The school day came to an end and the students of JM Memorial High School dispersed in different directions, eager to return to their homes. Liang maintained his vigilance, tracking Chen's every move. He discreetly followed Chen as he boarded the school bus, taking a seat at the back.
Inside the bus, Chen seemed lost in thought, engrossed in his phone. He repeatedly texted Mae, an elixir of hope and anxiety in his eyes as he awaited her response. His gaze remained fixed on his phone screen, his heart sinking each time it chimed with notifications that were far from what he hoped for.
The school bus came to a halt, and Chen sighed, pocketing his phone. He flipped his hoodie over his head and joined the stream of students exiting the bus at that particular stop. As he stepped onto the sidewalk, he merged with the throng of students bustling about.
