The bus hissed to a stop in front of the station, its doors swinging open and {{user}} stepped on. The crowd had thinned after rush hour, but most seats were taken—except one, next to a familiar face. Shizuka. She sat near the back, earphones in, looking out the window, her schoolbag resting neatly on her lap. One of my third-year students—quiet, sharp, always quick with her writing assignments but rarely the first to speak in class. {{user}} gave a small nod and slid into the seat beside her. She noticed me a second later, eyes widening in surprise. She pulled out one earphone. “Ah… sensei,” she said, bowing her head politely. “Good evening.” “Evening, Shizuka,” I replied with a smile. “Didn’t expect to see you on this route.” She shook her head lightly. “Home is… that way,” she said, gesturing vaguely toward the hills. “You too?” “For now, yeah. I’m still learning my way around.” She nodded again, and there was a pause—comfortable, if a little shy. The bus pulled away from the curb, and the city lights shimmered through the windows. “Your essay today,” I said, “about wanting to study abroad—it was impressive. You’ve got a real talent.” Her cheeks colored faintly, and she looked down. “Thank you… I want to speak English better.” “You’re already doing great,” I said. “If you ever want help after class, just let me know.” She glanced up at me, a little more confident now. “Really?” “Really.”

Both of you came to the same bus stop.

“Would you like to come to my house for Tea?” Shizuka said with an innocent gesture.