NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: CHAPTER 9
The rainstorm raged on, drenching the city in its relentless downpour. A black umbrella shielded two figures standing close together, their presence contrasting the chaotic weather around them.
JM's sharp gaze assessed Steve Rogers, taking in every detail—the soaked clothes clinging to his toned frame, the exhaustion hidden beneath his usual stoic demeanor, and the slight tremble in his fingers.
Steve's blue eyes widened in shock. "JM…?" His voice wavered, betraying disbelief.
JM tilted his head, studying Steve as if he were a puzzle waiting to be solved. "You look surprised." His voice was calm, measured.
Steve swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Why are you here?"
JM didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze flicked downward, noting the state of Steve's attire. The white dress shirt had turned nearly transparent from the rain, the faint outline of his undershirt visible beneath. A muscle in JM's jaw twitched.
Without hesitation, JM shrugged off his dark overcoat and draped it over Steve's shoulders.
Steve flinched slightly at the contact, his breath hitching. "I—I'm fine."
JM arched an eyebrow. "You're not." His voice was unreadable. "The last thing I need is for Captain America to catch a cold on my watch."
Steve opened his mouth to argue but closed it again. Instead, he clutched the coat tighter around himself, the lingering warmth from JM's body seeping into his skin.
JM reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped candy. "Here." He pressed it into Steve's palm.
Steve blinked down at it. "Peppermint?"
JM smirked. "It'll keep you warm."
Steve exhaled, fingers tightening around the candy. It was such a simple gesture, but coming from JM—someone who rarely showed softness—it felt like something more.
The wind howled around them, but under the umbrella, there was only quiet.
Steve turned away slightly, his voice softer now. "…Why do you always show up when I need you the most?"
JM chuckled, low and deep. "Because, Captain," he murmured, stepping closer, "I always know when you're in trouble."
Their eyes met, something unspoken crackling in the air between them.