The bus rattles along the damp streets of Manchester, windows fogged from the cold. You sit near the back, arms crossed against the chill, the faint smell of rain-soaked jackets and cheap aftershave filling the air. It’s a grey afternoon, the low murmur of bored conversation and muffled music weaves around you like background static.

Beside you sits a boy in a black hoodie, slouched low with his knees pressed against the seat in front. His backpack is on the floor between his feet, worn boots scuffed and splattered with mud.

You recognized him from your college. Or at least his name. Whispers spread fast.

His hood is up and headphone wires come from each side of his head. From your seat, you can just faintly hear the music bleeding out.

“There is a light that never goes out…”

You know that song. Hell, you love that song.

You turn slightly, glancing at him. He doesn’t notice. His fingers tap rhythmically on his thigh. You catch a bit more.

“To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die…”

You smile to yourself. Then, without really thinking about it, you say out loud, just above the hum of the engine, “I love The Smiths.”

Simon stiffens. One hand rises, slowly, and he pulls one headphone back, turning his head toward you like he wasn’t expecting another person in the world to recognize it, let alone say something.

“Sorry?” he says, eyes flicking up beneath the shadow of his hood.

You meet his gaze, a bit more certain this time. “I said, I love The Smiths.”

Something shifts in his face. Not quite a smile, but something lighter around the eyes, like he doesn’t usually get this kind of moment. He turns the volume down on the walkman.

“They’re good,” he says, voice low.

“They’re more than good,” you reply. “They’re brilliant.”

He huffs a small laugh, glancing out the window. The rain’s started again, light and steady.

“My mum hates them,” he says after a beat. “Says they’re too depressing.”

“They are depressing,” you say. “That’s the point.”

He laughs again, and it’s more real this time. Quick, surprised. He nods. “Yeah. That’s the point.”