Chapter 25: The Elderly Man at the Bus Stop
A Quiet Afternoon Stroll
The warmth of the afternoon sun blanketed the city, casting a soft golden glow over everything it touched.
Shadows stretched lazily along the sidewalks as people moved at a slower pace, savoring the weekend's gentle rhythm.
Lee Jihoon had no particular plans today—no urgent work emails, no last-minute deadlines, and no Kevin dramatically claiming that their company was hiding "classified secrets."
Just a calm, unhurried afternoon.
After finishing a light lunch at a small café, he decided to take the long way home, strolling through a neighborhood he hadn't explored in a while.
The streets were lined with trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.
Nearby, a group of children laughed as they chased each other along the pavement, their carefree voices blending with the distant sounds of the city.
Jihoon took a slow breath, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Then, as he neared a bus stop, his steps naturally slowed.
Sitting on a wooden bench beneath the shade of a tree was an elderly man.
His suit was old but neatly pressed, and he held a wooden cane in his lap, his fingers resting lightly over the handle.
His eyes were fixed on the street ahead, watching cars and buses pass by with a quiet, almost contemplative gaze.
He wasn't reading a newspaper.
He wasn't checking his phone like the younger commuters.
He was simply waiting.
Yet, something about him felt lonely.
Ding!
A soft chime echoed in Jihoon's mind as a familiar notification appeared.
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is feeling lonely. Spend time with them.
Reward: 32,000 KRW
Jihoon's gaze lingered on the old man for a moment.
There was no one else nearby.
Clearly, this was the person the system was referring to.
Jihoon sighed softly, smirking to himself.
"Well… guess I'll make a new friend today."
An Unexpected Conversation
Jihoon walked over to the bus stop and casually took a seat on the other end of the bench, leaving a respectful space between them.
For a few moments, he simply sat there, watching the street alongside the old man.
Neither spoke.
The distant hum of traffic filled the silence, the occasional rustle of leaves adding to the gentle atmosphere.
Then, Jihoon decided to break the quiet.
"Nice day, huh?"
The old man turned slightly, looking at Jihoon with mild surprise.
"…Yes," he said after a pause. "It's a good day for a walk."
His voice was deep, steady but soft, carrying the weight of someone who had seen many years pass by.
Jihoon nodded, stretching his legs out. "You waiting for the bus?"
The old man gave a small chuckle. "I suppose so."
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "You suppose?"
The man smiled faintly, tapping his cane lightly against the ground.
"I come here every afternoon," he said. "Not always to take the bus. Sometimes, just to sit."
Jihoon tilted his head.
"Is it your favorite spot?"
The old man gazed up at the branches swaying gently overhead.
"…It's quiet," he replied. "And I like watching people."
Jihoon nodded in understanding.
Some people needed conversations to pass the time.
Others found comfort in simply observing the world.
And this man?
Maybe he just needed someone to sit with.
A Story From the Past
The silence returned, comfortable this time.
Then, the old man spoke again.
"You remind me of someone."
Jihoon turned his head, looking at him curiously. "Oh?"
The man chuckled softly.
"My grandson," he said. "He used to sit with me like this."
Jihoon listened, sensing a story behind those words.
"He was always busy with school, work… life," the old man continued. "But he always found time to sit with me, even if it was just for a little while."
Jihoon glanced at the man's hands, resting lightly over his cane.
"…You don't see him often anymore?" Jihoon asked carefully.
The man shook his head, his smile tinged with a quiet sadness.
"He moved abroad for work," he said. "He calls when he can, but… life moves fast for young people."
Jihoon nodded slowly.
He understood that feeling.
The world didn't slow down, no matter how much you wanted it to.
But some things were worth making time for.
"…I'm sure he misses you too," Jihoon said after a moment.
The old man studied him for a second before nodding.
"Perhaps," he said. "But time changes things, doesn't it?"
Jihoon exhaled, stretching his arms above his head.
"Maybe," he said. "But some things are worth slowing down for."
The old man chuckled.
"I like that."
Jihoon smirked. "I have my moments."
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 32,000 KRW
A Small Gesture of Kindness
A bus pulled up, its doors hissing open.
The old man didn't move.
Jihoon smirked. "Not your bus?"
The man chuckled. "Not today."
Jihoon stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Want me to walk with you somewhere?"
The old man raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you offering to be my bodyguard?"
Jihoon grinned. "Sure, if you pay well."
The old man laughed heartily.
"You're a good young man," he said, standing up slowly with Jihoon's help.
"Just a bored one," Jihoon corrected.
The old man smiled.
"Well then, my bored young friend, how about a cup of tea?"
Jihoon blinked. "Tea?"
The man gestured toward a small café across the street.
"I was planning to have one anyway," he said. "Company would be nice."
Jihoon glanced at his phone.
He had time.
"…Alright," he said. "Let's go."
A Warm Ending
The café was small and cozy, filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries.
They found a table by the window, where the old man ordered a classic green tea, and Jihoon got black tea, just to try something new.
As they sipped their drinks, conversation flowed naturally.
The old man shared memories of his youth.
Jihoon listened, adding his own stories here and there.
And for that moment—the world slowed down.
Ding!
[Bonus Reward Unlocked!]
Spending time with someone who feels alone is a kindness that lingers long after the moment ends.
+12,000 KRW
Jihoon glanced at the notification, then at the old man across from him, smiling as he sipped his tea.
This had been a good way to spend the afternoon.
Not planned.
Not expected.
Just… good.
Maybe, just maybe—he'd come sit at that bus stop again sometime.
A Gentle Reflection
As Jihoon walked home after the tea, the sky had turned soft hues of pink and orange.
His phone buzzed one last time.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"Time is the most precious thing you can give someone. Sometimes, the best gift is simply being there."
Jihoon tucked his phone away, hands in his pockets.
Yeah.
He could agree with that.
One small act at a time.
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