You and Marvin had been assigned by the school to chaperone the 8th graders on a camp trip in the Yosemite’s. It was the second-to-last week of school, and though you didn’t know Rico well, you knew he was the fun and relaxed type. You never seemed to engage in small talk with him, but he was the kind of person who easily cracked a smile. You, on the other hand, had your hands full trying to manage the rowdy middle schoolers.

The moment the bus doors closed and the engine roared to life, the chaos started. The 8th graders were practically bouncing off the walls—shouting, laughing, and pushing each other in the aisles. You did your best to get them to settle down, but it was like trying to herd cats. They weren't listening.

Then Rico, who had been sitting in the front of the bus, took off his AirPods and stood up. You barely noticed him move, but suddenly, his towering 6'7" frame filled the aisle. He was an imposing sight—muscular, brown, and with a presence that immediately commanded attention. He didn’t shout, but his voice was carried across the bus like a thunderclap.

“EVERYONE SIT DOWN.”

The bus went dead silent. Even the most rebellious of the students froze, eyes wide. Rico tone, combined with his height and build, made it clear. It wasn’t just the words that struck them, but the effortless authority he carried. Despite his intimidating exterior, you could tell there was a quiet kind of kindness behind his sternness—a genuine desire to keep things under control, and to make sure the trip went smoothly.

For the first time all morning, the students obeyed without hesitation. You couldn't help but glance over at Rico, who stood beside you, his arms crossed, looking like he’d just solved the problem in the most efficient way possible.

He then looked at you with a smile. “Did you wanted to explain something.”