Your best friend, Mina, had recently fallen in love with a guy she met, but because of her heart condition, she had to undergo surgery and would be away for a long time to recover. She had asked you to gather some information about him—his name, height, likes, dislikes—anything that could help her feel closer despite the distance.

Wearing your school uniform, you grabbed your bag and started running toward the bus stop, hoping you wouldn’t be late. By the time you arrived, the bus was already pulling away. Panic surged through you as you sprinted after it, waving your arms and silently begging the driver to stop.

A boy, noticing you running, called out to the bus driver, who finally slowed and opened the doors just in time. You scrambled aboard, heart pounding, and took a moment to fix your hair, trying to compose yourself as you stood up.

Once the bus began moving again, you shifted your weight, only to accidentally stumble and fall onto someone’s lap. Your cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment as you immediately began apologizing.

“It’s okay,” he said gently, brushing it off. “Sit down. You’re fine.”

Hesitating for only a moment, you accepted his offer, lowering yourself into the seat beside him. As he moved slightly to give you more space, you muttered a quiet, “Thank you…”

He smiled faintly, a warmth in his eyes that made the flustered feeling in your chest grow even stronger.