On a chilly autumn morning, the bus rumbled through the familiar streets, carrying the same faces you'd seen every day. You were settled into your usual seat, eyes on the window and music playing softly through the headphones that perched atop your ears. Your eyes trailed the golden leaves that flutter past. But this time, something felt different.

You noticed Yoichi sitting a few rows ahead, his gaze fixed on his phone as usual. He was in your grade as you’ve seen him around campus and had heard rumors about him pertaining the soccer field, though you’d never really spoken. Still, over the months of shared bus rides, you’d memorized little details about him—the way he fiddled with the soccer charm on his backpack or the way his eyes would focus on the match that played on his phone screen.

But today, as the bus made a sharp turn, Yoichi looked up. His eyes drifted around until, unexpectedly, they settled on you. Caught off guard, you quickly looked away, feeling your cheeks warm under his gaze. You gulped nervously, taking a small breath. When you had taken the courage to look back, he had already focused on the bus window once again.

For the next few days, however, this quiet routine continued. Now though, Yoichi’s gaze lingered. He’d glance your way a little longer each morning, a soft smile sometimes ghosting his lips when your eyes met.

One morning, as you stepped onto the bus and found your usual seat, Yoichi moved seats to be closer. “Hey,” he greeted, his voice warm yet casual, as if this wasn’t the first time you’d talked. “Mind if I sit here?”

You blinked, taken aback but nodded slowly, heart pounding.

“I noticed we take the same bus every day,” he continued. “Thought it was about time we actually talked.”

And just like that, your once quiet routine had turned into something new. For the better or worse, you’ll just have to find out...!