Someone sitting inside the coffee shop across from the bus stand clicked a photo of Ethilia and sent it to a group chat.
Text:The storm's getting worse. I don't think any buses will come today. It's that bad.
A reply came quickly: I'll let the boss know. You just keep an eye on her.
The man slipped the phone back into his pocket, lifted his cup, and took another sip. His gaze kept flicking to his watch, as if waiting for something—or someone.
Meanwhile, Ethilia drew a sharp breath, staring at the sky as she whispered, "Maybe… maybe this is punishment for the words I threw at Liana." She sniffed, wiping away the rain mixed with tears. "I shouldn't have said that to her."
Wrapping her arms around herself, she glanced toward the end of the empty road. "The buses aren't coming… not in this weather." With a sigh, she gripped the strap of her bag, torn between waiting and walking.
Finally, with a huff, she started walking. The rain soaked through her clothes, and the sky grew darker with every step.
_____
Far away, in the warmth of her room, Liana sat cross-legged on her bed, chatting with Char while picking at a box of nuggets. A knock on the door broke through their laughter.
"Come in!" Liana called, earning an exaggerated eye roll from Char.
Alex stepped inside, concern etched on his face. He spared Char a glance, then cleared his throat. "Liana, I need to speak with you. Alone."
Liana frowned but slid off the bed. "Wait here, Char. I'll be back."
Char opened her mouth to argue, but Liana cut her off with a smile. "Enjoy the nuggets." She winked before following Alex into the hallway.
"What's wrong?" she asked, searching his face. "You look on edge."
Alex held out his phone. On the screen was a picture of Ethilia standing alone in the storm. "She's out there. And it's getting worse."
Liana's eyes widened. She looked straight at him. "Why are you showing me this? You should've already gone to help her."
Alex hesitated, glancing toward the window where the rain battered hard against the glass. The weather was unforgiving. Liana's expression darkened, and without another word, she stormed back into her room.
"Boss, don't," Alex followed quickly. "It's not safe for you."
Liana snatched her phone, her car keys, and grabbed an umbrella and a raincoat from the corner. Char's eyes widened as she watched.
"Your safety matters to all of us—" Alex began, running a hand through his hair.
But Liana cut him off, her voice sharp as she jogged past. "And her life is my first priority." With that, she slammed the door shut.
Char flinched, eyes widening. "What was that?" she muttered, startled.
Alex shot her a hard glare but didn't answer, rushing out after Liana. In the hall, Liana's mother reached out to stop her, but it was useless—Liana was already storming through the front door.
She unlocked her car with quick, impatient hands and slid inside, tossing the umbrella and raincoat onto the passenger seat. The engine roared to life just as Alex caught up, knocking on her window through the pouring rain.
"Liana, don't be reckless," he pleaded, voice tight. "At least let me come with you."
But she only glared at him, eyes fierce, and drove off without a word. The tires hissed against the wet ground, leaving Alex standing there in shock and anger.
Jaw clenched, he pulled out his phone. Typing quickly into the group chat: Mark, if you're still in the café, be careful. Liana just went out alone.
Shoving the phone back into his pocket, he hurried toward the garage to grab another car and follow. From a shadowed corner by the window, someone watched him with a smirk.
"The game is at its peak," the figure whispered.
Meanwhile, as Liana drove through the storm, her mind drifted to memories she had buried for years. She could still see it clearly—
_______________
Ethilia was on the basketball court, trying the game for the very first time. She wanted to prove she could play just as well as Liana, maybe even better.
But as she leapt for the basket, her opponent shoved her hard. Ethilia fell face-first onto the ground. Laughter erupted around the court, cruel and unkind.
Before anyone could blink, Liana rushed forward, kneeling beside her. Blood trickled from Ethilia's nose, and something inside Liana snapped. Her eyes blazed as she glared at the players.
"Have some shame! How could you shove a new player like that?!" Her voice thundered. "You asshole!"
The laughter died instantly. Everyone looked down, silenced.
Char came running, helping Liana lift Ethilia onto her back. Together, they rushed her to the college medical center.
Liana stayed outside the treatment room, pacing. Her chest was tight, her eyes burned with unshed tears. Char rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't get it," she said softly. "Why are you suddenly so worried about her? Back in school, you couldn't stand her. And now in college…" She hesitated, then whispered, "Feels like you love her."
Liana froze. A single tear slipped down her cheek. "I thought I hated her…" Her voice broke into a whisper. "But without realizing it, she became… my habit."
Char handed her a tissue gently. "Hey. It's fine. You never swore to be her enemy forever."
Liana let out a shaky chuckle, taking the tissue. "Thanks," she murmured, just as the doctor stepped out.
"She'll be fine," the doctor assured. "Nothing serious. Just make sure she avoids jumping for a few days."
Relief flooded Liana. She and Char hurried inside, sitting on either side of Ethilia's bed. Liana brushed her fingers over Ethilia's hair. Her voice hardened as she looked at Char.
"Give that girl a piece of your brain," she said coldly. "Make sure this becomes an example—no one pushes new players again."
Char smirked, rolling up her sleeves as she strode out. Liana leaned down and kissed Ethilia's forehead. "Come on, wake up. It's too quiet without your smart mouth."
Hours passed. Liana never moved from her side, her hand constantly smoothing Ethilia's hair or holding her fingers.
When Ethilia finally stirred awake, Liana's heart lifted. She helped her sit up carefully. "Slow," she whispered, handing her a glass of water.
Ethilia sipped, then narrowed her eyes. "Why do you look so happy? I'm not dead."
Liana's smile faltered, then returned with a light laugh. "Shut up, you fool." She flicked her forehead playfully, then leaned closer.
"You know what? I made a promise today." Her tone was steady, her gaze locked onto Ethilia's.
Ethilia's heart skipped. Her cheeks warmed as Liana's hand brushed against her cheek.
"No matter what happens… I won't let you get hurt. If you're ever in trouble, you'll always find me there—standing like a rock beside you."
Ethilia's breath caught. Her eyes flicked to Liana's lips before she whispered, voice trembling, "…I'll hold you to it, you know that, smartass."
But before the moment could deepen, Char returned with a grin, ruining it. Liana cursed under her breath while Ethilia quickly looked away, cheeks burning.
______________
The memory slipped away, leaving only the storm and the road ahead. Liana's grip tightened on the wheel.
And just like that, the road brought her back to the present—Ethilia, standing drenched at the bus stand.
Liana lowered the car window, her voice sharp through the storm. "Ethilia, get in the car."
Ethilia paused, her gaze locking on Liana. A sudden rush of warmth and hope fluttered in her chest.
She took a step forward, then froze. How could she accept help now, after she'd told Liana she didn't need her? She bit her lip, stepping back, torn between pride and relief.
Liana clenched her jaw, shifted the car into park, and swung the door open. Without a second thought, she grabbed Ethilia's hand, rain soaking them both.
"I said get in the car, you deaf fool!" Liana snapped, her voice fierce but urgent, dragging Ethilia toward the passenger side.
Ethilia flinched, but she didn't resist. Tears streamed down her face, but now they were tears of gratitude.
Liana shoved her inside and jogged around to the driver's seat, sliding in with a determined sigh.