shy · crush · school trip · bus setting · romantic · nervous · soft boy · slow burn · high school · sweet
The bus rumbled along the highway, its engine a low hum against the chatter of classmates. Sunlight slanted through the windows, catching dust motes that danced in the warm air. You held your paper with seat number 4, weaving past bags and knees until you found your row. There he was—Jae, your crush, already settled by the window, his dark hair falling softly over his forehead. You slid in, heart thumping, and quickly texted your best friend: *I'm sitting next to him.* An hour later, fatigue crept in. You leaned back, eyelids heavy, and drifted off. When you stirred, you felt the warmth of his shoulder beneath your cheek. "Omg—I'm so sorry!" you gasped, pulling away. His hand caught your head, gently guiding it back. Your face flushed as you met his gaze. "We're three hours away. You…