(031 - Something More)

This is the longest chapter I have ever written. I tried to divide it but I really didn't want to elongate that chapters that have to do with Dawn and Chima, so I just tried to fix everything into this one chapter.

In fact, I summarised a lot of parts. I even had to remove some discussions to fix into another part of the book. I just hope this chapter isn't too tacky because I'm honestly 50% satisfied with it.

Enjoy 😩.

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𝐃𝐀𝐖𝐍
(Dawn Damipe Dayo.)

Wow! She's good!

No, scratch that. She's Amazing!

She had barely even started, just casually flowing hesitantly to the beat of the song and I was already getting impressed. Even the crowd was getting impressed, hooting and hailing her. I looked at the tall guy that had dragged her out, watching him keep his eyes on the girl, a wide smile spread across his lips.

He was feeling her. He was vibing her.

♪♪See feelings get messy now
Its the last thing that we need now♪♪

The crowd was getting louder and louder in their cheering. I even joined them when the girl started getting more into the dance, letting herself free into the rhythm of the music.

I watched her move her body, a more relaxed smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she hit every beat, every tempo until she finally let herself go into the song and began to dance like no one was watching.

Holy God! My eyes widened in awe as I watched her get it.

She's phenomenal. This girl is a phenomenal dancer. What in the world!

I don't easily get impressed when I see people dancing, given that I've been dancing all my life and I knew the in and out of it. Dance has been inbuilt in me from heaven.

But this girl? Damn! She's Awesome!

And as expected, the crowd went wild, screaming their lungs out like lunatics!

♪♪Ouu, give it to me...
Nobody have to know that you give it to me...♪♪

Her tall friend joined her just like Chima had joined me earlier on, dancing in perfect sync with her. It honestly felt like they had rehearsed and choreographed the entire dance routine before now because... What! And what the hell is this Chemistry I'm feeling from them?

The boy was good, very good on his own, but together? Mehn, they were a Power House!

The crowd seemed to agree because the screams got louder, more and more people adding to the crowd by the minute. Everyone had their phones up, capturing the both of them, cheering them on with even louder hypes.

"Hey," I felt Chima's presence behind me, whispering. His hand was at the side of my waist and I turned my head a bit to look at him, leaning back against him.

"Hey," I smiled back.

"Should we join them?" He suddenly asked, nodding at the duo that had gone all Bonnie and Clyde on all of us. My eyes twinkled at the invitation.

"Oh, Heck Yeah!" I screamed, dragging a laughing Chima along with me as we went to the center of the circle to join these two strangers to Dance like we had known them forever.

The crowd was loving it.

Like the bosses that we were, the beanie girl and I took over the floor, taking turns to choose the kind of dance moves we'd go with. For a moment, it would be me calling the shots, other moments the beanie girl would take the lead. And the boys would flow with us, following us. We were in perfect harmony, perfect sync, perfect vibe.

We kept dancing, kept vibing... kept being happy.

At some point, we got so caught up that we mistakenly swapped partners. One second I was dancing with Chima, another second, I was dancing with someone taller, with a face mask, darker clothes compared to what Chima had worn.

It took me a moment to realize that I wasn't dancing with Chima anymore, but the tall boy.

"Oops, I'm sorry." I heard him say, laughter in his voice, and I laughed with him.

"I'm so sorry," I replied, and just like that, we were back to our normal partners. Chima was ready to have me back, taking my hand in his and spinned me around. I laughed heartily, getting back into the dance.

The unexpected swap didn't make the dance any less fun than it was. It made it even more dramatic and spontaneous, giving the crowd something to laugh about. I have never danced with strangers before. It has always been with the dance team at school, at home with my siblings, or by myself making TikTok videos.

But dancing with these strangers was amazing. I couldn't explain the feeling. Maybe the feeling of being free, being yourself with someone outside your circle.

None of my friends knew how to dance like me. Even Kizito had two left feet. Having these two people was a special kind of feeling. Then, bring in Chima, who I had no idea was this good.

I've always wanted to be with someone who wouldn't shy away from dancing with me. Just from tonight, I can list a thousand and one reasons why I'd give anything to be with this A-class, Sports pro, handsome genius with a kinky fro.

The song ended with the subject of my thoughts pulling me in till my body pressed against him, my hands around his neck. His left hand was around my waist, his right holding my face.

Our faces were so close, eyes staring deep at each other. We were panting, heavily. I could feel Chima's heart racing against my chest, and was sure he could feel mine too.

"What the hell was that!" He asked rhetorically, referring to our dance, his voice extremely breathlessly. I didn't even know how to answer, still trying to catch my breath. But I mustered the widest grin I could.

Chima let out a soft breathless laughter and moved closer to press his forehead against mine, still holding me against him. I laughed with him, bringing my hands further up his neck to hold the sides of his face.

I had no idea where all that boldness came from.

We were breathing heavily, both our breaths fanning against each other's faces. We stayed like that, holding each other like that until there was an explosive sound around us and we began to feel some things descending on us. Chima and I pulled our heads apart to see what it was and laughed more when we did.

Confetti. Everywhere.

In a matter of seconds, a bunch of strangers were all over us, causing Chima and I to pull apart completely. They were all talking at once, wanting to shake us and compliment us. Chima took the wheel, holding my hand in his as he answered most of the strangers for both of us. I was still very much breathless and in complete awe of what had just happened.

While I was still trying to gather myself, I watched with a smile as he interacted with the strangers, talking to most of them like he had known them before now.

Nah, this boy cannot tell me he's shy. His social skills were so top-notch.

After, we went to see the two strangers we had danced with. When we got close to them, Chima left my hand and rushed over to them, wearing a big grin on his face with a rush of excitement flowing through. I chuckled, feeling his contagious energy as I followed him.

"Tell me I didn't just see that!" Chima yelled, hyping and I couldn't stop myself from laughing softly. He talking about the dance.

"You saw it, bro!" The tall boy responded, playing along with Chima's hype, giving off the same energy. I just stayed back and watched the two boys talk, a smile playing on my lips.

"You're so good, really. Like, you girls just literally carried that whole stage and murdered it!" Chima looked between me and the beanie girl, a proud smile playing on his lips.

"How did you even do that!" Chima was talking to the beanie girl, complimenting her but she just stood there, staring at him as he talked. She was looking at him as if wondering why he was so hyper.

I laughed again.

"All the credit goes to the ladies," The tall boy started, basically transferring all the accolades to me and his friend. I looked at him. Up close and without the face mask he had on earlier, I could see him better.

Oh wow. He's so fine!

He was handsome... like, extremely gorgeous. He had this kind of handsomeness that was all up in your face, the kind that was the first thing you'd notice about him.

And he was tall, a little taller than Chima, and dark-skinned. His hoodie and joggers didn't fail to hide the fact that he was muscular, most likely an athlete too. Looking closely, I could see a mane of dark hair sipping from beneath his hoodie.

All in all, this boy was a clear definition of a hunk and the stereotypical tall, dark and handsome guy. Very distracting.

But Daughter of Zion will not be distracted today.

Not when I have my mind already set on someone else.

"Really though, they took the whole show!" The tall hunk was still talking about us girls and I smiled.

"Oh, they schooled us like mad!" Chima stated shrewdly, slapped his hand in a loud handshake that made me laugh.

"Agreed." I also chipped in, basking in the high praise.

Stepping closer to them, I stood beside Chima and looped my arm with his. He smiled at me, and out of the blues, pressed a kiss on my cheek. A seemingly harmless kiss that sent my mind into overdrive. I had to act like I wasn't fazed by that small gesture.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw the beanie girl step back, hiding behind her tall friend with her lips twitching in a barely visible smile at Chima and me. I almost cooed at the act.

It was obvious that she wasn't a social person. I was able to tell from the beginning when the tall boy had to talk her into dancing. It made me want to hug her, just to calm her down and tell her that she had nothing to be shy about. She was badass and she should own it.

Giving her a once-over and taking in her entire features, I was taken aback by how casual her dressing was.

She was wearing a loose white spaghetti strap top, baggy brown three-quarter trouser, a pair of socks... yes, socks, and black palm slippers. Then she topped it all up with the multi-colored beanie on her head.

The carefree, casualness in her entire look made me almost jealous of her. Almost. Why? I'll tell you why.

I could tell she was on a date with the tall hunk. I could smell their chemistry. But this babe didn't even put any effort in her outfit, no effort at all but it was so obvious the tall hunk was still smitten by her regardless.

And here I was, almost burning my entire room to the ground because I was looking for what to wear to this date, knowing fully well that even if I came dressed in a sack, no make-up whatsoever on my face, Chima wouldn't mind.

This babe didn't have anything on her face, no lip balm sef, and yet she was rocking an effortless, rugged beauty that shook me.

On top of that, she's a kick-ass dancer!

Gosh! She has become my role model, honestly.

"Both of you were so good," I told them, meaning every single word of it. "And believe me, I don't get impressed by dancers so easily."

I don't. But these guys blew my mind.

"That's a major accomplishment on our side, I must say," The tall hunk replied smoothly and laughed softly. Chima and I joined him before he took both their hands in a casual handshake.

All the while, the beanie girl stood behind him. I so wanted to tell her to come out, but I didn't want to overstep my bounds.

"I'm Marc by the way," The tall hunk easily introduced himself to us, before gesturing towards the girl, and added "Meet Aurora, she's my-"

"Dabi." She quickly cut in and I looked at her, watching her with an amused smile as she cleared my throat, stepping out from behind him hesitantly. "My name is Dabi. Hi."

Dabi... hmmn. I like her name.

"You are so talented, Dabi!" I told her, blessing her with a smile. Dabi stared back at me blankly for a moment, before nodding to the compliment.

"Likewise." She simply replied and I smiled. She wasn't a people person, clearly and the last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable around me.

"Well, I'm Dawn," I told her, smiling warmly at her but still keeping my distance. She watched me, monitoring me with her eyes. I saw her lips tug in a small smile and I knew we were making slight progress.

"Dawn." She repeated slowly as if testing my name on her lips.

"Yes, Dawn," I giggled, before gesturing to Chima who was patiently standing beside me, allowing me to do all the talking. "And this over here is..." I trailed off as Chima moved away from me and stepped up to introduce himself to Dabi. I chuckled lightly.

I don't think you can charm your way into the one, Mr. Ansel.

"Ansel." He said like he had heard me call that particular name in my thought, his hand stretched out for a handshake with Dabi. "Call me Ansel, please."

I laughed at the way he was charming even when Dabi just stared back at him, blinking at him in such a confused expression. She only flashed him a stiff smile but didn't take his hand. He seemed to have gotten the memo because he casually brought his hand down.

"Y'all wanna grab some food with us? Drinks? Snacks?" Marc suggested, and we all nodded, keen to the idea.

"Well, we have the time," I said, checking my phone for the time. It was a few minutes to nine and I began to wonder how the time had gone so fast.

Still, I had time to spare.

"Yeah, and that was one hell of a workout on that stage," Chima said, "And we need to restore some more energy for the next one, right babe?" He threw me a smirk and a wink. I rolled my eyes, chuckling softly as I nodded.

"And is okay with you too, Aurora?" Marc was asking Dabi, who smiled a little, nodding at the offer. My smile widened, knowing that it would be a very good opportunity for me to get to know her better.

And that was how Chima and I spent our time with Dabi and Marc, our newly made dancer friends.

Of course, it was easier for the guys to bond. I don't know how they do it, but Marc and Chima clicked immediately, bonding over basketball. Marc seemed impressed by Chima, probably because he knew a lot about the sport. I, on the other hand, decided to task myself with the responsibility of making Dabi laugh... and it was working.

"Do you want suya?" Chima asked me after he and Marc ordered 3k worth of Suya. Marc wasn't even waiting, he dug right in.

"No no," I answered, satisfied in watching them eat. He didn't even wait for me to say no finish before he joined Marc and dug in. Dabi laughed while I mock cringed.

"Gosh, calm down. It's not a competition!" I chided them, but they didn't listen to me. I rolled my eyes and muttered. "Barbaric cavemen."

At this point, Dabi was already wheezing. I was just glad she had decided to relax little by little and enjoy herself.

We took a stroll to a place called Wonder Food Cart, where Marc and Chima ordered us tons and tons of junks, which I couldn't resist of course. Dabi was happy to offer me what was left of hers when she couldn't finish it.

The boys were having fun, we were having fun. Everything was going perfectly well. It wasn't a planned double date but I was enjoying it.

Our last stop was at a Hawaii-themed bar, About Love by Marina playing in the background as we walked in.

"Why don't you ladies wait here while we get some more ice cream?" It was Chima who suggested, and I muttered a small thank you. I've been craving another dose of ice cream since our gelato stop earlier.

"Sure, sure. Do all the work for us," I playfully waved them off. Dabi laughed again and muttered something like, yeah, what she said.

Soon the boys were gone, leaving just me and Dabi alone together by the round table counter. I picked up the bottle of Fanta from the table and took a sip.

"So.. Um..." Dabi began, stuttering. I stopped sipping and looked at her, waiting to hear what she wanted to say. I was a little surprised though. Didn't think she'd start a conversation because all night, I've been the one trying to rope her into a conversation.

If her wanting to start the conversation this time meant she was getting comfortable with me, then I wanted to see it happen.

"Yeah, how long have you been dancing?" She finally asked. I hummed, not sure how to answer the question. Mum used to say I came out of her womb with dance shoes on, but I can't say that I've been dancing since I was in my mother's womb.

"A really long time," I answered instead.

A corner of Dabi's lips tugged in a small smile as she said. "Cool."

"I mean, it's a really broad question," I continued, not too satisfied with how I responded before. "I've been dancing all my life. My mum says that I came out of her womb with dance shoes on."

I finally said what I said I wasn't going to say. But with the way Dabi chuckled lightly, she seemed to be enjoying what I was saying.

So, I continued.

"My mum enrolled me in dance class when I was five years old and since then, I've been officially dancing," I told her and she hummed, nodding. "I'm also the Dance Captain of my school's dance team... so, I've been at this for so long that it's hard to determine when exactly I even started," I concluded and Dabi nodded in understanding.

"I understand that perfectly, believe me," she chipped with a dainty smile playing on her lips. "And it's kind of obvious you were doing this longer than you even remember, you're phenomenal."

I am phenomenal? Gurl! Have you met you?

"And what about you, girl!" I voiced out my thought chirpily, throwing the compliment back to her, "You're just as great. When did you start?"

"I got enrolled into an official dance class at 9," She answered. "But, I feel I've been at it my whole life."

"Well, I can't disagree," I said because mehn, she's too good.

Dabi smiled in genuine appreciation and I smiled back at her. She was warming up to me slightly and I liked it.

"Marc says you both go to Castron High?" I popped it up, picking up my hamburger to take a bite. Marc had mentioned it to Chima when they are bonding over basketball and I overheard. Dabi nodded, taking a sip of her cocktail.

"It's true," she answered monotonously, then began to sip again.

"Ohhh! How's it like there? Tell me everything! " I wanted to know, otherwise I wouldn't be embarrassing myself, speaking with a mouth full of hamburger.

Castron was one of the biggest, oldest, and most popular schools in Lagos. A school for the one percent of the one percent like Crestview. Kizito's elder sister went there when she was still in high school and even though I was young back then, I knew how posh Kristin was. He also talks about a friend of his that goes there, one Casper Bassey.

I've always wanted to know what it's like to go there.

But Dabi hesitated as if she was trying to look for the right words to describe her school. She almost looked terrified again.

"Ts'okay." She said, sipping on more cocktail. I could tell that there was something she wasn't telling me. But it seemed to make her uncomfortable so I didn't push it.

"So, you know Casper Bassey?" I asked her and she nodded. "He goes there, Kizito has talked about him!" I added.

"I have no idea who Kizito is," Dabi said and I blinked.

"Oh.." I trail off. "Right." She obviously wouldn't know Kizito. It's not like I know Casper anyway.

"But, I know Casper." She responded.

"Well, Ansel and I go to Crestview International Academy," I said, intentionally calling Chima Ansel so that I won't confuse Dabi. "I'm sure you've heard of the School by now."

Crestview was just as big of a school as Castron. Not as old or as popular, but we made marks too. I mean, who hasn't heard of the first high school in Lagos to ever start American football.

A smile of recognition stretched across her lips.

"Most definitely," She answered and I smiled. "Wow, so..." she paused, sipping on her cocktail again. "So, you go to the new girl?"

The what?

I was confused. And judging by Dabi's mischievous look, I knew she was just teasing me, probably an inside joke for her.

"Never mind." She said, taking fries with a lingering sly smile on her face. It was so obvious she was teasing me. It only meant she was getting more and more comfortable around me. So, I let her be.

I looked around the table and saw Marc's phone beside Dabi's hand and smiled.

"So, you and Marc," I began, propping my head on the table with my hand as I looked at Dabi. "Are you two dating?" I deadpan, a mischievous smirk of my own playing on my lips.

It was meant to be a joke, so I didn't expect Dabi to start choking on her cocktail immediately after I asked.

Jesus.

"Woah, are you okay?" I asked instant, rushing to hand her a glass of water.

Dawn, you will not kill someone's child o.

"Yeah, yeah," She choked out, drank water a bit, coughed again, then drank water again a couple more times.

"So, I'm guessing that reaction means you two don't have a label," I said in realization. Dabi gave me a thumbs-up as she drank some more water. I chuckled softly.

"Relatable," I said, thinking about Chima and me. "As a matter of fact, Ansel and I are on a date type of thing too," I told her, leaning back against my seat. A date I hope would define things for Chima and me.

The night is still young.

I suddenly remembered the magic show I wanted to go to.

"Oh, and we wanted to check out Abeola's Magic Show before we leave, are you in?" I asked her. She looked surprised, probably by the fact that there's a magic show in Nigeria.

Well, Wonder Coast isn't Nigeria my dear. Wonder Coast is another dimension entirely.

I sighted the boys. Actually, I sighted Chima, and an involuntary smile stretched across my lips.

"Oh, the boys are here!" I chirped in excitement clapping my hands together in anticipation.

Dabi followed my gaze to see Marc and Chima walking back, holding each in their hands two small buckets of ice cream. I subconsciously smacked my lips. Chima knows exactly what I like.

The boys were already discussing as they walked up to us, conversing like they were friends before now. It still baffled me how in just the space of minutes, these boys have become close pals. Chima was saying something to Marc, who couldn't stop the rumbling laughter that kept spilling from his lips. It made me smile.

Yes, Marc. He has that same effect on me. I thought to myself, staring right at Chima as they got to us.

He caught me staring at him, a wide smile stretching across his lips after. I didn't get shy or look away from him, allowing my smile to widen even further as I held his gaze.

"Hey, you." He whispered, setting the ice cream on the table when he got closer.

"Hey," I whispered right back, boldly wrapping my hands around his middle to bring him closer. He chuckled softly, moving closer till his forehead was touching mine again, muttering something like you missed me, didn't you?.

Yes, I did. I missed you so much.

I think I'm getting obsessed with this boy.

Dabi and Marc seemed to be in a world of their own, with Marc pressing a kiss at the top of her head. I laughed softly at the expression on Dabi's face, obvious that she had not expected that small action from him.

He adored her. I could tell by the way he looked at her and treated her so delicately.

"Oh, the Magic Show?" Marc suddenly said, indicating that he heard what I had asked Chima. His hands were wrapped around Dabi's shoulders as he took his seat by her.

"Magic show in Nigeria?" Chima's eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets. "That no be juju?" He asked, causing Marc and I to laugh. After, I explained to him that I had seen the booth earlier and I wanted us to go.

"So, Aurora," Marc was talking to Dabi. "Do you want us to go with Ans and Dee for the Magic Show?"

Ans and Dee? He already gave us nicknames? Wow!

"I'll pass on that one," Dabi answered and I pouted, really wishing they could come with us. "But I don't want to stop anyone, Dawn seems to really want to go."

"Aww, it's okay," I brushed it off. "I'll just go with Ansel. You and Marc can continue on your date, okay?" I winked at Dabi as she visibly tensed. Marc, on the other hand, smirked, turning to look at her.

"Date." He repeated, but Dabi avoided his gaze and I always cooed right there.

God, they are so cute!

"It was nice meeting you... Marc and Dabi, you guys are wicked awesome," Chima chipped beside me and I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah.." I said, flashing a big smile specifically at Dabi. "Especially you, Dabi," I told her.

And I meant it.

She smiled back, muttering a small. "Thank you."

"So, I guess it's to hope we all meet again some other time," Marc spread his arms out in a gesture of farewell and I giggled "Maybe on our next dance performance, aye?"

Most definitely!

Chima's lips stretched into a full grin. "You got it, my brother!" And both boys slapped their hands in a loud handshake.

So much aggression.

Chima and I waved at them before leaving the shack, my hand in his.

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"Ansel, uhn?" I smirked, referring to the way he had introduced himself to Dabi and Marc earlier. He picked up on it and laughed, shaking his head slightly.

"It just came out." He defended and I laughed.

"It's actually what I'm being called at home most of the time." He chipped and I looked at him. "Though, mum thinks we should go by our native names so she calls me Sochima or Sochi for short. My Dad calls me Ansel a lot more since he's the one that gave me the name." He said, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

He brought up his Dad again, out of the blues this time. I couldn't help but feel that there was something more there. But, I didn't ask yet.

"So, I'm the only one who calls you Chima?" I asked and he nodded, smiling down at me as we kept walking down the part that led to Abeola's Magic Show.

"Yeah. Just you." He whispered, keeping his eyes steadily on me. I smiled, resting my head on his arm as we kept walking. It kinda made me feel special, that I was the only one who referred to him as a particular name.

"Tell me more about your family," I said, raising my head again to look at him. He furrowed his brows, cocking his head to the side.

"I thought you wanted to go see Abeola." He stated. I wanted to. I was looking forward to it. But now, getting to know Chima was more important.

"You are way more interesting," I answered and he laughed. "If you are not comfortable with it, I understand..." I began but he shook his head, cutting me off.

"No. It's okay." He said, assuring me and I nodded. Chima exhaled and led me to a secluded part of Wonder Coast I had not seen yet.

It was a quiet place, just string lights on trees to provide illumination for the environment, the trees providing a shade for chairs beneath them. Chima led me to seat on one of the long benches, sitting right beside me as well.

I looked at him, watched him have flashes of conflicted expressions across his face before he took a deep breath and turned to look at me. I quietly prayed that I wasn't doing anything wrong by asking him about his family.

Chima looked at me, watched me intently as if trying to read me. I held his gaze, allowing him to, laying bare everything for his eyes to see.

"You want to talk about my Dad." He stated shrewdly, seeing right through the whole family cover-up. I didn't try to cover it up again so I nodded, trying to find the words I can use to describe my curiosity.

"I noticed that..." I paused, averting my gaze from his a bit before looking back at him. "I noticed that twice tonight, you brought him up but didn't say much about him as you did with your mum or your siblings. I didn't want to think too much about it but, the curious part of me keeps saying that there is something..."

"Something More," He finished for me and I nodded. He sighed, a small but beautiful smile appearing on his lips. It calmed me down a bit, but it didn't make me feel like I was prying any less.

"Chima honestly, if you are not comfortable talking to me about it..." I began, just wanting to be sure that he was okay with this, with me asking him something that I bet was very personal. But he stopped me.

"Dawn..." He cut me off gently and I stopped talking. He turned on the chair, sitting in a way that he was completely facing me. I mimicked his posture so I was facing him too, my left leg on the chair just like his right.

Chima took my left hand in his right one, bringing it up to our eye level. I watched him lock his fingers between mine, slowly, tentatively. When I looked at him, he was already looking at me, still smiling gently at me. I smiled back, calming down even more.

He started speaking again.

"You can ask me anything, and I'd answer you in a heartbeat," He told me, and right there, my heart melted into a puddle. I didn't even know when an involuntary sigh escaped my lips.

"It's just that, talking about my Dad is a little hard," He whispered and I nodded in understanding. "It's easier not to talk about him because then, I wouldn't miss him so much." He added and I gasped.

Miss him so much?

Wait, is his Dad...

"Chima..." I gasped.

"Don't worry, he's not dead." He chuckled lightly and I breathed out a sigh of relief. The small smile on Chima's lips whipped off gradually and he shrugged. "Or at least, I hope he's not." He muttered to himself, but I heard.

I moved closer to him, my hand still linked with his.

"Talk to me," I whispered, looking right into his eyes as I did, letting him know that I was here to listen just as he has always listened to me. To my relief he nodded slowly, taking in a deep breath.

"I told you earlier that my Dad is a military officer." I nodded, urging him to go on. "The truth is that because of the nature of his job, we have no idea where he is."

My God.

"He'd get a call from his superiors, summoning him for one assignment or the other in God knows where. And just like that, we won't see him again till the next time he shows up." Chima explained.

Wow.

"You hear from him though, right?" I asked and Chima sighed, shaking his head in negation. I was stupefied. "So no phone calls or anything?"

"No phone calls, no text messages, just radio silence for months and months." He answered, shrugging.

"Oh my God," I whispered, not knowing what else to say. I could tell he was struggling even though he tried to put up a brave front. Chima was struggling.

"I'm not even worried about me." He started, looking up to the trees above us. "It's my mum I'm most concerned about and the twins. It's hard on them, especially mum" He said, looking more conflicted than before. I squeezed his hand in mine reassuringly, indirectly telling him to let it all out.

He was frustrated.

"She tries to be strong for all of us, tries to act like everything is okay. But most nights, I hear her crying in her room, praying to God to bring back her husband safely. She cries, begging God that she doesn't want to be a widow and she doesn't want her children to be fatherless-

Sometimes, I join her, praying for God to have mercy and bring my Dad back because it's too early to be the man of the house. Sometimes I don't even know what to pray about, so I just cry..." He trailed off, his voice breaking.

Oh, God... I quickly hoisted myself fully on the chair.

"Come here," I told him, pulling him in for a hug.

He didn't protest, just leaned in immediately, wrapping his hands around my waist as he allowed me to hug him. I sighed, pulling him in tighter, my heart swelling deeply for him. He didn't cry, he just stayed there in my arms, head resting on my shoulder as he buried his face in the hollow of my neck.

I could feel his heavy breath tickling my skin like he was trying to calm himself down. He pulled me even closer till I was almost straddling him. I didn't mind, I just wanted to hold him, to take away his frustration.

"It's going to be okay," I whispered, taking my hand to his head, weaving my fingers through the soft, kinky curls. He hummed softly, tightening his hold around me again.

"God, you are such an amazing hugger." His voice was muffled with his face buried in my neck but I heard him loud and clear. I couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped my lips.

Chima was such a Happy Boy.

The way he just makes fun out of everything and chooses to stay positive and keep being himself even in the midst of what he's going through was so admirable.

"I would give anything to cuddle you. I don't even mind being the little spoon." He kept saying and I laughed again, louder this time as I pulled away a bit to look at him. At least, he was smiling.

"Maybe the opportunity will come one day," I told him and he chuckled softly.

"Are you okay?" I asked after a little moment of comfortable silence. He nodded, smiling again as he looked at me.

"I am now." He said, bringing his hand to my face and brushing his knuckles against my cheek. I sighed, smiling. "I needed that hug." He added.

"Do you need one more?" I asked and he nodded in a nanosecond.

"Yes, please." He whispered with a pout and I laughed, pulling him in again. He just sighed and nuzzled in the embrace, mumbling something like just keep holding me.

And I did.

I kept holding him just like he wanted. No interruptions, just both of us in each other's arms like we both wanted.

"You are going to see your Dad soon," I said after a while, pulling away so I could look at him. "You are going to see him very soon, I promise."

You don't have the power to fulfill such a promise, Dawn. Don't make promises you can't keep. My subconscious told me.

Chima said nothing. He just looked - no - stared back at me, his eyes deeply and intently searching mine as if looking for something. I didn't look away. I held his gaze, not seeing any reason to be shy now.

He brought his hand to my face again, brushing the fringe over my forehead and tucking it behind my ear. Then he dragged down his hand to my chin, the tip of his fingers brushing against my skin. My eyes fluttered softly as I allowed him to keep going, allowing him to keep touching me because I wanted him to.

"God, you make being in love with you so easy." He whispered, talking more to himself than he was talking to me.

He said what? I had to stop my eyes from bulging out of their sockets.

And he wasn't even done.

"Allowing myself to fall for you wasn't a mistake," His eyes were still trained on me as he spoke in hushed tones that sent several sweet chills running down my spine in tidal waves.

But it didn't make me feel any less scared of the dime he had just dropped on me.

Did he just indirectly tell me he's in love with me?

"Am I scaring you?" Chima asked a little undertone of amusement in his voice.

He must have noticed the look I had on my face. I wanted to look away from him, but he didn't let me. As I tried to, his hand my chin gently brought my head back to position, so I could look at him.

Or so that he could look at me.

"I'm scaring you." He stated matter-of-factly and I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"A little bit," I whispered and he nodded, a smile of understanding playing on his lips.

He took my hand in his and wove his fingers through mine again. I noticed that he liked this gesture a lot. It seemed to be something intimate to me, just like it was to me.

"Dawn," He called gently and I sat up, "A lot of things kept me from telling you how I feel for a long time." He began, looking at me. His words made me wonder how long he has had feelings for me.

Has it been way longer than I did for him?

My heart was racing at an unimaginable speed.

"I want to tell you everything I feel for you, right here right now, unfiltered, unadulterated. Just my pure feelings for you pouring out of me and right to you." He told me, his voice and tone holding so much raw and undiluted emotions, emotions I've never heard from anyone before.

It knocked the breath right out of me.

"Chima..." I whispered, completely speechless.

He took both of my hands in his, rubbing soothing circles to the back of my palm. That small, simple gesture didn't stop my heart from beating any slower. If anything, my heart rate accelerated at a rapid pace.

"I want to tell you how it all started, when it all started, how it kept growing and growing till it consumed every part of me, every part of my heart, every part of my being." He continued, looking right in my eyes as he said every word.

I let out a shaky breath.

"But, I don't want to scare you away, Dawn." He whispered, giving me a little smile as he brushed his fingers against my cheeks. I sighed, leaning into his touch.

This boy had me transfixed, awestruck and dumbfounded. Everything he had just said had utterly spellbound.

It wasn't only the intensity of his voice and the weight of his words that held me bound. It was the genuinity behind every word he said. It was clear as day, in his voice, in his expression, in his eyes.

How strong were his feelings for me?

How intense were they? That only his words about them were able to shake me to the core?

Chima didn't say anymore. He just brought his hand to the side of my face and drew my head in till my forehead touched his. Another intimate gesture that I've noticed he loved to do. I exhaled, shutting my eyes, and enclosed my hand over his wrist.

We just stayed like that, holding each other without saying anything. Everywhere was quiet, except the distance noise from the rest of Wonder Coast, allowing us to get lost in our thoughts.

I wasn't even sure what to think about all of these. My heart was beating at a pace it has never beaten before, my mind jumbled up with so many thoughts. Just when I thought I was the one with most of the feelings when I thought I was the one loving hard...

But, Chima shocked me out of my wits tonight, shocking me into bliss and back, indirectly telling me he was in love with me. No guy has ever been so expressive about their feelings for me. No guy has ever laid themselves bare before me like this.

He was the first.

He was the only one.

Sochima Ansel Johnson is Different.

The ringtone of my phone cut through my thoughts like a knife, causing me to pull away from Chima. My phone had stopped ringing by the time I brought it out of my purse, but when I saw the time, my eyes widened.

9:45 pm. Accompanied by five missed calls from my mum.

"Oh my God," I muttered, shoving the phone back into my purse. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Chima bring out his phone, making a small sound of shock as well.

"I should get you home. It's already late." He said, getting up from the chair to look at me. I didn't want him going through all that trouble of taking me back to Coven City at this time, especially when his house is close by.

"You don't have to," I told him. But Chima looked at me, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Did I scare you that bad?"

"Of course not!" I quickly shook my head. He didn't scare me.

Startled me? Yes.

Shocked me? Definitely.

But scared me? Maybe at first, it did. But not after

"Chima, you didn't scare me," I repeated when he didn't look too convinced. "I swear, you didn't."

"Then, let me take you home." He said, stretching his hand out to help me up from the chair. He wasn't going to take no for an answer, so I nodded, placed my hand in his, and allowed him to help me up.

Till we got out of Wonder Coast and into the bus that would take us to Coven City, we didn't say anything to each other. We held hands all through the ride back, even till we got to the gate of my house, unspoken words floating around us.

"I had a great time tonight," I finally broke the silence when we stood in front of the transparent gate. Chima smiled, cocking his head to the side as he shoved his hands into the pocket of his jeans.

"Even though I scared you a bit?" He asked, the undertone in his voice teasing. I breathed out soft laughter, moving closer to him.

"You honestly didn't scare me, Chima" I assured him and he nodded. "It's just that... I've never had anyone be so expressive about what they feel for me. It's completely new to me." I told him.

He moved even closer to me, till we were nearly touching bodies again. I took in a shaky breath, trying to keep my composure and my heart from accelerating can further.

Chima did that just by being close to me.

"Is that good new, or aad new?" He asked, referring to what I had said before. I knew the answer to that question right there.

"Definitely good new," I answered in a heartbeat. His lips stretched in a wide grin, a grin that told me he was very satisfied with that answer.

Chima closed the little space between us by moving closer keeping his eyes steadily on me. I watched every movement of his eyes as he seemed to be memorizing the features of my face again; eyes, my nose...

...till his eyes fell on my lips, and lingered there.

I held my breath, knowing that look all too well.

He wants to kiss me.

Did I want him to? I wasn't sure, today being our first date and all.

But low-key, I wanted to know how it'd feel to be kissed by him.

While my mind was still in turmoil of thoughts, it seemed like Chima already made up his mind. He looked up, his eyes coming to rest back on mine as he leaned his head in...

...and pressed a long, soft, and lingering kiss to my forehead.

I sighed, closing my eyes as he cupped either side of my face, his lips still pressed softly against my forehead. I didn't even know when my hand, having a mind of its own, went to circle his middle, allowing the feel of his lips against my forehead to settle in.

It felt so different from the forehead kisses Kizito used to give me.

Good Different.

We stayed that way for a moment before he pulled away slightly. I kept my eyes closed, trying to calm my racing heart.

"I want you, Dawn." He whispered and my eyes flew open to look at him, my mouth parting slightly.

"I want something more with you." He continued, looking at me right in the eye as he said it, letting me see him pour his heart out again. His words struck a different cord in me.

... I want something more with you...

Not from me.

"But I don't want to do something you wouldn't want." He said, taking his hands off my face and dragging it down to hold my hand in his. I let him. "We are going to do this at your own pace." He finished and I nodded.

Another thing that's making me fall even harder for him. Chima respects me.

I threw my hands around his neck, pulling him into a hug, and he didn't waste any time wrapping his hands around my waist, hugging me back.

"Promise you'll chat me up when you get home safe," I whispered as I pulled away. Chima smile, nodding.

"I promise,"

I let myself in after telling him goodnight, him watching me as I walked through the gate. When I walked into the living room, my mum was waiting for me.

"I know I'm late," I said as I shut the door behind me. She was in her nightwear, hands folded across her chest as she stared back at me. I sighed.

"Mum, I'm sorry. We lost track of time." I apologized.

"Was he the one outside with you?" She asked me.

So, she was watching us. Which means she saw everything that happened out there.

Great.

"Yes, that's him," I answered. She didn't know about my date. Dunni probably filled her in.

Mum sighed, shaking her head slowly.

"I don't like this." She stated and I sighed, knowing exactly what she meant.

My parents, especially my mum have always been cool about the whole teenage dating thing, so far things don't get out of hand. But after what happened with Tekena, mum has been a lot skeptical about me dating again.

"I know, mum. I understand." I answered and she looked at me. "But I promise, Chima is different," I told her. She didn't say anything for a moment, staring at me with a thoughtful expression on her face.

"That's his name, hmm?" She finally spoke, asking and I nodded. "Invite him for dinner in two weeks." She instructed and I nodded. Good thing, Chima is already anticipating meeting my family.

Mum sighed and pulled me to a hug and I hugged her back. I could tell she was worried about me. She had every right to be.

"I'm okay mum. I promise." I assured her. She hummed and hugged me tighter, muttering to me that she wanted me to be safe. I smiled, knowing I was safe... I was safe with Chima.

Mum later retired for bed and I made my way up to my room, opening my door just to see Dunni still around.

"You are still around?" I announced my presence, causing her to stop whatever she was doing on her phone to jump at me.

"How was it?" She asked hastily, completely ignoring what I had said.

My lips stretched in a wide grin as all the events of tonight, up until the front of my gate played in my mind. Dunni noticed the way my face had lit up and smiled even wider.

"It was amazing, wasn't it?" She asked and a soft giggle escaped my lips as I plopped down on my bed.

"The best!" I told her. Her lips turned into a suggestive smirk as she plopped down beside me.

"So, did you guys kiss?"

The smile on my lips wiped off.

"Kiss?" I asked incredulously. "Of course not. Dunni, no one kisses on their first date." I said.

"Dave and I did." She chipped in with a nonchalant shrug and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, they did. I'm sure it was even Dunni who initiated the kiss.

Oniranu omo. I thought to myself, intentionally leaving out that Chima had kissed me on my forehead. Dunni would make a big deal out of it.

My cousin's phone chimed repeatedly and she ran to get it, just as mine made the same sound and I checked it. I saw a WhatsApp notification from Chima and quickly opened the chat, a smile stretching across my lips.

Chima❤️✨

Hey, love.
Just got home. My mum almost had a cow at how late I was🤣.
09:59 pm

I laughed, texting back.

Me.

I'm sorry I got you into trouble🥺.
09:59 pm

Chima❤️✨

I should be the one apologizing for keeping you out late. I'm sorry. Hope your folks weren't too angry.
10:00 pm

I saw this as an opportunity to chip in that mum wanted him to come by for Dinner.

Me.

Not really. My Dad is out of town but my mum wants to meet the guy that kept me out so late in the night🤣.
10:00 pm

Chima❤️✨

Your mum wants to meet me?😯 Oh wow! Yes, please! Let's do it!
10:00 pm.

I chuckled in delight at his excitement. Mum would absolutely love him, no doubts.

Just like you love him, hmmmn. My subconscious teased me but I waved the voice off.

My phone chimed with another message from him.

Chima ❤️✨

Let me send you the pictures we took at Wonder Coast.
10:01 pm

And immediately, pictures began to flood in my DM. I started downloading, also sending him some of the pictures I had taken on my phone. The pictures were beautiful, all of them. Some unaware, some aware, some we had asked some tourists to take of us.

Me.

God! They are so beautiful🥺❤️. I love all of them.
10:02 pm

Chima❤️✨.

This is my personal favorite.
10:03 pm

And he tagged a particular picture.

It was an unaware picture of me at the Arcade, laughing about something I can't even remember. The neon lights at the Arcade gave the picture a different kind of look from others, making it stand out.

Chima❤️✨

God! You are so beautiful 😩😍.
10:03 pm

I couldn't stop the giggle that escaped my lips, even though I was biting my lip so hard.

The way he calls me Beautiful...

"Dawn," Dunni called me and I hummed in response, "Did you dance in Wonder Coast tonight?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Because you and Sochima are trending on all over social media right now!" She screamed and my head spinned around at an unimaginable speed to look at her, my brows furrowed in utmost confusion.

"Wait, What?"

𝐀/𝐍

Chima told Dawn he's in love with her. Not directly tho, but what! 😩🔥 Chima knows what he wants and he's going for it without wasting time. That's my kind of man right there!

So, they didn't kiss 🌚. All of you that wanted them to kiss. Even Dunni sef, wanted them to kiss🤣. Don't worry, the kiss will come... eventuarry 😌.

Jidenna's POV is the next 🙂. We are going to see how baby boy is doing after what happened with his father. Don't worry, he'll be okay.

I'll try to update this week sha, so I'll see you when I see you❤️✨.