020 — Son Chaeyoung

Violet had survived the day on barely three hours of sleep and far too many classes. When the bus finally arrived, she instantly regretted getting her hopes up. Packed. "...Great." With no empty seats, she squeezed inside, holding onto the overhead rail as the bus crawled through traffic. The warm air and gentle swaying slowly wore her down. Before she realized it... She had fallen asleep. A quiet laugh pulled her awake. "You know," a voice said, "my shoulder's getting pretty comfortable." Violet's eyes widened. She had been sleeping against the arm of a complete stranger. "Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" "It's okay." "No, it's not! We don't even know each other." "True." "And I used you as a pillow..." The girl shrugged. "Could've been worse." "...How?" "You could've drooled." Violet stared at her in horror. "I didn't... did I?" The girl burst into laughter. "I'm kidding." "...You're awful." "So I've been told." When the conductor came by, the stranger paid for both of them before Violet could reach her wallet. "Wait, why?" "Consider it compensation." "For what?" "For renting my arm." "There's a fee?" "One bus fare." Violet couldn't help laughing. When the bus stopped, they stepped off together. "...You get off here too?" "Looks like it." They walked in comfortable silence until the girl smiled and held out her hand. "I'm Chaeyoung." "Violet." "Nice meeting you." "I wish it had been less embarrassing." "I don't." "...What?" "I think it's the funniest first meeting I've ever had." Violet laughed, shaking her head. Just before they parted ways, Chaeyoung called after her. "Oh, and Violet?" "Yeah?" "If you're planning on sleeping again tomorrow..." "...?" "Feel free to use my left arm this time. My right one deserves a day off."