It was so crowded, people packed together like sardines in a can.
It was noisy, too.
The sound from the TV on the bus mingled with the passengers' conversations.
It almost made you think you'd ended up at a market.
The young man in the black baseball cap had earbuds in.
He gripped a handrail.
He looked relaxed, as if he were shutting out the world and listening only to the music in his ears.
His eyes were half-closed.
Only after the bus reached another stop and set off again did he feel someone nudge his arm.
He opened his eyes.
And looked down.
"Young man."
The elderly woman sitting in the seat frowned at the young man in the baseball cap.
"Just now..."
The old woman seemed hesitant to say more.
The young man looked completely baffled.
Huh?
What?
"...Take a look at your bag."
A thought suddenly struck the old woman.
His bag?
The young man in the baseball cap was full of questions, but out of respect for the elderly, he did as she asked.
He brought the backpack around to his chest.
The next second, his eyes widened.
His bag was open!?
He hurriedly reached inside, his face full of worry.
Soon, his fingers found a soft little head.
He pulled the bag open wider.
Bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window, the little guy inside came into full view.
It was a white kitten.
"Meow~"
The little white cat let out a cry.
Its voice was tiny and sweet.
It made one's heart soften.
"Oh?"
The old woman's eyes widened.
"A cat?"
"There's a cat in your bag?"
Seeing that his kitten was still in the bag, the young man in the baseball cap