The bus stopped halfway for a quick break at a rest stop. Students spilt out, grabbing food from a small diner or stretching their legs. Elias stayed on the bus, digging into the pile of snacks in his bag. He munched on chips and a candy bar, too tired to bother with anything else. The junk food was enough to keep him going, but the long day was catching up to him. He leaned his head against Rowan's shoulder, his eyes drooping, and within minutes, he was asleep.
Mia noticed first, nudging Rowan with a grin.
"Look at that. You're his pillow now."
Rowan glanced down, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, trying to play it cool. But as his hand brushed Elias's cheek to adjust his position, he froze.
'How's his skin this soft?' he thought, his heart racing. He shook it off, reminding himself he saw Elias like a brother, nothing more. Still, the moment felt... different.
Students nearby started whispering, their phones out.
