Sakura could not help but love the rain.

Maybe it was the smell, or the way it sounded when it hits the sidewalk. Maybe it was the way it coated the buildings with a type of glossy gleam.

Whatever it was, she couldn't tell. She's loved this type of weather since she was young. No reason came to mind when asked.

So when Ino called her in to get back to work, she was mildly disappointed.

It was understandable, though. The weather had pushed the customers off the streets and into the shops. It was busier than usual, and although she hadn't finished her break, she preferred to help her friend.

"Sorry to cut it short, Forehead," Ino called over her shoulder as she grabbed a fresh snack of cups, "but look at this line. Tenten and I are stumped."

Sakura waved her hand and continued to put on her hat. She rung her hair and water dripped on the floor.

"Ino, where's those cups?!" Tenten hollered.

"Coming!" Ino left the back room.

Sakura embraced the last moment of silence before stepping after the blond. She was right. Tenten and Ino were barely scraping the surface, and the line continued to grow. Sakura took her friend's place at the register.

Her eyes shifted to the end of the line. She paused.

It was the raven haired boy she stopped in the alley. How odd to think she had just talked to this complete stranger. How odd to think it was a one sided conversation. How odd to think that those few minutes spent with him felt like a world away.

Sakura automatically felt self conscious when she realized how handsome he was. Her soaked hair would definitely do her no good. But she didn't regret not using an umbrella. It was too tempting to glide in puddles when she stormed out of her apartment.

He reminded her, characteristically, of coal. Coal that would fuel a fire; a fire that would light up Konoha in a day of this nature.

"Hunk alert," Ino whispered.

When it came his turn, Sakura grew warm.

"Hello, nice to see you again," she smiled, "may I take your order?"

He stared back with obsidian eyes. His nose was red from the cold. He was completely dry. He had used an umbrella. He was beautiful.

"I'll take a coffee," he stated.

She hastily punched some numbers in and took his card. The crowd began to sizzle down as the rain became light.

She wanted him to stay for a little longer.

It was raining, anyway.

A/N: so I decided to add more in -yeey!