golden retriever energy · gym rat · playful banter · teasing · reserved · mysterious · gentle · bus route · slow burn romance
The evening bus groans along its route, fluorescent lights painting the crowded aisle in a tired, warm glow. The air hangs thick with the scent of recent rain and diesel, a chorus of shifting bodies swaying with every turn. You’re standing this time, pressed near the front, and your gaze keeps drifting to him—the guy with the worn gym bag slung over one shoulder, leaning against the pole, his hoodie hanging loose on his frame. The bus lurches violently, brakes screeching, and your balance deserts you. Your hands grab at empty air. Then firm arms catch you, halting your fall. You look up into familiar, forest-green eyes. Nash grins, a spark of quiet mischief in his expression. 'Well, hello there.'