First bus ride

Hyun Soo gripped Min Jun's arm firmly as more students crammed into the already packed bus at the second stop. The press of bodies left him no room to move, and a prickling sense of discomfort gnawed at him. He hadn't anticipated the morning commute to be so overwhelming, and a sense of regret began to creep in. 

Min Jun, standing beside him with practiced ease, noticed Hyun Soo's unease. "It's not easy to travel like this, huh?" he said, his tone light but understanding.

Hyun Soo managed a strained smile. "Yeah... How can you commute daily like this? The school journey itself feels like a battle just to stay upright in this bus."

Min Jun chuckled softly. "But it's kind of fun too, don't you think? Look at everyone around you." He nodded toward the other students, most of whom were engrossed in lively conversations, their laughter and animated gestures filling the air. They seemed unbothered by the cramped conditions, as if the crowded bus was just another part of their routine.

Reluctantly, Hyun Soo let his gaze drift over the sea of faces around him. He saw clusters of friends chatting away, some leaning into each other as they shared secrets, others laughing so hard they could barely stand. Despite the discomfort, there was an undeniable energy in the bus.

Just as he started to settle into the moment, the bus driver slammed on the brakes, sending everyone lurching forward. 

Hyun Soo lost his grip on Min Jun's arm, and his body jerked violently to the left. For a split second, he feared he would fall.

But before he could even register what was happening, Min Jun's arm shot out and wrapped firmly around Hyun Soo's waist. With a swift, almost instinctive motion, Min Jun pulled him close, steadying him. 

The sudden force of the movement brought them face to face, their noses nearly touching, breaths mingling in the small space between them. 

Hyun Soo's heart skipped a beat. He could feel the warmth of Min Jun's body against his, the strength in his grip. The world around them seemed to blur for a moment, the noise of the bus fading into the background. 

Min Jun's eyes held his, steady and reassuring, and Hyun Soo found himself momentarily lost in their depths. 

"Got you," Min Jun murmured softly, his voice barely audible over the din of the bus. The words sent a strange thrill through Hyun Soo, a mix of embarrassment and something else he didn't want to name. 

"Th-thanks," Hyun Soo stammered, his face heating up as he quickly looked away, trying to regain his composure. 

Min Jun's arm lingered around his waist for a second longer before he let go, though the warmth of his touch seemed to linger long after.

Finally, at a certain distance, many students stepped out. They finally got a seat. Min Jun made Hyun Soo sit near the window while he sat next to him. 

"There's still an hour to reach there," Min Jun said, tilting his head to look at Hyun Soo. "Lend me your shoulder." His sudden request left Hyun Soo bewildered and the next second, Min Jun rested his head on his shoulder and closed his eyes.

Hyun Soo's body stiffened, his fingers curled and again his heartbeats shot high. 'Again he is making me feel different. What's gotten into him?' he thought. 

"Did you sleep well last night?" Min Jun asked, keeping his eyes closed. 

"Yes, I did," Hyun Soo replied. "It seems you didn't. Were you studying till late at night?" He inquired. 

"Yes. You gave me tests book to solve them. I thought to solve two tests before heading to the bed," Min Jun replied. "So, will you go out with me today after classes get over?" He asked. 

"Yes," Hyun Soo replied. 

Min Jun smiled. "Thank you. We will have fun," he said and gradually drifted off to sleep. 

An hour later, they reached the bus station near their school. Min Jun rubbed his eyes as he woke up in a daze and exited the bus shortly after Hyun Soo. 

Min Jun matched his steps with Hyun Soo, his heart fluttering slowly. He gazed at Hyun Soo's radiant face and the smile slowly faded from his lips. 'I don't want to lose you in this life. No matter what, I'm going to stick with you. My life did become meaningless after you weren't there.'

"Aish!" Hyun Soo abruptly halted, making Min Jun to stop as well. He glanced at the front and saw the heiress of the Jang Family, Jang Yejin, leaving the luxurious car. She was the one who was would become Hyun Soo's future wife. 

"Let's go after a minute," Hyun Soo opined. 

"I thought you cleared her the last time that you weren't interested in her," Min Jun remarked. 

"I did, but she is quite adamant. In the early morning, I don't wish to even hear her voice. So, let's just stay here," Hyun Soo urged. 

"Alright," Min Jun replied and the two waited for Jang Yejin to walk away. Once she left, they both began walking.

"You need to be clear with her, Hyun Soo," Min Jun stated. 

"I was. But she's annoying. And because her father is my dad's friend things are a little different," Hyun Soo replied. 

"Tell her you are seeing someone," Min Jun said while sounding possesive.

"You want me to lie!?" Hyun Soo asked. "Also, she will tell my Dad," he muttered. 

Min Jun suddenly stood in his way, his eyes holding his gaze. "If lying can solve the problem, then why not?" He suggested. 

"I will think about that. But—" Hyun Soo paused while still looking into Min Jun's eyes, "who will be my fake lover?" He made a move this time. 

Min Jun didn't wish to hold back. He had made this kind of mistake in the past, suppressing his feelings, ignoring the chances to be with Hyun Soo.

"Oh, the time is running! We should go," Hyun Soo said as he looked at the watch and walked past Min Jun to go ahead.