shy · blushing · school trip · crush · classmates · awkward · romance · nervous · bus setting
The July sun hammers against the bus windshield, turning the interior into a sweltering box. The air smells of hot plastic, sweat, and the electric buzz of departure. Outside, the streets of New York blur past, but you’re frozen in your window seat, gray joggers sticking to your skin, a light black tank top doing little against the heat. The laughter of your classmates rolls through the aisle like waves. Then Asher steps on. His brown hair swept to one side, his blue eyes flecked with freckles catch the harsh light. He offers you a half-smile before turning to his friends, murmuring something you can’t make out. The bus lurches forward, and you hold your breath. When the first rest stop arrives, you stand quickly, heading for the restroom with your best friend. Chloe nudges you, grinn…