Resolute Fate

Chapter 5: See you tomorrow

As they parted ways, Zevin and Sera strolled leisurely toward the charmingly old-fashioned burger shop just outside the school gates. The air was filled with the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling patties, enveloping them in a cozy embrace under the warm rays of the afternoon sun. Sharing a favorite snack, they reveled in the simple pleasure of each other's company.

"Ma, I missed you. I wish we were classmates in all subjects so I could always see you," Zevin said, his lips forming a playful pout tinged with longing.

Sera's laughter bubbled forth, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh, but that would be quite a problem, pa."

Curiosity sparked in Zevin's gaze. "And why is that, ma?"

A mischievous grin danced on Sera's lips as she teased, "Because if I were in all your classes, you'd never pay attention to anything but me! You're staring at me like it's the first time you've ever laid eyes on me."

Chuckling, Zevin took a tiny bite of his bun, savoring the moment with a gentle smile. "I just want to cherish every moment with you, ma, like I'm savoring this snack."

Sera's eyes rolled as she smiled, a tender warmth enveloping her features as she leaned in closer to Zevin. "You always know just what to say, don't you?" she murmured, her voice a soft melody in the air.

Their stroll continued, each step filled with easy companionship and shared laughter. Zevin's hand found Sera's, their fingers intertwining effortlessly as they walked. Arriving at the bus stop, Zevin helped Sera onto the bus.

"See you tomorrow," he said, his voice carrying a promise that lingered between them like a gentle caress.

As Sera's attention was focused on looking for a place, she was surprised to find Zevin seated nearby, a mischievous glint in his eyes while waving.

"Hi miss, I saved this seat just for you," he declared with a playful grin, gesturing to the two vacant seats beside him.

Sera's laughter burst as she jokingly retorted, "Sorry, sir, but I'm not interested. And I'm taken," earning a chuckle from Zevin.

Their playful banter elicited amused glances from their fellow passengers, but Zevin and Sera paid them no mind as they settled into their seats, content in each other's company.

"Looks like we've got a couple of lovebirds on board," a young man remarked loudly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't you two have a room to go to?" He mocked as he and his group of friends laughed.

Zevin felt a surge of heat rise to his cheeks, his initial reaction to retort stopped by Sera's reassuring hand on his arm. She shot him a pointed look, urging him to remain calm despite the provocation.

"We're just trying to get home like everyone else," Sera replied calmly, her voice carrying a hint of steel beneath its polite veneer. "There's no need for negativity."

The passenger scoffed, rolling his eyes in response to Sera's measured tone. "Oh, spare me the righteous indignation," he retorted, his voice laced with disrespect. "You two can play happy families elsewhere. Some of us have places to be."

Zevin felt a surge of anger bubble within him, the urge to defend himself and Sera rising like a tidal wave. But before he could speak, the man's mocking tone cut through the air once more.

"Hey there, knight in shining armor," the man sneered, fixing Zevin with a mocking gaze. "Aren't you ashamed to be saved by your princess? Got nothing to say for yourself?"

Zevin clenched his jaw, his fists tightening with restrained fury. But before he could respond, Sera's voice cut through the tension like a ray of light in the darkness.

"Let's not let him ruin our day, Zev," she murmured, her eyes meeting his with a look of unwavering support.

Despite the man's taunts, Sera remained composed regardless of the cruel words hurled her way. But as the journey continued, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile, the man's friends joining in with their own jeers and mocking comments.

"Hey sweetheart, why don't you come sit with us instead?" one of the men called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You don't want to be stuck with this loser, do you?"

Sera's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her eyes downcast as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of such blatant disrespect. But despite the humiliation she felt, she refused to let the men see her falter, her pride refusing to be tarnished by their cruel words.

As the bus rumbled on, Zevin's heart ached at the sight of Sera's distress, her eyes filled with worry and fear despite her strong appearance. His desire to protect her from harm was overwhelming his rational thought, but as he reached out to comfort her, Sera's hand found his beneath the seat, her grip tight and reassuring.

"We'll get through this together, Zev," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. "Don't let them get to you."

With Sera's unwavering support by his side, Zevin found the strength to endure the remainder of the journey, their bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity. And as they finally reached their destination - Trissa, they stepped off the bus hand in hand, their love a shield against the harshness of the world around them.

As Zevin glanced over at the group of men, he fixed them with a steady gaze, committing their faces to memory.

Despite the day's events, Sera's words warmed Zevin's heart. "Today was perfect, pa," she said, gratitude overflowing in her voice. "Thanks for making every moment special."

They shared a final embrace, promising each other more happy days before going their separate ways. As Zevin watched Sera ride off in a cab, his heart swelled with a mix of contentment and concern.

Making his way toward the next bus stop, Zevin couldn't shake off the unease he felt after seeing the look in Sera's eyes.

Spotting the man who had disrespected Sera entering an empty alley, Zevin murmured to himself, "Just in time. I couldn't ignore that feeling."

Zevin checked his surroundings before quietly trailing the young man. When the man finally noticed Zevin's presence and turned, he sneered mockingly.

"Well, if it isn't our little knight in shining armor," the man jeered. "What do you want, sissy?"

Zevin smirked in response. "Nothing much, sweetheart. I thought you wanted me to sit with you."

Before the man could reply, Zevin's foot lashed out, catching him off guard and causing him to fall to his knee. With a swift motion, Zevin delivered a stinging slap to the man's cheek.

"That's for me," Zevin said firmly, his voice dripping with contempt. "And here's for my girl."

A tooth clattered to the ground as the man recoiled from the blow. Zevin leaned in close, his tone cold as he issued a warning.

"Don't bother following me," Zevin said, his voice low and menacing. "Or you'll regret it."

As the man gritted his teeth and muttered curses, Zevin turned and walked away, his resolve unshaken. "I know that uniform," the man spat after him. "We'll see, tough guy."