When fate plays its hand

Early the following morning, Miranda, Madison, and Sebastian caught the first Route 516 bus.

The scene was utter chaos. The bus was crammed with people, primarily elderly passengers. Baskets and woven backpacks cluttered the floor. It was stuffed with fresh vegetables and farm goods.

Madison’s jaw dropped “What the… Why is it so crowded?”

As soon as they stepped on the bus, the trio was crammed into the middle of it. Baskets surrounded their feet, and elderly men and women stood shoulder–to–shoulder with them

since all the seats were taken.

The bus was so crowded that Madison could practically smell what they’d had for breakfast when someone yawned.

“Miranda, I’m scared…” Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked around for Miranda. But Miranda had already been pushed to the back of the bus.

Instead, Madison’s gaze met Sebastian’s. She looked on the verge of tears while he was startled into stillness.

“You…”

“Seb, I’m scared…”

His heart softened unexpectedly. “You… Move closer to me.” He shuffled sideways to create a relatively spacious space for her.

She immediately shuffled closer. “Why is this bus so packed this early in the morning?”

she asked. This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.

“They’re probably heading to the market,” Sebastian explained.

The baskets were piled high with fresh produce, and it looked like the passengers were headed to the market to sell their goods. He glanced around and noticed that most of them seemed to be from the countryside.

Just then, someone shoved Madison from behind, and she stumbled forward.

Sebastian’s expression tightened. Without thinking, he stepped forward to catch her and used his chest as a cushion to stop her from hitting the seat.

“Are you okay?” He helped her to her feet and immediately checked her for injuries.

Madison’s face flushed. “Seb, I… I can’t breathe in here…”

Sebastian quickly opened the nearest window by the seats to let the fresh air inside.

+25 BONUS

However, the other passengers immediately grumbled.

“What are you doing? It’s freezing–why did you open the window?”

“Yeah! This wind’s giving me a headache.”

“Hurry up and close it!”

Sebastian’s voice turned cold. “My friend is having trouble breathing and needs some fresh air. I’d appreciate it if you could be a little more understanding.”

“Fresh air? Why is she the only one with a problem? Everyone else seems fine.”

“If she’s that big, maybe she shouldn’t be cramming onto a crowded bus. She’s already taking up more room than the rest of us, and now she’s making demands?”

“Exactly! It’s freezing here. What if we catch a cold? Are you going to pay for the doctor’s bill?”

The grumbles quickly grew into a chorus of complaints. Madison’s face turned crimson as she was too embarrassed to look

1. up.

Sebastian gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder to calm her before raising his voice. “Your health isn’t my problem. My friend needs some fresh air. Is that an issue? Not everyone here is as unreasonable as you.”

He added, “And who said bigger size people can’t ride the bus? We paid for our tickets, just like everyone else. And by the way, all your baskets are taking up half the aisle. Did you pay for those too?”

Everyone fell silent. Even the driver couldn’t resist glancing at Sebastian through the rearview mirror.

Someone muttered under their breath, “Wow, these young folks really know how to argue. Sebastian heard the comment but didn’t flinch and kept his composure.

With the fresh air flowing in, Madison finally started to feel better as she breathed gulps of air. When she was fully recovered, she turned to him with admiring eyes. “Oh my gosh! Seb, you were so cool just now.”

Sebastian had kept his composure through the argument earlier, but Madison’s words left him flustered. A sudden flush of pink swept across his cheeks. He felt awkward and a little embarrassed.