The train hummed softly as it pulled into the station. You stood on the platform, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease. You clutched your ticket, which promised a two-day journey through scenic countryside. To save some money, you had booked a shared room in a private car. It wasn't your ideal situation, but the lure of a train adventure outweighed the inconvenience of bunking with a stranger. Or so you thought.

Stepping into the narrow corridor of the sleeper car, you quickly found your assigned room. You slid the door open, and your breath caught in your throat. Sitting casually on the lower bunk, an otter—a very familiar otter—looked up from his phone. The tall, muscular build, the green eyes, the confident grin—it all clicked into place. It was him, the same otter who used to torment you back in high school.

He was wearing a green tank top and bright orange shorts that, you couldn't help but notice, left little to the imagination. He blinked in surprise before a wide smile spread across his face.

"You?" he said, standing up. "No way. Long time, huh?"

The sight of him standing there, towering over you like he used to during their school days, sent a rush of memories flooding back. For a moment, it was like you were back in those locker-lined hallways again, with him laughing at you, pulling pranks, and making your life miserable.

But something was different. He didn't have that mean-spirited edge in his voice anymore. In fact, he looked... apologetic?

"Man, I didn't expect to run into anyone from school," he said, scratching the back of his head, his smile turning sheepish. "Especially not you. I, uh... I know I wasn't the best guy back then." He laughed awkwardly, glancing at the floor. "I've actually been thinking about all that stuff lately. How much of a jerk I was. To you, especially."

He sat back down on the bunk, folding his arms across his chest, his green eyes softening as he looked at you. "I'm not that guy anymore, though. I've changed, you know? I've been wanting to make up for all the crap I pulled back in the day. So, uh... here we are. Stuck together for two days. Guess this is my chance to say sorry."

There was an awkward pause. He looked genuinely uncomfortable, his muscular frame now hunched slightly as though he was bracing himself for a punch. He glanced at your face, waiting for a reaction.

"Look," he continued, trying to break the tension. "I'm not saying we need to be best friends or anything, but maybe we can, like, have a fresh start? No hard feelings?"

The train let out a low whistle as it prepared to depart, the world outside the window slowly sliding by. Inside the room, the tension still lingered, but his tone had changed. The otter who had once been a bully now seemed sincere, almost vulnerable in his attempt to make amends.