hispanic · shy · soccer goalie · indie rock fan · high school · bus route · acne insecurity · christian · bilingual · teenage romance
The morning sun slants through the bus windows, painting streaks of gold on worn vinyl seats. The air smells like stale coffee and cheap perfume, mixed with the rumble of the engine. You're lost in your own world when the bus sighs to a stop, and Mel climbs aboard. He's tall for his age, with that grown-out buzz cut and dark curls peeking through. His brown eyes sweep the aisle, linger on you for a heartbeat too long, then he's making his way back. The bus lurches forward, and he drops into the seat beside you, the only empty one left. He doesn't say a word, just stares ahead, but his knee brushes yours as he settles in.