The rhythmic sound of raindrops filled the air as Hikari and Saito walked side by side beneath the umbrella. The streets glistened under the city lights, puddles reflecting the neon glow of distant signs. Their footsteps echoed softly against the wet pavement as they made their way toward the metro station.

After a short wait, the train arrived, its doors sliding open with a mechanical chime. They stepped inside, shaking off the lingering droplets of rain. The carriage was sparsely populated, a few late-night commuters seated quietly.

The ride was mostly silent, save for the occasional announcement over the speakers. Hikari stole a glance at Saito—he seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the passing cityscape beyond the window. She found it amusing how fate kept throwing them together.

Finally, the train reached their stop at the riverside area. As they stepped onto the platform, the cool night air greeted them once more.

"Thanks for sharing your umbrella," Saito said, giving her a small nod of appreciation.

Hikari tilted her head. "No problem. So, which way are you headed?"

Saito pointed down the road. "Straight ahead. I live in that building over there."

Hikari followed his gaze—and immediately blinked in surprise. "No way… That’s my building too!"

Saito rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. "Huh… talk about coincidences. I just moved in today, actually."

Hikari smirked. "Guess that makes us neighbors, huh?"

The two of them continued walking, their shoes splashing lightly against the rain-slicked pavement. By the time they reached the entrance of their apartment building, the rain had lessened to a drizzle. They shook off the excess water from the umbrella before stepping inside, the warmth of the lobby greeting them.

Saito pressed the button for the elevator, and they rode up in comfortable silence.

When the doors slid open on the sixth floor, Hikari stepped out, fishing her keys from her bag. "Wait… you're on the sixth floor too?" she asked.

Saito nodded. "Yeah."

Hikari walked up to her door, unlocking it—only to pause when she noticed Saito doing the exact same thing… right next to her.

They both froze, exchanging wide-eyed looks.

"...We're next-door neighbors?" Saito muttered, half in disbelief.

Hikari blinked before letting out a soft laugh. "Looks like it. Well, I guess we’re bound to run into each other a lot, huh?"

Saito exhaled a small chuckle. "Yeah… seems like it."

She smiled. "Well then, have a good night, neighbor."

"Yeah… Thanks again for today. Sleep well," Saito replied, returning a small nod.

With that, they both stepped inside their respective apartments, closing the doors behind them.

As Hikari leaned against her door, an amused grin played on her lips. What were the odds?

She let out a small sigh before pushing off the door and heading to her bed. The room was quiet, save for the faint patter of raindrops against the window. She reached over and slid it open slightly, letting the cool night air and a few stray droplets slip inside. The damp breeze sent a small shiver down her spine, but she welcomed it.

Lying back, she stared at the ceiling, her mind drifting to the events of the day. How do I keep running into him?

Her fingers brushed against her cheek absentmindedly. It was warm. Wait… am I blushing?

She groaned and turned onto her side, burying her face in the pillow. What was I thinking, sharing my umbrella with him like that?

The thought lingered, looping in her mind like an unshakable melody. Slowly, a different, more unsettling thought crept in. Could it be… I’m falling for him?

She shot up from the bed, her expression twisting in disbelief. "No way in hell I’d fall for a human!" she huffed.

But almost immediately, her defiance wavered. Her shoulders slumped as a heavier thought settled in. And yet… he’s the reason I got kicked out of the angel realm.

Her gaze drifted to the city skyline outside. The rain blurred the neon lights, making them shimmer like something out of a dream.

No… that’s not fair, she thought, resting her chin on her knees. I can’t blame him. It was my choice to save him.

She closed her eyes, exhaling softly. But why? What was I thinking back then?

—

Meanwhile, in the apartment next door, Saito let out a breath as he placed his shopping bags on the table. The day had been long, yet his mind wasn't on his work, nor the unpacking he had yet to do.

Flopping onto his bed, he stared up at the ceiling, arms resting behind his head. "Seriously… what are the chances?" he murmured.

Moving into a new place was already enough of a change. But finding out that Hikari—that girl—was his next-door neighbor? He never would’ve guessed.

As the rain continued tapping against his window, Saito turned his head slightly, staring at the wall separating their apartments. He found himself smiling without realizing it.

What a strange day…