Supermarket → Bus Stop
She scanned the last item and checked the total.
"Four hundred and ninety-four," she said softly.
He took out his wallet and handed her a ₹500 note.
Inside her mind, panic rushed in.
Please don't ask for four rupees… I don't even have six to return… oh no… what do I do…
He watched her quietly, still wondering if she was annoyed about his strange smile earlier.
But without hesitation, she opened the drawer, counted the coins, and handed him the exact change.
He blinked.
Wait… what? Didn't she just think she had no change? Then how…?
Confused, he took the money and left the supermarket, the mystery around her only growing stronger.
Outside, the evening traffic hummed with horns and distant voices.
He reached the bus stop. His usual bus hadn't arrived yet, and a restless crowd had already gathered.
A few minutes later, she arrived.
Fresh from her shift, shoulders slightly drooped, exhaustion visible in the way she walked. Even her silence felt tired.
Then suddenly, she spotted one of her friends.
In an instant, she transformed.
She rushed forward, laughing loudly, talking nonstop, her face bright with energy like a completely different person. Cheerful. Expressive. Almost extroverted.
He frowned slightly and lowered his headphones, trying to hear her thoughts.
But there were none.
Everything in her mind came straight out as spoken words. No hidden stream. No private overthinking. Just open conversation.
So… when she talks, her thoughts disappear, he realized.
Soon, another bus arrived the one she usually took.
They both boarded.
By chance, the only empty seat left was beside him.
She sat down quietly.
And just like that…
Her introvert mode returned.
Silent outside. Loud inside.
Her thoughts began flowing again.
The conductor came for tickets.
She handed over the money. He gave her the ticket but no change.
She hesitated.
Should I ask?
What if he gets irritated?
What if everyone looks at me?
But that money… I earned it… I worked hard for it…
Still, she stayed silent.
Before she could decide
He spoke.
"Excuse me," he said calmly to the conductor. "You didn't give her the change."
The conductor frowned, clearly annoyed.
Why is this guy interfering? Doesn't the girl have a mouth to ask herself?
Still, he handed over the remaining coins.
She accepted them slowly… startled.
Then she turned to look at the stranger beside her.