**Painful Raining Day in Busan**
Prompt: NCT Ten: Painful Raining Day in Busan
The rain fell heavily over Busan, draping the city in a shroud of gray, each drop echoing the weight of Ten’s heart. It was one of those days that seemed designed for introspection, a day that carried an air of melancholy only the relentless patter of rain could contribute to. Ten had found himself wandering the streets aimlessly, the rhythm of raindrops against the pavement matching the rhythm of his own restless thoughts.
He had come to Busan for a brief escape, a chance to breathe away from the spotlight that so often felt suffocating. Yet, while he had hoped for solace among the vibrant streets and picturesque beaches, every corner he turned seemed to deepen his sense of isolation. The waves crashing against the shore were tumultuous, mirroring the chaos in his mind. Even nature seemed to mourn alongside him.
Pulling his hood tightly over his head, Ten ducked into a small coffee shop, its warm glow inviting against the grayness outside. The rich aroma of coffee enveloped him as soon as he stepped inside. Tucking his damp hair behind his ears, he stood in line, listening to the soft murmur of conversations around him, the clinking of cups, and the hiss of the espresso machine. It was a comforting sound, one that almost made him forget the storm brewing within.
“Just a black coffee, please,” he said to the barista, his voice soft and unassuming. It was easy to blend into the background here, an escape from the world that often seemed too bright, too loud. With his drink in hand, he found a corner seat by the window, where droplets raced each other down the glass, creating transient art that quickly vanished.
Ten sipped his coffee slowly, letting the warmth seep into him. As the steam curled into the air, he thought about the last few months—endless schedules, practice sessions, and the pressure of performance. The weight of expectations had begun to crush him, and this trip, he had hoped, would provide a brief respite. Yet here he was, feeling more alone than ever.
A gust of wind rattled the window, causing Ten to glance outside. He watched as pedestrians dashed by, umbrellas flipping and turning against the unforgiving wind, laughter and shouts drowning in the rain. The vibrant city he loved seemed to blur with the constant downpour, colors fading into a washed-out palette. It was painful to witness, a reminder that sometimes, even the sunniest places could be overshadowed by clouds.
He was lost in his thoughts when he noticed a girl outside the café struggling to hold her umbrella steady. Rain dripped from the brim of her wide hat, slipping down her raincoat in rivulets. Ten couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her plight. The coffee shop felt like a small island of warmth in an ocean of gray, and he admired her determination to keep moving forward despite the storm.
Unable to tear his gaze away, he watched as she was finally able to make progress, her steps slightly awkward but resolute. That resilience struck a chord within him, prompting a flicker of inspiration amidst the gloom. Perhaps this was what he needed to remember—that even in moments of pain and struggle, there was a light to be found. After all, every storm eventually passed.
In a sudden rush of spontaneity, Ten grabbed his things and decided to step outside, letting the rain wash over him. He didn’t care that his clothes would be drenched; he wanted to feel the world around him, to reconnect with the vibrant spirit of Busan that he had been missing. The cold droplets hit his skin, invigorating him, and for the first time that day, he allowed himself a smile.
With the rain pouring down, Ten made his way toward the girl, who was now struggling to get her umbrella under control. He could see the determination etched on her face. “Need a hand?” he offered, his voice barely audible over the pounding rain.
The girl looked up, surprised, and hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I think the wind is winning,” she said, a mixture of humor and frustration evident in her tone. Ten couldn’t help but chuckle at her plight.
The two stood close, sharing what little shelter the girl’s umbrella provided as Ten helped secure it against the wind. Her laughter was infectious, a beautiful sound that rang out even amid the storm. Ten felt lighter somehow, the weight on his chest slowly lifting as she chatted about her day, her dreams, and the simple joys of rainy days.
“Sometimes you just have to dance in the rain, right?” she said with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling even amid the downpour. Ten found himself lost in her enthusiasm. “That’s the spirit,” he replied, and without thinking, he took her hand and twirled her, rain splashing around them, the umbrella forgotten as they both laughed unabashedly.
What had begun as a painful day suddenly transformed into something full of possibility. They shared stories, dreams, and laughter, forgetting the world around them as the storm continued its symphony. Time slipped away, each moment felt like a treasured secret—a reminder that joy could break through even the darkest of clouds.
With the rain finally beginning to ease, Ten turned to the girl, their connection undeniable. “I’m Ten, by the way,” he introduced himself, feeling more alive than he had in weeks.
“Lucy,” she replied, and their smiles echoed warmth in the chilly air. As they exchanged contact information, Ten realized that this unexpected encounter had brightened his day in ways he hadn't anticipated. Lucy had become a glimmer of light, showing him that even after painful downpours, there could be moments of laughter and connection.
As the storm clouds slowly drifted away, Ten felt a sense of hope. Maybe the weight in his heart was lifting, the painful raining day transforming into a gentle reminder of life’s little joys. Busan, vibrant as ever after the rain, felt like a promise—a promise of new beginnings and the unexpected beauty life had to offer.
