Scarlet tugged at Max's sleeve as they left the small café, laughing about something silly Chris had said earlier. The sky had been clear just minutes ago, but now dark clouds loomed overhead. Max glanced upward, a little uneasy.
"Think we can make it back before it pours?" Scarlet asked, raising an eyebrow.
Before Max could answer, the sky opened up, drenching them both within seconds. Scarlet squealed, attempting to shield herself with her jacket. Max grabbed her hand.
"Come on!" he shouted over the roar of the rain, guiding her through the slippery streets toward his apartment.
By the time they made it inside, they were both soaked, clothes clinging to their skin and water dripping from their hair. Scarlet doubled over, laughing breathlessly.
"I guess we didn't make it," she said between giggles.
Max couldn't help but smile as he watched her. Scarlet's hair was a damp mess, her cheeks flushed, and despite being drenched, she looked happier than he'd seen her in a while.
"I'll grab some towels," he mumbled, trying to ignore the way his heart pounded.
When he returned, Scarlet was still standing by the doorway, her shirt sticking to her shoulders. He tossed her a towel, and she caught it, grinning.
"You look like a drowned cat," he teased.
Scarlet stuck her tongue out at him, rubbing her hair dry. "Says the guy with a mop for hair right now."
They both laughed, the sound filling the room. Max toweled his hair roughly, but his eyes kept drifting back to her. Scarlet pulled off her wet jacket, revealing a snug, soaked T-shirt underneath. She shivered slightly, and Max couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
"You should probably change," he said, trying not to sound too awkward. "I can grab you something."
Before she could respond, he dug through his drawer and tossed her an oversized hoodie. Scarlet accepted it with a small smile.
"I'll be right back," she said, ducking into the bathroom.
When she returned, she looked even smaller in his hoodie, the sleeves hanging past her hands. She plopped down on the couch, tucking her feet underneath her.
"Better?" Max asked.
"Much," she replied. "It's cozy."
Max joined her on the couch, still drying his hair. Scarlet shifted closer, leaning her head on his shoulder. Max froze for a moment, unsure of what to do with the sudden closeness.
"Thanks for not leaving me to drown out there," she whispered, her voice softer than usual.
"Anytime," he replied, his voice almost as quiet.
The air grew heavy between them. Max could feel the warmth of her body despite the rain's chill still clinging to them. Scarlet looked up, her eyes meeting his, and for a second, he didn't move.
Without thinking, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, his fingers lingering longer than necessary. Scarlet didn't pull away. If anything, she leaned into his touch, eyes searching his face.
"Max..." she whispered, her voice almost breaking.
His gaze fell to her lips, heart pounding so loud he was sure she could hear it. He leaned in, just enough that he could feel her breath on his skin.
Just as their noses almost touched, his phone buzzed loudly on the table. They both jerked back, startled.
Max muttered a curse under his breath, fumbling for the phone. Scarlet bit her lip, hiding a small smile. He answered, still feeling the heat from their almost-kiss.
"Hey, man, we're coming over," Chris's voice boomed. "Evan's bringing snacks. Be there in ten!"
Max barely managed a response before Chris hung up. He glanced at Scarlet, who was now picking at the sleeve of his hoodie.
"Chris and Evan?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah...they're on their way," Max replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
Scarlet laughed softly, shaking her head. "They really know how to kill a mood."
Max couldn't help but chuckle too. Even with the interruption, the tension still hummed between them, like an unfinished melody.