Jihoon simply stepped beside her and tilted his umbrella to cover both of them. He said nothing for a moment—just stood there with her, letting the silence settle.
"Do you want to walk to the bus stop together?" he finally asked.
The girl hesitated, then nodded. "Yes… please. Thank you."
They started walking slowly, Jihoon adjusting the umbrella so she had more cover than he did. She still held her books protectively, but her shoulders relaxed just a little.
"I'm Jihoon," he offered.
"I'm Sooah," she said softly, glancing at him with a shy smile. "Thank you for this. I forgot my umbrella this morning."
"No problem," he replied. "It happens."
"I also missed my bus," she added with a small laugh. "And then my phone died. So… yeah. Rough day."
Jihoon chuckled. "I've had those before. They tend to pile up when you least expect it."
Sooah looked down at the wet sidewalk. "I had a mock exam today. It didn't go well. I studied so hard, but my mind just… went blank."
Jihoon glanced at her. "Even bad days don't last forever. You did your best. That counts."
There was a moment of silence between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
As they reached the bus stop, Jihoon closed his umbrella and gave it a good shake, droplets scattering across the sidewalk. Sooah stepped under the shelter and carefully began wiping her books with her sleeve.
"Thanks again," she said, her voice steadier now. "I didn't know what I was going to do."
"It's nothing," Jihoon replied with a smile. "I figured if I was in your shoes, I'd want someone to do the same."
Sooah unzipped a small pouch in her backpack and pulled something out—a snack-sized bread roll, neatly wrapped in plastic.
"I was saving this to eat after my exam… but I want you to have it."
Jihoon blinked, surprised.
"You don't have to—"
"I know," she said quickly. "But I want to. You helped me today."
He accepted it with both hands and gave a small bow. "Then I'll enjoy it."
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 39,000 KRW
A few moments later, Sooah's bus arrived. She climbed on and found a seat near the window. As the bus pulled away, she turned back and waved with both hands. Her smile was wider now, lighter.
Jihoon waved back, the soft warmth of the gesture staying with him even as the rain began to slow.
He pulled his umbrella open again and resumed walking down the street, the bread roll still in his hand. As he turned into his apartment lane, his phone buzzed.
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"In a world of umbrellas and storms, being the one who stops to share the cover can make all the difference."
He looked up. The clouds were beginning to thin, and just beyond them, hints of pale blue sky peeked through.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 49
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