A Late-Night Commute
Lee Jihoon rarely took the bus this late.
The streets were quieter than usual, bathed in the glow of streetlights, with only a few cars passing by. The cool night breeze drifted through the bus shelter, where a small group of tired commuters waited.
Jihoon stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets, his breath visible in the chilly air.
It had been a long day, and he was looking forward to getting home, curling up with a book, and letting Hodu fall asleep on his chest like he owned the place.
A few people stood around the bus stop—a man in a suit scrolling through his phone, a couple chatting softly, and a teenager in a school uniform clutching his backpack tightly.
Jihoon barely paid attention. His thoughts drifted between what to eat when he got home and whether Hodu had knocked anything off the table while he was gone.
The faint hum of an approaching engine pulled him from his thoughts.
The bus arrived with a quiet hiss, doors sliding open. Jihoon stepped in, tapping his transportation card against the reader before heading to a seat near the back.
Just as he sat down, however—
A quiet voice reached his ears.
"Ah… I-I'm sorry. I don't have enough fare."
Jihoon glanced toward the front of the bus.
A teenage boy, probably no older than sixteen, stood in front of the driver, shifting awkwardly. He was dressed in a worn school uniform, his backpack slung over one shoulder.
The boy dug through his pockets frantically, checking his wallet again.
The bus driver sighed, clearly tired from a long shift.
"Kid, I can't let you ride for free," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "You need to have the right fare."
The teenager fidgeted, glancing back toward the exit.
His face was flushed, whether from embarrassment or the cold.
Jihoon sighed.
Here we go again.
Ding!
A notification flashed before his eyes.
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone needs help getting home. Cover their fare.
Reward: 35,000 KRW
Jihoon exhaled.
It was always like this.
Stepping In
Before the driver could tell the kid to leave, Jihoon stood up and walked toward the front.
"I got it," he said, pulling out his transportation card.
The bus driver glanced at him but didn't argue.
A soft beep signaled the fare payment.
The teenager whipped around, eyes wide.
"W-Wait, you don't have to—"
"Already did," Jihoon said simply, shoving his card back into his pocket.
The boy looked genuinely stunned.
For a second, it seemed like he wanted to argue. But then, his shoulders slumped in relief.
"…Thank you," he mumbled, bowing deeply before quickly heading to a seat.
Jihoon watched him for a moment, then returned to his own seat, leaning back against the window.
The hum of the engine resumed, and the bus continued down the quiet streets.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 35,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked slightly.
Easy.
A Conversation in the Quiet
A few minutes passed.
Then, movement from the corner of his eye caught Jihoon's attention.
The boy had shifted seats, now sitting directly across from him.
Jihoon raised an eyebrow.
"…Something wrong?"
The boy shook his head quickly. "N-No! I just… I wanted to say thanks again."
Jihoon waved it off. "It's just bus fare. Don't worry about it."
The boy hesitated, then clutched the straps of his backpack.
"…I missed my usual bus because of tutoring," he admitted. "I thought I had enough fare, but I miscalculated."
Jihoon nodded. "Bad luck, huh?"
The boy smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah."
A pause.
Then—
"My name's Jung Daehyun," the boy said, offering a small bow despite being seated.
Jihoon smirked. "Lee Jihoon."
Daehyun fidgeted, then asked, "Do you… always help people like this?"
Jihoon leaned his head back against the window.
"Not always," he said. "But when I can, why not?"
Daehyun nodded, as if processing the words carefully.
"…I want to be like that, too," he murmured.
Jihoon glanced at him, surprised.
Daehyun flushed slightly. "I mean—people don't usually help strangers. But you did."
Jihoon chuckled. "Well, maybe you'll pass it on next time."
Daehyun smiled. "Yeah. I think I will."
Ding!
[Bonus Kindness Opportunity Unlocked!]
Inspiring kindness is a kindness itself.
+12,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked.
Now the system was rewarding him for setting a good example?
Not bad.
A Farewell at the Stop
As the bus neared Daehyun's stop, the teenager quickly stood up.
Before leaving, he turned back to Jihoon.
"Jihoon-hyung," he said hesitantly.
Jihoon raised an eyebrow.
Daehyun bowed deeply.
"Thank you again."
Jihoon sighed.
"Just get home safe, kid."
Daehyun grinned before hurrying off the bus, disappearing into the night.
Jihoon watched him go, then leaned back in his seat.
The bus continued on, its gentle vibrations lulling him into thought.
Maybe Daehyun would help someone else in the future.
Maybe not.
But at least, tonight, he got home safe.
And that was enough.
A Quiet Reflection
By the time Jihoon stepped into his apartment, Hodu was already waiting by the door.
The kitten meowed expectantly.
Jihoon smirked, scooping him up.
"Missed me?"
Hodu flicked his tail, clearly more interested in food.
Jihoon chuckled, setting him down and pulling out the groceries he had bought earlier.
As he poured kibble into Hodu's bowl, his phone buzzed.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"Kindness is contagious. Even the smallest acts can inspire someone to do the same."
Jihoon exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 37
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