Outside, gray clouds gathered fast, bruising the sky with shades of thunderstorm purple. A heavy raindrop smacked the window beside Elian, making several students flinch. Within seconds, rain hammered the bus in a steady, deafening roar. Conversation died down, tension thickened, and only the rhythmic pounding of water filled the air.
A faint lavender scent drifted from the boy beside him. Elian glanced over—only to find the stranger already watching him. The boy quickly turned forward, lips pressed into a thin line. After a moment, he cleared his throat.
"I've never seen you around before. Are you new here?"
His voice was soft, just loud enough to break through the storm outside.
Elian nodded. "I just moved here last week."
Surprise flickered across the boy's eyes. He leaned closer, curiosity bubbling up.
"Where did you move from?"
Elian hesitated, then replied quietly.
"Country S."
The boy stiffened ever so slightly.
His expression shifted—from curiosity to concern, then something like caution. He glanced around the bus, eyes darting toward the teacher seated near the driver. He leaned in so close Elian could feel the warmth of his breath.
"You shouldn't mention that too loudly," he whispered.
Elian blinked, confused.
The boy lowered his voice further.
"Country S isn't exactly popular around here… not after the referendum last year. Some teachers listen for anything unusual. It's better to be careful—especially on trips like this."
The words sank in like cold rain.
Elian nodded slowly, trying—and failing—to hide the flicker of anxiety that passed across his face.
The boy saw it immediately.
Elian forced a small smile, but his hands clenched tightly in his lap. He stared ahead, trying to appear calm, even as tension simmered under his skin.
The boy hesitated… then whispered softly:
"Don't worry. I won't say anything."
Elian looked over at him.
Their eyes met again.
This time, something warm passed between them.