Fiction DisclaimerAll works of fiction published under miebonniee are purely the product of the author’s imagination. Any similarities to actual persons, living or dead, real events, locations, or organizations are entirely coincidental. Names, characters, businesses, places, and incidents are either used fictitiously or created for storytelling purposes.These works are not affiliated with or endorsed by any real individuals, groups, or entities. This work of fiction is solely created as a form of support for EmiBonnie and is meant for entertainment purposes only.Reader discretion is advised.
BOOK 1: SUNSHOWERS
Written by: miebonniee
PROLOGUE
The first time Bonnie met Emi, the sky was split in half.One side burned with sunlight, golden and blinding. The other was veiled in gray, rain falling in soft, delicate sheets.It was the kind of weather that couldn’t make up its mind... just like Bonnie.She hadn’t believed in signs back then. Hadn’t thought much about how strange it was that the moment she looked up, she saw a girl standing there, smiling as if the rain and sun existed just for her.Emi.Bright. Effortless. The kind of person people gravitated toward without even trying.The kind of person Bonnie had spent her whole life avoiding.And yet...She couldn’t look away.Didn’t know then that this girl would become a storm in her life.Didn’t know that one day, she would find herself standing in the rain, heart in her hands, whispering words she never thought she’d say.Didn’t know that Emi would be her sun... even when Bonnie had spent so long lost in the dark.She should’ve known.Because from the very beginning, Emi had been a sunshower.And Bonnie?She had been standing in the rain, just waiting to be found.
Chapter 1: Grey Skies
Bonnie hated the world.She hated the way people spoke in empty words, filling the air with noise that meant nothing. She hated the plastic smiles, the fake laughter, the way everyone seemed to be acting instead of simply existing. The world was predictable, cycling through the same routine over and over. It was exhausting, suffocating.The only thing that made it bearable was the rain.The rain was honest. It did not pretend. It did not wear masks or force itself to be something it wasn’t. It simply fell, cold, relentless, real. When the sky darkened, when the first drops touched her skin, Bonnie could breathe.This morning was no different. The grey sky loomed overhead, heavy with the promise of rain. The scent of damp pavement lingered in the air, and Bonnie welcomed it like an old friend.But before she could leave the house and let the drizzle sink into her skin, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number she had memorized by heart.The call barely rang twice before a familiar voice answered.“Bonnie? You’re calling early.”Bonnie adjusted the strap of her bag. “How is she?”A soft chuckle came through the receiver. “She’s fine, sweetheart. Just woke up a little while ago. Had her milk, and now she’s staring at the ceiling like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.”Bonnie exhaled slowly.Her baby sister.She was barely a few months old, a tiny, fragile thing with big eyes that always seemed to be searching for something. Ever since their mother left, it had been just the two of them, Bonnie and the little life she had promised herself she would protect. But school pulled her away for hours at a time, leaving her no choice but to rely on their aunt’s care.Not that she didn’t trust her aunt. She did. But something inside her still twisted at the thought of being away.“Is she warm enough?” Bonnie asked. “You have the extra blankets, right?”“She’s warm,” her aunt reassured her. “You worry too much.”Bonnie bit the inside of her cheek. Maybe she did. But she had to.She heard a tiny coo in the background, a soft babble that made something in her chest tighten.“I have to go,” Bonnie said, her voice quieter now.“I know. Go to school, okay? I’ll send you pictures later.”Bonnie hummed in acknowledgment before ending the call. She slipped the phone into her pocket and stepped out into the drizzle.The rain kissed her skin the moment she stepped outside, and the world seemed to hush. The cool air nipped at her cheeks, but she didn’t care. She let the drops cling to her sweater, to her hair. The sky was weeping, and Bonnie let it pull her into its sorrow.She walked to school alone, as she always did.The streets were nearly empty, save for a few early risers hurrying along under umbrellas. Bonnie didn’t bother with one. She liked feeling the weight of the water on her skin. It was grounding, a reminder that she was here, that she was real.When she finally arrived at school, she was only slightly damp, her hair sticking to her forehead in places. She shook it off and walked inside, already dreading the long day ahead.It wasn’t that school was hard. She did well in her classes, kept up with her work. It was just the people. The noise. The way everyone seemed so eager to fill the silence with meaningless chatter.She made it to her seat without issue, settling into the farthest corner by the window. It was the best place to sit, away from the center of everything, close enough to watch the rain.The morning announcements droned on over the speakers, a dull hum in the background. Bonnie stared out at the grey sky, losing herself in the soft rhythm of raindrops against the glass.Then the door opened, and she walked in.Bonnie didn’t know her name yet. Didn’t know why, out of all the new students that had come and gone, this one made her pause.She was bright, not just in appearance, but in presence. She walked in with an easy confidence, radiating warmth in a way that made Bonnie’s chest tighten. Her uniform was pristine, her hair neatly pulled back except for a few loose strands that framed her face.The teacher introduced her as Emi, and suddenly, the name felt important.Emi smiled at the class, and Bonnie immediately hated it. Not because it was fake. No, it was worse than that. It was real.Bonnie turned away, fixing her gaze on the rain outside. It didn’t matter. Emi was just another person, another presence that would pass through her life without meaning.At least, that’s what she told herself.Lunch came faster than expected. Bonnie, as always, found her way outside. The rain had lessened to a soft drizzle, but the school grounds were still mostly empty. No one else liked being in the rain.Or so she thought.There, standing by the edge of the school’s small garden, was Emi.Bonnie slowed her steps, watching. Emi wasn’t playing in the rain. She wasn’t dancing or laughing or holding her hands out to catch the drops like someone who loved it. No, she stood stiffly, shifting her weight as if she wasn’t sure whether she should be out there at all.Bonnie frowned.If you don’t like the rain, then why are you here?She should have walked away. But something about the way Emi hesitated, the way she looked up at the sky like she was trying to convince herself to enjoy it, made Bonnie linger.Then, as if sensing her gaze, Emi turned.For a moment, neither of them spoke.Bonnie waited for the usual response—the awkward smile, the small talk, the excuse to leave. But instead, Emi tilted her head slightly, eyes curious.“You don’t use an umbrella?” she asked.Bonnie shrugged. “Don’t need one.”Emi hummed, glancing at the grey sky. “I guess you really like the rain, huh?”Bonnie didn’t answer.Emi sighed, shifting under her own umbrella. “I don’t hate it, but…” She hesitated, then admitted, “I guess I don’t really like getting wet.”Bonnie scoffed. “Then why are you standing in the middle of a storm?”Emi smiled, small and knowing. “Maybe I just wanted to see why you do it.”Bonnie stiffened.People didn’t ask her things like that. They didn’t notice her habits, her preferences. They didn’t watch her closely enough to see what she did or wonder why she did it.Bonnie didn’t know how to respond. So she didn’t.Instead, she turned and walked away, leaving Emi standing there beneath her umbrella.“I’m Emi! What’s your name?” asked the girl.Bonnie hesitated to look back and muttered under her breath as she walked away, not caring if the girl had heard it or not. “Bonnie.”But even as she left, she felt Emi’s presence lingering in her mind.The rain wasn’t supposed to feel warm.And yet, for the first time in a long time, Bonnie felt like the cold didn’t reach her quite as deeply as before.
Chapter 2: Unwelcome Warmth
A week had passed since the rain, since Bonnie had found herself standing in the courtyard with Emi, since a warmth she had never asked for had begun creeping into the quiet corners of her life.Bonnie had tried to ignore it, convincing herself that Emi was just another passing presence, one of those fleeting people who came and went without leaving a mark. But Emi was relentless.She didn’t just exist in Bonnie’s periphery. She made sure she was noticed.It started with small things. Emi had decided that the seat next to Bonnie was hers, despite it never having been empty before. The previous occupant, a quiet girl who barely spoke, had simply moved without protest. Emi sat there every day, settling in like she belonged, like Bonnie’s carefully maintained solitude was an invitation instead of a warning.Bonnie hated it.Or at least, she told herself she did.Every morning, before heading to school, Bonnie made her usual call to her aunt to check on her baby sister.“She’s already awake,” her aunt said when she picked up. “She was babbling to herself before I even came in.”Bonnie’s grip on her phone tightened slightly. “Did she eat?”“Of course. She’s fine, Bonnie. You don’t have to check every day.”But Bonnie did.Even now, as she stood outside the school, phone in hand, she couldn’t shake the feeling that if she stopped checking, if she let her guard down for even a second, something would go wrong.She ended the call with a quiet “Thanks,” and pocketed her phone. Then she steeled herself before walking inside, preparing for another day of pretending she didn’t care.But the moment she entered the school, it was impossible to ignore the shift in the air.There was always noise in the halls, idle chatter, footsteps, laughter… but today, it felt amplified. It took Bonnie only a second to understand why.Emi.Bonnie didn’t even need to see her to know she was there. She could feel it in the way people’s voices carried, in the lightness in their tones, in the energy buzzing through the corridors like static electricity.And when she did see her, it was exactly as she expected.Emi was in the center of it all.She wasn’t loud, not in the way some people were, but she was present in a way that made people gravitate toward her. She walked down the hallway like she belonged to everyone and no one all at once, slipping into conversations effortlessly. Someone complimented her on something—her hair, her shoes, her voice—and she accepted it with an easy laugh.Bonnie watched as a boy from their class called out Emi’s name, and in one fluid movement, Emi turned and greeted him like they had been best friends forever. It didn’t matter that they had barely spoken before. That was just how she was.A girl hesitated before approaching Emi, asking a question about yesterday’s homework. Emi smiled, leaned in slightly, and explained it with a patience that made the girl’s shoulders relax.She made people feel comfortable, made them feel like they mattered.It was irritating.Bonnie turned away before she could watch any longer.She walked to class, finding her seat by the window, expecting to have at least a moment of peace before the chair next to her scraped against the floor.Bonnie didn’t even have to look. She already knew who it was.“Morning, Bonnie,” Emi said, her voice as bright as ever.Bonnie exhaled sharply, staring at the front of the classroom. “That’s not your seat.”“You’ve said that before.”Bonnie finally turned to look at her, eyes narrowing. “And yet you’re still here.”Emi only smiled, completely unfazed. “It’s comfortable.”Bonnie had met a lot of people in her life. People who talked too much, people who were too nosy, people who thought they could change her. They never lasted long.Emi was different.She didn’t push the way others did. She didn’t pry, didn’t ask questions Bonnie didn’t want to answer. She was just there, slipping into Bonnie’s life like a steady stream of sunlight, impossible to ignore.And for some reason, that was worse.The lesson began, and Bonnie did her best to focus. But the awareness of Emi beside her was distracting. She could hear the quiet scratch of Emi’s pen against paper, the soft hum she made when she was thinking. And somehow, somehow, she could feel Emi watching her when she thought Bonnie wasn’t paying attention.When the bell rang for lunch, Bonnie packed her things quickly. Maybe if she left fast enough—“Bonnie,” Emi called.She froze.Emi stood beside her desk, looking entirely at ease. “Come sit with us.”Bonnie looked past her, toward the table near the window where a group of students sat, all chatting animatedly. They were waiting for Emi.Bonnie was not one of them.“I don’t—”“Just for today,” Emi cut in. “No pressure.”Bonnie hesitated, grip tightening on her bag.She wanted to say no. That was the logical choice. That was the safe choice.But somehow, somehow, she found herself following Emi to the table.She didn’t understand why.Maybe it was because she was tired. Maybe it was because she was too annoyed to argue. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because, for the first time in a long time, she was curious about what it would be like to exist in the warmth instead of just watching it from afar.Whatever the reason, by the time she realized what she had done, she was already sitting down.The conversation flowed around her, light and effortless. Emi’s friends welcomed her presence without question, as if it was natural for her to be there, as if she had always belonged.Bonnie didn’t speak much, but she listened. She watched.Emi laughed at something someone said, the sound bright and easy. She passed a bottle of water to the girl sitting beside her without being asked, like it was second nature. When someone hesitated mid-sentence, Emi leaned in, offering encouragement without a word.It was effortless.Bonnie had spent so much of her life believing that connections were fragile, temporary, something to be avoided rather than embraced. Yet here was Emi, existing in a way that made it all seem so simple.It made Bonnie uneasy.She had spent years convincing herself that warmth wasn’t worth the risk. That it was better to be alone than to be let down.And yet, here she was.Sitting in the warmth she had always avoided.Letting it touch her.And for the first time in a long, long while, she wasn’t sure if she hated it.
Chapter 3: Cracks in the Armor
Bonnie should have known it wouldn’t stop at one lunch.She had expected Emi’s interest to fade, for the novelty to wear off, for her to move on to something, or someone… else. People got bored easily. They gave up when things stopped being convenient.But Emi didn’t.She still sat next to Bonnie in class, still greeted her every morning as if it were routine, still invited her to lunch with that same expectant smile.Bonnie refused a few times at first. But then she grew tired of the effort, tired of arguing against something that, strangely, didn’t feel as unbearable as she thought it would.And somehow, a week passed like this.She was beginning to feel watched. Not in the way that made her uncomfortable, but in the way that made her hyper-aware of the space she took up. She could sense the curiosity lingering in the glances Emi sent her way when she thought Bonnie wasn’t looking.Bonnie should have ignored it. Should have kept her walls up.Instead, she made a mistake.She let herself wonder what Emi saw when she looked at her.It was a Thursday when the sky threatened rain again.Bonnie could feel it in the air as she walked toward school, the heaviness of the clouds, the scent of damp pavement that hadn’t yet been touched by water. The wind carried the promise of a storm, and for once, she wasn’t dreading it.She liked the rain. It made the world quieter, washed things clean.But as she sat in class, staring out the window at the gray sky, she heard a sigh beside her.Emi.Bonnie glanced at her just in time to see her frown at the sky before turning back to her notes.She didn’t like the rain.Bonnie wasn’t surprised.Of course Emi wouldn’t like it.She was made of warmth, of sunlight and golden afternoons. She thrived in the glow of things, in the laughter of people. The rain dimmed all of that.Bonnie turned back to the window, watching as the first few raindrops hit the glass.She had always thought of the rain as hers. But somehow, the idea that Emi didn’t like it made it feel a little lonelier.By the time lunch rolled around, the rain was steady. Not heavy, but persistent, a soft drizzle that misted the air and darkened the pavement.Bonnie expected Emi to complain about it, but she didn’t.Instead, she walked through the halls as if the rain didn’t exist, talking to people like she always did, bright and easy. Even as students grumbled about forgetting umbrellas or getting their shoes wet, Emi never once commented on it.It was only when they were outside, heading toward the covered area where they usually ate, that Bonnie noticed it.The way Emi’s shoulders tensed when a gust of wind carried droplets onto her skin. The way she walked slightly faster than usual, as if eager to escape it.She really didn’t like the rain.Bonnie didn’t know why that detail bothered her.They reached their table, and Bonnie sat down first. Emi hesitated for a moment before doing the same, brushing water off her sleeves with a small frown.“You look miserable,” Bonnie said before she could stop herself.Emi blinked, then let out a soft laugh. “Is it that obvious?”Bonnie raised an eyebrow. “You’re radiating discomfort.”Emi sighed dramatically, slumping forward. “I just don’t like being cold and wet. It makes everything feel heavy, you know?”Bonnie didn’t know.She had always liked the way the rain felt against her skin, how it lifted something off of her rather than weighing her down.She studied Emi for a moment, watching the way she rubbed her hands together as if trying to summon warmth.Bonnie didn’t understand her.And for some reason, she wanted to.She wasn’t sure when that started.That evening, as Bonnie walked home alone, she let the rain soak into her hoodie. She didn’t bother hurrying. The chill was familiar, grounding.She thought about Emi’s expression, the slight scrunch of her nose when the rain hit her.She thought about the way Emi smiled at everyone, like it was effortless.She thought about how she was the only one Emi seemed to truly watch.Bonnie didn’t understand why Emi was still here, why she hadn’t gotten bored yet.But maybe…Maybe she didn’t mind as much as she thought she did.“Bonnie!”She stopped mid-step and turned, only to see Emi jogging toward her.Bonnie frowned. “What are you doing? You hate the rain.”Emi huffed, slightly out of breath. “I forgot my umbrella. Thought I’d just make a run for it, but—” She shivered, hugging herself. “Bad idea.”Bonnie sighed, already shrugging off her hoodie. “Here.”Emi’s eyes widened in surprise as Bonnie handed it to her. “Won’t you get cold?”Bonnie just shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me.”Emi hesitated before slipping it on, the sleeves hanging slightly past her wrists. She smiled, the warmth of it cutting through the cold drizzle. “Thanks.”They started walking together, their footsteps softened by the rain. Bonnie didn’t mind the silence between them, but Emi, as always, had something to say.“You really love the rain, huh?”Bonnie glanced at her. “Yeah.”Emi hummed, as if considering something. Then she tilted her head, watching Bonnie carefully.“You know,” she said softly, “maybe it’s not so bad.”Bonnie raised an eyebrow. “I thought you hated it.”Emi’s smile turned a little shy, a little playful. “Well… you look kind of beautiful standing in it, so I guess I can tolerate it for a while.”Bonnie froze.She turned her head sharply, expecting Emi to be teasing, to be laughing—but she wasn’t. Emi was looking at her, really looking, as if she hadn’t meant to say it out loud but didn’t regret it either.Bonnie felt something unfamiliar settle in her chest, something warm despite the cold.For once, she didn’t know what to say.So she just kept walking, the rain falling between them, steady and endless.And for the first time in a long while, she thought that maybe… just maybe… the rain wasn’t hers alone anymore.
Chapter 4: Something Unspoken
Bonnie wasn’t used to feeling off-balance.She had spent years perfecting the art of keeping people at arm’s length, of brushing off interactions before they could settle into something real. But ever since Emi had said those words, "You look kind of beautiful standing in it," Bonnie had felt unsteady.It wasn’t just the words themselves. It was the way Emi had looked at her when she said them. Like she meant it. Like she wasn’t embarrassed by it, wasn’t expecting a reaction.Like it was just a fact.Bonnie had spent the entire weekend trying to not think about it.And she failed.Because no matter how much she tried to shake it off, the memory of Emi’s voice—soft, teasing, almost fond—kept looping in her head.She hated it.Or maybe she didn’t.She didn’t know.She definitely wasn’t supposed to be doing this.Bonnie sat cross-legged on her bed, phone in hand, Emi’s profile pulled up on her screen.She had only intended to look for a second. Just a quick glance, just to confirm that Emi’s entire personality wasn’t an act.But it was too easy to keep scrolling.Her profile was exactly what Bonnie had expected—bright, full of life, full of people. Emi had pictures with classmates, with teachers, with random dogs she had probably stopped to pet on the street. Her captions were always lighthearted, filled with emojis and inside jokes Bonnie didn’t understand.It was so Emi.Warm. Effortless. The kind of person who belonged everywhere.Bonnie sighed, tapping her fingers against the edge of her phone.Then, before she could think about it, she hit Follow.For exactly ten seconds.And then she panicked.What was she even doing?She barely used social media. She didn’t follow anyone from school. And now she had just…She quickly pressed Unfollow and tossed her phone aside as if it had burned her.She didn’t check to see if Emi had noticed.She told herself it didn’t matter.Monday arrived, and Emi greeted Bonnie like nothing had changed.She still smiled brightly, still chatted with their classmates, still acted as if she hadn’t casually thrown Bonnie’s entire sense of reality into disarray.Bonnie, on the other hand, was hyper-aware of Emi’s presence.She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but it felt like Emi’s attention lingered on her more than before. Or maybe she had always been like this, and Bonnie had only started noticing it now.Either way, it was distracting.By the time lunch rolled around, Bonnie was exhausted.She had spent the entire morning battling the urge to overanalyze everything, from the way Emi leaned a little closer when she spoke to how she still hadn’t given Bonnie’s hoodie back.Bonnie wasn’t even sure she wanted it back.Because then she’d have to hold it and smell it, and what if it smelled like Emi now? What if—She slammed her notebook shut.Nope. Not going there.Lunch was quiet, for exactly five minutes.Then Emi, with her usual ease, decided to ruin it."So," she started, propping her chin on her palm, "when were you planning on accepting my follow request?"Bonnie froze mid-bite.Slowly, she lifted her gaze. "What?"Emi grinned. "You heard me."Bonnie set her food down carefully, mind racing. "I don’t know what you’re talking about.""Oh, really?" Emi hummed, pulling out her phone. A few taps later, she turned the screen toward Bonnie.There it was.A pending follow request. From Emi.Bonnie stared at it, feeling heat rise to her face.She had not planned for this."You followed me first, you know," Emi said casually, taking a sip of her drink.Bonnie swallowed. "That was an accident.""For a whole ten seconds?" Emi teased. "That’s a really long accident, Bon."Bonnie glared at her. "Stop calling me that.""I will if you accept my request."Bonnie scowled. "That’s blackmail."Emi laughed. "It’s not. It’s just a very friendly suggestion."Bonnie crossed her arms, refusing to look at her. "Why do you even care?"Emi tilted her head. "Why did you follow me in the first place?"Bonnie opened her mouth. Closed it. She had nothing.Emi smirked, as if enjoying watching her struggle."You’re the one who started it," Emi said, resting her chin in her hand. "So just finish it, Bon."Bonnie groaned, grabbing her own phone. She opened the app, accepted Emi’s request, and shoved her phone back into her pocket like it offended her."There. Happy?"Emi beamed. "Very."Bonnie sighed, already regretting it.But when she glanced at Emi, who was still grinning like she had won something, Bonnie realized something.For some reason, Emi liked getting closer to her.And for some reason…Bonnie didn’t hate it.The next morning, Emi handed Bonnie a folded hoodie before class started."I washed it," Emi said simply.Bonnie took it slowly, fingers brushing against the fabric. It was warm.For some reason, that irritated her.She stuffed it into her bag without a word, pretending not to notice the way Emi was watching her.Emi was smirking.Bonnie narrowed her eyes. "What?""Oh, nothing." Emi’s smirk deepened. "Just wondering how long you were gonna let me keep it before you asked for it back."Bonnie scoffed. "I wasn’t going to ask.""Of course you weren’t." Emi’s tone was amused, teasing. "You were just waiting for me to return it. Without saying anything. Very Bonnie of you."Bonnie rolled her eyes. "You’re insufferable.""And yet," Emi said, stepping closer, lowering her voice just slightly, "you gave me your hoodie anyway."Bonnie felt warmth creep up her neck.She quickly turned away, muttering, "Just don’t expect me to do it again."Emi only laughed. "We’ll see about that."Bonnie didn’t respond.Mostly because she wasn’t sure if Emi was wrong.And that thought terrified her more than anything.
Chapter 5: A Little Too Close
Bonnie had never been one for attention.She liked her space. Liked her quiet.But Emi? Emi was loud, not in a way that was overbearing, but in a way that filled up every inch of the space she occupied. Her presence demanded attention without even trying.And somehow, for some reason, she had decided that Bonnie was worth paying attention to.Bonnie didn’t know how it happened, but suddenly, Emi was everywhere.She was at her side between classes. She waited for her after school. And worst of all, she had claimed a permanent seat at her lunch table.It wasn’t just the two of them, either. Emi’s closest friends, View and Mim, had made themselves at home there too. They were always chatting, always adding to the conversation, and Bonnie had somehow ended up stuck with them.It wasn’t that they were bad company. If anything, they were just as annoyingly likable as Emi. Mim was the quieter one—soft-spoken but sharp, throwing in a teasing remark when Bonnie least expected it. View, on the other hand, was chaotic—laughing loudly, making exaggerated reactions, feeding off whatever nonsense Emi said.And for some reason, they all acted like Bonnie belonged there.Bonnie didn’t know what to do with that.Bonnie sat at the usual lunch table, stabbing at her food while Emi carried the conversation like she always did.Today, the table was a little more crowded than usual, some classmates had joined, drawn in by Emi’s easy charm. Bonnie didn’t care. She had no interest in their chatter.Or at least, she didn’t until Emi turned the conversation toward her.“Bonnie’s so mysterious, isn’t she?” Emi said, casually tossing a fry into her mouth. “She acts all tough, but deep down, she’s soft.”Bonnie choked. “I am not.”Emi smirked. “You gave me your hoodie, Bon.”Bonnie scowled. “It was cold.”“Mm-hmm.” Emi leaned her chin on her palm, looking far too amused. “Sure it was.”Mim snickered. “Wait, Bonnie let you borrow her hoodie? That’s kinda cute.”Bonnie shot her a glare. “It’s not.”View wiggled her eyebrows. “I don’t know, Bonnie. Sounds like you’ve got a soft spot.”Bonnie groaned. “I don’t.”“She even accepted my follow request,” Emi added with a sly smile.“After you blackmailed me,” Bonnie muttered.Emi gasped, placing a hand on her chest. “I would never.”Bonnie rolled her eyes.“You should see her in the rain,” Emi said, turning to the others. “She just stands there like some kind of tragic main character. It’s insanely beautiful.”Bonnie felt heat rise to her face. “Emi.”“What?” Emi grinned. “I’m just telling the truth.”Mim gave her a knowing look. “You realize how that sounds, right?”Emi raised an eyebrow. “Like a fact?”View smirked. “Like flirting.”Emi just laughed, not denying it.Bonnie, however, froze.Because Emi had always been friendly, always had a natural warmth to her. But was that all this was? Just Emi being Emi?Bonnie didn’t know.And that uncertainty terrified her.Bonnie tried to shake off lunch, tried to ignore the way Emi had made her feel off-balance all over again.But Emi didn’t make it easy.Because later that day, as they were walking out of school, it started raining.And Emi, instead of rushing for cover like she usually did, stayed put.Bonnie paused, glancing at her. “What are you doing?”Emi tilted her head. “Trying to see what you like about this.”Bonnie smirked. “Still hate it?”“Obviously,” Emi muttered, shivering slightly. “But…” She trailed off, eyes flickering toward Bonnie. “You do look kinda beautiful in it, though.”Bonnie’s breath hitched.She knew Emi was teasing. She knew Emi was always like this.But this felt different.Bonnie looked away. “You’re an idiot.”Emi laughed softly. “And yet, here I am.”Bonnie didn’t respond.Because if she did, she wasn’t sure what would come out.All she knew was that Emi was standing in the rain with her, and for some reason, that meant something.And Bonnie had no idea what to do about it.
Chapter 6: A Step Too Close
Bonnie had been ignoring it.Whatever Emi was doing, whatever this was, she wasn’t going to fall for it.She wasn’t dumb. She had seen people like Emi before. The ones who were too warm, too friendly, too much. The ones who got too close, made you feel like you mattered, only to leave when it stopped being fun for them.Bonnie had learned not to let people in.And yet…Emi was making it so damn difficult.Bonnie sighed, shifting her backpack as she walked through the school hallway.It had been two days since that stupid moment in the rain, and she was still thinking about it.She hated that.She hated that Emi’s words, “You do look kinda beautiful in it, though,” were still replaying in her head like some kind of cursed song.It had to be a joke.It had to be.Because if it wasn’t…Bonnie shook the thought away, reaching her locker. She just needed to get through today without—“Bonnie!”Bonnie barely had time to brace herself before Emi bounced into her space, stopping just short of invading her personal bubble.Not that it would have mattered. Emi had no concept of personal space.“You’re early today,” Emi said, peeking into Bonnie’s locker like she had every right to.Bonnie gave her a flat look. “I always get here at the same time.”Emi grinned. “I know. I was just trying to start a conversation.”Bonnie sighed, slamming her locker shut. “You could just say hi like a normal person.”“But that wouldn’t be as fun.” Emi beamed, then suddenly stepped closer.Bonnie stiffened.And then…Emi leaned in, sniffing her.Bonnie yanked back immediately. “What the hell?”Emi just smiled, completely unfazed. “You smell like vanilla.”Bonnie stared. “I—what?”“You do,” Emi said matter-of-factly, as if this was a perfectly normal thing to bring up. “Like warm vanilla. It suits you.”Bonnie had no idea what to do with that information.And for some reason, she had the sudden urge to know what Emi smelled like.Which was insane.She absolutely did not lean in, but somehow, she caught the faintest trace of something—earthy and floral, like fresh rain on petals.Bonnie looked away immediately.“Are you done being weird?” she muttered.Emi just laughed, like she could see right through her.“Never,” she said, her grin far too smug.The cafeteria was loud as usual, but somehow, their table was louder.View was dramatically retelling some story, waving her hands around like she was in a play. Mim was laughing, half covering her mouth like she was trying to stay composed but failing miserably. Emi, of course, was encouraging the chaos.Bonnie?Bonnie was just trying to eat her food in peace.But peace didn’t exist when Emi was involved.“Bonnie,” Emi called suddenly, leaning in far too close.Bonnie barely looked up. “What?”Emi propped her chin on her hand, smiling. “What’s your type?”Bonnie almost choked on her drink.Mim raised an eyebrow. “That’s random.”View smirked. “I’m listening.”Bonnie glared. “I don’t have a type.”“That’s a lie,” Emi said easily. “Everyone has a type.”Bonnie sighed, stabbing at her food. “Fine. I don’t like people who are loud, clingy, and annoying.”Mim snorted. “You just described Emi.”Emi gasped. “Bonnie, does that mean you hate me?”Bonnie groaned. “It means I wouldn’t date you.”Emi grinned. “But you didn’t say you wouldn’t like me.”Bonnie blinked. “What.”View cackled. “Emi, you’re ruthless.”Bonnie hated how calm Emi looked, how easy this all was for her. Was she flirting? Was this just how she talked? Bonnie couldn’t tell, and that frustrated her.She needed to get the attention off herself.“What about you?” Bonnie asked, crossing her arms. “What’s your type?”Emi hummed, tilting her head. “Hmm… I like people who are a little tough on the outside but actually care a lot. Someone who acts like they don’t need anyone but still makes sure the people around them are okay.”Bonnie’s stomach flipped.That sounded… suspiciously familiar.Mim and View definitely noticed, because they both exchanged looks before Mim asked, “Anyone specific in mind?”Emi smiled. “Maybe.”Bonnie refused to look at her.Bonnie thought that was the end of it.That Emi would get bored, move on, find someone else to flirt with.But then the worst possible thing happened.The teacher assigned pair work.And of course… of course, Bonnie ended up with Emi.She could already tell this wasn’t going to go well.“Okay,” Bonnie muttered, flipping open her notebook. “Let’s just get this done.”Emi didn’t respond.Bonnie glanced up, only to find Emi staring at her.“What,” Bonnie said, narrowing her eyes.“You’re cute when you concentrate,” Emi said simply.Bonnie dropped her pen.She refused to react.“Shut up and do your part,” she muttered, picking up her pen again.Emi chuckled but actually listened for once, working beside her in rare silence.For a while, it was… almost peaceful.Until Emi shifted closer.Bonnie tried to ignore it, tried to focus on writing, but then she felt something soft and warm brush against her hand.Bonnie froze.She looked down.Emi’s fingers were just barely touching hers.Bonnie glanced up sharply.Emi just smiled at her.And that’s when Bonnie realized—This wasn’t accidental.Emi was doing this on purpose.Bonnie yanked her hand back like she’d been burned.Emi laughed. “You’re fun to mess with, Bon.”Bonnie scowled. “And you’re unbearable.”“But you still tolerate me,” Emi teased, eyes twinkling.Bonnie sighed. “I hate you.”Emi just grinned. “Sure you do.”Bonnie should have left it alone.She should have ignored Emi, like she always did.But that night, as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn’t.Her mind kept replaying everything.The way Emi had looked at her. The way she smiled like she knew exactly what she was doing. The way her fingers had lingered on Bonnie’s like she was waiting for her to react.And worst of all—The way Bonnie had liked it.She let out a groan, dragging a pillow over her face.This was a problem.A very, very big problem.Because Bonnie wasn’t supposed to care.She wasn’t supposed to want Emi’s attention.And yet, for some reason, she did.And that scared her more than anything.
Chapter 7: A Little Closer
Bonnie had a problem.A very annoying, very persistent problem.And that problem had a name.Emi.It had been a few days since the last incident… the stupid partner work, the way Emi kept getting too close, the way Bonnie’s heart had reacted way more than it should have.Bonnie had spent those days avoiding her.Not outright, she wasn’t a coward, but she had made sure not to give Emi any chances to mess with her again.She took different routes to class. Left the cafeteria earlier. Kept her earbuds in whenever she saw Emi coming, pretending she didn’t hear her.It wasn’t running away.It was strategy.Or at least, that’s what Bonnie told herself.But it didn’t matter.Because somehow, despite all of that…She still ended up in the worst possible situation.Alone with Emi. Again.It was after school, and Bonnie had planned to go straight home. She had packed up quickly, ignored any lingering gazes in the hallway, and made it all the way to the school entrance—only to be greeted by the steady sound of rain hitting the pavement.Bonnie didn’t mind.She actually liked it.But as she stood under the school’s covered entrance, watching the heavy rain soak the concrete, she heard footsteps approaching.Then, a familiar voice beside her.“You’ve got to be kidding me.”Bonnie sighed. She already knew who it was.She turned, and there Emi was, standing just a little too close, a bright orange umbrella tucked under her arm.Her short hair was damp, the once neatly styled strands now slightly tousled, clinging to her forehead in a way that made her look… different. Softer.Somehow, it still suited her.Bonnie quickly looked away.“You don’t like the rain?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.Emi huffed, shaking out her hair a little. “Not particularly.”Bonnie smirked. “Because it ruins your hair?”“Among other things,” Emi grumbled, running a hand through her already ruined style. “But I guess I don’t hate it as much as I used to.”Bonnie raised an eyebrow. “Why?”Emi smiled, tilting her head. “Because whenever it rains, it reminds me of you.”Bonnie felt something twist in her chest.She forced herself to scoff. “That’s a weird thing to say.”“Is it?” Emi mused, shifting to lean against one of the pillars. “It makes sense, doesn’t it? You and the rain are kind of the same. Cold but calming. Distant but beautiful.”Bonnie clenched her jaw, turning back to the rain. “You’re ridiculous.”Emi just chuckled. “You say that a lot.”“Because you are ridiculous.”“And yet, you’re still here.”Bonnie didn’t have a response to that.The rain continued falling, a steady rhythm against the pavement. The scent of wet earth filled the air, mixing with something else… something floral and familiar.Bonnie realized it was coming from Emi.She hesitated before glancing at her again.Emi wasn’t even looking at her this time. She was staring at the rain, twirling the handle of her bright orange umbrella absentmindedly.Bonnie exhaled. “Why do you even have that if you’re not using it?”Emi blinked, then grinned. “Oh, this?” She spun the umbrella dramatically. “I brought it for emergencies.”Bonnie narrowed her eyes. “And getting rained on before reaching the entrance wasn’t an emergency?”Emi laughed. “I was distracted!”“By what?!”“By View and Mim! They were being weird.”Bonnie rolled her eyes. “You’re all weird.”“Maybe,” Emi said with a teasing smile, then nudged Bonnie’s arm lightly. “But admit it, you like me a little more now, don’t you?”Bonnie stiffened.She wanted to say no.She really, really did.But for some reason, she couldn’t.She turned away, refusing to answer.Emi chuckled but didn’t press.Instead, she shifted, suddenly pulling something out of her bag.A hoodie.Bonnie blinked.“Here,” Emi said, holding it out.Bonnie frowned. “What.”“You don’t have an umbrella, right?” Emi said. “So take this. It’ll at least keep you a little dry.”Bonnie stared at her.She had no idea how to respond.No one had ever done something like this for her before.And it wasn’t just the gesture, it was the way Emi did it so easily. Like it was nothing. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.Bonnie swallowed.She could say no.She should say no.But for some reason, she reached out and took it.Emi smiled. “See you tomorrow, Bon.”Then she popped open her obnoxiously bright orange umbrella and walked off, leaving Bonnie standing there, completely unsure of what to do with herself.Bonnie looked down at the hoodie in her hands.It smelled like Emi.Like earth and flowers.She exhaled, long and slow, then pulled it on.And for the first time in a long time, the rain felt a little different.A little warmer.A little less lonely.
Chapter 8: Uninvited Thoughts
Bonnie should not have worn Emi’s hoodie to bed.She realized this the moment she woke up, groggy and tangled in her blankets, the scent of earth and flowers still lingering in the fabric. It was everywhere… on her pillow, on her skin, in her thoughts.She groaned, rubbing her face, trying to shake off whatever weird feeling had settled in her chest.It was just a hoodie.Just a piece of clothing Emi had given her.It didn’t mean anything.And yet, last night, after she had taken a shower, after she had changed into her usual pajamas, she had still reached for it.She could have worn anything else.But she didn’t.The hoodie was warm, soft, and just oversized enough to feel comforting. She had pulled it on without thinking, ignoring the tiny voice in her head whispering that this was a bad idea.And now, she was paying for it.Because instead of waking up feeling refreshed, she woke up feeling weird. Like Emi’s presence was still lingering around her, even when she wasn’t there.Bonnie ran a hand through her hair, trying to snap herself out of it. She was being ridiculous. Emi was just another classmate. Just another person who had forced herself into Bonnie’s world without permission.That’s all.By the time she arrived at school, she had convinced herself that everything would go back to normal.That she wouldn’t think about Emi.That yesterday didn’t matter.But, of course, she was wrong.Because the moment she walked into class, Emi was already there, chatting with View and Mim near the windows, her short hair falling perfectly into place like she hadn’t spent yesterday whining about it being ruined.Bonnie hated how easy it was for her.How everyone naturally gravitated toward Emi like she was a source of warmth.How Emi could be friends with anyone and make it look effortless.Bonnie was nothing like that.And then, as if sensing Bonnie’s presence, Emi turned.Their eyes met.And Emi grinned.Bonnie immediately turned away.Too late.She heard the sound of Emi’s chair scraping against the floor.A second later, she was there, sliding into the seat beside Bonnie like it was her rightful place.“Morning, Bon,” Emi said, her voice far too bright for this early in the day.Bonnie didn’t bother looking at her. “Don’t call me that.”“You’re in an even worse mood than usual,” Emi mused, resting her chin on her palm. “Did something happen?”Bonnie gritted her teeth. Yes, you happened.“Nothing happened,” she muttered.Emi hummed, unconvinced. “You sure? Because you seem kinda… tense.”Bonnie shot her a glare. “I’m fine.”Emi’s eyes gleamed with something suspiciously close to amusement.Then, before Bonnie could react, Emi suddenly leaned in, just close enough that Bonnie could feel her warmth.Bonnie stiffened. “What are you—”“You smell nice,” Emi murmured.Bonnie froze.Her brain completely short-circuited.“What.”Emi grinned. “Vanilla. It suits you.”Bonnie blinked, struggling to process the words.She had been wearing the same vanilla-scented perfume since God knows when. It wasn’t anything new. It wasn’t anything special.And yet, this was the first time someone kept pointing it out.The first time someone said it suited her.Bonnie felt her face heat up before she could stop it.“It’s just perfume,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “I’ve been using it forever.”Emi tilted her head, still smiling. “And yet, I’m the only one who’s ever noticed?”Bonnie’s stomach flipped violently.She was going to die.Right here, in this classroom.She had no idea how to respond.Luckily (or unluckily), she didn’t have to.Because before she could even attempt to recover, Emi casually added, “But you know, I think my hoodie smells more like you now.”Bonnie felt her entire soul leave her body.“Excuse me?”Emi smiled innocently. “You wore it, didn’t you?”Bonnie’s mouth opened. Then closed.There was no way out of this.She had worn it.She had fallen asleep in it.And now Emi knew.Bonnie clenched her jaw, forcing herself to look unaffected. “It was just to keep dry.”“Mhmm.” Emi tilted her head, eyes filled with way too much knowing. “Did you sleep in it too?”Bonnie nearly choked.“Shut up,” she snapped, yanking out her notebook and pretending to be deeply invested in flipping through blank pages.Emi only laughed, completely unbothered.“You’re cute when you’re flustered, you know that?”Bonnie slammed her notebook shut.“I hate you.”Emi beamed. “No, you don’t.”Bonnie wanted to strangle her.Unfortunately, their teacher chose that moment to walk in, signaling the start of class.Emi leaned back in her chair, satisfied.Bonnie, on the other hand, was not satisfied.She spent the rest of the morning fuming, determined to ignore the way her heart was still racing.But even as she focused on her notes, one single, uninvited thought refused to leave her alone.She thinks I smell nice.And worse…I liked hearing it.
Chapter 9: Caught Off Guard
Bonnie had spent the entire night convincing herself that she didn’t care.She didn’t care that Emi had noticed her perfume.She didn’t care that Emi had teased her about the hoodie.She definitely didn’t care that she had liked it.Except… she did.And it was ruining her entire morning.She walked through the halls with her usual blank expression, ignoring the noisy chatter of her classmates. The school felt suffocating as always, but this time, it wasn’t because of the people or the routine.It was because of Emi.Because every time she caught a glimpse of short brown hair in the crowd, every time she heard that familiar, bright laughter from across the hall, her stupid brain kept replaying yesterday’s events.Bonnie clenched her jaw, shoving her hands into the pockets of her hoodie—her hoodie. Not Emi’s. She had already folded that one and shoved it at the bottom of her closet. Out of sight, out of mind.But her mind clearly didn’t get the memo.Because as soon as she stepped into the classroom, the first thing she noticed wasn’t her desk. It wasn’t the half-finished notes from yesterday’s lecture.It was Emi.Sitting there.In her seat.Bonnie froze.Emi turned, and the moment their eyes met, she grinned.“Good morning, Bon.”Bonnie sighed, already exhausted. “You’re in my seat.”Emi leaned back against the chair, tilting her head. “Am I?”Bonnie shot her a look.Emi laughed, but instead of moving, she patted the chair next to her, the one Emi usually sat in.“Sit here,” she offered, like it was some sort of grand invitation.Bonnie stared at her for a moment, debating whether she should just ignore her and sit somewhere else.Unfortunately, their teacher was already making her way inside, and Bonnie wasn’t in the mood to get scolded for standing around like an idiot.With a huff, she slid into the chair beside Emi, muttering under her breath, “You’re annoying.”“I know,” Emi said cheerfully.Bonnie rolled her eyes and pulled out her notebook, determined to focus on the lesson.She lasted exactly ten minutes before Emi leaned in again, close enough that Bonnie could feel the warmth of her presence.“You’re wearing the vanilla perfume again,” Emi whispered.Bonnie stiffened, gripping her pen a little too tightly.“And?” she muttered.Emi smiled. “Nothing. Just noticing.”Bonnie’s face heated up against her will.She ignored Emi for the rest of the class.Or at least, she tried to.Because no matter how hard she focused on the teacher’s words, no matter how much she forced herself to take notes, Emi’s presence never left her mind.She smelled like earth and flowers.And Bonnie hated that she knew that.For the past few days, Bonnie had noticed something.Every morning, before classes started, there was always someone talking to Emi.A guy.A senior, judging by his uniform.Bonnie had first brushed it off as just another one of Emi’s admirers. After all, Emi was effortlessly charming, and people naturally gravitated toward her. But after seeing the guy approach Emi again and again, Bonnie started to get irritated.She wasn’t even sure why.It wasn’t like she cared who Emi talked to.Except, she did.She cared.And it was driving her insane.This morning was no different.Bonnie walked into school, only to spot Emi standing by the lockers, the senior in front of her with his usual laid-back grin.Bonnie clenched her jaw.He was leaning in slightly, his posture casual but interested. And Emi?She was smiling.Friendly, warm—like she always was.Bonnie hated it.She walked past them without saying a word, but her ears still caught snippets of their conversation.“—free after school?”“Mm, maybe,” Emi responded with an easy laugh.Bonnie didn’t stay to listen to the rest.She stomped off to class, irritation bubbling under her skin.By lunchtime, her mood had soured even more.And then, just to make things worse, the senior showed up at their table.Bonnie barely touched her food as the guy leaned against their table, all confidence and charm.“I found you here again,” he said with an easy grin. “I always see you in the lockers.”Bonnie frowned.She didn’t know this guy. Didn’t care to know him.But what made her stomach twist uncomfortably was Emi’s reaction.She smiled.She didn’t roll her eyes or brush him off.She smiled.“Maybe you just weren’t looking hard enough,” Emi replied playfully, propping her chin on her hand.Bonnie’s grip tightened on her fork.Why was she being nice to him?Bonnie knew how Emi was… charming, flirty, the kind of person who could make anyone feel special.But this was different.This was annoying.As if things weren’t bad enough, the guy’s friends joined in, casually pulling up seats like this was their usual spot.View and Mim exchanged glances before scooting closer to Emi, clearly picking up on the shift in the air.“So,” the senior continued, crossing his arms. “Have you thought about my offer?”Bonnie narrowed her eyes.Offer?Had he been asking her something this whole time?Emi took a sip of her drink, completely unbothered by the sudden attention. “Oh, that?”The guy grinned. “Yeah. You never gave me an answer.”Bonnie’s stomach twisted again.She didn’t even know what the question was, but she hated the fact that Emi had been considering something for days now and never mentioned it.Emi finally set her drink down, resting her cheek on her palm.“Not interested,” she said, tone light but firm.The guy blinked, caught off guard. “Oh? You got a boyfriend or something?”Bonnie stopped breathing.The table fell quiet for a second before Emi let out a soft laugh.“No,” she said, tilting her head. “But I don’t really gravitate into liking men as much.”Bonnie’s heart skipped a beat.The senior frowned, like he didn’t quite understand. “Oh.”“Yeah,” Emi said easily. “And I already have someone in mind.”Bonnie stared at her.Her pulse pounded in her ears, drowning out whatever was said next.Emi didn’t really like guys.And she had someone in mind.For some reason, Bonnie felt like the ground had just shifted beneath her feet.
Chapter 10: Unsteady Ground
Bonnie didn’t know what was wrong with her.All she knew was that something inside her had shifted.Ever since Emi’s words at lunch—“I don’t really gravitate into liking men as much.”—Bonnie had been restless.She kept replaying that moment in her head.Emi had said it so easily, so casually, as if it wasn’t some huge revelation. And then… “I already have someone in mind.”Bonnie hated how those words kept echoing in her brain.Because now, she was thinking about it.She was thinking about her.And she didn’t like what it was making her feel.The rain had stopped by the time school ended, but the clouds still hung heavy in the sky. Bonnie walked through the hallways, not really paying attention to where she was going.She wasn’t even sure why she felt so… off.It was stupid.She was being stupid.So what if Emi didn’t like guys? That had nothing to do with her.And so what if she had someone in mind? Bonnie didn’t care.She didn’t care.She turned a corner, lost in her thoughts, only to nearly crash into someone.“Whoa, careful there.”Bonnie froze.Of course.Of course, it had to be her.Emi stood in front of her, looking as effortlessly put together as ever—despite the damp weather. Her short brown hair was still slightly tousled from the rain earlier, but somehow, it just made her look even more like she belonged on the cover of a magazine.Bonnie swallowed, forcing herself to take a step back.“Didn’t see you,” she muttered.Emi’s lips curved into an amused smile. “Clearly.”Bonnie ignored the teasing lilt in her voice and moved to step past her, but Emi shifted, blocking her way.“You’re acting weird,” Emi said.Bonnie tensed. “No, I’m not.”Emi raised an eyebrow. “Really? Because you barely said a word during lunch, and you’ve been avoiding my eyes all day.”Bonnie scoffed. “You’re imagining things.”“Am I?” Emi took a step closer, tilting her head.Bonnie’s pulse jumped.She needed to leave. Now.But before she could move, Emi suddenly leaned in, just a little too close, just a little too much.Bonnie caught the scent of earth and flowers.Her stomach flipped.And then—“You smell like vanilla again,” Emi murmured.Bonnie stiffened.Her fingers curled into fists, but her mind was blank, like all her thoughts had just been wiped clean.“You’ve been pointing that out a lot lately,” Bonnie said, trying to sound indifferent.Emi hummed. “Because it’s nice.”Bonnie felt her face heat up.She swallowed. “I’ve been wearing this perfume since forever. This is the first time someone’s kept bringing it up.”Emi grinned. “Maybe no one’s been paying attention the way I do.”Bonnie’s breath hitched.What the hell is she saying?Emi was still watching her, eyes bright with something Bonnie couldn’t name.Something dangerous.Bonnie took a step back. “I have to go.”Before Emi could say anything else, Bonnie turned and walked away—quickly, without looking back.Her heart was pounding, her face was burning, and worst of all…She didn’t know why she was running.---Later that evening, Bonnie lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.Her mind was still restless.She needed to distract herself.With a sigh, she reached for her phone and dialed a familiar number.The call rang twice before her aunt picked up.“Bonnie? What’s up?”Bonnie shifted, settling against her pillow. “I wanted to check on Bea.”“Oh, she’s fine,” her aunt replied. “She’s been fussy today, though. Teething, probably.”Bonnie’s lips twitched slightly. “Put me on speaker?”A second later, she heard her baby sister’s small, curious noises through the phone.“Bea,” Bonnie murmured softly, voice instinctively gentle. “Hey, baby. Are you being difficult for Auntie?”A tiny giggle sounded through the phone.Bonnie felt something in her chest unclench.She closed her eyes, listening as her sister babbled nonsense at her. It was comforting. Grounding.Until her aunt’s voice broke through.“So,” her aunt said casually, “have you decided what you’re doing after graduation?”Bonnie stiffened.She opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling again.“I don’t know yet,” she muttered.Her aunt sighed. “You should start thinking about it. College applications, jobs… You can’t just sit around forever.”Bonnie frowned. “I know that.”“I’m just saying,” her aunt continued, “you’ve been spending so much time worrying about things that don’t matter. You realize you and your friends are all going separate ways soon, right?”Bonnie blinked.Her aunt sighed. “Whatever’s been bothering you at school? It won’t matter in a few months. You won’t even see most of those people anymore.”Bonnie’s fingers tightened around her phone.For some reason, her mind immediately went to Emi.To her warm smiles. Her teasing words.The way she lingered, like she always had time for Bonnie.It won’t matter in a few months.Bonnie swallowed hard.“…Yeah,” she said quietly. “I know.”And she did.She knew.So why did the thought of it feel so heavy?Her aunt sighed again.“Don’t let the past haunt you, Bonnie,” she said. “You should contact your father about your college, okay?”Bonnie exhaled slowly.Her aunt’s voice softened. “I know you hate school. You told me before how much you hate the noise, how you don’t really need anyone. And I know it’s been hard, but you’re almost there, sweetheart.”Bonnie stayed silent.“You know, I still think you should’ve moved here with me,” her aunt continued. “It would’ve been easier, and Bea would’ve loved to have you around.”Bonnie swallowed. “I told you—I can’t. I’m in my senior year. There’s no point in moving now when I’m about to graduate.”Her aunt sighed. “I know, I know. I just worry about you.”She hesitated, then said, “I hope your mother didn’t die for nothing, Bonnie. I hope your father wasn’t some sort of bastard who got himself a new family while the both of you were left hanging.”Bonnie’s throat tightened.She didn’t say anything.Because what was she supposed to say?That he did have a new family?That he did leave them?That her mother had died, and he had barely even looked back?Her aunt sighed again, her voice gentle but firm.“I’ve known you since you were born,” she said. “I was like your second mother, you know? I can tell when something’s wrong, just from the tone of your voice.”Bonnie closed her eyes.“My girl,” her aunt continued, “if you have problems, then just let it be now. You’ll be graduating soon.”Bonnie forced a breath out.“…Yeah.”Her aunt chuckled. “Anyway, do you have anyone in mind?”Bonnie frowned.She hated how her mind immediately conjured up Emi’s smile.“That’s none of your business,” she muttered.Her aunt only laughed.But when Bonnie hung up, she let out a slow breath.She hated how much that conversation left her thinking.
Chapter 11: When It Rains
Months had passed.Graduation was closing in, and the excitement in the air was suffocating.Final exams were over. Students laughed more, talked louder, moved lighter. Plans for the future were on everyone’s lips… college applications, moving to different cities, trips with friends before everything changed.Bonnie should have felt relief.Instead, she felt like the ground beneath her was cracking.Because soon, this life, this routine, this carefully built existence… would end.And that meant Emi would leave too.Emi.She had been too much lately.Too present. Too warm. Too close.Bonnie had been walking on eggshells around her, but Emi didn’t seem to care. If anything, she had doubled down, teasing Bonnie with words that weren’t just teasing anymore.“I think I really like you, Bonnie.”Bonnie had scowled when she said that, shoving Emi’s face away. But the words lingered. They wouldn’t leave her mind no matter how much she tried to push them out.Emi wasn’t backing down.Bonnie wasn’t sure she wanted her to.And that terrified her more than anything.The sky was heavy with gray clouds when Bonnie left the school gates.The air smelled thick with the promise of rain, electric and waiting.Bonnie had always liked this feeling—like something was about to happen.She was halfway down the street when she heard footsteps behind her.She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.“Hey, stranger.”Bonnie let out a sigh, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. “What do you want?”Emi fell into step beside her, effortlessly matching her pace. “Wow, no Hi Emi, how was your day? Not even a Nice to see you?”Bonnie rolled her eyes. “You see me every day.”“Doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear it.” Emi grinned.Bonnie didn’t respond.But she didn’t tell her to leave either.They walked in silence, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable but wasn’t easy either.Then—The first raindrop fell.Then another.Then a thousand.Bonnie inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a moment, feeling the coolness of the water against her skin.When she opened them, Emi was staring at her.Bonnie frowned. “What?”Emi tilted her head slightly. “You really do look beautiful in the rain.”Bonnie’s stomach flipped.She looked away, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. “Shut up.”“I’m serious,” Emi said softly.And something about the way she said it, something about the way she looked at Bonnie… made it impossible to breathe.Then…“I like you, Bonnie.”Bonnie froze.Her ears rang.She must have misheard.Because there was no way—“I really like you,” Emi continued, voice steady despite the storm around them. “And I know I’ve said it before, but I need you to know I mean it.”Bonnie’s heart pounded in her chest.She wanted to speak.Wanted to tell Emi to shut up, to stop talking, to take it all back.Because this was dangerous.This was real.And Bonnie had no idea how to handle it.“You don’t have to say anything,” Emi said, stepping closer. “I just… I just needed to tell you. Before we graduate. Before everything changes.”The rain poured harder.Bonnie’s pulse was out of control.“I—”She didn’t know what to say.Didn’t know how to say anything at all.Because if she let herself answer, she would have to admit that Emi had already become something to her.Something that scared her.Something that made her feel alive.She wasn’t ready for that.She wasn’t sure she would ever be ready.So she did what she always did.She ran.Not physically.But she shut down.“Bonnie?” Emi asked, voice quieter now.Bonnie swallowed hard, willing her voice to be steady. “You’re just saying that because we’re graduating soon.”Emi blinked. “What?”“You’re just being sentimental.” Bonnie forced a scoff. “It doesn’t matter.”Something in Emi’s expression changed.The warmth in her eyes dimmed.“You really think that?” Emi’s voice wasn’t teasing anymore. It wasn’t playful.It was serious.Bonnie hesitated.Because no.Of course she didn’t think that.But if she admitted that, if she let herself believe Emi, then she wouldn’t know what to do next.So she nodded.Emi stared at her for a long moment.Then, she let out a quiet laugh, but it wasn’t amused.“Alright,” Emi murmured. “If that’s what you really think.”Bonnie said nothing.Because if she opened her mouth, she wasn’t sure what would come out.Emi sighed.She turned, taking a step away, then paused.“…You know,” she said, voice barely above the sound of the rain, “I told myself I wouldn’t rush you.”Bonnie’s throat tightened.“But I also told myself I wouldn’t keep waiting forever.”Bonnie’s stomach twisted.She gripped her bag harder.Emi turned back, smiling, but it wasn’t the same smile Bonnie was used to.It was softer. Sadder.“You’ll figure it out, Bonnie,” she said. “I just hope I’m still here when you do.”And with that, she walked away.Bonnie stood frozen in the rain, watching her disappear down the street.Her hands trembled.Her heart ached in a way she didn’t know how to describe.Because for the first time…She was afraid Emi wouldn’t wait for her.And she wasn’t sure if she could handle that.That night, Bonnie lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.She replayed the moment over and over in her head.The way Emi had looked at her.The way her voice had changed.Bonnie groaned, pressing a pillow over her face.But it didn’t help.Because everything still felt too much.She turned to the side, gripping her blanket…And then she smelled it.Faint but familiar.Emi’s hoodie.Bonnie had worn it to sleep again.She should have given it back.But she hadn’t.Because it was warm.Because it smelled like rain. Like sunshine. Like her.Bonnie closed her eyes, inhaling deeply.For the first time, she let herself admit the truth.She liked Emi.She had liked her for a while now.She just didn’t know what to do with it.Didn’t know how to handle something real.But Emi had already told her… she wouldn’t wait forever.Bonnie tightened her grip on the hoodie.Maybe she needed to stop running.Maybe it was time to face what she had been avoiding all this time.
Chapter 12: Rainbow
The last few days of school felt like they were slipping through Bonnie’s fingers like grains of sand.Each morning, she would wake up with the weight of something unspoken pressing against her chest, and each night, she would go to bed feeling that weight grow heavier.Because Emi was avoiding her.Bonnie wasn’t stupid—she noticed things. Emi still smiled, still laughed, still talked to everyone like nothing was wrong. But she wasn’t the same with Bonnie anymore.She stopped waiting for her after class.She stopped finding excuses to bump into her.She stopped looking at her the way she used to.And it hurt.More than Bonnie wanted to admit.She watched from the sidelines as Emi gave her warmth to everyone else. She watched as Emi greeted their classmates with her usual sunshine smile, as she cracked jokes with View and Mim at lunch, as she let others take up space in her life—the space that used to belong to Bonnie.Bonnie felt sick with it.The jealousy. The frustration. The aching regret of something she couldn’t even name.Was it because of that day? The day Emi had looked her in the eyes, voice teasing but eyes so damn serious, and told her she liked her?Bonnie had pretended to brush it off. Had forced herself to believe that Emi was just playing around, like she always did.But she should’ve known better.And now, as the days dwindled down, as their time together shrank into something finite, something terrifyingly small, Bonnie realized—too late—that she had been a coward.She had spent so long keeping her walls up, pushing people away, convincing herself that she didn’t need anyone. But Emi had slipped through the cracks.And now Emi was slipping away entirely.And Bonnie… Bonnie didn’t know how to stop it.Bonnie found herself watching Emi more than ever, as if trying to memorize every little thing before it was too late.The way her short hair caught the sunlight. The way she tilted her head when she laughed. The way her eyes softened when she listened to someone speak.It was pathetic.She was pathetic.But she couldn’t stop.Because Emi had become everything.And yet, Bonnie had let her go without a fight.The thought made her stomach twist. She hated feeling like this—like she had lost something she never even had in the first place.She wanted to be angry at Emi. Wanted to resent her for pulling away.But what right did she have to be upset?She was the one who never reached out. She was the one who let the distance grow. She was the one who ignored the way her heart twisted every time Emi looked at her like she meant something.And now, Bonnie was paying the price.She clenched her jaw as she sat at her desk, trying to drown out the noise of the classroom.Their classmates had been talking about the outfits they were planning on wearing for graduation, everyone was asking each other.Bonnie didn’t join in.She barely heard them at all.Because Emi was there—just a few seats away, talking to someone else.Laughing with someone else.Bonnie gritted her teeth, gripping the edge of her desk.It shouldn’t bother her this much. It shouldn’t feel like someone was reaching into her chest and squeezing her heart until it ached.But it did.She missed her.She missed the teasing remarks, the stolen glances, the way Emi always made her feel like she was wanted.But maybe she never was.Maybe that was the problem.Maybe Bonnie had imagined it all—the closeness, the warmth, the feeling that they were something more.Maybe Emi had finally realized that Bonnie wasn’t worth it.And the worst part?Bonnie couldn’t even blame her.The thought haunted Bonnie for the rest of the day.By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of yet another school day—one of their last—Bonnie felt like she was suffocating.She needed air.She needed out.She grabbed her bag and left the classroom without a word, ignoring the familiar voices of her classmates. She walked with no real direction, only knowing that she needed to be anywhere but here.Her feet carried her outside, where the sky was dark with heavy clouds. The scent of rain lingered in the air, thick and familiar.Bonnie didn’t care.Let it rain.Maybe the downpour would drown out the mess in her head.But just as she was about to step out into the open courtyard, she heard it…“Bonnie!”Her heart stopped.Slowly, she turned around.And there Emi stood, just a few steps away, holding a bright yellow umbrella.Bonnie swallowed hard, her fingers clenching around the strap of her bag.She hadn’t been this close to Emi in days.She should say something.But what?What could she even say?That she missed her?That she felt like she was falling apart?That it hurt to see Emi pretending like nothing had changed?Bonnie said none of that.Instead, she forced her voice to stay steady.“What?”Emi hesitated, her usual easygoing smile nowhere to be found.For once, she looked… uncertain.And that scared Bonnie more than anything.“You’ve been avoiding me,” Bonnie said before she could stop herself. Her voice was quieter than she meant it to be.Emi blinked, surprised. Then she let out a soft breath, looking away.“I thought you didn’t care.”The words cut deeper than Bonnie expected.Because wasn’t that the problem?She had pretended not to care.For so long, she had convinced herself that it was safer this way—to keep Emi at a distance, to never let her get too close.But now, standing here, facing the emptiness that distance had created…She regretted everything.“That’s not true,” Bonnie murmured.Emi looked at her again, something unreadable in her expression.“Then what is?” she asked, voice soft.Bonnie opened her mouth—then closed it.Because she didn’t know how to say it.Didn’t know how to put into words the way Emi made her feel.The warmth. The frustration. The way her whole world seemed to orbit around her without even trying.But she had to try.Because this was it.This was her last chance.“Emi,” Bonnie started, voice trembling. “I…”And then…The rain began to fall.The rain fell in light, delicate drops at first. A soft drizzle that barely made a sound against the pavement.But to Bonnie, it felt loud.Louder than her own heartbeat.Louder than the words she was struggling to say.She stood frozen as Emi stared at her, unmoving, waiting.The yellow umbrella between them didn’t do much to shield them from the rain. Drops slid off the edges, dampening their hair, their clothes.But neither of them moved away.Bonnie swallowed hard.She had spent so long running, denying, pushing away what she felt.Now, the weight of it crushed her all at once.She clenched her fists at her sides, frustrated. At herself. At Emi. At the way she had ruined everything without even realizing it.Why had she let her fear win?Why had she wasted so much time?And now Emi was leaving.She was slipping away.Bonnie couldn’t let that happen.“I…” Bonnie started, her voice shaking. She exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her temple. “God, I hate this.”Emi blinked, surprised. “Hate what?”Bonnie let out a shaky breath.“This. You.”Bonnie didn’t know how long they stood there.The rain had softened into a light drizzle, the last of the storm fading into something gentler, quieter. But the storm inside her hadn’t settled.Because this—this moment—felt too big, too overwhelming.She was still shaking. From the cold. From the weight of everything she had just confessed. From the way Emi was looking at her now, like she was something worth holding on to.Bonnie exhaled shakily. She felt lightheaded, like she had just stepped off the edge of a cliff with no idea where she’d land.But Emi was still here.Her hands, warm and steady, still cradled Bonnie’s face. Her eyes, dark and endless, still searched Bonnie’s like she was trying to read every single thought running through her head.It was terrifying.But Bonnie couldn’t look away.Emi’s thumb brushed against her cheek, wiping away a stray tear.“You’re crying,” she murmured.Bonnie let out a breathless, broken laugh. “You think?”Emi huffed out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. But her touch never wavered.“You’re really bad at this,” Emi said after a beat, her voice teasing, but there was something else beneath it—something raw.Bonnie swallowed. “At what?”Emi’s gaze softened.“Letting yourself be loved.”The words knocked the air out of Bonnie’s lungs.Because she had never let herself think about it like that.All this time, she had convinced herself that she was the one doing the hurting—that she was the one pushing, running, keeping people at a distance.But Emi had always been right there, waiting.And Bonnie had been too scared to reach back.A lump formed in her throat.“I don’t—” Bonnie started, but the words stuck.She didn’t know how to explain it.How the idea of love had always felt like something fragile, something fleeting.How she had spent years convincing herself she didn’t need it.But Emi had never asked her to be anything other than herself.And now, looking at her, Bonnie realized something terrifying.She wanted to try.For Emi.For herself.She took a deep, shaky breath.And then—she reached up, hesitantly, and placed her hands over Emi’s.Warmth. Solid. Real.Emi’s fingers curled slightly, holding on.Bonnie closed her eyes for a moment, grounding herself in the feeling. In the quiet. In the rain still dripping from the edges of the umbrella, in the scent of wet pavement, in the heartbeat she could hear pounding in her own ears.Then, slowly, she opened her eyes.“I hate that you’re always everywhere, being so damn bright. I hate that everyone loves you. I hate that you act like you don’t care about anything, but then you go and make people feel like they matter. I hate that—”Her voice cracked.She took a deep breath.“I hate that you made me love you.”The words left her lips before she could stop them.And suddenly—she couldn’t breathe.Her hands trembled at her sides. Her chest ached, tight and suffocating.She wanted to take it back.She wanted to run.But she had already lost Emi once.She wasn’t going to let it happen again.Tears blurred her vision, mixing with the raindrops on her face.“I love you so much,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “It gives me a headache.”Emi inhaled sharply.Bonnie broke.She sobbed.All the emotions she had bottled up for so long—the yearning, the jealousy, the regrets, the hope—came crashing down all at once.She cried.Not just quiet tears, but ugly, helpless, desperate sobs.Because this was it.She had given everything away.No more running.No more hiding.Just her heart—bare and vulnerable in Emi’s hands.And then—
Emi moved.She stepped forward, closing the distance between them.Bonnie barely had time to react before arms wrapped around her.Warm. Firm. Real.Emi hugged her.Held her like she was something precious.Bonnie gasped softly, her sobs muffled against Emi’s shoulder.The yellow umbrella slipped from Emi’s grasp, falling to the ground with a soft thud.Neither of them cared.The rain poured around them.And Emi held her tighter.“I’m here,” Emi murmured, her voice gentle, steady. “I’m right here.”
Bonnie squeezed her eyes shut, clinging to her.She didn’t deserve this.
Didn’t deserve her.But Emi was here anyway.And then—soft fingers cupped Bonnie’s face.Bonnie barely had time to process it before Emi tilted her chin up.Bonnie’s breath caught.Emi’s eyes, warm, endless, searched hers.There was no hesitation.No doubt.And then—Emi kissed her.Soft. Sure.Like she had been waiting for this moment forever.The world faded.The rain. The cold. The ache.All Bonnie could feel was Emi.And just when she thought it couldn’t get any more unreal…The clouds parted.The sun peeked through, casting a golden glow over the rain.And there—stretching across the sky.A rainbow.Bonnie’s breath hitched.She let Emi’s warmth wrap around her, and for the first time, the rain didn’t feel so lonely.The sun and the rain had found each other.And together…They created something neither could do alone.A rainbow.A love that was impossible, yet undeniable.A love that softened the edges of Bonnie’s world, making it just a little bit more beautiful.
SEE YOU IN BOOK 2!!!! #EmiBonnie
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