(069 - It's Going to be a Great Year.)

Happy New Year to all Redeemites out there (if you know, you know 🌚). I know it's been a minute, but omo... I'm trying to put my life in order, bear with me.

It's a New year for our babies and a new term. Hilary is doing so much better and I'm glad, but that doesn't mean the Drama has ended. In fact, it just started... and I'm here for all of it. Brace yourself, because it's going to be flipping rocking for some of our babies.

Put Simi, Jidenna, and Semeeha especially in your prayers 😪.

Let's dive. Don't drown😈.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐘
(Hilary Idara Eghosa)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Second term would be resuming today and I was excited.

Super Excited in fact, and that's a first because no sane Nigerian kid should be this excited to resume school. Heck, no sane kid around the globe should be this happy to resume school. I mean, it's school. Who likes school?

Besides, given the chain of events that happened last year and how badly last term ended for me with the whole Jidenna thing, I shouldn't even be looking forward to resumption the way I'm doing now. I shouldn't be this excited to go back to a place saturated with so many toxic and vile human beings who call themselves my classmates, people who didn't fail to share their distasteful opinions about me and my life.

But even with everything that happened, and everything I went through, I still found a way to live above all the negativity and hostile vibes. I have grown, I have evolved and I am a far better version of myself.

I survived sadness, heartbreak, trauma, and grief, and I want to let them know that last year didn't break me. It's all gone, and this is a new beginning for me.

That's why I'm excited.

Or maybe not.

Maybe I'm excited because I get to see my friends for the first time in a while.

Since the new year began, I haven't set my eyes on any of them, unless you count random video calls from Dawn and seldom video chats from Semeeha. Speaking of Semeeha, she has been in and out of town since Christmas, traveling to and fro Lagos to Abuja to prepare for the most important fashion show of her career. Her words, not mine.

Dawn, on the other hand, spent Christmas and New Year at their family house in Coven City with her maternal grandparents, a bunch of uncles, aunts, and cousins. I don't doubt for one second that she had fun, even if they might have driven her crash a couple of times.

As for Kizito, he was in town from Christmas to New Year because his dad finally got a break from playing games around the States. I didn't really hear from him, only chatting with him whenever I saw that he was online so I just resolved that he was busy focusing his energy on his dad, and his girlfriend that traveled to Dubai.

And then, there's Simi... my boyfriend.

Yeah, we are now official, and I'd be lying if I said being with him wasn't the best thing I have felt in a very long time. And, thinking about him now just brings back memories of that night.

The night of our first kiss.

Calling that night amazing is selling it short. It was absolutely, unquestionably, without a doubt the most magical night of my life.

I keep playing every single moment of that night on repeat in my head, strung from that passionately mind-numbing, breathtaking, soul-staggering, and toe-curling kiss that happened in his pool... and the one that happened in his car when he dropped me off.

That kiss still plays in my mind like a vivid memory.

A memory I never want to forget.

I'm still very unsure of how long we kissed that night, but I know we were at it for the longest period till Simi's phone rang and we were forced to pull apart.

I still remember Simi's slight groan of protest as he tried to stay in the moment, pressing tender kisses to my lips, nipping on my lower lip occasionally, and tugging on it sensually. I can still remember the sound of my giggles echoing as I allowed him to continue kissing me, wanting nothing more than to stay in the moment as well.

By the time he eventually pulled apart and pressed his forehead against mine, I couldn't gather my thoughts well enough to utter a single word for a good five minutes, my legs feeling like jelly the entire time and my body on fire with the flames Simi set by the ministration of his lips on my skin, and the dainty traces of his fingers against my body.

Damn, he was such an exceptional and sensational kisser.

And when I could finally say something, the only thing that came out of my lips in a breathless whisper was;

"Wow,"

I could still remember the way he looked at me. His amber eyes smoldered with a depth of fiery intensity that I had never seen before. A blazing fire of desire that sent a heated shiver down my spine at that moment. And the way his lips were plump and swollen, still tongues from our kiss pulled me into a realm I have never reached.

An oblivion so beautiful, it almost scared me.

He eventually had to go pick up the phone that wouldn't stop ringing. It was his Sister. It was almost time for my curfew so we had to leave.

And that night, in his car, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

..."Be my girlfriend, Hilary. Let me love you the way you deserve to be loved."...

His exact words. And on God, I'd have been a fool not to say yes.

We kissed again... and it was so much harder to pull away from him because I knew after that night, I wouldn't be able to see him for a while.

I haven't seen him again since that night, but we've spoken every day since then. Every Single Day. It hasn't stopped me from missing him though. It hasn't stopped me from longing for him.

Sometimes, I try but to think about him too much, because thinking about him meant thinking about that night, and that subsequently led to the stirring of a whirlwind of emotions that kept me yearning even more for more, even in the quietest moment of my day.

But it was almost inevitable not to think about him, and I'd end up screaming into my pillow with utter frustration.

I am addicted to Simisola. Unapologetically so.

Or scratch that... I am In Love with him.

And I'm going to see him today.

Okay, this is definitely a winner. This is exactly why I'm super excited to–

The door to my room flew open, cutting my thoughts mid-way and revealing my bewildered mum.

"Hilary Idara Eghosa! Why are you still in your towel!" She snapped at me. I shrieked in response, struggling to gather my towel that was almost slipping off my body courtesy of her intrusion.

"Mum!" I snapped right back, resealing the towel around my body. "A little privacy, please?" I chided, tightening the knot around my busy. She looked at me incredulously, her mouth slightly gapped.

"A little privacy, please," She mimicked me comically, even though I was certain she didn't mean it me funny. "You are still talking about privacy when you have less than twenty minutes to prepare for school," she chided, looking at me like I had lost my mind.

This woman.

"Since morning, Idara," she tapped on her watch, glancing at it. "I woke you up about an hour ago? You entered the bathroom before I left this place? Did you go and sleep there again? What have you been doing since that time?"

Daydreaming about Simisola.

That was the easy and honest answer. But of course, I can't tell her that. Not if I wanted to keep my head attached to my neck anyway. Instead, I rolled my eyes and brushed her words off with a dismissive wave of my hand.

"Mummy, this is the beginning of a new year," I reminded her, and she let out a very sarcastic "Oh Oh", which I ignored and continued speaking.

"Plus, I'm in SS3. I don't have to resume as early as the rest of the school." I explained to her, hoping she would give me a couple more minutes to take my time and get ready.

But all she did was tug her brows up slightly and fold her hands around her chest.

"Ehn ehn," came her sarcastic response. "Okay na, you will find the person that will go and drop you off at school, because I'm not waiting for you–"

My eyes widened at the realization that she was my only ride to school.

"–Mummy na!–" I protested.

"–As you can see, I'm ready to leave," She gestured to her outfit that I had just noticed since she walked in.

A stunning and sexy fit that consisted of a fitted, tailored blazer in rich midnight blue, crispy white silk blues with a hint of lace detailing, elegantly tucked into a high-waisted, knee-length pencil skirt with a subtle slit that accentuated her curves.

She completed the look with a pair of sleek pointed-toe stilettos in a matching shade, her hair in a low ponytail, and her face in mild makeup that emphasized her features with a touch of sophistication.

"–All that is left for me to do is eat," she continued speaking, oblivious to the fact that I was checking her fit-out. "And your dad would be ready anytime soon. Even if he isn't ready to leave, he isn't going your way.–

So, if you want to catch a free ride with me, I'm giving you only ten minutes to prepare. After ten minutes, I'll move without you and you will find your way to school." She told me point-blank.

"Dang, mum," I whistled, ignoring her threat. "You look hot," I hyped, and I meant it. She did look hot. Plus, I'm hoping sweet-talking her would buy me a little more time to dress up.

It must have worked because her serious expression dissipated, replaced with a small shy smile as she looked past me to stare at her reflection in the mirror behind me.

"Oh, thank you," She giggled, smoothening her hand on the blazer and running it down to her skirt, brushing the curve of her hips.

"I took extra time preparing because they are going to announce my promotion today at the office and I need to look the part of the COO of the company," She explained to me, completely forgetting why she came here in the first place.

I smirked. My plan was working.

"Of course, you look part!" I continued hyping, my voice extra chirpy. "And you definitely deserve that spot as the COO. You worked so hard for it." I said.

"I know," She answered, finally taking her eyes off her reflection to look at me again. "Which is why I cannot afford to be late today of all days. You have seven minutes."

Mayday. Mayday!

Plan failed. Plan failed!

"Jesus! Mummy!" I immediately discarded my towel, forgetting about privacy at that moment. She chuckled deviously.

"You think you can charm and sweet talk me into giving you some extra minutes? I invented that move on your grandmum, better hurry!" She tsked at me and left the room, leaving me to run around in a hurried frenzy.

Thankfully, I already had my uniform laid out on the bed so all I needed to do was put on my undies, and soon, I was shrugging on my deep blue blazer over my white school uniform shirt and grey skirt. I sat on the bed to put on my socks and shoes, and when I was done with that, I stood in front of the mirror to apply a little brown powder and lipgloss, nothing too much.

And finally, I took off my hair bonnet, revealing my newly done bohemian brains packed in a high ponytail.

I stared at my reflection with a satisfied smile playing on my lips. I looked good, and I felt even better. Above all, I had a really good feeling about this year, and I was going to hold onto that good feeling for dear life.

Too many bad things have happened in the past year and I needed all the silver of hope I could get to get me through this one. Not just for me, but for my family and friends.

And for Simi. Especially for Simi.

"Hilary Idara Eghosa!" Mum's voice thundered, shaking the entire house to its very foundation. My eyes widened in effect.

"I'm coming oh!" I yelled back, grabbing my bag and dashing out of the room. I skipped down the stairs hurriedly, careful not to trip over air, and hit my head against the tiled floor.

"You better be careful, Hilary," Dad called out from where he was sitting in the dining chair. "If you fall and wound yourself, your mum will still carry you to school like that," He added, casually leafing through the pages of the paper, his words eliciting a cheery giggle from Mum.

I stopped short and looked between the both of them in incredulity.

"Did you guys plan to be on my case this early morning?" I asked them, folding my hands across my chest. "Because I don't understand this manner of gang-up. This is a new year, you people should be nicer to me." I pouted.

"We are your parents, Hilary," Mum chipped in. "We are supposed to be the least nice people in your life." She punctuated her statement with a nonchalant shrug.

I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything back because she did have a point, walking over to the dining table to pick out of the slices of bread laid out in a tray. Mum tapped my hand as I made to grab one.

"Ouch!" I whined, rubbing the spot she had tapped me.

"Use a serviette to pick it. Bush girl." She chided. I scrunched my nose at her but did as she told, stepping down a bite from the toasted bread with a sip of tea.

"I can't wait to get to school," I chirped. "I've missed out on a lot of things and I want to cover up this term and next," I stated. Dad looked at me like he was seeing someone entirely different while mum just kept sipping on her tea, taking all her time.

Is this not the same woman who said I should come down in seven minutes?

"See how you are bouncing on your feet like you can't wait to get out of here and go to school," Dad teased. I flashed him a smile and shrugged.

"Maybe because I can't wait to get out of here and go to school," I answered, giving Mum a look that told her to hurry up. She ignored me.

Ahh ahh.

"Since when?" He fired back a question, sounding slightly aghast between his short breathy laughter and his words. I was going to give him a sarcastic response back but Mum beat me to it.

"Since she got a new boyfriend,"

I choked on tea and bread.

"Mum!"

"Boyfriend?"

Dad and I chorused at the same time. The woman who calls herself my mother didn't act the least bit fazed, shrugging off nonchalantly and taking another sip of her tea. Dad dropped his newspaper and stared at me with a questioning yet piercing gaze, brows tugged up and lips in a thin line.

Ewo.

I quickly averted my gaze from his, sipping my tea with a loud, disgusting slurp.

"You have a boyfriend?" He asked me, his tone surprisingly and horrifyingly calm, I didn't want to know what the hell was going on in his mind. So, I stuffed my mouth with bread, my obvious discomfort a comedy to Mum because she wouldn't stop giggling.

"Can't... talk... mouth... full..." I forced out, giving him a wide smile so that he could see the disgusting mix of bread and tea in my mouth.

Mum laughed even louder and I shot her a stink eye. Dad, on the other hand, looked utterly confused.

"Why am I always the one left in the dark?" He asked, throwing his hands up in frustration, a childish pour forming in his lips. I forced down a smile.

"We have to move," Mum announced, alerting me. I exhaled in relief, knowing I would get to avoid the world's most awkward conversation with my dad about my love life.

"Hilary, Oya finish up." She snapped her fingers for me to hurry. I chewed on what was already in my mouth and pushed it with tea. Soon, I was done and grabbed my bag.

"Hilary..." Dad called to me, his voice calm, and persuasive. I sighed, knowing I really couldn't avoid the dreaded conversation even if I wanted to. We promised each other no secrets.

"I know, Dad," I whispered. "When I get back, I promise. I'll tell you everything you need to know," I assured him. He sighed, and it sounded like one of relief.

"Good. No more secrets, remember?" He reminded me and I chuckled lightly, nodding my head.

"No more secrets," I reassured him, pressing a kiss to his cheeks. "Have a nice day," I whispered to him.

"You too, baby girl." He smiled back.

As I made to move out of the house to Mum's car, I caught sight of my parents kissing each other goodbye in my peripheral vision... more like making out each other goodbye.

Gross.

But it didn't stop the smile from making its way to my lips. Seeing them like that was another evidence that this year was going to go well. This year was already starting good.

It just needs to get better.

And I'll do everything within my power to make it get better. For all of us.

If there was one thing particularly cliché about Crestview Students, it's how they constantly remind themselves of how extremely vain they are.

It's both comical and tiring to watch. Mostly Sad actually.

The beginning of a new term, or new session was always a fashion show on its own. Not just a fashion show. It's also the time people get to showcase how loaded their parents were, unnecessarily so, if I might add.

I mean, I can say that my parents are doing very well for themselves, a lot higher than average if I do say so myself, but I still don't mind catching a ride with my mum instead of riding one of their cars to school just to show off.

However, there were some students whose parents have given liberty, and have always been doing that with clear intentions, so it's not strange when they are the ones riding to school in their own vehicles.

Like Kizito, for example.

As soon as my guy clocked sixteen, his dad got him an Audi Q5 and later upgraded him to a Lexus RX350 on his 17th birthday before we resumed first term. His dad was always out of the country because of his work, Kizito has a thing for cars, and his dad makes up for his absence by getting him the best of the best... all is forgiven.

Let's not even get started on Ola Davis.

That guy is probably the wealthiest student in this entire school, but if you are not close to him, you won't know how loaded his family was. Old Oil Money Rich. But aside from the wheels he rides to school giving you a glimpse of how wealthy he is, you could never tell. Boy even parks in a very inconspicuous corner of the school along with Kizito and some of the other ballers.

Collins was another good example.

The down-to-earth, funny, and accommodating guy rides a power bike worth five times some people's cars, it's almost insane. But you don't see him making such a fuss and trying to show off every single time.

Okay, all guys, you say? Guys don't show off, you say?

Let's talk about Gigi Hadiza Esho.

Her parents have a chain of restaurants around the country and even in some parts of the continent. A loaded family, yet she takes it upon herself to work part-time in one of those restaurants, buying her own stuff with her own hard-earned money. Simi once told me that the only thing that's hers that she didn't buy with her money was the white Range Rover Velar she rides to school every day. Her parents got that for her on her birthday.

You don't see these people trying to prove a point every new term. Their status and the way they carry themselves with so much dignity do all the speaking and in volumes at that.

You can't say the same for Kasali Saheed, who is always trying to prove a point by buying fake Air Jordans and Rolex just to match up to his role model, Tekena Tamuno. Or Affiong Edikan who uses an iPhone pouch for her Samsung smartphone just to seem among the happening babes of the school.

Or Beauty Idoma who I just saw outside the school's gate, begging her Dad's driver to allow her to drive the car into the school compound so that the car would seem like hers.

Vain.

What exactly is there is prove? Especially to people you might not see again in a couple of months. It's appalling. But in a way, it makes the whole place rather interesting.

I mean, see drama upandan.

Premium clowning.

It's high school, anyway. I shouldn't even expect less.

"Look at you standing still looking pretty,"

A familiar gentle and soothing voice pierced through my thoughts, causing my lips to stretch in an automatic grin. That voice has always found a way to warm my heart. It was the voice of one of my greatest backbones and one of my best friends.

I turned around to face Dawn Damipe Dayo, her smile matching mine. One of the many loves of my life.

"What can I say?" I managed a shrug. "I can't stop myself from judging everyone that walks past me in my mind," I said.

A laugh escaped her lips and she ran over with the speed of light, wrapping her hands around me in a bear hug. I joined her laughing, wrapping my hands around her and hugging her back.

It felt so good to be in her space again.

"God, I missed you so much!" Her words came out in a dramatic growl as she shuffled me left and right with a strength I didn't even know she possessed. It made me laugh even more.

"I missed you too!" I told her, and I meant it. Video calls and phone calls were nothing compared to seeing any of my friends physically.

I pulled away from her slightly, my eyes rubbing over her figure with an impressed smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Damn, Dawn!" I whistled. "You came back to slay and turn heads this term," I commented.

Dawn had gotten rid of all the baggies and was now looking Kike the baddie she has always been. After the whole "he who shall not be named" fiasco, though she bounced back in no time, it didn't stop her from adjusting all her school uniforms to be looser, and baggier to hide her curves.

She even stuck to wearing her big cardigan over her school uniform shirt to hide her bust.

But now, she looked different, more beautiful... hotter.

Her uniform was back to the size it originally was before she gave a damn how people heavily sexualized her, and it fit her so perfectly, accentuating her God-given curves and showing them off as she should.

She made her hair into a mixture of black and auburn locs, matching the color of her natural hair.

Dawn looked magnificent.

But even with all my high praise, all she did was scoff and dismiss me with a wave of her hand.

"Girl, please!" she rolled her eyes. "Look who is talking. Look at how you are glowing!" She commented, punctuating her words with an exaggerated gasp.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Dawn, abeg," I dismissed, but couldn't stop the laugh between my words. "Don't start."

"I'm serious o. Shey you think I'm whining you ni?" She asked rhetorically, placing her hand on her chest. "See sef, you are not just glowing, you are blossoming, like a flower.–"

Heh, Jesus.

I couldn't stop the big smile from blooming on my lips. Leave this hyping thing for Dawn abeg.

"–And I think I know who is responsible for all this," she did little jazz hands over my physique, a suggestion tone to her words and a teasing smirk playing on her lips.

I didn't need anyone to tell me who she was talking about.

"Dawn," I whispered-yelled, smacking her lightly on the arm, but couldn't stop the smile on my lips from widening.

"What?" She challenged me. "Don't think I have forgotten that you're yet to fess up on the details of your first kiss.–"

Ewo.

"–It's a big deal and I want to know everything!" She demanded, her invisible amebo antennas alert. A light chuckle left my lips.

"I already told you that I can't say anything yet, not without Semeeha at least," I maintained, and she made a sound of disappointment, drawing her lips into a pout.

Dawn has been on my case ever since I told her about my kiss with Simi. She wanted to know every single detail, no matter how minuscule or atomic; her words, not mine.

But no matter how excited I was to blab non-stop about my first kiss with the guy I was hopelessly in love with, I had to hold back on the deets because Semeeha wasn't available. The last thing I want is her complaining yet again about how we always leave her out.

Kizito, on the other hand, wasn't the least bit interested in the details. He doesn't want to be scarred for life; again, his words not mine. His face literally turned green when I was on the video call with him and Dawn, and he said "No, thank you," and went off, plunging Dawn and me into a round of laughter in his absence.

"Don't do your face like that," I wagged my finger at Dawn. "It's not like you also haven't been holding out on me with the deets on Sochima." I confronted her, folding my arms across my chest.

Her eyes went wide.

"And I keep telling you that there are no deets to talk about!" She whispered harshly.

"Ehn ehn, and that cardio session was what?" I asked her, my lips turned in a lopsided grin. I didn't think her eyes could widen more than they already were, but they widened even more... and her cheeks flushed a ring of pink.

"You are never going to let me live that down are you?" She sighed

"I saw your boyfriend prancing around your room in his low-hanging jogger and you in a sports bra and shorts," I reminded her, just so she could picture what that scene would look like even to a monk. Her lips flushed even more.

"So, of course, I'll never let you live it down." I maintained.

"I hate you," She pouted.

"No, you don't," I debunked easily.

In no time, we were laughing like maniacs again, kind of scaring the few students walking by us. But we didn't care. We were in our feelings, having fun.

Dawn's eyes shifted in a direction and her face automatically lit up.

"Kizito!" She yelled suddenly, waving in the direction she was looking at.

I followed her gaze and saw the designated Crestview hunk and another love of my life jogging toward us. I tried to hide my shock when he got close and I could properly see him.

He looked so different. Good different.

The holiday was definitely kind to him.

"See how this one is looking at me like she's seeing a ghost," He turned to me after hugging Dawn, pulling at my cheeks teasingly with a big smile playing on his lips.

"Did you get huger?" I had to ask, feeling my way up his arms to feel his biceps.

Yup, he got bigger.

"You can see it too, abi?" Dawn chipped, and Kizito chuckled. "And let's not even get started on those things on your face making you look like a caveman," she added, reaching up to caress his chin.

"See small boy of yesterday," I teased, my lips stretched in a big smile. "You now have beards."

"Oh, this little thing?" He stroked his chin with pride marred across his face, basking in the attention. And to make things worse, a couple of girls in SS2 passed and were giggling at him.

Definitely a chic magnet.

"Okay, now I want to grow more," He wiggled his brows and we laughed.

"Hope babe will like it like this? Especially with the way it is calling a lot of unwanted attention," I gave the girls a look as they walked past us, then shifted my gaze to his.

"Oh, she loves it," Kizito said easily. "She said, and I quote 'finally, something to pull'."

Ehn?

As soon as he said the words, an awkward silence followed. You know the kind where the only thing you can hear are cricket sounds? Yeah, that kind.

"That sounded so wrong coming from me, right?" Kizito asked, scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.

"Yes. Yes, it did." Dawn and I chorused.

In no time, we burst into another round of laughter. I felt so good to be this way with my friends for the first time in a while, with no underlying thought of how I'd get through the rest of the day. It was so refreshing not to expect the worst all the time.

I was so happy.

"You guys are always having a good laugh without me,"

A familiar poised voice with an even more familiar refined and polished tone echoed behind us. I turned around to see Semeeha standing just a few steps away from us, dressed in her newfound look that she was effortlessly pulling off, but I was still trying to get used to, a big smile playing on her lips.

My lips stretched in an automatic smile.

"You made it!" I chirped, rushing over to hug her. She laughed, hugging me back.

"It has been a very tiring couple of weeks, and these past few days have even been more hectic," she stated as she released me. "Heaven knows I wanted to sleep in today because I'm still jet lagged from the flight, but God forbid I miss your biggest comeback to this fucking hellhole."

She punctuated her words with a little scoff as she cast a look of disdain across the school buildings. I shook my head and rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the smile on my lips.

This girl.

"You haven't lost your wit and your charm," Dawn chipped, sarcasm laced in her tone but the small smile playing on her lips said she was only teasing.

"That, I haven't," Semeeha didn't pick up the sarcasm of Dawn's words, causing the curvier girl to chuckle before giving her a brief hug.

I smiled as I watched the both of them, glad that they had finally moved past the whole beef. But of course, I could see that Dawn was still putting Semeeha at arm's length, and I don't fault her for it at all.

"Your trip to Abuja must have been hectic," I noted.

"Girl, you have no idea," she dabbed invisibly perspiration from her forehead dramatically. "Running from one location to the other to make sure everything goes well in February. That night is going to be the biggest night of my career, so no fuck ups." She rambled.

"Too bad we won't be able to come," Dawn pouted. "But we will definitely stream online," She added, and I nodded in agreement.

"You had better!"

"And don't forget to snag us some samples," I chipped and she laughed, promising to get us as many samples as we want from the fashion show. One of the highlights of having a celeb best friend, you get free samples.

Then, she turned to look in the direction of Kizito. For a moment there, I completely forgot he was with us.

"Hey," she greeted him. "Are you just going to stand there and not say hi?" she queried him, though you could hear the teasing undertone. "You didn't see me all through the holiday, you know. I'm sure you missed me." She pouted, folding her arms across her chest while she gave him a faux him a faux accusatory look.

Weirdly, he remained poker-faced.

But soon, his lips broke into a small- almost forced smile and he moved to give her a brief side hug... even briefer than the one Dawn gave her.

"Hey," was all he said before pulling away from her and going back to his position. Dawn and I shared a confused look.

Okay, what's going on?

Usually, when Semeeha shows up like this, especially if we haven't seen her in a while, Kizito is always the most excited. He would carry her and spin her around, screaming like a mad woman while ignoring Semeeha's death threats each time. Even if that wasn't the case, he was always so happy to see all of us; big smiles, teases, a bear hug, and even kisses on the forehead sometimes.

It was absolutely normal.

But I just realized that he got unusually quiet as soon as Semeeha showed up, uncharacteristically so, if I might add. Plus, he wasn't giving her the same energy he gave us before she got here, not to mention this whole weird-ass greeting he gave her.

A simple, and completely apathetic "hey".

I couldn't decipher it, but it seemed Semeeha didn't have an issue with it because she was still all smiles.

"Hey back," She smirked, letting her eyes rake over his physique. "You got bigger," She commented, just like I had... only that there was a slight slur to her tone that I couldn't place.

Maybe I'm overthinking things.

"I have to go," Kizito suddenly said, not engaging Semeeha in the comment she made.

Okay, maybe I'm not overthinking things.

"Really? Why?" Dawn asked, brows furrowed in confusion. "You just got here."

Exactly. Why does it seem like he wants nothing more than to run away from this place?

"I know," He sighed, his tone apologetic. "I think... I just remembered that Big Guy asked me to see him as soon as I get to school and I haven't done that. I don't want to keep him waiting anymore," he explained, already backing up slowly.

"Oh, okay," Dawn easily bought it... or at least, acted like she bought it while I continued to stare at him, trying to figure him out.

His explanation sounded like an excuse... but again, I felt I might be overthinking things. Maybe the trauma of last year has messed up my mind and I'm reading unnecessary meaning to things.

Semeeha, on the other hand just kept watching him with a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Don't worry, I'll see you guys later. I promise," and with that, he took off, leaving the three of us standing.

"That was weird," I couldn't help but voice out my thoughts.

"Tell me about it," Dawn said, agreeing with me. "What do you think all that was about?" She asked, looking between Semeeha and me.

"Maybe there is trouble in paradise." Semeeha chipped in with a nonchalant shrug, causing Dawn's head and mine to swerve in her direction at the same time.

"Semeeha!" We chorused chidingly.

"What?" She rolled her eyes. "I hope you are not taking me seriously. I'm merely speculating," she raised her hands in a mock surrender. I exhaled, rolling her eyes as well.

Semeeha was back with her antics.

"Well, whatever that was," Dawn started. "It's surely not as important as Hilary having her first kiss."

What the...

"Dawn!"

"What!"

Semeeha and I chorused at the same time, only with completely different tones. And to match the shock in her voice, her mouth was a gap and her eyes were wide as saucers.

"Hilary has had her first kiss," Dawn happily repeated.

"First kiss?" Semeeha couldn't hide the astonishment in her voice. "With who? Simisola André Jordan?" She blinked.

Oh, God.

"The one and only," Dawn was really enjoying this, bouncing on her feet with so much excitement, that someone would think she was the one that just had her first kiss.

Semeeha turned to me, her eyes blazing.

"Details! Now!" Semeeha demanded with immediate effect.

"Jesus Christ," I face-palmed.

"Oh. My. God."

Semeeha exclaimed, or rather, whispered-yelled because we were on our way to class, and if she'd yelled, too much attention would have been drawn to us in the busy hallway. Dawn herself wouldn't stop gapping at me, mouth dropped open like someone about to catch a fly.

That's the reaction I got from telling them "in detail" about my kiss with Simi that happened two days before Christmas. The way they were looking at me made my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and I couldn't stop the smile from creeping in.

"You guys..." I whined, trailing off.

Dawn suddenly closed her eyes and started mumbling some words that sounded like Spanish, drawing the sign of a cross over her chest like she was praying.

"En el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Amén." She whispered, pressing her palms together and indicating that she was indeed praying... then went ahead to start fanning herself with her hand, muttering a small, "Wow!"

What is all this drama?

"Omo," Semeeha blinked, looking every bit in awe.

"You guys should stop looking at me like that," I said to them, small laughter trailing in my voice.

"Wait first," Dawn started, and I turned to her. "You are sure this was also his first kiss?" she asked as if trying to clarify.

"That's a very good question," Semeeha chipped. "Because the way you just described that kiss ehn... Jesus..."

She trailed off, dabbing invisible sweat from her forehead.

"If it's exactly how I pictured it in my head, then how the fuck can he kiss that good! He certainly doesn't seem like a novice in that department." She added.

I couldn't stop the chuckle from leaving my lips.

"You don't need to have kissed several people to be an expert or novice, Semeeha," I stated matter-of-factly. Dawn seemed to agree with me because she started nodding.

"I can attest to that," she said pointedly. "It seemed like Chima re-taught me how to kiss during our first kiss because he was on fire. And he has never kissed before that. He is the master," she said with the proudest smile playing on her lips.

I chuckled at her childlike excitement.

"Still," Semeeha seemed not to be having it. "There are two things involved here. Either you are exaggerating this kiss, or he has been practicing with his best friend," she said it like she was speaking facts, smirking even.

My smile immediately fell.

What?!

"Semeeha!" Dawn chided.

"What?" The melanin girl chuckled like this was something funny. "There is absolutely no way he could have been as good as Hilary is saying. He must have gotten lessons from Gigi Esho," she shrugged with so much nonchalance.

Oh wow.

"Okay," I whispered, taking a deep breath to calm my mind, willing myself not to get pissed. "I know you have some sort of underlying beef with Gigi Esho, but can you try to keep it boxed up for once and not ruin this for me all because you want to say something spiteful about her?"

I might be trying not to get angry, but I couldn't hide the evident hurt in my voice. She probably heard how pained I was because she suddenly stopped laughing and looked at me like she had no clue what I was on about.

"I'm trying to tell you what might have been the greatest moment of my life, and as my best friend, I expect you to have enough emotional intelligence to be happy for me at this point–"

"–I am happy for you–"

"–But you just had to go ahead and pull a semeeha on me, spoiling what would have been a sweet moment between best friends by insinuating nonsense." My voice rose a notch as I finished, and her face fell.

"I'm sorry, but It was only a joke, Hilary," She was still trying to defend herself.

"That's not how you joke," Dawn chipped, her voice still very chiding. "I thought all your time with Collins would have taught you how to tame your mouth, what to say and what not say in situations," she added, tsking and shaking her head.

I furrowed my brows in confusion at that statement.

Time with Collins? Am I missing something?

I didn't get to ask because Semeeha spoke.

"Agreed," she easily accepted her fault, turning to look at me with her face contorted in remorse. "I shouldn't have said what I said. That day means a lot to you and as your best friend, it should also mean a lot to me too. I'm sorry, Hilary, and I swear, I am happy for you," she apologized, her tone coated with remorse.

I exhaled.

"It's okay," I decided to let it go. Already started the day with a good energy and a positive mindset, and I wasn't going to let a small banter get me.

"Well, what do you know?" Dawn started to speak again, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Spending some time with Collins did quite a number on you. I spoke too soon." She said, an impressive tone in her voice.

Collins again?

"Dawn," Semeeha warned.

"Okay, what's this whole thing with Collins?" I had to ask because my curiosity was getting the best of me. "What exactly am I missing?"

"Nothing," Semeeha was quick to say. "Don't mind Dawn. She's only being delusional and overbearing." She shut the curvy girl a bombastic side-eye. Dawn had a smirk playing on her lips, unperturbed by Semeeha, and enjoying the teasing.

"It doesn't seem like nothing," she said. "Did you enjoy the ice skating with him? I've been meaning to ask,"

Ehn?

"Dawn!" Semeeha yelled.

"You and Collins went ice skating together?" I couldn't hide my surprise. Now I know how my Dad feels about being the last to know everything.

"How do you know so much about my time with Collins?" Semeeha queried Dawn.

"Collins is my friend and I have my ways," she shrugged. "Of course, I find things out. I'm an amebo by nature, nothing gets past me."

"I am so confused," I confessed, looking back and forth between them.

"Don't stress yourself," Dawn told me, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Just keep in mind that Semeeha will soon share a story of her own first kiss," she said with so much assurance.

Chineke. My eyes went huge.

"Ewww! Abeg!" Semeeha guffawed, her face distorting his disgust as she visibly cringed. Dawn did a 'yinmu' at her.

"That's what they all say. Shiurr." She mocked Semeeha and I laughed. Semeeha rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"I'm leaving you guys here," she started to walk away. "You people should keep talking your nonsense," She hissed. Dawn and I quickly caught up with her and looped our arms with hers, Semeeha couldn't fight the smile creeping up her lips.

"So you can't even have a taste of your own medicine," I teased, and she gave me a look.

"I hate you both," She mumbled, looking rather embarrassed at our teasing.

"No, you don't," Dawn stated shrewdly. We started giggling, curving through the crowd in the middle of the hallway and making our way to the class together.

"I still want to hear all the details of that evening though," Semeeha stated as we finally got to the front of the class. "I feel you are holding out on us," She added.

Ehn?

"Yes. Exactly what I was thinking too." Dawn chipped in, agreeing with Semeeha. I stopped short and looked at both of them.

"I've already told you guys everything that happened. Honest to God," I swore, then quickly fired a prayer of forgiveness in my mind as my mum warned me never to swear.

Dawn scoffed.

"Bullocks," she wasn't having it. "Something more must have happened after, maybe even during the kiss. We need to know how everything happened, like where he touched, where you put your hands..." she trailed off, giving me a knowing look while wiggling her brows teasingly.

Ahn Ahn.

"We are speaking the same language jare," Semeeha grinned, trading high-fives with Dawn. It was my turn to scoff, shaking my head at them.

"You guys are not okay," I told them, just in case they didn't know, and left them at the entrance to enter the class.

But again, I stopped on my heels at the door. This wasn't because my friends made another teasing comment, or because I was avoiding bumping into someone.

It was because I saw Him.

Simisola André Jordan.

He was in class.

This guy is not a bastard.

There was a fifty-fifth percent chance that I'd see him today. Yes, I was excited and anticipating seeing him but I also had it at the back of my mind that he might not eventually show up because of his mum.

But he is here. In the flesh.

And boy, did he look hot!

I allowed my eyes to rake over his body, taking all of him in and not caring if I looked like an ashewo while at it. He was in his school uniform, sleeves rolled up to his elbow and tie loose around his neck.  I don't think I have ever seen the uniform look hotter on anyone as it did on Simi.

I guess love makes you notice things you have never noticed before.

He was leaner, but not lean in a way that said he was through a lot. It was the good–no, sexy kind of lean because his muscles were bulgier and filling out his shirt. It's not like he's bulky, but his muscles were definitely more toned and defined, an indication that he had spent part of the holidays working out.

And his hair got fuller.

Though it was a good look on him, it looked like he was in desperate need of a haircut. But all I could feel was the overwhelming urge to run my fingers through the messy curls and clench them till that low and sexy grunt left his lips. The scanty yet evident facial hair on his chin made him look even more rugged. 

He wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, just sitting by his corner seat close beside the window that overlooked the AF stadium and reading a book while nodding his head to whatever music was blasting through his headphones. Just the usual.

And just as always, like he noticed– or knew I was looking at him, his head turned slowly in my direction till his eyes met mine.

My heart legit skipped.

Fuck!

The classroom was suddenly bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, I had to catch my breath. The sunlight caressed his face so gently, like a painter's brushstroke, and danced in the curls of his hair, giving them golden streaks. But what really took my breath away were his eyes.

God, I can never get over how beautiful his eyes were, especially in the sun.

They were like two pools of liquid amber, reflecting the sun's warmth and radiance.

He is beautiful.

I know it's rather unconventional to call a guy beautiful, but that's exactly how I saw Simisola.

Beautiful.

And when his lips turned up in a small smile, before taking his bottom lip between his teeth and allowed his eyes to sweep over my body till I could feel his gaze on every inch of my skin all the way to the core of my soul, I nearly lost my shit.

Oh my!

"Yup," Dawn's voice breezed through my mind and interrupted my thoughts, reminding me that I was still with my friends. "Something more definitely happened that night," she smirked, and Semeeha cackled mischievously in agreement.

I hissed and made my way to my seat, more annoyed that they broke that heated eye contact between Simi and me.

It's good that they broke you out. You were about to start taking off your clothes. My subconscious mocked and my cheeks heated up.

Jesus.

"Okay, now I believe your description of the kiss," the model started as she settled down in her seat beside me while Dawn jumped to sit on my table, her legs dangling off it. "You guys eye-raping each other just now has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that you guys had a steamy make-out session.

Eye-raping?

"Eye-raping?" I voiced out my thoughts, unable to hide my shock at her use of words, my mouth a gap. "What's all these things you guys are even saying?" I couldn't believe my ears, and couldn't stop the small chuckle from escaping my lips.

"See ehn, don't mind Semeeha," Dawn tapped me so that I could turn my attention to her. "My own is, you said he carried you while you guys were kissing, abi?" she asked, her voice reduced to a whisper so that no one would eavesdrop on the conversation.

Why is she asking me this?

"Yes, he did," I answered anyway. "What has that got to do with–"

"– So that means he touched your bum bum," Dawn suddenly deadpanned, and my head went zing, my eyes widening!

Jesus Christ!

"That's it! Your head dey there!" Semeeha hit the table with so much excitement.

"Dawn!" I couldn't stop the yell from escaping my lips, alerting a few of our classmates around, including Simi. But unlike the classmates who were pretty clueless and confused about the outburst, Simi didn't seem like he was.

The corners of his lips turned up in a knowing smirk and he slowly ran his left thumb over his bottom lip, I felt my eyes follow the gesture. That was enough to tell me that he probably caught a whiff of what we were talking about, or at least, had an idea.

And what's worse, he raised his hand and gave a small wave. At first, I thought he was waving at me, but when I turned back to my friends, Dawn was the one waving at him, like some sort of communication. Semeeha just kept giggling underneath.

Osanobua. I massaged my temple.

"What the hell is wrong with you guys!" I whispered-yelled.

"What?" Semeeha challenged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "This thing is not so serious. We just want to know everything that went down that evening. Up to the very last detail," she shrugged.

"Like if he touched– or rather if he SQUEEZED your bum bum,"

"God have mercy," I face-palmed for the nth time today, my face flushing with so much embarrassment. If I was light-skinned, I'd be crimson red.

"She doesn't even need to tell us if it happened," Semeeha stated, sharing a look with Dawn. "All this unnecessary shyness is enough to tell us he squeezed that soft ass!" she smacked my hips in effect and Dawn punctuated with giggles that only fueled my embarrassment.

Hey God. What have I entered this early morning? I threw my hands over my head in the typical Egbami gesture.

"This thing is not hard," Dawn started, her tone persuasive. "No one is going to hear you if you just say it. All you have to do is admit that he did it. We are your friends. In fact, I'm the last person that would judge you,"

Dawn was really going all out with this.

"Wait," Semeeha held her hand up, her eyes on Dawn. "So, Chima has touched your ass before?" She both sounded and looked in shock.

"Of course," Dawn responded easily. "Squeezed even. It's no big deal." She dismissed with a wave of her hand but the small nostalgic smile playing on her lips told me she was having flashbacks.

"Oh wow,"

I muttered, while Semeeha looked on in shock like she couldn't comprehend the thought of good boy Sochima Ansel Johnson, who probably doesn't know a single cuss word, touching and squeezing bums. Honestly, I couldn't comprehend it either but it wasn't exactly far-fetched.

I mean, look at Simisola.

"But this isn't about me," Dawn shook her head, her amebo eyes zeroing back on me. "This is about Hilary admitting that Simi touched- no, SQUEEZED her bum bum," she was making clear emphasis on the squeeze, that teasing smile not leaving her lips for one second.

I exhaled, exhausted with all the back and forth.

"You guys are not going to give this up, are you?" I asked them.

"Nope," They chorused, shaking their heads.

"Fine," I finally folded. "He didn't exactly squeeze my..." I trailed off, unable to bring myself to actually say the words out of my mouth.

"But he touched it when he carried you," Semeeha chipped with a knowing smile. I sighed.

"Yes, he touched it when he carried–"

My words were cut off by the not-so-silent squeals of excitement that left Dawn and Semeeha's lips, their hands flapping against each other in that cringy, girly way that happens with Disney characters.

Oh God. I rolled my eyes.

"You guys are being so dramatic," I told them.

"Dramatic? He touched your ass!" Semeeha whispered-yelled back, the excitement in her voice palpable. "He might not have squeezed it but he felt how soft they are. Like today's bread!"

"Hey, Jesus." I can't believe this.

"The ultimate bum bum grab!" Dawn threw her hands up in the air and sighed like she just heard something so fulfilling while I just stared at her like she had grown another head.

"You don't know what this means, Hilary," She said to me, her tone very serious. "That's a guy's way of laying his claim. It's a very important thing in a relationship. Never take the ultimate bum bum grab for granted."

I couldn't help it anymore. The laugh left my lips before I could stop it. Thankfully, it wasn't too loud, just a fit of chuckles coming out of my mouth in low rumbles. 

"How can you say such a thing with a straight face!" I asked between laughter.

"It's the truth," Dawn shrugged and I laughed even more. Soon they joined me and we were laughing together. At this point, I'm sure our classmates would have resigned that there was something ultimately wrong with the three of us.

"So, in all this," Semeeha began when our laugh subsided. "Where are you guys now?" she asked, and my lips stretched in an automatic smile.

"We are together," I answered simply.

"Like, together-together?" Dawn asked, grinning from ear to ear. I nodded, small giggles of excitement leaving my lips.

"Yes, like together-together. Like boyfriend, and girlfriend together. He asked me to be his girlfriend that same night," I told them. They did that squeal, flapping hand thingy again and I just laughed and allowed them, shaking my head.

"Yes!" Semeeha pumped her fist into the air. "Fuck Jidenna,"

Ugh... I rolled my eyes.

"Semeeha," Dawn warned.

"What?" She shrugged. "He should go and eat shit now that she's never going to get back with him. I'm pretty sure that's what he was trying to do with that whole apology stunt he pulled last year,"

"I doubt that," I interjected, and she looked at me. "I don't think he was trying to get back with me. If there's anyone that knew we weren't going to get back together after all that drama, it was him.—

Besides, I have decided to forgive him," Semeeha looked taken aback by that statement. "I might not speak to him in a while but... I don't think I want to hold anything against him anymore. It's exhausting." I sighed.

"Hmmn," Semeeha hummed. "Well, that's good for you. But I swear it can never be me," she flipped her ginger braids. Dawn scoffed.

"Of course, it can never be you," She shaded, then turned to me with a sweet smile playing on her lips. "I'm proud of you, jare," she said and my smile widened.

"Thank you," I answered.

"Where did your boyfriend go to?" Semeeha suddenly asked. My head swerved in the direction of Simi's seat and found it empty. My brows furrowed.

I didn't see him go out.

But before I could speak, my phone buzzed and I retrieved it from my skirt pocket. My lips turned in an automatic smile.

Speak of the Angel.

"He is not a bastard," Dawn chirped, eliciting giggles from Semeeha and me. I clicked on the notification to check out the message from him.

Simi❤️✨
I want to see you. Come to the recreational block.
8:30 am

I bit down against my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling so hard.

"I have to go," I told the girls.

"It is happening o," Dawn wouldn't stop bouncing on her bums, literally bubbling with excitement.

"What's all this Dawn," I chuckled.

"The ultimate school time empty classroom make out!" Semeeha chipped with equal excitement.

"We are not going to make out," I quickly debunked, even though the possibility of it sort of excited me. "We are just going to talk and make up for lost times," I said instead.

"Tarhhh!" Dawn wasn't having it. "If you don't come back with your lips swollen, make I bend!" She was so serious, I couldn't stop laughing.

"Fuck both of you, abeg," I shoved my phone into my pocket and ran out of the class before they could tease me any further.

My friends were mad.

But I couldn't have asked for a better pair.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

I got to the recreational building in no time.

I don't know, maybe the building was because it was very close to the senior's block, or maybe it was because I had to speed walk to get there. Running in the middle of the hallway would have been super weird, so I had to settle for speed walking because I couldn't contain my excitement to see him.

The building was majorly deserted, though I could hear a few voices in the distance. I couldn't make out anything that was being spoken but I could tell for a fact that none of the voices were his. So, I brought out my phone from my locker and fired a quick text.

Me.
I'm at the recreational building. What room are you in?
8:33 am

My messages had a double blue tick in no time and soon, his reply came.

Simi❤️✨
Keep walking down the building. Come find me🌚.
8:33 am

That was all he sent back.

I chuckled, shoving my phone back into my skirt pocket.

Are we playing hide and seek now?

Okay, I'm game.

I started walking down the building as he asked me to, peeking into the rooms that had their doors ajar, but there was no one in. Soon, I got to the front of the dance studio and reached for the doorknob. The studio is always locked, but I just wanted to try my luck.

But before I could even touch it, the door flew open with force and I was grabbed by the arm.

A small startled yelp escaped me as I was yanked into the room, the door slamming shut behind me. And before I could make sense of what was going on, my back was pressed against the door. And before I could react, I felt the warmth of lips against mine.

His lips.

I thawed, literally melting into him.

My heart started beating rapidly against my rib cage. His lips were soft, tasting faintly of a mix of his mint breath and my strawberry bubblegum lip gloss.

A very exhilarating combination.

I could feel my senses getting overwhelmed by the feel of Simi's lips moving against mine, slowly moving, savoring, lingering.

It was as gentle as it was passionate, with a hint of desperation in the way he kept tugging at my bottom lip, eliciting a moan from him that made me part my lips. I felt him smile as his tongue traced the seem of my bottom lips teasingly, titling his head so that he could kiss me deeper.

Better.

My hands trailed up his chest, feeling the muscles of his pecs react to my touch, trailing up till I wrapped my hands around his neck while his reached under my blazer and slid along the curve of my waist, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in its wake, pressing me into him.

I allowed my fingers to feel through the mass of hair on his head like I had been craving all morning, fingers sweeping through the curls till it was buried down to his scalp. I grazed his scalp slightly with the tip of my nails, drawing out that familiar low and sexy grunt from him.

He kissed me like he was trying to tell me that he missed me, like he was trying to make up for lost times, like he was trying to tell me how much the last three weeks have been hell without me, just like mine has been hell without him. I had no idea how much I missed him till now. It's been a freaking long three weeks of not seeing him physically, not holding him...

Not feeling him.

I wouldn't have wanted this "reunion" to go any other way.

His hands left my waist to cradle my face as his kisses reduced in intensity. He lazily moved his lips against mine, drawing out soft wanton sighs from me. When his teeth grazed my lips teasingly, I found myself giggling lightly, and I felt him smile against my lips again.

Soon, he pulled away, pressing his forehead to mine. Soft breaths left my lips as I tried to catch my breath, and I could feel his breath fanning my face.

"You have..." he started, his voice coming out raspy and breathless, thick with emotions that made goosebumps sprout on my skin. "No idea, how long I've wanted to do that," he whispered.

I felt my lips curve in a smile when he said that, my hands trailing down from around his neck to his arms, feeling the taut muscles of his biceps beneath my palms.

"I think I have a pretty good idea," I whispered back, my voice equally as breathless as his. His lips stretched in a grin, his eyes glimmering with unfiltered light.

"I missed you, so much," He said, his hands going back to wrap around my waist. My smile widened.

"I missed you too,"

He pulled me closer and hugged me, burying his face in the hollow of my neck, pressing kisses to my skin that made me giggle and at the same time made me sigh in content.

This is my place. Where I belong.

With Simi.

"Wait," I pulled away when something occurred to me, and his brows tugged as if to ask me what. "How did you get in here? The studio is always locked," so said. His lips twitched slightly, and he bobbed his head to the side.

"Collins is a massive shipper," he answered, and a fit of chuckles escaped my lips.

That makes sense.

"I told him I needed some alone time with you, and he had absolutely no problem handing over the keys," Simi explained. I laughed again.

"That boy," I tsked, shaking my head. "Dawn must not find out that he did that. She'd have his head for handing over the keys to a non-member of the dance team without her permission." I said. Simi made a sound and shook his head.

"Nah, I don't think so," he debunked, and my brows furrowed. "I already texted her and asked for her permission before you got here. She said I should go for it; her words, not mine,"

My mouth fell open.

"Are you serious?" I asked and he nodded, smiles tugged at the corners of his lips. I gasped, "Sly bitch," I muttered, and Simi chuckled.

"What?" he asked, jerking me slightly to him so that my body would flush against his. I bit down on my lips to fight back the giggles that wouldn't stop leaving my lips. "You don't want to spend some alone time with me? I thought you missed me," he pouted, feigning hurt.

I laughed.

"You know I do," I whispered, wrapping my hands around his neck. His lips widened.

"I know you do," he whispered back, nuzzling my nose with his, making me smile even wider.

Being with him like this... being this close to him, would never run stale. The overwhelming surge of want I always feel for him intensifies when I'm around him. It makes me so weak to the knees sometimes, like right now. I had to lean against the door to support my frame before I turn into a puddle on the floor.

But as always, like Simi knew what was going through my mind, he didn't let me lean against the door for more than a second before he did something about it. His hands left my waist and ran down to my thighs, just around the hem of my skirt.

My eyes widened automatically.

"Whoa," I let out when he effortlessly lifted me, my legs instinctively turning wrapping around his waist.

Immediately, my mind went back to Dawn and Semeeha's taunting and teasing from earlier, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

I hate my friends.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"Your legs must hurt," Was his simple answer as he positioned me better against him, his hands now trailing up my thigh to find a "better grip".

I stiffened slightly.

He noticed.

"I'm sorry," He chuckled, and I found myself chuckling back, thankful that it wasn't awkward at all. That's the thing, it can never be awkward.

"It's okay," I whispered.

He looked at me as if to ask if it was really okay, and I nodded, giving him a silent go-ahead. His hands moved, and he did find a "better grip".

The Ultimate Bum Bum Grab!

Dawn's voice flashed in my mind and I struggled to suppress the embarrassing groan that almost left my lips. Now those words will never leave my head.

Thanks a lot, Dawn!

Simi gently placed me on one of the tables, standing between my parted legs. My hands didn't leave his neck and his stayed around my waist.

"Now, that's comfortable," I sighed, smiles tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Oh, you have no idea," Simi replied, his eyes glimmering with mischief. I caught a whiff of the double meaning behind his words and couldn't stop the laughter that left my lips. Soon he joined in, and we were laughing, basking in the serenity that surrounded us.

Now this is a perfect way to start the new year and the new term.

"So tell me," I started, adjusting my arms around his neck so that I wouldn't smolder him. "How is everything going? How are you?" I asked, not needing to spell it out or be specific for him to understand what I meant. He already knew what exactly I was asking about.

Simi bobbed his head to the side, his smile faint.

"I'm okay, I guess," he answered. I stayed quiet, hoping he'd give me more. And he did. "Mum is out of the hospital," he mentioned, and my eyes widened.

"Really? That's great!" I felt a sense of excitement and majorly, relief at that news. But when I saw that he wasn't returning the energy, I backtracked.

"Is it?" I asked. He exhaled, shrugging.

"I honestly can't say," he answered, his tone sincere. "Not because I don't want to say it, but because I really don't know," he said, and I nodded in understanding, urging him to go on... to say more.

I would listen.

"I think they just want her to be in a more familiar and comfortable space because they moved all the equipment needed for her care to the house as well," he stated. "She has nurses on standby, taking shifts, and the doctor comes in too. So it seems like the hospital again, only we are not in the hospital," he explained.

My shoulder slumped and my face fell.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my hand trailing over his face, thumb caressing his skin. I didn't know what to say, or how to encourage more. I wish I did.

"You don't have to," He shook his head, a small smile appearing on his lips. "On the bright side," I piqued at that. "Home feels like home again with her being back there," he stated, his tone positive and a smile came back to my lips.

"Yes, she is mostly bedridden," he went on. "If she wants to move around, she has to move around in a wheelchair. But honestly, that's okay. She's there, and she's getting better little by little, and that's all that matters to me. Her presence is making the house feel alive again,"

"That's good," I said. "I'm happy for you," I whispered, caressing his face. His smile widened. It was beautiful. Hopeful.

"I am hopeful," he said like he could hear my thoughts. "I am hanging on to the tiniest bit of possibility that everything will soon go back to normal,"

"And it will," I assured him, positioning his head so that he would look directly into my eyes. "Keep doing that. Keep being hopeful. Keep hanging on. That's what will make it all worthwhile in the end," I told him, and meant every word I said.

And he nodded as he took the words in, his eyes glimmering with emotions so deep and core.

"Toyosi is going back to the UK next week," he informed me, and I listened, liking the fact that I didn't have to ask him before he divulged the information to me. It's like he wanted me to be part of everything going on in his life.

I loved that.

"For good?" I asked him, and he shook his head.

"Just for a couple of weeks," he answered. "She just wants to go and see how her business is going, check out some clients that have been asking after her, just the usual. She'll be back mid-February," he explained and I nodded.

Simi chuckled suddenly, shaking his head.

"Sorry," he said. "I'm rambling on and on about myself and I haven't even asked after you,"

"It's okay," I assured him, "We've talked about me enough to last a lifetime. I like it when we talk about you. I love to listen," I told him, looking at him right in the eye as I said it. He blinked, tongue-tied.

"Never feel bad for wanting to tell me everything that goes on in your life," I whispered. "I want to hear it all."

There was silence after, sweet perfect silence. And when Simi opened his mouth to speak, a sigh-like laugh left his lips.

"How the fuck did I manage to snag you?" He sounded like he was in utter disbelief. A chuckle left my lips.

"I should be the one saying that," I told him.

"Nah," he disagreed, shaking his head. "You are just perfect, Hilary." he whispered, his forehead gently bumping against mine and leaving it there. A shaky breath escaped my lips, my eyes fluttering close.

"I love you," he muttered, and my entire being thawed. I wanted to say it back at that very moment, but he spoke again, the words hanging at the tip of my tongue.

"You don't have to say it back," he said.

I opened my eyes to look at him and found him already looking at me. His eyes were filled with deep emotions of love and want, peering directly to the depth of my soul, cradling me in an embrace of emotions, as if he was silently whispering "You are the center of my universe".

It had me on a chokehold.

"I don't want you saying it back just because I am saying it to you," he continued, his eyes locked onto mine with a sincerity that left me breathless. "I want you to say it back when you absolutely mean it... no reservations."

I shuddered as his words washed over me, each syllable a gentle caress that stirred the deepest corners of my heart. His voice, thick with undiluted passion, held me in its tender embrace, and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the intensity of his emotions.

"I am perfectly fine just reminding you of everything I feel for you because I have none against you," he whispered, his fingers gently tracing patterns on the small of my back. "I love you, Hilary. I love you from the very depths of my soul, and I will always remind you. No questions."

A shaky breath left my lips again, a small laugh escaping my lips.

"You do have your way with words," my voice came out shaky and breathless. Simi laughed, a low rumbling sound that made his chest vibrate against mine.

"Maybe I do," he whispered back.

"And yeah, you are right," I said, and he peered at me. "I don't have to say it back because this isn't even the right place to say it back..." I trailed off, my eyes running across the room before settling back on him.

"...but I can show you,"

I arched my back against him, pushing up my body so that I could be more on his height level, brought my face closer to his, and pressed my lips against his eyes. He sighed, his eyes fluttering close as his hands tightened around my waist.

But I wasn't done yet.

My lips trailed across the skin of his face and to the other eyes, pressing my lips against it. Then I moved down to his nose, first nuzzling mine against his, before pressing my lips against the tip, lingering there for a bit before I trailed my lips down again.

I could feel Simi's heart thumping violently against his chest as I got closer to his lips, obviously anticipating that I'd kiss him. But I didn't. All I did was make sure my lips brushed daintily against his, enough to make him catch his breath, before trailing down to his jawline.

That was where I kissed. Slowly... softly.

Simi let out a sharp breath, pulling me closer to him till I was sitting at the edge of the table. I pressed soft, lingering kisses against his jawline, my lips brushing over its defined curve, savoring the warmth of his skin and the subtle taste of his cologne.

His stubble grazed my lips, a delicious contrast to its gentle softness. With each delicate kiss, I traced a path from his jawline down to the curve of his neck and Simi's breath hitched in response, a quiet sigh of pleasure that sent shivers down my spine.

"Hilary..." he sighed, his voice quivering with a mix of pleasure and desire, and he let out a low, guttural curse under his breath.

I kind of felt a powerful sense of control, knowing that I could evoke such raw, unrestrained passion from him. It was intoxicating.

Having a mind of their own, my hands found a way to his collar and my fingers deftly loosened his tie. With a playful flick, I tossed it to a forgotten corner of the room. Then my hands moved to the top buttons of his uniform shirt, unfastening them one after the other, exposing his chiseled chest.

My hands moved against it, fingers trailing his bare skin, hearing the sharp intake of his breath and the feel of his muscles contracting beneath my touch.

The last time we were down this road, it ended with him spotting a... well, you know what. And then, we were in my room. This was school grounds, an even more uncharted territory.

But did I care? Not really. This was a very secluded part of the school and the windows were tinted. It was luxury privacy.

Simi helped me shrug off my blazer, but it didn't get further than that, the teasing only fueling the longing. My lips trailed over his neck and to his bulging Adam's apple, rubbing my lips over it.

"Fuck," he muttered, his voice husky, breathless and raw. It was a sound that sent a delicious thrill through me, a big stroke on my ego, knowing that I could make him lose control like this.

But it's like he couldn't let me have all the fun. With fierce intensity, he pulled my face back to meet his, capturing my lips in a slow, passionate kiss. I sighed in contentment, kissing him back with equal intensity, allowing myself to be lost in this feeling.

The kiss deepened, becoming a slow, sensuous dance of tongue and lips, and in that moment, I let myself go, allowing myself to be lost in Simi... in the ardor of his lips against mine. It left me breathless... let us breathless, craving for more.

I'm never going to get tired of this.

Faintly, I heard a buzzing. Felt a buzzing. It was against my skin. I tried to ignore it but it kept coming. So I tried to register it, despite my head being completely dizzy.

It was my phone. My phone was buzzing. Ringing.

Someone was calling me.

"My phone," I muttered against Simi's lips.

"Leave it," He ordered, and I left it, bringing my lips to cradle his face so that I could kiss him better.

Whoever is calling would stop.

They did stop calling. But in no time, Simi's phone started ringing. Loudly. We couldn't ignore it.

"Shit," he cussed, pulling away from me. I chuckled lightly, burying my face in his neck. With his free hand, he reached for his phone in the back pocket of his trousers and brought it out, looking at the call ID with dilated eyes.

He hissed but picked up the call.

"What?!" He snapped at the caller.

"Release her!"

The ever so audacious and poised voice of the head girl, and his best friend, Gigi Esho came from the receiver. I buried my face further in his neck to stifle a laugh. Simi brought the phone from his ear and stared at it with disdain.

"What do you mean?" he asked when he continued the call, feigning ignorance.

"Don't play dumb with me," Gigi fired back. "I know you are with Hilary, that's why she's not picking up her phone. Her attention is needed right now, so release her," she demanded.

"How do you know I am with her?" Simi wasn't budging. "I could be anywhere and she could be anywhere," he stated, still playing dumb.

"Ehn ehn? Okay naw. I'll just tell Sir. Isaac that the reason Hilary isn't coming to the meeting he called is because her boyfriend is holding her captive."

Jesus. An alarm went off in my head.

"Okay, Gigi," I finally spoke up, announcing my presence even though she already knew I was there anyway. "I'll be right there," I told her, jumping down from the table.

"Thank you, Hilary," Gigi said. "Shebi she's not there, Simi?" She taunted her best friend.

"Fuck you, guy," He snapped at her and she laughed at him, ending the call. Simi immediately trapped me before I could move, both his hands on either side of me.

"Simi," I chuckled, pushing against him but he wouldn't budge. "I have to go. You heard what Gigi said. It's Sir. Isaac that is calling, I have to be there," I tried to persuade him."

"But I'm sure he can do the meeting without you," He bobbed his head to the side as he peered at me, not agreeing with Gigi.

"So what do you want me to do? Spend the whole day kissing you?" I asked, smiling. His lips turned in a smirk, his eyes glistening with mischief.

"Is that such a bad idea?" He questioned back, and I chuckled, giving him a look.

He finally gave in.

"Okay, fine," he removed his hands from their position, freeing me. "You can go," he said it like he was giving me permission and I laughed, knowing he was just playing around.

"Thank you," I whispered, curving my arms around his neck and pulling him down for a last kiss. It was brief, soft, and tender, with Simi pulling on my bottom lip as he pulled away. I giggled, mentally noting that he liked doing that.

I liked it too.

"Find me later," He whispered.

"I will," I promised, pulling away from him.

I stepped away from Simi, a wide smile lighting up my face. As I turned to leave the room, I couldn't help but feel like today started on the highest and happiest of notes. Everything seemed to be falling into place so perfectly.

The memory of everything that just happened lingered in my mind, filling me with warmth and a sense of utter contentment. Then I laughed as I remembered that Dawn said I was going to come back with my lips swollen. And here I was, with my lips definitely swollen.

I couldn't wipe the grin off my face even if I tried. Every step I took felt lighter, as if I were floating on a cloud of happiness.

This is what it feels to be in love.

With each passing moment, I knew that this was the beginning of something extraordinary, something that would shape the year ahead. The world outside seemed to shimmer with possibility, and I was ready to embrace it all.

This is going to be a great year.

I can feel it.

𝐀/𝐍

Or is it?💀

Hehehe 🌚.

Someone should hold Simi because it seems like he can't hold himself when it comes to Hilary. And Hilary sef is another person entirely when she's around Simi. For someone that is so shy to talk to her friends about her kiss with Simi, she doesn't seem very shy when she's doing things with him 😂.

Dawn and Semeeha are not okay😂. Now Hilary cannot get ultimate bum bum grab out of her mind 😂. And it seems like Dawn is a big shipper of Semeeha and Collins. Let's see if that ship will sail.

P. S. What was that whole thing with Kizito and Semeeha? 💀 Let me know your thoughts.

Next chapter will come as soon as it can... which might be in the next three months, I don't know 🌚. But let's see.

So, till the next update, you know the drill😌. Kisses 😘