Rowan shifted slightly in her seat.
Just enough to notice.
Caleb said something to her.
She replied without turning fully.
That was normal.
But now everything she did felt like it had weight.
Jace noticed me again.
“Dude,” he said quietly. “You’re cooked.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not even slightly fine.”
I didn’t answer.
Because the bus stopped completely.
Traffic dead.
We were stuck.
And she was still in front of me.
Not moving.
Not turning.
Just there.
And suddenly three hours didn’t feel long anymore.
It felt unavoidable.
Rowan
The bus stopped.
People groaned.
Phones came out.
Conversation filled gaps.
I stayed still.
Window reflection showed movement behind me.
Not clear.
But I didn’t need clarity.
Mason was still there.
