Voices sounded at different corners of the bus, condemning the boy's behavior and upbringing.
The level of embarrassment he felt right now was titanic, with so many eyes gazing at him in disdain. Seeing no way out, he could only stare at the girl with resentment, forgetting he was the one who brought the shame upon himself.
" You could do so if it pleases you, sir " The girl spoke, replying to his earlier threat without backing down.
" You … " Stammered the arrogant boy who wanted to speak but couldn't find the right words.
Seeing he had no replies, the female attendant walked away without letting out a single more word. Though she acted tough just now, she didn't really want to lose her job, so all she wished for at that moment was for the drama to die down before it causes severe consequences.
She walked to the staff-reserved area of the bus, which was right after the drivers' seats.
Not long after she walked in, a feminine voice resounded from the speakers atop every seat on the bus.
This voice sounded feminine and exactly like the attendant's voice, so everyone could tell it was her.
" Hello Everyone. Please, I am here to address everyone who received a glass cup from me. Could you take a look at the back of the seat in your front? If you have, you will find two things there. A red button covered with a transparent plastic material, and then beneath it, a glass cup handle that properly fits the glass cups in your hands. Please, you are expected to drop the cup in that handle during and after usage to prevent it from breaking or acquiring any form of damage. I will be back in a while to retrieve all the glass cups so you don't have to worry about having them on you for too long. Thank you all for your time " The girl concluded her speech and then no one heard her voice anymore.
The words of the female attendant were well downloaded by many except for the arrogant young man, who only viewed her voice as a catalyst fueling his anger.
He fumed inside with no one to let it out on. Looking at the glass cup in his hands, he raised it up in an attempt to smash it when a voice suddenly sounded by his side.
" I would advise you to drop that idea. Anything you break here must be paid, and they will definitely hype the price to teach you a lesson. Beware " .
The voice belonged to the tranquil boy sitting beside the arrogant boy.
The arrogant boy immediately dropped the idea. But then, instead of being thankful, he decided to pass on his aggression to the calm boy.
" Who do you think you are to tell me what to do ", the arrogant boy shouted.
" … " There was no reply.
" Hahahahaha " A few people on the bus sprang out into laughter without caring for the arrogant boy's emotions.
The shame which had died down previously immediately returned and this time at a higher level. He solemnly said to himself to avoid entering this bus ever again knowing the memory would definitely haunt him if he ever did.
Suddenly, he remembered a person. He turned to his right side, staring at James.
James just happened to be smiling at the moment, and so he thought he was being mocked.
" Damn it, even he looks down on me now " The arrogant boy thought.
James, on the other hand, had a different thought on his mind.
' How does she live like this? Having to be polite to someone like this scoundrel. Just when one thinks he's seen the worst and then sees something worse.
Does she even have parents? If so, how could they allow this?
Mind you, buses like this one that constantly travel through states are on a long and difficult-to-predict journey. Numerous incidents could occur, starting with robbery and other serious cases.
Even situations like traffic and the bus damaging on the way could lead to a disruption in their plans for the journey, leaving them stranded at places they aren't that familiar with. They might even have to sleep overnight on the bus if they are unable to find a hotel nearby at night.
" Sigh … " With a sigh, James threw behind the thoughts and closed his eyes to take a nap. He knew thinking was useless as he currently had no means to help her.
' If I could help her someday, I would definitely do it ' he thought as his eyes slowly fell closed.