CHAPTER 2: Bus Encounter

Ethan POV's

I was about to head home when the car I was in suddenly broke down. I left it with my driver and decided to commute instead, covering my face with a mask so no one would recognize me. I’ve done this plenty of times before—especially back in college.

It was rush hour, so the bus was packed. Everyone was practically squished together, including me. The bus stopped to pick up more passengers. I couldn’t help but shake my head—so crowded.

Two women boarded. I guessed they were in their early twenties. One of them had an ID, so I assumed she was still a student. 'I smirk. Not my tea, maybe she's a minor.

I glanced at the ID, and my heart skipped a beat—it had the same vibe as Sabrina’s. That girl… again.

“Ugh! We got caught in the rain,” said the shorter woman with short hair.

“I’m thinking about my siblings. Have they eaten already?” The long-haired woman said, and I felt a little nervous because she reminded me of someone.

She had long hair, reaching below her waist, and was fairly tall. Her body was shaped nicely bit voluptuous, but I couldn’t see her face because she had her back to me. I could only see her friend.

“Miss, please sit,” said the man sitting on the right.

“Who’s going to sit among the two of us?” asked the short-haired woman.

“Ah… Miss Beautiful, then,” he said jokingly.

“I’m not beautiful, huh?!” her friend laughed. “Go ahead, laugh, Sophia!”

So her name was Sophia. Nice. I hoped it suited her. She's wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans paired with white sneakers.

“I didn’t say that, Miss,” the guy scratched his head awkwardly. He stood up.

“Give the seat to the older women instead. She’s been standing for a while.” He helped an older woman sit, and she thanked him.

Her voice was calm and gentle. You could tell she was kind just from that.

“You’re crazy! You give a seat if she’s pretty, but not if she’s old!” said the short-haired friend.

I couldn’t help but smile. The guy looked embarrassed. He moved behind Sophia. I couldn’t stop looking at her. I could feel her tense up as her friend got off.

She kept clearing her throat. I noticed the guy had posed like he owned her space, trying to get close. Typical guy. I moved closer to her.

He looked at me, and I returned his glare. He looked like he’d been caught onto something bad and stepped back. I looked at her again. I wanted to see her face.

When did I develop a thing for college girls, Ethan?!

I couldn’t help but admire her body. Any guy would feel the same. She tilted slightly, and I caught a glimpse of the right side of her face—but not enough to truly see her. I felt almost maniacal.

We stayed stuck in traffic for what felt like forever. I wasn’t bored; I had her to look at.

I felt like I needed a cold shower. Why was I getting so worked up over her?

Her outfit wasn’t even provocative—a yellow t-shirt and blue jeans. Yet her curves… they made her irresistible to me. I didn’t usually go for curvy girls. Why did this affect me?

Her skin was fair, her eyes slightly chinky. She has a bow shape pinky-red lips. A chubby cheeks.

Ugh! I hate chinitas!!

I cringed when I noticed she was holding an old model android phone.

“How are they? Ah… okay, I’m almost there. Traffic’s bad. Thanks. Has Dad come home yet? Ah, maybe he’s still with friends. You’ll handle it—ah!”

Luckily, I had my hand on hers when the bus braked suddenly. Sophia almost fell.

She wasn’t holding on to anything, so I grabbed her waist, my other hand bracing us both.

When our bodies touched, I felt my blood boil. Damn! I’m not usually like this. I felt alive.

She turned, her long hair falling away from her face. I broke into a sweat. Her gentle, round face, slightly slanted brown like gold eyes… no makeup.

“S-sorry, S-Sir,” she said, moving back but still in my grip. “Ah… J-Jerome. I’ll call later.” She placed her phone in her bag. I gently let her go. “I’m really sorry, Sir.”

I smirked. Sir? Do I look that old? I wanted to impulsively removed my mask to show her my face but the bus braked hard again.

“Aaaay!!” she nearly fell again. This time, we were facing each other. I hugged her tightly, feeling her body.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

What’s happening to me? I snapped back, letting her go slowly, afraid she’d feel something inappropriate.

“Just hold on to something…” I said moving away from her.

“I-I'm really sorry S-Sir!"”

“You’re not at fault,” I said. “Can you driver carefully?!" I said to the driver.

“Sorry! The person in front suddenly stopped.”

“Are you okay?” I asked her. She clutched a metal bar nervously.

“Uh… y-yeah. Sorry.”

“Okay,” I said. She tucked her hair behind her ear, biting her lip.

So hot! How old is she? Am I too old for her? What am I thinking, Ethan?! I glanced at her arms—bruised and a little marked. I wondered who hurt her. Her boyfriend?

Nah! He’s not your type. She’s too pure.

When I got home, I ate and changed.

“How’s your day?” Mom asked.

“Fine. Nothing happened.” I could tell Mom felt guilty about something. But whatever happened, happened.

“Are you going to attend the charity ball this week?” Dad asked.

I was about to answer when Kuya spoke.

“Ethan, don’t confirm yet. I might need your help with something.”

I hate charity balls. I only donate for Mom.

“Sure,” I said and finished my meal.

On my bed as I lay, her bruises occupy my mind.

Before sleeping, she was still in my thoughts. I wanted to know who hurt her.

Why am I so protective of someone I barely know?

I’m inexplicably attracted to her, even though she’s not my usual type.

So many questions ran through my head until I finally fell asleep.

What’s this, Ethan? Do you want to help her because of your past mistakes?

Sophia POV

“For real! I was so embarrassed. I’ve never felt that before. That hug felt amazing!” I told Emma. We were staying at her place since our dad’s friends were drinking at home.

“So… Piyang? You fell in love with that guy at first sight?” Emma asked while sipping her coffee. Short, sleeveless top as always.

“In love? No… It’s just the first time I felt this. I felt safe with him. Like in the movies, … and he’s so firm a-and big—”

“Big what? Did you feel it, girl?! Ayy! Was it big?” Arnie practically bounced in his chair, pink headband, pink shorts, green tank. Big built for a gay.

“What?! I mean,his chest!” I laughed.

“Wow, he’s handsome?” Emma asked.

“I didn’t even see his face—he had a mask. But… maybe late thirties? Hot.” I smiled.

“Maybe he’s just horny, girl!” Arnie laughed. “But lucky for you!”

“Shut up!” I covered Emma’s mouth. “Don’t let my siblings hear.”

“You didn’t even notice him or recognize him?”

“No,” I said, frowning. First time I felt attraction to a guy. I usually ignore them, afraid they’re like my dad.

Later, Emma teased me about her crush. But she said he was godly, so she let it go.

I agreed. I hadn’t gone to church in a long time. Mom used to take us often, but school and work got in the way.

After chatting, they convinced me to join the beau-con at the fiesta.

“I don’t have a gown.”

“Old habit, frenny! Emma handles makeup and gown!”

“Fine,” I said. I often join the beau-con anyway. I usually win. Waste of money to miss it.

“I heard one of the judges is Sabrina, the mayor’s daughter,” Emma said.

“Her face is bold, huh? Dad was late anyway. And she’s famous for fooling around with her guy… and still flaunts it!” Arnie complained, eating pandesal.

“Rich people… who’s her guy?” Emma asked curiously.

“Secret. Maybe he’s married?” Arnie added jokingly.

“Or maybe old, so they swap for hot and active sex!”

“Stop! You two are obsessed with sex!” I laughed, spreading peanut butter on pandesal. Daily life with them, I got used to these conversations.

“But you too, earlier. Almost got groped by Mystery guy,” Emma teased.

“Crazy! Is it bigger than Jerome’s?” Arnie laughed.

“You’re nuts!” I laughed.

Suddenly, Jerome arrived, sweaty, shirtless.

“Whooo!! The pandeasl tastes amazing!” Emma complained, eating when Jerome showed up wearing just a sleeveless shirt and walking shorts. His biceps where showing.

I laughed, shook my head, and got Jerome to step outside to chat. We talked briefly, then he left.

Before leaving, I told my siblings to stay with Emma. I didn’t know my dad’s friends, so we had to be careful—just girls.

While boarding a jeep, I felt like someone was staring. I looked around—nothing. Paranoid? Maybe. I hoped to see him again.

I got on the jeep and suddenly someone grabbed me. Loud shouting. I instinctively hugged a familiar figure. He held me down safely.

“Are you okay?” His voice was familiar. Black leather jacket, helmet.

“Uh… y-yeah. I was surprised.” Almost hit by an overtaking jeep. I stared at his eyes—they matched the guy from last night. “Thank you.”

“Take care. I’ll go first.” I couldn’t speak like last night. He rode his expensive red motorcycle fast.

“Miss, are you okay?” a traffic enforcer asked. I nodded. The driver apologized.

I entered as if nothing happened. He wouldn’t leave my mind. Who was he, and why do our paths keep crossing?

To be continued....