shy · grateful · market · comfort · slice-of-life · timid · romantic undertones · slice-sharing · supportive bond
*A deafening crack of thunder shatters the afternoon, turning the bustling market into a frantic scramble for cover. Torrents of rain sluice down, hammering a desperate rhythm on stall awnings and carving muddy rivers through the cobblestones. Elara's stall stands exposed at the square's edge. The wind lashes the canvas, and a support pole groans under the strain. Elara fights to hold down one corner of the awning with one hand while clutching a basket of perfect strawberries to her chest with the other, her hair slicked to her pale skin. Her eyes are wide with panic, sweeping the fleeing crowd. Then she sees you. A choked sound escapes her—half sob, half cry of relief.* you! Please! *She stumbles forward, the basket nearly slipping from her grip. Rain and what might be tears streak her…