Why were the buses too late to arrive? We were stuck in awkward silence at a bus stop for minutes. Fortunately, a couple of people waited with us and their conversations were enough to distract me that I'm about to go home with my neighbor who just saw me last night— crying.

Finally, a bus stopped and the conductor got out. "The last bus going to E. Boston Street!" the man announced. I quickly got onto my feet and observed the vehicle.

It's full.

"It's full," Minho blurted out my thoughts. "Are we going to take this bus?" his question startled me. He has been considering me after all.

"I have to," I muttered silently but thankfully, he heard it so I won't have to repeat myself.

"Okay, then," he gestured his hand that I should hop first and I mentally sighed as I saw how people were trying and forcing themselves to fit in a bus. "Isn't this overloading?"

"Huh?" I turned to him when I thought I heard something.

"Nothing, just get on with it," he snarled. Why is he so mad at me? Is it still because of the late-night piano sessions I did? Seriously, he has to move on. Or is he always like this? I should've asked Felix.

Once I got inside the vehicle, it was so hot. If only it wasn't for the weather and the air conditioner of the bus, I would be sweating bullets by now. The only place that has space was the aisle of the bus. Holding onto a handrail, Minho stood closely next to me as there were others who were still getting inside.

"Is this okay with you?" I whispered. He abruptly tilted his head in my direction and I almost fell on my back because of our near proximity. Luckily, I found my balance.

"It's fine," he breathed and then looked in a different direction. "If we die, I'm taking you with me."

"Did you say something?" my eyebrows knitted together.

For a second, he stared at me and shook his head. "Okay..." I mumbled under my breath.

The bus ride was indeed uncomfortable. People were bumping at each other whenever the bus goes through a speed bump. It's hot and I believe that I was starting to sweat underneath my thick layers. And lastly, it's unbelievably quiet when something in my bag vibrates.

Using my only free hand, I opened it and reached my phone. My dad's name flashed on the screen and I immediately answered the call. "Hey, Dad..." I greeted too enthusiastically, a few fellow passengers suddenly turned their heads toward my direction.

"You were not answering my calls earlier, I was worried," he took a sigh of relief.

"Dad, I'm fine. I was just with some... friends earlier, that's why I didn't notice you calling," I weirdly gritted my teeth as I wait for his reply. I just called my neighbor a friend and he heard it.

"How's the university?" the moment he questioned, the bus got into another speed bump and clumsily I hit my head on my arm which was holding onto the handrail.

"Ouch," I hissed.

"What's going on?" Dad probably heard that I got hurt.

"Stupid," someone next to me said.

"I heard that one," I glared at Minho when he wasn't even looking.

"Are you still with your friends?"

"No, I'm on a bus; about to go home and rest," I informed and I heard my dad hummed on the other line.

"I'll call you tomorrow. Take care, my princess," he said.

"You too, Dad," I sighed tiredly.

I was about to put my phone back inside my bag when I jolted because of an arm in front of my torso. Scanning the small space, I quickly figured whose arm it was. "What's going on?" I asked Minho but his attention wasn't on me. Following his gaze, I noticed how his hand was holding another person's arm.

"Give her back her purse," he said in a threatening voice.

"What are you talking about?" I intrude. Everyone else's attention was on us and it's not very pleasing to me. Minho's voice was louder than usual, and everybody heard his statement. Including the chatty conductor in front.

"Give it back or I'll beat the living shit out of you," he warned; his hand still gripping the arm of the suspicious man. With my free hand, I rummage into my bag and realized that my purse was really missing.

With a huff, the man fished something in his pocket and brought out my purse. I gasped and immediately take it from his hand. Minho finally removed his arm in front of me. But he gently pulled me to his spot so that we could switch places. This time a lady around my age was on my left while Minho blocks me from seeing the pickpocket man who was on my right. 

When everyone was back to their usual state, Minho whispered to my ear, "Next time, you make sure you close your bag."

"Sorry, thanks," I muttered embarrassingly. Partly, I know it's my fault. I was being careless.

The rest of the ride was silent. At the nearest stop, the pickpocket hopped out. Slowly, the bus passengers lessened and Minho let me have the first vacant seat after a while. When the stranger next to me left, he finally took his seat next to mine.

I didn't expect this night to be this long. It's exhausting. And remembering that I still have to finish paperwork once I got home stressed me out even more. But I guess spending the night with Felix and his friends was fun. At least, I got to socialize more this day. I've been the opposite of a people-person for the past years.

It took several minutes before we arrived at our bus stop. As expected, the walk back to the apartment was dead silent as well. Once we reached our doors, "Thank you again for earlier," I said to him.

"I didn't do that for no reason," his statement surprised me. "Give me back my keychain, that way you'll not be indebted to me," he said with a complete stone face.

"Oh, sure. Just a second, I'll get it," I told him and quickly ran inside my apartment. The last thing I remembered about it was that I placed it inside one of my drawers in my bedroom. But to my disappointment, I've already searched every corner of my room and a silver violin keychain hadn't appeared.

As I get out with uncertain self-esteem, I saw Minho patiently waiting outside. "Where is it?"

"I forgot where I put it," my statement didn't make any changes to the look on his face. He remained serious and unreadable. I scratched my nape as I patiently wait for his response.

"You lost it?" he deadpanned.

"I didn't say that," I unknowingly frowned. "I could just buy you a new one if you want," I bartered.

"No, I don't need a new one," his enunciated with a flat tone.

"I'll just give it to you once I find it," I grimaced. "Will that be okay?"

"No," he replied.

"Huh?" my eyes widened. Was I mishearing him?

"Fine," he took a deep breath and then sighed. "You owe me until you haven't found my keychain," he rolled his eyes and headed straight inside his unit.

"Okay!" I beamed. "Good night! Thank you again," I even waved my hands even though his back already faced me.

=====

I woke up with swollen eyes and heavy bags underneath them. I didn't expect that I'd spend a lot of time finishing that paper for today. Good thing I only have classes this morning and vacant for the rest of the day. I could take some power nap and make up for last night.

The moment I'm done fixing my beanie on my head, I grabbed my bag and head out of my place. Another sticky note was posted on my door and I quickly took it.

Dear, Lady

Felix told me to invite you to another gig today at 5 PM. It's okay if you don't want to. I'm just asking this as a favor from a friend.

Sincerely,
Your neighbor on the left

I huffed a little as I saw his post-it. Aside from the defensive tone of his letter (as if he's hiding something), something else caught my attention. It's not much of a big deal but knowing how I spent a lot of time with him yesterday, I can't believe the fact that he hadn't learned my name. To think of it, it's actually funny. I should make sure to introduce myself to him later during their gig.