Rain had a strange way of making the city quieter.
Not silent.
Just softer.
People rushed past with umbrellas while gray clouds pressed low over the buildings.
Inside a small corner bookstore, Liya Sharma leaned against the counter and watched raindrops slide down the window.
She liked rainy days.
They meant fewer customers.
More time to read.
And fewer reminders that the world outside kept moving while her own life felt… paused.
The bell above the door suddenly rang.
Ding.
Liya glanced up.
A tall stranger stepped inside, brushing rain from his dark jacket.
His hair was slightly messy from the storm, and he looked around with curious eyes like someone exploring a hidden place.
For a strange moment, Liya felt like she had forgotten something important.
The stranger noticed her staring and laughed softly.
"Sorry," he said."Didn't mean to bring half the rain inside."
His voice was warm.
Easy.
Liya blinked and straightened.
"It's okay," she said. "Books have survived worse."
He smiled.
Not a big smile.
Just a quiet one.
But something about it made Liya's chest tighten with a feeling she couldn't explain.
Déjà vu.
The stranger wandered between the shelves for a few minutes before bringing a book to the counter.
Liya glanced at the cover.
"You'll cry at the ending," she said.
"Perfect," he replied. "Those are the best kinds of stories."
Their fingers brushed as she picked up the book.
And suddenly—
A strange shiver ran down her spine.
Like this exact moment had already happened.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah… just tired."
She scanned the book.
The register beeped.
"First time here?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said. "Just passing through the city."
He leaned casually against the counter.
"What about you?" he asked.
"Always surrounded by books like this?"
"Pretty much."
"Lucky."
She laughed lightly.
"Depends on the day."
He studied her for a moment.
Then he said something unexpected.
"You don't seem like someone with a boring story."
Liya felt her cheeks warm slightly.
"That'll be 450," she said quickly.
He paid and picked up the book.
Before leaving, he hesitated.
"This might sound strange," he said slowly.
"Okay…"
"Do you ever meet someone and feel like you've known them before?"
Liya froze.
Because that was exactly how she felt.
But she forced a smile.
"Probably just a coincidence."
"Yeah," he said quietly.
"Probably."
He reached for the door.
Then turned back.
"Oh, right."
He smiled.
"I'm Ethan."
"Liya."
"Nice to meet you, Liya."
The bell rang again as he stepped out into the rain.
And just like that…
He was gone.
But Liya had the strange feeling this day wasn't over.
Not really.
Not even close.