Rain hammered against concrete, turning the courtyard into a mosaic of rippling puddles and fragmented reflections of gray sky. Students burst through the doors in waves, their laughter and complaints swallowed by the drumming of water against umbrellas and roofs.

Near the covered entrance, leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed, stood Raiden Ei.

Her dark sailor-style uniform clung perfectly to her frame, untouched by the chaos around her. She wasn't rushing, wasn't checking her phone, wasn't searching for anyone in particular.

She was simply watching the rain.

Her gaze lingered somewhere in the middle distance, pale lavender eyes reflecting nothing but water and clouds. Her long violet braid hung over one shoulder, the red ribbon at her collar the only brightness against the monochrome scene.

Students passed her in careful arcs, never too close, their voices dropping whenever they drew near. A few glanced back after walking past, whispering behind palms.

She didn't seem to notice.

Or perhaps she simply didn't care.

<Narrator: Y/n is walking through the courtyard, trying to find cover.>