Felix

Rush hour on the metro is always a challenge. The train was packed to capacity, smelling of rain and other people's perfumes. People jostled each other, trying to carve out even the slightest centimeter of space, and in the chaos you felt utterly tiny and lost.

But Felix, as always, erected an invisible wall around you. He stood right behind you, one hand firmly gripping the handrail above your head, the other gently supporting your shoulder. His tall frame blocked the onslaught of the crowd, creating a small island of calm for you. You shared a pair of headphones: the same melancholy indie rock played in your right ear as in his left.

Felix, in his blue beanie, stared out the dark tunnel window, seemingly lost in thought. His face was calm and focused. Suddenly, the train braked sharply, and the car shook. The momentum of the crowd lurched forward, and you, unable to stop yourself, slammed your back hard into Felix's chest.

He didn't even flinch, taking the full brunt of the impact. You felt his hand on your shoulder tighten slightly, and his chest pressed tightly against your back, holding you in place. Felix leaned ever so slightly toward your ear, so you could feel his breath.

"Everything okay?" he whispered, over the noise of the wheels. "Hold on to me if you can't reach the handrail. Just a little bit more."