The Hero Meets the Villain

Chapter 6: Newfound Feelings

It was early in the morning when you woke up. You did what you were supposed to do before heading downstairs. Aunt May was busy scrolling through her phone when you showed up at the kitchen. "Hey, May." 

"Good, morning, Y/N. How was work yesterday? I'm so sorry I was already asleep when you came back because I was-"

"It's fine." You cut off before she could ramble. "Uh, it was an adventure," you smiled carefully.

"I'm glad you're having fun." She smiled back. "Now, hurry up and eat. You're going to be late."

You quickly swept through your meal and on cue, your bus arrived. You immediately seated besides the three, who were talking with one another. Actually, Sashi and Boone were talking while Penn was trying his best not to fall asleep.

"Good morning," you greeted with a smile. 

"Good morning," Sashi and Boone said in unison, Penn lagged behind with a slurred voice.

You chuckled a bit. "Well that was creepy-sounding." You looked at Penn beside you who was nodding off every now and then. "What happened?" 

"I don't know." Sashi shrugged. "Seems that he didn't get enough sleep."

Your brows furrowed in concerned. What could be the reason as to why Penn stayed up so late?

"Don't worry, Y/N. Penn does this every once in a while. He really likes to overthink at night. I know him." Boone explained while you nodded, deciding to believe him. Well, I guess there's also another thing you and Penn have in common; it's overthinking, mostly at night.

"If you don't mind me asking," You said, still looking at the poor ginger, who had his head almost leaning against your shoulder. "What does he over-thinks about?"

"Uh..." Boone trailed off, obviously knowing what it is, but he doesn't know if he could say it to you. He looked at Sashi for help and you got the message.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay," Sashi said, crossing her arms, but she didn't look annoyed. However, it still didn't ease you. You already felt Penn's temple on your collarbone, but you let him, because he needed some sleep. School was still halfway there. "Uhm, obviously it's not our secret to tell so you should ask it from Penn, but if you really want to know, I think he often thinks about his parents. That's all we're going to tell you."

The atmosphere went quiet. You looked down at your lap and Sashi and Boone started another conversation to move on. You looked out the window and frowned. 

Another thing you and Penn have in common; your parents. 

After a few more minutes, the bus halted. You saw Sash and Boone already standing up with their things. You hesitated asking help to wake Penn up because you just realized that he was sleeping on your shoulder so peacefully. You were trying your best to keep the blush from forming on your cheeks before slightly shaking your shoulders. 

"Penn," you called in a gentle tone. "Wake up." 

He dragged out the words, "Five more minutes," before getting more comfortable. Your face heated up even more. Sashi and Boone had already left because they figured that you could handle this all by yourself. 

They were wrong. 

"We're already here," you said, increasing the volume of your voice, but you still kept it gentle. "We're going to be late."

He slowly opened his eyes and saw the interior of the bus. He realized that his head was laying on something before sat up straighter. He stretched his arms up so you took this chance to stand up and shouldered your backpack.