I reached the bus stop with more than just a bad feeling. It wasn’t just the paranoia—or whatever it was—that had me on edge. No, this was something entirely different. Something that I wasn’t able to pin-point. The bus schedule was also making me anxious. I scanned the timetable.

A sigh of relief slipped from my lips. Apparently, the universe didn’t totally hate me today. Or maybe it figured I’d already suffered enough. Either way, I was grateful—the next bus would be here in a couple of minutes. A few other people were also waiting, so at least I wasn’t alone with my suffocating sense of dread.

And still… that creepy sensation of being watched clung to me like static. Just like the day before. Only stronger, eerier. I turned around several times, heart pounding—but saw no one. Note to myself: I was definitely going crazy.

Finally, the bus pulled up. I climbed aboard, trying to shake the unease, and chose to remain standing, gripping one of the poles instead of sitting. My eyes scanned the interior. Aside from the driver, I counted three other passengers. An elderly couple who entered the bus with me sat down near the front and was chatting away harmlessly. The third passenger…

In the very back row sat a young man, slumped down like he was asleep. Black ripped jeans, a black leather jacket with a—you guessed it—black hoodie underneath. He was wearing a black baseball cap and the tips of his hair—which was equally dark—fell messily across his face, hiding most of it. Something about him made my stomach twist. A bit cliché, but he looked like he’d walked straight out of a horror movie. I quickly turned away before he eventually caught me staring. Please let him get off before me. Please.

The bus rumbled on, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of darkness hanging around me like a fog. My face must’ve looked anxious—panicked, even. The old couple got off a few stops later, leaving just me, the driver, and Creepy Backseat Guy. Wonderful.

But—what felt like half an eternity later—when my stop finally came… the guy was gone. The doors whooshed open. I blinked. The back row was empty. My skin crawled. When had he left? I didn’t even hear anyone move and the bus had not stopped after the two oldies had left.
"What now? You getting off or not?!" the bus driver barked.

Startled, I stepped off the bus into the dimly lit street. The doors hissed shut behind me, and the bus pulled away. I was alone. I swallowed hard. One foot in front of the other. You’ve got this, Super-Miri. Home was just ten minutes away.

But the feeling of being watched returned immediately. My eyes darted behind me again and again, this time not caring about how paranoid it may have looked. 

No one. Just my brain playing tricks… right?

I turned into the street that led to our apartment building. The pavement shimmered faintly under flickering streetlights. The space between buildings looked even darker than usual. Five more minutes and I’d be safe. I sped up, eyes scanning every shadow.

Then—

A hand grabbed my arm and yanked me into one of the gaps between the buildings. I yelped, barely catching my breath before I was shoved back against a wall. Panic exploded in my chest. I tried to scream, but a warm hand covered my mouth. Another pinned me by the shoulder. I could feel a tall figure looming over me, breath close, body heat pressed against mine.

My pulse thundered in my ears and my first instinct was to fight off the assailant. 

But when I looked up, fear morphed into pure, fiery rage.

Raven. Freaking. Payne.

He had the audacity to press me against a wall like some psycho! I almost had a heart attack!

"I’m gonna take my hand away, okay? Just… please stay calm and don’t scream," he pleaded quietly.

I glared daggers at him. But something in his expression—something genuinely concerned—melted the edge off my fury like ice was melting under lava. Slowly, my features relaxed. I gave him an agreeing nod, then he lowered his hand.

I should’ve shouted at him, should’ve gone full rage-mode, but… I just stared at him. Tried to find an answer in those mesmerising blue eyes. But, they didn’t give me any, except genuine concern and worry. I tensed when he finally made a move, resting one arm above my head. He kept constant eye contact while his face  slowly inched closer. Oh god.

Don’t tell me he was going to kiss me?!

My cheeks flushed beet red and I could feel my ears turning into something that must’ve resembled a steaming kettle. Warm. It was way too warm! My limbs twitched in protest. But the more I pushed, the more he leaned in—until I was practically pressed against his chest, his arms braced on either side of my head. The expected kiss? Never happened…

His scent overwhelmed me: sandalwood, cinnamon, something earthy and intoxicating. Something I wasn’t quite able to place. Some scent that belonged to him and him only. It made my knees wobble.

"Shhh. Just… close your eyes. You can trust me. Please," he whispered, resting his chin lightly against the top of my head.

And I… listened. 

Why? I didn’t know. But something in his voice—calm and low—told me I’d be okay. I believed him. So I closed my eyes.

His breathing, the rise and fall of his chest, was strangely comforting. My anxiety from before slowly ebbed. I wasn’t scared anymore. Not even a little. That thought should’ve terrified me. But it didn’t.

A tense moment passed. Something inside me stilled. It was like my senses were heightened. The hairs of the back of my neck stood and despite the heat Raven’s body radiated, I had goosebumps all over my arms. Another moment later, his muscles relaxed.

"It’s over," he murmured. I barely heard him.

He slacked down, head leveled with mine. His hair slipped into his face, shadowing his expression. But before I could study this new expression, he looked up at me with that damn crooked grin again. What the hell had just happened?

He stepped away.

The warmth disappeared with him, and a breeze made me shiver. I immediately missed that warmth. Wait! What was I thinking again?! Stupid…

"Uh, so… erm… Miri?" he stammered, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Seriously?! From smoldering close contact and seriousness to this awkward-goofy-boy act in five seconds? Was he unstable or something?

"Maybe you should tell me what that was about first!" I helped him, arms folded tightly.

He looked away sheepishly. "I was just… testing you.” he answered slowly. “Yeah, that’s right!” With that sentence he hit his fist into the palm of his hand, one finger pointing in my direction. It earned him a raised eyebrow from my end.
“I wanted to see if you’d fight back. In case someone really tried something.” he continued to explain.

What. The. Actual…

I blinked slowly in disbelief. "That was a test?! Are you insane?!"

He held up both hands. "I know, I know, dumb move. Look—Let me walk you home and I’ll explain on the way, okay? Deal?"

I rolled my eyes but nodded stiffly. "Fine. But you better start talking."

We walked. He explained. Sort of. Sounded more like an excuse than an explanation if you asked me. His logic made no real sense and somehow smelled like total BS, but I was too drained to argue. The whole situation had definitely felt differently compared to the other day. I couldn’t put my finger around it, but deep down in my guts, I knew something strange had been going on. My fists stayed clenched by my sides the whole way.

We reached my apartment shortly. Just as I turned the key, I paused.

"Do that again, or keep following me like some deranged golden retriever, and I swear I’ll make you a full head shorter."

He stood three meters away, head slightly bowed like a scolded puppy.

"Good night!" I huffed and slammed the door behind me, not waiting for a response or another look at his miserable self.

Finally back in our apartment, the hallway was quiet and dark. No smell of food tonight. I let out a deep breath and slumped back at the door. What a day. I dropped my bag, slipped off my shoes, and shuffled into the kitchen. Starving.

Like a scavenger I rummaged through the fridge. One pre-made sandwich was waiting just for me—thanks, Mom. I took it, almost inhaled it, and then padded toward the living room. Kim was probably already asleep, and Mom was watching TV. With utmost care I slowly opened the door and peeked into the room. Just as I predicted. Little Kim was snuggled into a blanket next to my mom who was watching an episode of the show she was currently binging.

Mom turned, smiling softly. "Mirona! You’re finally home. I knew you had classes until late afternoon, but I was starting to get a little worried." she half whispered, not to wake my little sister.

"Sorry, Mom. School was just... a lot today," I said, trying not to sound too weird.

She carefully stood up, so as to not wake Kimmy, and made her way towards me, then she pulled me into a hug. I gave her a one-armed squeeze.

"Maybe I can pawn something and get you a cheap replacement for your broken phone," she suggested. "So you can call or text me next time."

“I’ll take care of it. Don’t you worry about getting a new phone for me Mom.” I nodded. It was probably best to get a new phone as soon as possible, but I didn’t want her to have to give up something valuable to sell just for the sake of me.

She gave me a last tight lipped smile before returning to the sofa. We said good night, I grabbed my bag which was still laying in the hallway and I slipped into my room. Homework—ugh—but I got it done quickly since it covered topics I already knew. Time to get ready for bed.
I strolled into the bathroom, short sleeved pyjamas in hand. Taking a quick shower, I washed all the events that happened until now off. Teeth were quickly brushed under the running water of the shower. I stepped out of the shower and towel-dried my hair as well as my body. I literally speed-ran the whole process. My bed was calling for me, so the pyjamas were also swiftly worn. 

One last check in the mirror. I paused. Something flickered—movement in the glass.

I took in a quick breath and jumped back, slipping on my damp towel on the floor and nearly knocking over the laundry basket. My elbow clipped the wall with a thud. Fuck! Why did this always hurt so much!?

Breathing hard, I turned, rubbing my elbow in pain.

No one. Nothing.

But I could’ve sworn… the guy from the bus. His reflection.

I shivered. No, I was imagining things. Had to be. Right?

Still shaken, I left the bathroom, crawled into bed, and pulled the covers up to my chin. My eyes burned with unshed tears. Super-Miri does not cry. Just sleep. Sleep fixes everything.

While I kept turning from side to side, not really finding any rest first, the anxiety still slowly faded. Warmth crept in, wrapping me in a hazy cocoon of comfort. My mind was blank and within minutes, I was fast asleep, not noticing the shadow passing my window.