That night Hodaka couldn't sleep. He sat upright in the center of his bed with his silk blanket wrapped closely around him for warmth. But the warmth and comfort he wanted was to feel Hina's arms around him, to hear her sweet voice mocking the disastrous party until he could laugh at it and at the error of giving it.

He wanted comfort for her disappointment. He wanted love, grown-up caring and understanding. His heart had learned to love, it was overflowing with love, and he had nowhere to spend it.

Damn Hina for getting in the way! Why couldn't she understand that he was not prepared for fatherhood? She was kind, she was attractive, Hodaka enjoyed being with her. If he really wanted her, he didn't doubt for a minute that he could make her forget their troubles.

But he didn't want her, that was the problem. He didn't want anybody except Hina.

It's not fair! he thought, like a child. And, like a child, eventually he cried himself to sleep.


When he woke, he was in control of herself once more. So what if everyone had found out that he was the father of a son he didn't want? If his father wanted him, why did he beat him? He had other friends and family members, and he was going to make lots more. Now that the first day of school was finally done, his mind was busy as a spider spinning a web with plans about the future. And in the meantime, the weather was nothing but drizzling rains, all throughout the country.

For the rest of the year, Hodaka avoided Hina as much as he could. He sat as far as he could from her in his classes, he sat away from the tables she sat at in the cafeteria and he dedicated most of his time towards his classmates, his job at K&A and the current residents of Keisuke Suga's "boarding house".

Keisuke Suga's home was no place for Hodaka to make his emergencies from the world of his up and coming parenthood with Sora and Hina, or so Natsumi had observed. He himself was beyond all comfort and, aside from the fact that Sora had been born in the guest room, this really wasn't the best place to live in because of how crowded it felt from Keisuke's perspective. Sure he had two homes, this and his apartment, but what good was it staying here whenever Nagi was boasting "I'm an uncle!" seven times over.

"I wish I could help take care of Sora, but, like you, I feel too young to be an uncle."

"That makes three of us," Hodaka sympathized as they spoke to each other, alone in the guest room. "Aito could do it, especially since he's had his eye on Hina since the first day of class."

"Am I sensing a love triangle or a rivalry?"

"A rivalry is more like it. But he's not malicious, he happens to be very kind to both me and Hina. And he wasn't even worried about being a father himself."

"But I thought he was Sora's godfather."

"He'll be a better father to Sora than I was. What if my father's strictness is hereditary? What if I end up abusing him to the point where he too wants to run away in search of another life? I can't risk that chance."

"Give Hina and Sora some time. Then, once you've waited long enough, you can go back to being a father again."

"Thanks Nagi, but I'd rather be as far away from here as possible. Especially since I am an ame-otoko."

"So I've heard. You know, Hina also tells me that her powers seem to be coming back pretty soon."

"How soon?"

"I'd say ninety-five percent is pretty good guess. Hopefully by the end of the year she can bring back the sun and the water will dry up."

Hodaka sighed, sinking into the bed and imagining the bright blue sky. "Wouldn't that be lovely. I just hope she doesn't try to sacrifice herself. I don't want to go through that again."

By the end of dinner that night he was smiling at everyone, trying to keep the impression that his and Hina's relationship had been tossed aside. The food was excellent, and cooked to the best of Wadashi and Natsumi's skills, but Hodaka barely tasted it. He was feasting on admiration. Everyone in the Suga house wanted to know all about his vacation to South Korea.

"… and on the first Wednesday I got there; it rained all the way till sundown. I declare, I don't know why I don't turn yellow as a Chinaman, drinking half the tea in China the way I do," he said gaily to Suga on his left. He was fascinated by the duties of The Rain God.

"It seems to me," said Suga, "that you have busy schedule ahead of you."

"For as long as I can imagine after college," Hodaka replied, taking another sip of his drink.


The following morning, and for five mornings after, there were classes, sporting events and club meetings at the college. Hodaka was given the task of distributing umbrella for the crowds, no matter how lightly it rained. Perhaps, as a result of the light rain, Hina's powers were coming back to her at a rate that was quicker than Nagi had estimated.

Maki was cheering her cousin on as he played American football for the home team. They won, of course, and the team celebrated over bowls of udon noodles.

Did you enjoy yourself?" she asked Hodaka on the way back to the apartment.

"Every minute, Mai! Thank you for getting me invited. Everything was perfect. It's so thoughtful having those sandwiches in the bedroom. I always get hungry late at night, I guess everybody does."

Maki laughed until her eyes were streaming with tears. It made Hodaka huffy. "I don't see what's so funny about a healthy appetite. With the card game lasting until all hours, it's a long time after dinner when you go to bed."

Sandwiches, according to Maki's research on western culture, were formal invitations for men to come in.

"I find that to be a silly idea," Hodaka shook his head.

"Silly or not, it's always nice to do practice the cultures of another country's especially after hearing Sally-sama's stories of America."

Hodaka forced himself to sound cheerful. "Do you think it is better over there than it is here?"

"Depending how flooded the coastal cities are, it's probably just as bad as it is here."

This was enough to convince Hodaka that maybe travelling halfway around the world didn't seem like a good idea. Especially if the other parts of America, notably the mid-western territories, were not suffering from the same fate.

Hodaka had no way of knowing that Nagi had been on a date with one of his old school sweethearts while he was away. Nagi was becoming interested in older girls and video games. He went looking for kiddy Casanova who was coming back from school. A group of four or five little boys and girls were playing with him in the wet street. When he walked toward them, they stopped to notice Hodaka and took

Nagi looked up at his brother figure. "Is it all right if I brought Chiho over for dinner?" he asked.

"You'll have to see what Suga thinks, Nagi-san. You can ask him you get home. He'll be the one to to decide. Let's go home now and have dinner."

"What are you up for?"

"Definitely ramen noodles."

Up in the guest rooms Hodaka got out of his raincoat as quickly as he could. He felt an undefined need to wear his shirt and trousers and bright stockings for the rest of the year, as long as he was out of his uniform.


By mid-December Hodaka was pacing the guest room of the Suga house like a caged animal. He had forgotten how much he hated the dark, short, wet days of winter, and now it was going to be a wet Christmas because of the water that seemed likely to freeze over. He thought about going home to spend the holidays with his parents several times, but immediately pushed that thought aside, remembering his own decision to stay with the Sugas, not certain of knowing for sure if his father had finally gotten over the death of Obasan Morishima. He walked around the city a little bit. It wasn't necessary, the citizens were trying to keep themselves exercised on dry land. But he needed to be out, even in the ice-filled rain. When there were a few hours of drizzle he watched while Nagi took his girlfriend Chiho out on dates. Hodaka knew it was bad for next summer's grass, but Chiho was as restless as he was. It was all Hodaka could do to persuade the young couple to stay indoors, even in bus shelters and train stations.

On Christmas Eve, Nagi lit the teru teru bozu candle and then helped Suga, Moka and Natsumi with the Christmas tree. Wadashi held Moka up to reach the higher ones. "Such a forced custom," he said. "Next year I say we celebrate Christmas without the decorations. After all, Christmas is more about love and family than all the fancy things"

Hodaka looked at the bright decorations and glowing lights on the tree. "I think it's very pretty even if the Queen of England did start the fashion," he said. "Besides, I've got holly over all the windows and doors, too, Wadashi, so it's only necessary that we do this yearly practice. Don't be such a grump."

Suga and his in-laws chuckled and Hodaka breathed a sigh of relief. Still, if there was one thing he wanted to wish for that Christmas, it was for everything to go back to normal: he and Hina having a friendly, platonic relationship before Sora ruined everything.

Christmas day came, and Hodaka's wish had proven to be a tall order. He only got a few presents from the Suga's which were lying under the tree, a T-shirt with some rain and cloud designs all over it, two coffee mugs and a box of men's beauty products. Nagi got a new phone, Suga a box of beers, mittens and gloves for Ame, Natsumi and Wadashi, a dollhouse for Moka and an old tea set for Mr. and Mrs. Mamiya.

Having no present for Hina, Hodaka thought about Wadashi's words and took them to heart. After all, Christmas wasn't really about presents, but love. Love was the last thing on Hodaka's mind, he had to find some form of concentration on others besides her.

He didn't even bother to check on her when New Year's Day came along and for the rest of the school year in January, he decided to let her be.

Even when Valentine's Day came along in February, he contributed most of his time setting up the perfect date for Nagi and Chiho rather than finding some kind of trivial gift for Hina.


March came marching along with the melting of the ice, but luck was the last thing Hodaka need for him and Hina to get back together. Aito was already asking her out on dates, and he was even willing to watch over Sora while she studied. Hodaka couldn't have cared less, he was busy with his own studies and his job. He didn't even bother inviting Hina to his 19th birthday party, which was held at the Suga residence with only the current residents as guests. Hodaka did, however, receive a card from Hina, asking him to come back and get married like they planned. But Hodaka decided to get with even with her by not responding. His parents even sent him a text message, wishing him good luck with his new year of school.

In no time at all, he was dedicating most his time working at K&A once the freshman semester was over. Hodaka was busy typing away at an article on some rare species of fish living in former apartments when Suga came to see his progress.

"You know, Hodaka, I sometimes wonder what you're doing with your life."

"If you're talking about me ignoring Hina, I have a good reason to. You have more experience at being a father than I do and I've got none. My dad may have had his tender moments, but at the same time, he was being a bit of an asswipe."

"So you've told me," Suga said. "But I've been a much better father to you than yours is. Why not we take Moka to the park and you can watch me play with her. Perhaps it'll teach you how to care and cherish Sora."

"He is a baby!"

"Then you can teach him how to walk."

That was all Suga said before he returned to his office, leaving Hodaka along to finish the article.

April showers were light and dry, but still the rain was coming as a burden of Hodaka's past and his future as both a father and a loving husband to-be.

Is this really the future you wanted me to have Otousan? He thought as he stared up at the ceiling one night.

The University was holding an April Shower's Ball, which would commemorate the coming of spring and Easter. The students would be dressed in colors of grass green, sky blue and sun yellow, which seemed ill fitting compared to the weather that had plagued the city for over a total of four years. It was to be held in the Gotenshita Memorial Arena this year, and by the time Hodaka saw Hina dancing with Aito in a yellow dress that reminded her of the sun she had so hoped to bring back, it had been a year since he made his wish to stay with Hina forever.

"Be careful what you wish for," the old proverb had said. Yet in his case, Hodaka wanted to have children with Hina, but he never expected it would come so soon. From what he had seen, Aito was doing a superbly sufficient job and Hodaka began to muse that he could never really be a true father to Sora.


May came, June came and finally July came, all with the passing of homework, extra quizzes, tests, fact sheets, agricultural reports and other things with no interaction with Hina, Aito or Sora. Chang-min came back to Hodaka's apartment, ready to take him back to South Korea for another season of weekly rain in the countryside. Hodaka, who was eager to go, said nothing else but… "Anywhere is better than here."

Their flights were booked and they were off once more into the dry countryside of Busan.

At the temple, the members of the Bisin cult, including Bi Jun were waiting. As soon as the taxi left the temple, Hodaka was in a fever to greet them. He had so many things to tell the others, so many plans for the time when he'd take himself to all the farms and perform his weekly duties. He had other things to do in the meantime and he was planning to spend most of it in the temple. And soon it would be Liberation Day again. Hodaka thought that was the best of all, the moment when the year really began with the turning of the first sod. How very, very lucky he was. He had both—country and city, the Rain God and that adventurous college student in the pier glass.

The first person he met the week after he arrived was none other than Fang-Lin making his usual visits to his unwelcome relatives. Said relatives, wanting nothing to do with him, were outside, working in the field, leaving the two to themselves.

"I'm almost surprised to see you again," Hodaka said to the old man.

"Not indeed," chuckled Fang-Lin. "I have told my friends about you and they'd be interested if you came over to Beijing with me and visited them."

"For how long?"

"Just for the next few weeks after Liberation Day. You'll be back in time for college."

"Do you want me to show my powers to them?"

"Exactly. With your powers, we can prove to the world that at least some form of magic still exists."

Hodaka thought about it for a minute.

"You know, I've never been to China before. So my answer is 'yes'."

Fang-Lin bowed respectfully.

Thin watery sunlight shone briefly as Hodaka drove a spade into the earth on Liberation Day. It was a good omen for the year to come. To celebrate, he treated everyone in the village to porter and meat pies at the Kang family's restaurant. It was going to be the best year of all, he was sure of it. The next day he and Fang-Lin took the red-eye to Beijing, living there for the next two weeks until college started again.


He and Fang-Lin had a suite of rooms at the Imperial Mansion Hotel. The Imperial Mansion was THE place to stay in Beijing for the summer season. "We choose the occasion to be seen," Fang-Lin told him. Now he gazed around the huge hall inside the entrance and understood why Fang-Lin wanted them to be here. Everything was imposingly grand—the space, the staff, the guests, the controlled hushed busyness. He lifted his chin, then followed the porter up the half-flight to the first floor, the most desirable of desirables. Though Hodaka did not know it, he looked exactly like Fang-Lin's description to the doorman. "You will know him at once. He is extremely handsome, and he carries his head like an emperor."

In addition to the suite, another room was reserved for Hodaka's use. Fang-Lin showed it to him before they went down for tea. The finished portrait stood on a brass easel in a corner of the green brocaded room. Hodaka looked at it with wonder. Did he really look like that? That man wasn't afraid of anything, and he felt as nervous as a cat. He followed Fang-Lin downstairs in a daze.

Fang-Lin identified some of the people at other tables in the sumptuous lounge. "You'll meet them all eventually. After you're presented, you'll serve tea and coffee in your drawing room every afternoon. People will bring people to meet you."

Who? Hodaka wanted to ask. Who will bring people, and who are the people they'll bring? But she didn't bother. Fang-Lin always knew what he was doing. The only thing Hodaka needed to be responsible for was not getting tangled up in random conversations when he socialized with the others after his presentation. Fang-Lin and his secretary Mrs. Sue-Sing were going to coach him with a practice presentation session every day until Sunday.

The heavy white envelope bearing the President's seal was delivered to the hotel the day after Hodaka arrived. Fang-Lin's expression gave no hint of how relieved he was. One never knew for sure about best-laid plans. He opened it with steady fingers. "Throne Room, Forbidden City," he said, "as expected. Day after tomorrow."

After a seven-minute drive to the Forbidden City, Hodaka waited in a group of white-gowned girls, boys, men and women on the landing outside the closed double doors to the Throne Room. It seemed to him he'd been doing nothing but waiting for a hundred years. Why on earth had he agreed to do this? Hodaka couldn't answer his own question, it was too complex. In part he was the Rain God, determined to conquer all of Asia and save their natural resources from heavy droughts. In part he was a Japanese boy dazzled by the grandeur of the former Chinese Empire's royal panoply. At bottom, Hodaka had never in his life backed down from a challenge and never would…not since he had found the courage to rescue Hina from her sacrifice.

Another name was called. Not his. For goodness sake! Were they going to make him be last? Fang-Lin hadn't warned him about that. Fang-Lin hadn't even told him until the last minute that he'd be alone all the way. "I'll find you in the ice restaurant after this is over." That was a fine way to treat him, throwing him to the wolves like that. He stole another glance down his front. He was terrified that he might look out of place in his traditional attire. That would really make this—what had Fang-Lin said? "An experience to remember."

"Mister Hodaka Morishima, Rain God of Busan, South Korea."

Oh, Lord, that's me, He repeated Fang-lin's coaching litany to herself. Walk forward, stop outside the door. Don't worry about your attire. If you were wearing a train, someone would have to carry it. The Gentleman Usher will open the doors. Wait for him to announce you.

"Mister Hodaka Morishima, Rain God of Busan, South Korea."

Hodaka looked at the Throne Room. Well, Otousan, what do you think of your failure of a son now? he thought. I'm going to stroll along that fifty miles or so of red carpet runner and greet all of the people who want to see me. He glanced at the majestically dressed Gentleman Usher, and her right eyelid quivered in what might almost have been a conspiratorial wink.

The Rain God walked like an emperor to face the President's clean-shaven magnificence and present his cheek for the ceremonial kiss of welcome.

Turn to the First Lady now and bow. Back straight. Not too low. Stand up. Now back, back, back, three steps, don't worry, you won't trip. Now extend your left arm. Wait. Now turn. Walk out.

Hodaka's knees obligingly waited until he was seated at one of the dinner tables before they started trembling. Most of the people on his side of the table were mostly familiar with Fang-Lin, while on the opposite side, sat a microcosm of several international figures, even Donald Trump.

It was Trump who spoke first.

"So, Mister Morishima. Fang-Lin tells me that you are a rain man. Care to show how you can do it? I'd like to see Broadway give an outdoor performance of Singin' in the Rain with you providing the rain effects."

"Won't the actors get hurt?"

"Not unless they're trained well enough not to slip."

"I'd rather wait until after we eat, if that doesn't go against your wishes of course," in spite of his reputation, Hodaka felt humbled in the presence of so many political figures.

After that hearty meal of chicken chow mien, Hodaka brought everyone outside to the courtyard. Everyone was prepared to stand under the pagoda for obvious reasons and Donald Trump stood amongst the front of the crowd next the Chinese President on his right-hand side. Cameras, both personal and from media corporations, stood by, ready to record.

Hodaka slowly coupled his hands together and closed his eyes very tightly. He drew a short breath and let a little of it out as the smell of rainwater tickled his nose. The cameras recording the scene were aimed upwards by their owners, noticing the darkening sky. The first drop appeared, but it's entrance was overshadowed by the other drops that fell into the courtyard, pounding and spraying the walls with it's all natural water. The President of China was the first to step out into the water. Sure his suit might have gotten soaked, and so did his hair, but he didn't mind. He had witnessed a miracle.

"It's the way things are. I'm not offended." Fang-Lin was anticipating the evening with pleasure. He planned to go over her account book. Hodaka's success and Hodaka's extravagance had greatly exceeded even Fang-Lin's most optimistic expectations. She felt like a nabob, and he liked to gloat over her wealth. Admission to the coffee hour alone was bringing in "gifts" of almost a hundred pounds a week. And there were still two weeks left in the month, Hodaka had to be back to finish the remainder of his semester year as soon as possible. He would see Hodaka off to his privileged evening with a light heart.

Hodaka paused in the doorway of the Throne Room to enjoy the spectacle. "You know, Fang-Lin, I never get used to this place," he said. "I'm like Prince Charming at the ball."

"I'd never associate you with Prince Charming, Hodaka," he said adoringly. Hodaka's wink had put his heart in his pocket when he left the Forbidden City.

"You'd be surprised," Hodaka said. He nodded absentmindedly in response to bows and smiles from familiar faces nearby. How lovely it was. It couldn't be real, he couldn't really have been there. Everything had happened so fast; he needed time to absorb it.


Instead of heading straight back to South Korea when August 31st came along, Hodaka went to Capitol International to book his flight. He was lucky to be leaving with so few passengers as before, since the water level seemed to be getting higher every year. During his absence, the men were doing their best to repair or add new drainage systems, but still, there attempts only brought the water level down by a few inches. He settled back into his apartment, smug, strong and confident with the courage to see Hina again.

He met her in the cafeteria the next day. Surprisingly, she was sitting alone.

"Hello, Hina."

"How flattering," she said with a twisty half smile. "I suppose you're finally going to tell me that you're ready to be a father."

"It's more of a social call, actually. Where's Aito?"

"Looking after Sora in my apartment, not that you want to take care of him."

"I'm still not ready yet."

"As ready as you were for all those politicians back in Beijing? I read about it online. It seems to me that you've become something of a national weather hero to half of Asia."

From behind Hina, Hodaka could spot Aito carrying Sora as he joined Emmaline, Sally and the other classmates. He knew in an instant this wasn't the right place to hold a private conversation.

"I could use a spot of fresh air, wouldn't you?"

The slight drizzle brought a refreshing air into Hodaka and Hina as they walked along the campus. Hina swallowed her words before bringing up what she was going to say next.

"Have you decided to settle your life here for good?"

"I don't know Hina, the rest of the world still needs their crops and their rain. Then again, I don't think much about the future…or the future we could have had together."

"On the other hand," Hina tried to bring some positive energy into the conversation. "Aito seems pleased to be taking care of Sora. I had to spend another birthday without you around and if this keep up….I might want to consider marrying him."

Hodaka didn't take this seriously. "Marry him?"

"As soon as he asks his parents for their blessing."

Hodaka looked away from her.

"You don't even know my parents. You never even met them."

"Does it make any difference? I can only imagine that they might overreact if they found out that you impregnated me."

"You just took the words right out of my mouth," Hodaka wanted to laugh. "But I don't think you understand me as much as Aito does. He thinks I'm still in love with you."

"Hodaka…"

"Don't look so innocent and frazzled around me, Hina! Do you think that since I've stopped loving you, you have stopped loving me? Or is the other way around now."

"I say the tables have turned."

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be chasing after you and you be chasing after me."

"Maybe we're meant to be together, Hodaka. You're a rain-man and I'm a sunshine-woman. If we renewed our love and got married like you wanted us to be….maybe the weather's balance will be restored."

"In the land of fantasy maybe, this is reality…"

He stopped, then laughed at his own words.

"Then again, fantasy is reality."

Hina sighed, nearly chuckling at those words before continuing.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry…for everything including Sora."

"It's not your fault. We were in love. And teenage pregnancy can happen to almost anybody. I brought it upon myself."

"You haven't been bringing anything on yourself, Hodaka, except that—"

"Just be quiet, Hina. You don't even know what I am talking about."

"Well then, tell me."

Crossing his arms, he walked further away from her, at least by ten steps. And then, he looked back at her.

"I could have been a better husband to you than I was when I help you and Nagi escape from the CPS guys….or at least when I had the chance to know that I was ready to be a father. But with so many other things happening in my life, I've been a busy man. Therefore, you never gave me the chance and now it's too late."

"I didn't meant to cause you any distress, Hodaka. But at least you've finally gotten the nerve to talk to me. Are you planning to stay here long?"

"As long as the rest of the semester. And when I've taken care of my studies…I'll be off to South Korea again. You shouldn't be having any trouble avoiding me until then…maybe the next time I see you, you'll be Mrs. Aito Hamato."

Hina felt her heartstrings being tugged on by an invisible palpitation.

"I'm not going to be married that soon. Aito hasn't even told his parents yet. He wants to know me a little more."

Hodaka turned in front of Hina with sad, blinking eyes.

"Why did I come back here? Why did I even have Sora in the first place?"

"Because it's just what you told me last year, Hodaka. You were a silly childish dreamer."

"Then I guess that means that I am still too childish to be a father either. My genes are like my own father's and I'm still his flesh and blood….as I told you before Hina, I could end up driving him away if I start hurting him."

His words were replaced with fresh tears and Hodaka ran back into the building as Hina watched him disappear out of her sight.