This guy runs across the five lane street, I assume because he's worried he'll miss the bus not realizing he had plenty of time. Immediately, without hesitation he says "can I ask you a question?"

I hadn't even gotten my ear phones out with my response before he continues asking "are you in high school or college?" I reply, neither and that I've graduated, but it didn't matter. He was going to ask the question regardless. I think he needed to. He then asked if I was an ethical and moral person. I could only respond with, haha, erm...I try to be. So finally to the question. Is it a where does this bus go? Where do babies come from? Can I bum a dollar? No. It went something more like this:

"If someone is trying to destroy you, is it okay to retaliate, not retaliate...refute what their saying about you to protect yourself even if it means falling to their level? I mean, we're friends, but he'll destroy you. I know what he's capable of. I mean deep shit, well I've done messed up shit too. and with him. But now he's doing it to me. I can't let that happen. I gotta stand up. Maybe cuz I'm the only one that can, that means I should stand up, beat him at his own game."

His speech was frantic, body language unsettled. His chest popped out a bit when talking about standing up to his friend, but slightly terrified the rest of the time as if scared of what standing up meant. It wasn't just that he had a decision point in front of him, it was the fact that the time had come to decide. The hardest part. And referring to a complete stranger for advice, a desperate move? or a smart one to ask someone completely unrelated to the situation? I think it showed honesty.

We eventually got interrupted by the bus and sat in distant seats. He held his head in his hands. Fidgeted with his phone. I replayed the conversation in my head, uncomfortable, feeling as if I gave horrible insight. Worried that he misunderstood what I was saying and that it would result in a terrible outcome for both parties involved. I will always wonder about him, but always respect him for asking such a question.