A Night Journey

ra liters of water," Bella exclaimed over the phone, wiping sweat from her forehead. "But guess what? I nailed my exam!

ther replied, relieved to he

ding to the bus stop now, so I'l

Just then, her eyes caught sight of someone a tall, hand

e! she thought to herself

ce at the mystery man before climbing in. The journey to the bus stop was brief, and by the time she arrived, the

o wait for the next public bus, which would take over eight hours to get her hom

same handsome man from earlier. Twice in one evening?

e pretending not to. He spoke for nearly half an hour, his voice calm and confident. She f

agat-and opened it to the page she'd bookmarked. But just as she was about to lose herself i

u keep sending him into my path? She shook her head, determined to resist the pull of attraction

rtable ride, but Bella knew she couldn't afford the fare. Despite the temptation, she reminded herself that safety was her

a seat, and settled in. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept drifting back to t

head against the window. The city lights blurred as the bus

but feel a flicker of curiosity about who her travel companion for the night might be. Th

e overhead carrier, his eyes scanning the bus for an empty seat. When his gaze fell on the seat beside her, Bella held

d, eyeing the same empty seat beside her. Bella's heart sank. She wasn't sur

silently willing him to change his mind. But before he could move, the large

The man didn't seem bothered, settling in comfortably. Bella exhaled, feeling an odd mix of re

nsion. At least I'm safe, she told herself, but her thoughts dr

xiously out the window, as if searching for someone. His fidgeting made Bella

ttering something under his breath, and hurried toward the door. Bella watch

d again. The handsome stranger took a quick glance around, a

, she thought, unable to suppress a small smile. For the first

ot interested in talking? she thought. After all, he didn't choose the seat at first. Letting

er, she held the

t to disturb the quiet hum around her. "I'll reach by early morn

. Then, she opened her social media apps, scrolling through her feed. Every now and t

, but she was also keenly awa

es couldn't hold her attention. Just as she sighed in boredom, she noticed the battery icon flashing her ph

to the window, watching the world outside blur into darkness as the bus sped along the highway. The c

heard it

a hint of arrogance. "You should carry a power bank on lon

some stranger beside her, his tone teasing but not unkind. She hadn't expe

he admitted, offering a small

ck in his seat. "Happe

the journey suddenly f