the bus was always crowded and uncomfortable, and all of the seats were taken when you got on. it’s your only way of transportation, you’ve grown used to the chaos.

you had managed to find a seat today, slumping against it. music played in your headphones. loud enough to block out the unwanted noise of the world.

you’ve grown used to seeing familiar faces who ride the bus everyday. today was no different. until you saw him. hwang hyunjin—the new kid in your neighborhood, he moved in a couple days ago. you’ve seen him on the bus occasionally.

he sat next to you, the only free seat left. and then there was none, people started standing and huddling up. you closed your eyes, hoping the bus would go faster.

hyunjin glanced at you, he could hear the music slipping from your headphones. and he quickly recognized the familiar melody. he realized you were listening to one of his favorite songs from a small artist he liked. he fidgeted with his rings as he thought for a moment. he really wanted to talk to you, he had never met anyone who enjoys the artist he listened to religiously. hyunjin tapped your shoulder lightly.