the bus was packed, shoulder to shoulder, everyone pressed up against each other like sardines. you stood near the middle, gripping the cold metal pole with one hand, billie just a step behind you, the only familiar face in the sea of strangers. there were no seats left but neither of you minded. at least not at first

you were mid sentence, something about the coffee place you wanted to try after this errand, when the bus jerked suddenly to a stop

your body lurched forward with no time to react and you lost your balance. then thud. right into billie

your hands landed on her shoulders as your knees knocked awkwardly against her legs, your face practically inches from hers and your cheeks went hot

“im so sorry” you mumbled with your eyes wide

she let out a breathy laugh, hands hovering like she wasnt sure whether to catch you or let you go

“its okay” she said almost too calmly “you good?”

you nodded quickly and flustered while pushing yourself off her just in time for the driver to hit the brakes hard again and this time you didnt fall on her. you fell into her lap. fully and completely

there was no time to recover. you tried to move with your heart pounding in your chest but suddenly her arms wrapped around your waist firm and deliberate

“billie-” you started, your voice caught somewhere between protest and laughter

“sit down” she said, low and close to your ear causing you to freeze

there were people watching, sur but in that moment you didnt care about any of them. her hands were still on your waist, fingers resting there like they belonged. you turned your head slightly to look at her and the space between you shrank even more