I held her hand as we sat on the bench. She asked if I was leaving tomorrow. I nodded. She then asked if I could stay. I said nothing. We walked like a three-legged race to the bar in front of the building. I ordered a large beer and downed it in one gulp. But she just propped her chin on her hand and watched me. She’d always try to talk me out of it before. I felt a bit annoyed and asked why she wasn’t saying anything. This time, she was the one who stayed silent. I couldn't find words either. I ordered another round and drank it all.

On the way home, I didn't take her hand. She walked a step behind me without prompting. Soon, rain began to fall. She pointed to the pavilion ahead and asked if we should wait it out. I agreed. We both ran to take shelter beneath it.

She asked what I’d do after getting back. I said probably head to the garage to fix the car. Truth was, I needed to return to school. I also wanted to swing by Dali first to retrieve my manuscript, but I didn’t say that. I asked her what she planned to do. I deliberately didn’t turn to look at her. She sensed the mood and stared at the rain instead. She said she’d probably stay at the rental place. She wanted to finish Death Stranding 2 first. I said, “You haven’t beaten it yet?” She nodded.

I asked if she'd go back to her mom for money after I left. “Probably,” she said. Seeing her resignation, I teased, “Why not just go back to school?” She replied, “I'd rather k*ll myself.”

Hearing that, I suddenly felt like crying. She glanced at me and said, “We're like two camels in the desert.” I replied, “Then I must be a dromedary.” After that, she suddenly burst out laughing, and then I started laughing too.

When we finished laughing, I turned to look outside. I shouldn't have sought shelter from the rain. It was pouring harder than ever.