(077 - Semblance of Normalcy)

DEMMERS! Where art thou!

😂

Hey, Guys! It's been a minute! How is everyone doing in the T-Pain economy 🙃?

So, it's my birth month and I've decided to put in the extra work into making sure I update at least twice this month... thrice maybe. I don't know how I want to do it because I'm resuming school next week, but God will see me through.

Pray for me 😩.

You guys might have a good laugh in this chapter... I hope😩✨.  P.S. Physics students in the house, I don't know physics o. So if I've written rubbish, just overlook it 💀.

Are you ready?

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐘
(Hilary Idara Eghosa)

"So, if we take the initial velocity..."

I trailed off, tapping my pen against my notebook as I worked through the last set of equations from the physics series.

"...and the acceleration 2m/s, and then," I paused my scribbling, frowning at my scratch work. I could feel Simi's eyes on me, watching every step I took, "if we plug in the numbers using the formula v = u + a, it's v = 10 + 2... that should me v = 12m/s..."

"No," Simi shook his head, leaning in, and I looked up at him, my brows furrowed. "I think you missed something, right here," he nudged his finger to where I had veered off course

"What? No, I didn't," I shot him a playful glare, pretending I didn't know what he was talking about even though I did feel something off with my calculations.

I just couldn't place my finger on it.

Simi chuckled softly, shaking his head at me.

"Here, let me show you," he said, taking my pen from my hand. "I think it's an issue with the formula. We didn't calculate time," he began to explain and I was slightly taken aback, if I'm being honest.

Physics has always been a chore for Simi, worst so that the teacher taking the subject was a witch. He has never been confident about his calculations in physics and has never been eager to learn any topic within the subject.

But lately, all that seems to have changed.

We have had several tutorials since second term started which is going close to two months now, and even late-night study sessions online, and I could tell Simi was getting a hang of things.

But never did I imagine that he would be correcting me.

"Look," he was still speaking and I listened. "Instead of the formulae v = u + a, we are supposed to use v = u + at," his voice was steady as he reworked the calculations, speaking loud enough for me to follow, but not too loud to disturb the library.

And all I could do was stare at him in awe.

"So our initial velocity is 10m/s, right? And acceleration is 2m/s while time is 5s," he looked at me to see if I was following and I nodded, watching him, completely amazed at how easily the words and calculations flowed out of him.

The smooth confidence in his tone was new, and I was surprised at how sure he sounded. He literally just spelled out to me that I missed a big step that would have definitely cost me almost five marks in the exam.

"Now, if we substitute in the numbers, meaning v = 10 + 2 x 5," he continued, his neat handwriting scribbling down on my note as he spoke. " 2 x 5 is 10, so that's v = 10 + 10, and then," he paused again for a dramatic beat, glancing at me with a satisfied smile, "v = 20m/s."

He dropped the pen.

Oh wow!

I stared at the page, then at him, my mouth dropping open slightly. I was impressed.

No, that's an understatement of the century.

I was proud!

I mean, this is Simisola— the same Simi that used to struggle with anything involving numbers or calculations. And now, here he was, more confident in calculations than I have ever seen him... even to the point of correcting me.

On God, this was effortless the sexiest I have ever seen him.

I should feel proud of myself too, not just as his girlfriend, but as someone who tutored him. But this wasn't even my doing, this was all him.

He has been putting in the work for months, the struggles, the tears, the ridicule, the frustration. And now, results were beginning to show for all the hard work.

It almost brought tears to my eyes.

I was so caught up in admiring him that I didn't even realize I was staring till he lifted his gaze and caught me red-handed.

Simi arched his eyebrow, and a slow, lazy grin spread across his lips. He seemed... almost amused by the attention he was getting from me, and there was something in the way he tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing just a bit as if he was trying to read my expression.

Without even thinking about it, he takes a hand through his messy hair, pushing the rogue curls back from falling over his forehead, and that gesture made his biceps flex ever so slightly under the rolled-up sleeves of his school uniform shirt.

The movement was so casual, yet so effortlessly attractive.

His lips curved into a soft, teasing smile, his gaze dropping to my lips for the briefest moment before returning to meet my eyes. I felt a flutter in my chest, and I could see a spark of mischief lighting up in his expression... as if he knew exactly the effect he was having on me.

Finally, he leaned in just a little, his voice dropping to a warm, playful tone.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, his voice laced with teasing. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my lips, feeling heat creep up my cheeks.

"You are incredible," I murmured, almost without thinking. He laughed lightly, looking a bit bashful... and shy. "No, seriously. You are going to crush physics, Simi and Mrs. Khadija will be silenced for life!"

He threw his head back, unable to stop the loud, contagious laugh that left his lips in fits. Unable to stop myself, I joined him, the sound of our laughter bouncing off the bookshelves and walls of the library.

A few students reading around us shot us annoyed looks, and one even hissed out a very aggressive "shhh". We quickly muffled our laughs, whispering apologies.

"You are going to get us into trouble," I whispered between laughter.

"Me?" Simi gasped dramatically, placing his hand on his chest. "I didn't even do anything but laugh,"

"You laughed so loud and contagiously, I couldn't help myself!" I whispered harshly back.

"Then, that's on you, not me," he raised his hand in mock surrender and I nudged him playfully, making him chuckle a bit.

A chuckle that eventually graduated into us laughing again. And as much as we tried to stifle our laughter this time, it still made its way out and disturbed some of our classmates sitting closer to us, earning us disapproving glares and more shushes.

Shush yourself too! 

"No, but honestly," I spoke when our laughter finally subsided, leaning closer to him, my voice quieter, more sincere, "I'm really proud of you, Simi. I can literally remember the first week of our tutorials, and how much you've struggled with all this. Seeing you get it now, teaching me sef... it's incredible. Your hard work is really paying off."

Simi looked at me, a slow, appreciative smile forming at the corners of his lips.

"Well, I couldn't have done it without you," he murmured, his voice low, just for me. "You were patient with me... still are. Always believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself,"

He reached out, his hand finding my thigh under the table. The touch was soft at first, but then he gave it a gentle squeeze, his fingers lingering there just as his eyes stayed on mine.

I felt my pulse quicken and my breath catch when his thumb began to rub circles against my skin, resting there like that was where they belonged.

Then he leaned in a bit, his gaze locked with mine.

"I mean it, Hilary," his voice was barely a whisper. "Thank you... for everything."

His eyes held mine, his amber orbs dark and deep, and I felt my breath hitch. I couldn't bring myself to respond, caught in the intensity of his gaze on me, my heart racing faster with every second that passed.

After a moment, I managed a small, playful smile, breaking the tension just a little.

"Is that all the thank you I get?" I teased, my voice barely above a whisper, trying to sound light even as my heart wouldn't stop hammering in my chest.

Simi's expression shifted, a spark of amusement and mischief lighting up his eyes. He leaned in closer, his face mere inches from mine, his voice low and husky.

"Oh?" he murmured, his lips curving into a smirk. "Do you want me to kiss you... right here, in the middle of the library?" He asked, dared even.

"Maybe..." I shrugged, trying to match his tone, my voice soft and a bit daring too.

That one word seemed to hang in the air between us for only a second because he didn't hesitate.

Simi immediately leaned in even closer, his face now so close I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. His eyes dropped to my lips, and I felt a thrill run through me, my heart thundering as his hand on my thigh trailed higher up my skin and tightened just a bit.

Damn... I swallowed.

We were barely a breath away, his lips so close that I could almost feel them on mine, my entire body humming.

"I can..."

His voice dropped to a whisper, rough and teasing, holding my gaze, his eyes half-lidded, his expression intense.

The way he looked at me made me forget how to breathe, and for a second, I was sure he was about to close the distance between us, damning the consequences of us kissing in the open library with our classmates present, and even the librarian.

But just when I thought he would—when I could almost taste his lips—he pulled back, a smug, playful grin spreading across his face.

"But I won't," he said, his voice laced with pure mischief.

Oh, Lord.

I blinked, surprised and a little flustered before a light laugh bubbled out of me.

"Tease," I whispered breathlessly, gently pushing him back, my cheeks flushed.

He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself, but before either of us could say more, his phone buzzed softly on the table, breaking the moment.

"Sorry, babe. I have to take this," Simi excused himself, leaning back and putting some space between us.

"It's okay," I smiled softly, looking back to my note and the calculations as he picked up his phone to check the notification.

His eyes softened as he read, his thumbs quickly tapping a response. I turned to look at him, noticing the way he seemed focused on whoever he was chatting with, almost... preoccupied.

"Everything okay?" I asked, a hint of curiosity and concern slipping into my voice. He looked up and gave me a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, everything's fine," he answered, and there was nothing in his voice that made me doubt him. "It's just the nurse giving me the hourly update on mum."

Hmmn? I blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"Wait..." I paused, trying to understand what he just said. "You asked the nurse to give you hourly updates on mum?" I asked. Simi chuckled, shrugging casually as if it was nothing.

I mean, in a way, it was nothing... but it was still something, if you understand what I mean.

"I did," he answered. "I don't want to be caught off guard anymore... like last year. I want to be involved, even while I'm here at school. No surprises." He explained to me as he continued to tap away.

I knew what he meant.

Last year had been rough for him— with his dad and Sister Toyosi keep his mum's worsening health condition from him for more than month. By the time he found out, things had escalated, and he'd felt hurt, angry, and betrayed.

It practically severed the already strained relationship between himself and his dad.

I could only imagine how much that experience still haunted him, lingering there, the fear that one day, he will go home and his mum won't be there anymore.

But... hourly updates? It was a lot. Especially now that he was in school, preparing for his externals.

"Does your mum know you're doing this?" I asked, a slight smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Or Sister Toyosi?"

"Of course not," He scoffed, a small laugh escaping as he shook his head. "If they knew, they'll just tell me I'm overreacting, that there's nothing to worry about." His voice was light, almost dismissive.

But I knew better.

I didn't say anything, even though a part of me agreed with them. He was worrying too much, letting it consume him in a way that would only make things harder for him.

Simi's fears were valid—anyone who had gone through what he had would feel the same—but this constant need to check in would eat away at him, especially now, with our exams so close.

I know Simi. If he was in the middle of an exam and got a call that his mum had a scare and was taken to the hospital, I had no doubt he'd drop everything and rush to her side.

That was just who he was.

Simi was one of the most compassionate people I knew. He'd walk through fire for the people he cared about, especially his mum. And as beautiful as that was, I knew it was also a heavy burden.

This... devotion, so to say, was a blessing... but also a curse.

His heart was so big that sometimes it pulled him in directions that left him vulnerable, spreading thin between what his responsibilities should be at this time, and his desire to protect the ones he loved.

I wanted to say something, to reassure him or maybe offer him some perspective, but I stopped myself. I didn't want him to feel like I was dismissing his concerns or invalidating his feelings.

His need to be involved, to know everything, was his way of coping with the fear of the unknown.

But I could only hope that he'd find a balance—one that would allow him to be present in his own life, to focus on his dreams and goals, on acing his exams with flying colors while still being there for his family.

Instead, I just reached over, placing my hand over his thigh, giving him a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

"I get it, Simi. I really do." I offered him a gentle smile.

Simi's fingers stopped moving over his phone screen as he looked up at me, his eyes softening in a way that made my heart flutter.

There was something compassionate, almost vulnerable in the way he looked at me, a hint of gratitude sparkling in his eyes, a look that l told me he appreciated me for understanding him, understanding the lengths he was going through just to make sure he could always be with his mum.

His eyes were filled with so much depth, that I almost lost my breath.

"Thank you, Hilary," he murmured, his voice gentle and heartfelt. "Thank you for always understanding me." He said. I felt a small, genuine smile spread across my lips.

It was moments like this that reminded me just how much he also meant to me. It was so rare to find someone who would look at you like you were the center of their entire world.

That's exactly how Simi looked at me.

And I don't think anyone could look at me the same way and I'd feel the same way I feel right now for Simi.

My phone buzzed, making me look away from him. I reached for my phone, chuckling when I glanced at the screen and saw the strings of notifications from our class group chats.

"Guess it's the day for endless buzzing phones," I teased, rolling my eyes and Simi chuckled in response. I opened WhatsApp and tapped on the science class group chat.

Collins ✨
Hey guys, heads up! Mr. Ariyo wants to have a two-hour biology class before the end of school day. And yes, it is compulsory but you can choose not to come.

+2348134****98...         Bossman Godwin💪🏾
(tags Collins✨)
Seriously? A two-hour class? Why don't they just kill us already 😩.

Modupe🤗
(tags +2348134****98)
If you are tired now, wait till you fail💀. Exams are coming, people! Do you want Sir Isaac to call us the worst set because we flopped externals? It's not me and you people o!

+2349158****90....      Affy Baby✨💕
(tags Modupe🤗)
Modupe, please shut up! Not everyone enjoys endless hours of studying like you do. Take your Efiko nonsense away abeg.

Collins✨
Lol💀 Modupe has a point. This is jacking time y'all. No slacking.

+2348134****98...         Bossman Godwin💪🏾
(tags Collins)
It's not about slacking, my guy. This teachers, dey to do! They wan kill us with surprise classes left and right. Haba naw🥲.

Modupe🤗
Lol💀. Dey play.

+2349158****90....      Affy Baby✨💕
Modupe and Collins, mind your business 😒. Not everyone was born with books for brains. You don't have to form smart all the time. Mtcheeewww!

Modupe🤗
(tags +2349158****90)
Well Affiong, I shouldn't be shocked because you will never know what it means to be smart even if it smacked you right in the face😃.
(😭😳🙆🏾‍♀️20)

Jesus!

My eyes widened.

+2348134****98...       Bossman Godwin💪🏾
Eweey! Shots Fired💀🔥.

+2349158****90....      Affy Baby✨💕
(tags Modupe🤗)
Excuse me?!

Modupe🤗
(tags +2349158****90)
You are excused ✌🏽.

Collins✨
It's alright, guys. Let's not turn the group into a war zone because of Biology class.

Kizi Boo💕✨
Nah, let them fight😂. This is far more interesting than biology class anyway.

+2340755****84...        Kasarachi
Modupe, you didn't have to go that hard😂. I'm deceased!

+2349158****90....      Affy Baby✨💕
Fuck all of you!

Oh, Lord!

I stifled a laugh.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing on the group chat?" I asked Simi, looking over to his side. He had an amused smile playing on his lips as he also skimmed through the messages.

"Yeah, I just saw them," he chuckled. "Our classmates are mad!" He added between laughter.

"And you are just finding out?" I asked rhetorically, teasing.

We shared a laugh, trying our best not to disrupt the library again. At this rate, the Librarian will send us out of the library.

We decided to revise Biology ahead of the class so that our memories would still be pretty fresh. I pulled out my biology notebook and textbook from the stack I brought to the library. Simi checked his and frowned slightly.

"I think I left mine in class," he said, standing up. "Let me go and quickly grab it." He added.

"Okay," I nodded.

Then out of the blue, he leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Don't miss me too much," he winked, flashing me a boyish grin. I scrunched my nose at him.

"Dey play," I playfully dismissed him and he laughed, straightened up, and headed out of the library.

It wasn't until he left that I realized we would need the biology series and I forgot mine in class as well. Knowing how long Simi's legs were, he would have gone far already and I couldn't call him because his phone was right beside me.

So, I stood up and made my way to the back of the library where I knew the school copies would be.

They weren't used often except during external exam periods which was once every year so they were stacked away in a quiet, inconspicuous spot far from the main study areas.

I found the shelves easily, rows of series booklets stacked in alphabetical order so it was easy to find biology. But just as my fingers brushed the spine of the booklet, I heard it.

Soft voices and bursts of stifled giggles.

They have started o! I rolled my eyes, a knowing smirk playing on my lips.

This corner of the library was... infamous for being a very hot spot for senior school couples and their escapades, dating back to generations of SS 3 students that have come before my set, and now, we were not the exception.

The hushed times, sneaky laughs, sighs, moans, and groans— I shudder— were a dead giveaway.

I wanted to just pick the biology series and leave, ignore the latest love birds sneaking around but my curiosity got the best of me. Dawn would have my neck if I don't give her this gist and my internal amebo was screaming at me to take just a peek.

Just a peek. I told myself.

So, I turned around the edge of the bookshelf, peeking through the gaps. And as soon as my eyes fell on the culprits, my eyes widened and I threw my hands over my mouth, barely managing to suppress the gasp that threatened to escape.

What. In. The. World!

My jaw dropped slightly, my brain struggling to catch up with the scene in front of me. For a moment, I was utterly flabbergasted... maybe discombobulated too, unable to process what I was seeing.

Am I dreaming?

I blinked in complete disbelief and awe.

My jaw dropped, and I had to remind myself to breathe as I took in the sight, unable to stop myself even if I wanted to.

And shockingly, I didn't want to.

The two of them had their arms wrapped around each other with an intensity that was... well, more than friendly. They were standing so close, with him leaning against the table behind him and her body pressed against his.

His hands were resting just above her waist, fingers splayed possessively along the small of her back. His hand moved slowly, trailing up and down, almost tracing the curve of her spine with a familiarity that sent shivers up my own.

Obara Jesus.

Her hand was on his chest, fingers slightly curled against the fabric of his shirt. Then, I watched as her hand slid up, fingers gently grazing his shirt collar before wrapping around the back of his neck.

I could see her fingers thread through his curls, her touch soft but also possessive, and he leaned into it, closing his eyes for a brief moment.

When he opened them again, there was a smile on his face—one that was so genuine, so peaceful, it made me thaw. It wasn't the kind of grin he flashed around casually; this was deeper, a glimpse of something real and unguarded, like he was finally at ease.

With that smile, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed so intimately that there was hardly a sliver of space between them. His hand drifted down, fingers trailing along her back until they hovered dangerously just above the curve of her bum.

They whispered softly to each other, their voices too low to hear but filled with that unmistakable intimacy. The quiet laughter in their voices, the way they seemed completely absorbed in one another—it was like the rest of the world didn't exist.

For heaven's sake, they weren't even kissing, but the way they were looking at each other, their faces mere inches apart, was enough to make anyone blush.

Heck, it was enough to make me blush!

"Hilary?"

I swiveled around in a panic, coming face-to-face with Dawn, who had her usual cheerful expression.

"I knew it was you!" she started, a grin spreading across her face, "Those braids are a dead giveaway—"

I darted forward, clamping my hand over her mouth before she could say anything else.

Her eyes widened in confusion, her brows knitting together as she tried to make sense of why I had my hand over her mouth, silencing her. She mumbled something, her words muffled against my palm.

"Shhh!" I whispered urgently, giving her a meaningful look, my own heart still pounding from what I'd just seen. I finally removed my hand from her mouth and Dawn pulled back slightly, her gaze questioning.

"Why are you whispering?" she asked softly, her expression puzzled. Then she caught herself, frowning a little. "Actually, why am I whispering?"

I shook my head, struggling to contain the shocking excitement and disbelief that bubbled inside me. I leaned closer to her.

"You won't believe what I just saw," I whispered. Dawn's eyes widened, curiosity flashing in her gaze.

"What did you see?" She asked frantically. I could literally see her amebo antenna at alert.

Without another word, I grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the shelf, gesturing for her to peek through the narrow gap beside me. Her eyes adjusted to the scene in front of us, and I heard a faint gasp escape her lips.

Dawn's gaze flickered back to me, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

"So, you finally found out," she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction. "Took you long enough," she smirked.

Ehn!

I turned to her, taken aback.

"Wait—you knew?"

Dawn nodded, that little smirk still playing on her lips.

"Yeah, I found out a couple of weeks ago." She shrugged. "From the look of things, I guess they are now official-official. Took him long enough,"

"And you didn't bother to tell me?!" I whisper-yelled, my tone with a hint of betrayal and disbelief.

"Hey, it wasn't my place to tell you," Dawn responded, raising her hands in mock surrender as she continued to grin. "Jidenna was supposed to let you know when he was ready." She added.

I huffed, almost stomping as I glanced back at the scene in front of us.

"Well, Jidenna seems to have his hands a little occupied right now." My tone was laced with irony as I watched him pull Adela even closer, completely engrossed in the moment. "And it's not like he and I have really had a meaningful conversation since the start of the term. We don't even have any reason to," I shrugged.

"So, I'm guessing now is the time to have that meaningful conversation," Dawn said, gesturing to the duo behind the rows of shelves, but I gave her a look.

"There is absolutely no way I'm interrupting them," I stated matter-of-factly.

"Good," Dawn smirked. "So, we just watch?"

"Definitely,"

Dawn and I traded a quiet high-five and exchanged one last knowing look before turning our attention back to the couple. Just as we did, that was when they both leaned in, and their lips met in a kiss that was anything but gentle.

Damn!

Jidenna's hands moved up to cradle Adela's face, fingers sliding into her boho braids as he angled her head, deepening the kiss with an intensity that made both Dawn and me catch our breath.

There was no hesitation, no holding back—their lips moved together with a fierce, raw passion that filled the tiny space with a sense of urgency and heat.

Dawn and I both simultaneously tilted our heads to the side, angling for a better view.

"Wow..." we whispered in unison, eyes wide as we continued to stare, unable to look away.

Adela's hands were now wrapped tightly around Jidenna's neck, pulling him closer as if she couldn't get enough. She leaned into him, practically melting in his arms, her fingers tangling further into his hair and tugging just slightly, drawing a soft, almost inaudible groan from him that made my mouth fall open like someone about to catch a fly.

"Damn!" Dawn whispered, and I couldn't have said it better.

Damn is right!

We continued to watch as his hands slowly trailed down her back, fingers pressing firmly as they slid down to rest on her lower back, and then further down... until they finally settled on her ass in a firm, possessive grip.

The Ultimate Bum Bum Grab! My eyes widened.

Adela gasped softly, her lips parting to deepen the kiss as she arched into him, her body pressing even closer. The sound—a breathy, almost involuntary moan—made my cheeks burn, and I felt Dawn stiffen beside me.

I knew exactly what was coming.

Dawn would scream and blow our cover. She cannot see the ultimate bum bum grab and not scream!

But before she could get the scream out, I immediately slapped my hand over her mouth, barely managing to muffle the sound in time. My own eyes were wide, my heart pounding as I processed the intensity of what we just saw. Dawn's gaze darted to mine, and I held up a finger to my lips, signaling for silence.

Without another glance, we both spun around, practically tripping over our own feet as we hurried away from the shelves, putting as much distance as possible between ourselves and the... scene.

Once we were out of earshot, a bubble of laughter escaped, and we leaned against the nearest shelf, catching our breath.

"That... was bold of Jidenna," I managed to whisper, still slightly breathless from both shock and laughter.

The absurdity of it all was finally sinking in, leaving me somewhere between scandalized and amused.

Dawn nodded vigorously, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"Very bold," she agreed, her tone brimming with barely contained excitement. "I didn't think Jidenna had it in him!" She couldn't seem to wipe the look of astonishment off her face, and honestly, neither could I.

"Neither did I!" I whisper-yelled, glancing back in the direction where Jidenna and Adela were. "Wow!" I muttered, my mind still reeling.

On God, I cannot get over the things I just saw.

"So, Jidenna can squeeze yansh!" Dawn whisper-yelled and I burst into another round of heavy laughter, giving her a playful smack on the hand for making me laugh for hard.

Soon, she joined me and we laughed our asses off for another ten seconds.

Oh, God!

As our laughter subsided into breathless whizzes, I could feel Dawn's eyes on me so I looked at her. Her expression was softening as the laughter faded.

"How do you feel about... seeing them together?" She asked me. "Seeing Jidenna with someone else?" She expatiated, not beating around the bush.

The question hit me like a gentle nudge, and I took a moment to search myself, search through the array of emotions I was feeling, letting her words settle in. I didn't feel hurt or heartbroken—no pang of jealousy twisted in my chest.

If anything, I was... intrigued.

There was maybe a faint twinge of envy, seeing him like that with someone else, especially since Jidenna and I never even reached that level. We never kissed, never shared anything close to the kind of passion I just witnessed.

So, yeah, watching him so uninhibited with Adela felt almost surreal, like I was looking at someone else entirely.

But what lingered more than anything was curiosity. Intrigue. The prospect of Jidenna and Adela together fascinated me, even if it caught me off guard.

Adela wasn't just anyone; she was one of the most put-together girls in our class. A top babe, confident, and effortlessly captivating. For her to be with Jidenna, to look at him with that kind of warmth and affection... she must have seen something in him that I hadn't.

Something that even I, as his ex, must have missed.

And maybe, in a way, that was a testament to how much Jidenna had grown. How far he'd come since we broke up. I felt a strange sense of pride welling up inside me, seeing him mature enough to capture the interest of someone like Adela.

Deep down, I was genuinely happy for him, glad that he'd managed to snag himself a solid girl who saw him for who he was becoming.

Dawn watched me carefully, her brows raising a little as I processed my thoughts. I smiled, feeling a warmth I did not expect.

"I don't know, Dawn. I'm... intrigued," I shrugged. "And in a way, I'm happy for him. Seeing him like that, with someone like Adela—it's good for him."

Dawn smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's okay to feel a little envious, you know," she teased and I gave her a look. "I mean, you and Jidenna were never..." She trailed off, waggling her brows suggestively.

"Oh, please," I rolled my eyes, brushing her off with a laugh. "I'm sure Jidenna isn't as good of a kisser as Simi, anyway." I boasted, folding my hands across my chest.

Nah, Simi was a god when it came to kissing.

His lips were made for me.

Right on cue, Simi appeared around the corner, holding his biology book.

"Who isn't as good a kisser as I am?" he asked, an amused smile lighting up his face as he looked between us.

Dawn's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she opened her mouth to respond, but I quickly covered her mouth with my hand, grinning.

"No one," I said with a wide, innocent smile. "No one at all," I said to my boyfriend who stared at me quizzically. Dawn narrowed her eyes at me playfully as I removed my hand.

"Mmm-hmm," she mumbled, her tone dripping with sarcasm, but she let it go. Simi just chuckled, clearly amused by our antics.

"All right, all right," he said, giving me a knowing look. "I already got my biology note and textbook, so we should go and study." He said to me. Dawn snickered, crossing her arms.

"Oh, look at you two, all studious and dedicated. Can't relate," she teased, tossing her hair back dramatically. "I'll leave you science nerds to it." She dismissed with a wave of her hand.

"Get out of here, you art student," I nudged her lightly, pushing her away. "Go and read your government note or something." I shooed her away. She laughed, holding up her hands in surrender as she stepped back.

"Fine, fine, I'll leave you lovebirds to your biology." She said suggestively, shooting us a cheeky grin before sauntering off, leaving Simi and me alone in our corner of the library.

"Is it me or did that statement have a double meaning?" Simi asked me. I chuckled.

"It's not just you," I responded and he laughed, shaking his head. "Come on," I took his hand.

We started walking back toward our table, but as we did, I glanced over my shoulder one last time, toward the secluded spot where Jidenna and Adela were likely still wrapped up in each other.

A small smile tugged at my lips, warmth blossoming in my chest.

It felt good to know he'd found someone like her.

"Alright everyone, settle down,"

Mr. Ariyo's voice echoed through the biology lab as Simi and I walked in.

"Find your seats, please. We don't have all day."

He clapped his hands, trying to grab the attention of every student but it proved futile. The biology lab was chaotic, with no one paying the poor man standing in front of the class any attention, everywhere bustling with chatter and energy.

My eyes scanned the room for free seats but my eyes fell on Jidenna instead. He was sitting next to Collins, both of them engaged in some animated conversation, laughing at heaven knows what.

Am I wrong to think Jidenna would have skipped Biology class to make out with Adela? Doesn't sound far-fetched, does it?

I mean, when was the last time he was really active in classes?

Oh my God, I'm dissing! I chuckled to myself. I am such a bad belle!

"What's up?" Simi's voice broke through my thoughts as we found our seat in the middle row. I turned to look at him, clueless. "What's so funny?" He asked.

It was only when he asked that I realized he caught my not-so-soft chuckle.

I glanced around, hoping no one else had caught on, then leaned in. Simi met me halfway, leaning closer to me.

"I think I'm a bad belle," I whispered to him, biting my bottom lip to stop me from smiling so hard. Simi leaned back and looked at me quizzically— also with a hit of amusement.

"Now I'm curious to know how you came to that conclusion," he searched my eyes, his lips tugged in a lopsided grin. "What's going on in that head of yours? Spill!" He demanded and I laughed at how eager he was.

My boyfriend is an amebo like me! This is so fun!

I glanced over my shoulder at where Jidenna was seated with Collins, and immediately, as if he sensed my gaze, he looked up and our eyes met.

Instantly, memories of what I saw in the library came rushing back like a torrent and it took everything in me not to burst out matching, right there in the biology lab.

It didn't help matters that Jidenna raised his hand in a casual wave and smiled at me good-naturedly in greeting. I quickly looked away, pausing my lips together as they wouldn't stop twitching, trying to keep a straight face, but it was no use.

"Wait," Simi's voice alerted me again. I turned my attention to him just as he looked over my shoulder, then back at me. "Is this a Jidenna-themed gossip?" He asked.

He noticed I looked at Jidenna.

"Yes," I whispered back, giggling uncontrollably. Simi's eyes widened, his obvious curiosity reaching its peak.

"Okay, now I have to know!" He coaxed, his grin widening. I honestly thought he wouldn't be interested after finding out that it was about Jidenna, but he seemed even more interested than me.

And just as I leaned in to give him a whiff, Mr. Ariyo called the class to order again, his voice louder this time.

"Settle down, please!"

The noise in the lab began to dissipate gradually. I quickly leaned closer to Simi.

"I'll give you the full gist later," I told him and his face fell. "But a little snippet," his face lip up again, "Jidenna has a girlfriend." I dropped the bomb.

Simi's eyes went huge!

"No!"

"Hell Yes!"

"Now you have to give me more!" He demanded and I chuckled, trying not to be loud because the class was already getting quiet.

"We are in class, Simi. Let's listen," I told him. He groaned and pouted in disapproval, but turned forward to focus on the class.

Mr. Ariyo had already written the topic on the E-Board; "Respiration and Gas Exchange in Humans" before turned around to face the class. The chaos in the lab had finally died down, and there was absolute silence.

"Can anyone define respiration?" He asked, scanning the room with a pointed look.

There was still silence, and it stretched, no one signifying that they knew the answer. This was perfectly normal. It's not like no one knew the answer because I'm certain half the class did. It's just that no one wanted to be the first person to raise their hand.

Including me.

"Come on, guys," Mr. Ariyo spoke again, a hint of frustration in his voice. "This is an SS1 topic o. You are starting your externals in a couple of weeks and this will definitely come out. Do you want me to go and class an SS1 student to answer the question? That will be embarrassing, you know?"

Still Nothing. Pin Drop Silence.

The gaslighting didn't work.

When will these teachers ever learn?

"Fine," Mr. Ariyo sighed, massaging his temple. His eyes scammed the room till they landed on the first row. "Alright, Collins, why don't you give it a shot,"

Now you are talking.

Collins, casually leaning back against his seat with an effortless confidence that was only known to him began to speak without missing a beat.

"Respiration is the biochemical process where organisms exchange gases with their environment to produce energy," he answered smoothly.

"Of course, you know the answer," Mr. Ariyo took a break and shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips. "Why am I even shocked? You are treating me like this because I'm not marking you people's scripts again, abi?"

The class laughed, and Collins smirked, casually shrugging in response.

"Collins is correct," Mr. Ariyo continued when the laughter subsided. "Respiration is indeed about exchanging gases to release energy,"

He continued to teach, breaking down the topic and the lab slowly came to life. My classmates began to engage and jot down notes, asking questions and answering questions. Even Godwin who was complaining on the group chat was very invested in the class.

Who wants to fail?

I missed some things that Mr. Ariyo said and glanced over at Simi, watching him scribbling intently into his notebook, brows furrowed in concentration. So, I nudged him gently, leaning over to peek at his notebook just as he instinctively shifted it towards me.

He was a much faster writer than I was.

"Jidenna,"

My head and Simi's shot up immediately at the mention of that name. In fact, the whole room shifted, all eyes turning towards Jidenna. I could feel Simi's shoulder tense beside me, his curiosity as piqued as mine.

Jidenna looked a little caught off guard and out of place, especially with the way everyone was looking at him.

I understood.

Situations like this haven't ended well for him since the beginning of the school year.

"Sir?"

It was a shock that his voice didn't quiver.

"Would you care to explain the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?" Mr. Ariyo asked.

I could see Jidenna swallow, watching him glance around the class, at the people who were probably already judging him in their minds and anticipating his downfall.

And then, with a slight, almost imperceptible breath, he opened his mouth and started to speak.

"Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces energy, while anaerobic occurs without oxygen and doesn't produce more energy," he answered, his voice surprisingly steady.

Oh wow!

And just when I thought he was done...

"For example," he went on, leaning forward against his desk. "when we're running a long distance, like in a marathon, our bodies primarily rely on aerobic respiration because we have a steady supply of oxygen. That's why we can keep going for longer. But during intense, short bursts of exercise, like sprinting, our bodies switch to anaerobic respiration since we can't take in enough oxygen fast enough. That's why muscles start to burn—it's the buildup of lactic acid from anaerobic respiration."

Ehn?

The entire class was stunned into silence.

A few pairs of raised eyebrows exchanged glances around the room, and expressions ranged from curiosity to genuine surprise... then whispers. Even Mr. Ariyo looked mildly impressed, his eyebrows lifting as he nodded approvingly.

Heck, I felt a twinge of surprise myself, Simi and I exchanging a look.

Jidenna didn't just answer the question; he practically delivered a mini-lecture. I didn't know if I was more shocked or... impressed.

Not that he wasn't capable— I mean, given his record over the years, he was... undeniably so— but since the beginning of SS3, he has been out of it in the worst way possible.

Not anymore... I guess.

Maybe it was the Adela effect. I snickered to myself.

"Looks like someone has started reading their books again," Simi whispered to me and I bit my lip to stifle a laugh— and failing miserably— playfully smacked his arm.

"Now, you are a bad belle!"

"Miss Hilary, would you like to share what you find so amusing with the rest of the class?"

Mr. Ariyo's voice cut through my laughter like a blade.

I froze, my cheeks heating as I quickly straightened up. I glanced at Simi through my peripheral vision and the backstabber was acting like he was scribbling down something, a faux serious expression on his face.

Damn it!

"No, sir. I'm sorry," I mumbled, shooting an apologetic smile that I hoped looked sincere.

Under the table, I reached over and pinched Simi's leg in retaliation, and he tried—poorly—to hide his wince.

Good for you.

"Very well then," Mr. Ariyo continued, giving me a look that was half-amused, half-annoyed. "Since you seem to have so much energy to laugh, why don't you come to the front of the class for a demonstration?"

He wasn't asking, he was ordering.

Great!

I blinked, but quickly composed myself, standing up to smooth my skirt. Just as I took a step forward, his voice rang out again.

"Jidenna, you too, come up. This is a two person demonstration," he said.

I froze mid-step.

Oh, fuck. The words slipped out under my breath.

I glanced over to see Jidenna looking as bewildered as I felt, his eyes darting around like there was another Jidenna in the class and he wasn't the one Mr. Ariyo just called.

"Sir?" he asked, sounding completely thrown off. "You mean... me?" He pointed to himself, blinking.

"Yes, you," Mr. Ariyo replied, exasperated as he emphasized, "Jidenna Leo Okojie. I believe that's your name, isn't it? Please come to the front." He beckoned.

A low ripple of murmurs and stifled laughter spread through the class, the kind of uproar that always bubbled up when there was a juicy situation brewing.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Of course, they'd react like that—everyone knew about the mess that had gone down between Jidenna and me. And now, here we were, awkwardly paired together for a demonstration.

Fantastic!

I shot a glance back at Simi, half-expecting to catch a hint of jealousy or at least some discomfort on his face. Instead, all I found was pure amusement, a crooked smile tugging at his lips as he arched an eyebrow at me, clearly reveling in the situation.

So much for support.

I grimaced at him and he blew me a kiss back.

With a resigned sigh, I locked eyes with Jidenna across the room. His confusion mirrored my own, and we shared a look that could only be described as mutual dread.

As I walked up to the front, only one thought pounded in my mind.

This is going to be a long class.

Karma was definitely having the time of her life, exacting her revenge on me in this way for being a bad belle.

When class ended, I was relieved, to say the least, practically bolting for the door, ready to leave.

But Mr. Ariyo seemed to be on my case today because he called Jidenna and me back again, telling us to help mount the chairs on the table as the students trooped out.

Another round of awkwardness. Fantastic.

Jidenna didn't seem as annoyed as I was about the situation which wasn't even a shocker. And just when I thought Simi could stay with me and keep me company— I mean, Jidenna will not try to make small talk when Simi is with me— my boyfriend rushed out, offering to get our things from class since school was over.

So, I was abandoned.

The lab was eerily silent, with Mr. Ariyo immersed in grading, seated at the far end of the room, completely detached from our existence. That left me and Jidenna surrounded by a sea of empty chairs and tables, the fluorescent lights overhead buzzing faintly.

I went to the nearest table and started lifting chairs on the table. I couldn't wait to finish this as quickly as possible and leave.

Jidenna, on the other hand, seemed just as focused... at first. But it didn't take long to feel his eyes darting toward me in a matter of seconds like he was mustering the courage to say something.

The silence was excruciatingly loud.

I could practically feel his struggle, his internal debate over what to say and how to say it. And frankly, I wasn't going to help him. If he wanted to break the silence, he'd have to figure out how to do it himself.

How long could he keep this up before cracking?

I smirked slightly, amused by the thought.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pause, chair in hand, and glance toward me again.

Here it comes, I thought, bracing myself, biting the inside of my cheek to suppress a grin.

In three...

Two...

One—

"So," Jidenna finally spoke, his voice breaking the silence, "it's been... quite a day, hasn't it?"

I looked at him, raising a brow. He stood a few feet away, one hand gripping the back of a chair, wearing a nervous smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

God, I've forgotten how awkward he used to be.

"Has it?" I decided to mess with him a bit, tilting my head slightly, feigning ignorance. He cleared his throat, his gaze shifting as he picked up another chair, this time closer to me.

"Yeah, you know, Mr. Ariyo calling us both to the front of the class... kind of awkward, right?" He forced out another awkward laugh that made my lips twitch a bit.

But I didn't smile.

I paused, setting down the chair in my hands, and looked at him. The moment between him and Adela in the library popped into my mind again and the contrast between that Jidenna and the Jidenna standing right in front of me was so glaring.

Where's that bold boy that was grabbing Yansh?

Oh, great, now I'm turning into Dawn.

Jidenna must have noticed my silence because he visibly began to fidget, thinking he probably said something wrong.

"I mean, I'm sorry about that," he began to speak again, his shaky hands nearly dropping the chair he was holding. "If it was, you know, uncomfortable for you."

I bobbed my head to the side, peering at him.

"Why are you apologizing?" I asked, crossing my arms. "You didn't do anything wrong." I shrugged casually. His eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting that response.

"Uh, well, I... I just thought..." he trailed off, fumbling, his words coming out in a jumbled mess. "I mean, I wasn't sure if you... I mean, if it bothered you, I just—"

I couldn't help it—I chuckled, shaking my head as I picked up another chair.

Maybe I should ease up on the boy. He is suddenly too cute.

"Relax, Jidenna," I said, my tone light. "It's okay. You really don't have to apologize for anything." I glanced at him with a small smile. "And don't worry, you don't have to be so uptight around me. I'm not going to bite your head off or anything."

His shoulders visibly relaxed, and for the first time that day, he smiled—a genuine one that looked a little like the Jidenna I used to know.

"Okay," he said, almost to himself. "Thanks." he breathed.

"Now, back to mounting chairs," I said, turning away to stack another.

"Right," he agreed, the awkwardness finally beginning to dissipate.

We worked in silence for a while, the air now much more comfortable. But I couldn't help myself. There is absolutely no way I'm not talking about what I saw in the Library.

"So..." I started, my voice nonchalant, though I knew the question would land like a bomb. "You and Adela?"

The effect was immediate. Jidenna, mid-lift with a chair in hand, froze like someone had hit the pause button on his life.

His eyes widened so much they practically popped out of their sockets, and his jaw went slack, his expression a mix of pure shock and the kind of panic you only see in people caught red-handed.

It was so comical, that I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from bursting into laughter and alerting Mr. Ariyo, who was still busy at the far end of the lab, oblivious.

"What?" he finally managed, the word sounding so dumb and utterly out of it that I couldn't help but let a small chuckle slip out.

"Relax," I said, shaking my head, still fighting the urge to laugh. "I know you and Adela are together. You don't have to act so surprised about it."

His mouth opened, then closed, and he stood there for a moment, blinking like his brain was still rebooting. He set the chair down gingerly, his face caught between confusion and trying to compose himself.

"Dawn said she wouldn't tell you," he muttered, mostly to himself, as if trying to process how I'd found out. I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms as I leaned against one of the tables.

"Well, she didn't," I replied, tilting my head slightly. Then, with deliberate slowness, I added, "I found out myself... in the library earlier today."

The color drained from his face so fast I thought he might faint.

"Oh my God," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

His reaction was priceless—eyes darting to the side, his hand rubbing the back of his neck like it might erase his mortification. At this point, I was fighting for my life to stifle the laugh that was threatening to burst out from my lungs.

"You... saw?" Jidenna stammered, his voice cracking as he stared at me like I'd just told him I had footage of the whole scene on tape.

"Oh yes, I saw," I replied, dragging the words out playfully. I leaned against the nearest table, folding my arms and tilting my head with mock seriousness. "And, Jidenna... you are a bad boy o. You are a very bad boy."

Jidenna's face turned a shade of red I didn't know was humanly possible. He covered his mouth with one hand, groaning softly, while his other hand shot up to scratch the back of his neck in a futile attempt to mask his embarrassment.

"Hilary..." he started, but a laugh slipped out despite his mortification. "Oh, fucking hell! I didn't even know... I'm so—"

"You don't need to explain yourself, Jidenna," I cut him off, chuckling as I shook my head. "Really, you don't. Not even to me." I said to him.

He sighed, visibly relieved but still smiling, his blush lingering.

"Just answer one question for me," I said, straightening up.

"Anything," he said quickly, his tone eager, as if to redeem himself.

"Do you like Adela?"

His face stilled, the nervousness ebbing away as he took a moment to breathe. Then, as if summoned by the thought of her, his entire expression softened.

Jidenna's eyes seemed to brighten, and a small, almost shy smile played on his lips. He looked completely love-struck, like someone who had fallen so deeply that there was no way out—not that he wanted one.

"I love her," he said simply, his voice quiet but full of conviction.

Something in me settled at that.

Relief, perhaps, but also a strange kind of warmth.

I hadn't known what to expect—maybe a bit of resentment, or even regret—but seeing him like this, so vulnerable and genuine, I realized I was... happy for him.

So, I let a smile spread across my lips, soft and sincere.

"Then I wish you all the best," I said, meaning every word.

Jidenna's eyes widened slightly, the surprise flashing across his face as if he did not expect those words from me. For a moment, he looked frozen, as if he wasn't sure he heard me right.

Then, slowly, his expression softened.

Relief washed over his features, melting into a genuine smile that spread across his face like sunlight breaking through dark stormy clouds. His lips parted as if to say something, but he paused, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

"You have no idea how much hearing you say that means to me, Hilary. You have no idea," he finally said, his voice low and brimming with sincerity.

His gaze held mine, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper—something almost like closure. It felt right, like this was a chapter of our lives finally closing.

And in the best way possible.

I immediately felt the compulsion, a soft smile tugging at my lips as I took a step forward, tilting my head slightly.

"Come here," I said, my voice gentle but firm, beckoning him with a subtle nod.

Jidenna blinked, clearly taken aback. For a second, he just stood there, unmovable, trying to process the request I just made. But then, his expression shifted, and he stepped forward hesitantly at first before closing the gap between us completely.

I wrapped my arms around him, and after a moment of hesitation, he reciprocated, his embrace warm and secure. There was no awkwardness, no lingering tension.

It was just... comfortable. Friendly.

We stayed like that for a few seconds, the silence between us speaking louder than any words could. It wasn't about the past or what had been—it was about what was now.

We were both okay.

When we finally pulled back, Jidenna smiled at me, his eyes full of gratitude.

"Thanks, Hilary. Really."

I nodded, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.

"It's cool, Jidenna. Really."

And for the first time, I realized it actually was.

By the time Jidenna and I finished stacking the chairs, the lab felt lighter. When we stepped into the hallway after basing Mr. Ariyo, I sighted Simi immediately, waiting by the door with his usual relaxed posture, arms crossed and an easy smile on his face.

But what caught my eye immediately was Adela standing a few feet away, her arms loosely crossed as she leaned against the wall.

She straightened when she saw us.

Okay, now this is just too cute!

"Hi, Hilary," Adela greeted, her smile radiant and genuine.

"Hi, Adela," I responded, my voice even, nodding at her.

There was no malice, no tension. Adela and I have been cordial at best, and nice to each other. And I'm hoping it remains that way.

She tilted her head, the warmth in her expression evident, before turning her attention to Jidenna as he walked toward her.

Jidenna hesitated for a brief moment, glancing back at Simi, and gave him a nod of respect. Simi returned the gesture, his gaze steady and calm, an unspoken acknowledgment that somehow felt like it held more weight than any words they could exchange.

Not like they would ever have a reason to talk to each other like that anyway.

But at least, Simi will not threaten to have Jidenna's head again.

Right?

Adela slid her hand into Jidenna's, and they walked off together, their fingers laced like they had been made to fit. I watched them for a moment, a quiet sense of finality settling over me. It didn't hurt to watch them.

It was just... there.

When I finally glanced away, I caught Simi looking at me. His gaze was soft yet intent, his amber eyes shining with something that made my stomach flip—a mix of admiration and pride.

He didn't say anything at first, just stood there, watching me with that look that made my heart skip a beat.

"What?" I asked playfully, raising an eyebrow as I tried to shake off the warmth creeping up my neck.

Simi chuckled, reaching out to pull me closer. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of my head, his arms wrapping around me in a way that made me know that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

"I heard everything," he murmured, his voice low and laced with affection and pride. "And I'm proud of you, Hilary. Really Proud." He said. I looked up at him, my smile widening.

"Well, I'm proud of myself too," I beamed, feeling myself. He chuckled again.

"Good. Now, let's go." He said, taking my hand in his.

We started walking, the late afternoon sun casting golden hues over the school buildings. But as we reached the car park, a familiar figure leaning casually against Simi's car caught my eye.

Collins.

Collins straightened when he saw us, his hands still buried in his pockets. His gaze flicked briefly between Simi and me before settling, an expectant look on his face as we approached.

Simi reached him first, offering a firm bro shake before I got to him.

"Why haven't you gone home?" I asked Collins, stepping beside them.

"I had to see you," he replied, his tone unusually serious. "It's important." He said, and that sent a ripple of unease through me.

Okay...

"What's it about?" I asked.

Collins glanced at Simi briefly, then back at me. Simi told me he would wait for me in the car, leaving just Collins and me. The darker boy's voice dropped just slightly, as though he didn't want anyone else overhearing.

"When was the last time you heard from Semeeha?" He deadpanned.

The question hit me like a brick wall.

My breath caught, and my mind scrambled to make sense of it. When was the last time I saw her? The realization that I couldn't immediately remember felt like a slap.

Then it came to me—Semeeha was in Abuja for a big fashion show her agency was hosting. She talked about it all through last year and when we resumed for this term.

That had to explain her absence.

"She's in Abuja for the fashion show," I said, relief trying to creep in. "That's where she's been. Didn't she tell you about it? It's happening at the end of the month."

"She told me about it," Collins said, his brow furrowing. "But still, she's been out of reach. I've messaged her, Hilary, and she hasn't replied. Not a single message. Even on Instagram."

Okay... that's weird.

Semeeha was notoriously active on social media, even till last night. She posted updates of rehearsals and her time in Abuja on Instagram and Snap like clockwork.

She cannot be off the grid. It made no sense.

"She hasn't replied to you?" I asked, disbelief slipping into my tone.

"Not for weeks," Collins responded. "As she replied you? When last did you message her?

Now, that's a very good question.

My chest tightened.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket, my hands suddenly unsteady. I tapped on her WhatsApp DM, stopping at the one I sent her last night, updating her about class and notes.

There was no response.

Just the chilling realization that this wasn't an isolated incident. As I scrolled up, the truth slapped me across the face—she had not responded to me in weeks.

How the hell did I not notice?

I have been so swamped preparing for exams with Simi that I hadn't realized the radio silence wasn't normal.

Very abnormal for Semeeha, especially since she posted on Instagram and Snap around the same time I messaged her.

My pulse quickened, my mind racing as I turned to Collins.

"What do you think is going on?"

"Well, so far, all I can say is that she's not handling her phone," Collins said, clearly trying to gather his thoughts. "Because she can't be posting on Instagram and Snap daily and air all the messages,"

Before I could say anything, voices broke through the tension.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

Dawn's voice called out as she and Kizito walked towards us. Sochima and Gigi were trailing behind them but dispersed in different directions after pleasantries when they realized this might be a private conversation.

I didn't even know they were still in school.

Whatever this was, it was no longer a private conversation. I bit the inside of my cheek, glancing at Collins before deciding to speak.

"It's about Semeeha," I said, my voice carefully controlled. "She hasn't responded to anyone in weeks."

That got Dawn's attention. Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open slightly.

"Wait... what?" She turned to me fully, disbelief etched on her face. "She hasn't been responding to anyone? Not even you? Wait, even me?" She fished out her phone immediately and began to tap on the screen.

"I just realized it myself," I responded. "I sent her a message last night about class updates. No response. And when I scrolled back, I saw she hasn't replied to anything in weeks." I explained.

"Oh my God. Same here!" Dawn's eyes were on her phone, widened. "I messaged her last week to ask her how the preparation for the fashion show was coming after I saw her Instagram post. No reply. But I thought... I don't know, maybe she was busy."

I sighed, looking at Collins in dejection. Dawn began pacing, her hands fluttering nervously.

"She's always online. Always," Collins said, speaking more to himself than to us. "Even if she's busy, she'd post something—a story, a status update. Something." He was thinking hard.

Wait.

My brows furrowed, peering at him.

How close have they gotten that he knows her this well?

"I mean, she could be busy right?" Dawn stopped pacing and turned to us, her eyes hopeful. "I'm trying my best not to overthink things and I want to believe that she's just extra busy. Hosting a fashion show that you are the star of is a big deal,"

Right. Right?

I couldn't even tell anymore.

"Then why do I have a bad feeling about it?" Collins chipper, folding his hand across his chest. "It's not even about just replying to our message or posting. I just have a terrible feeling..."

He trailed off, his face thoughtful.

But then Dawn stopped suddenly, her brows furrowing.

"Wait a second," she said, looking around before her eyes landed on the huge guy who was also supposed to be involved in this conversation. "Why hasn't Kizito said anything?"

All eyes turned to him. Kizito leaned casually against Simi's hood, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. At the mention of his name, he glanced up, his expression unreadable.

That's right, he hasn't said a word. I looked at him quizzically.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Dawn pressed.

"Because there's nothing to say." Kizito shrugged lazily.

His words landed like a bomb. For a moment, no one spoke. My breath caught in my throat. Dawn blinked, clearly thrown off by his response.

"Nothing to say?" she echoed, disbelief dripping from every word. "Kizito, what the hell are you talking about? This is Semeeha. You're usually the first person to freak out if something seems off with her."

Collins straightened, his gaze hard as he spoke to Kizito.

"What do you even mean by that?" he asked, his voice calm but with an edge. Kizito sighed as if the conversation bored him.

"I don't know why you're all making a fuss," he said, dismissing with a wave of a hand. "She's posting on Instagram and Snap, isn't she? That's enough to show she's alive, isn't it?"

It was like the air had been sucked out of the circle. Dawn's jaw dropped, her shock mirrored in my expression. Even Collins, usually composed, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

I, on the other hand, was discombobulated.

"You don't care about anything else?" I asked when I found my voice, my voice trembling slightly with disbelief. "That's all that matters to you?" I had to ask because it seemed as if I wasn't hearing well.

"Yeah," Kizito shrugged again, his indifference as casual as ever. "I don't care about anything else."

Without another word, he turned and walked off, heading toward the parking lot where Gigi was waiting for him by his car. We all stared at it, unable to speak for a moment.

Did that just happen?

"Did I miss something?" Dawn asked, looking between me and Collins.

I didn't have an answer.

Instead, my thoughts spiraled.

When did Kizito, of all people, become so indifferent about Semeeha? He was always the one who cared the most—more than any of us.

But as unsettling as his reaction was, another question burned brighter in my mind.

Why was Semeeha "off the grid" in the first place?

I didn't want to overthink like Dawn said. I wanted to believe that she was just extra busy because the fashion show was a big event, an event that was the talk of the Nigerian fashion and modeling world. It was Semeeha's biggest step into the limelight of her career.

But something about Collins's judgment of the whole situation made me rethink.

I also don't have a good feeling about this situation.

And until I hear from Semeeha, I never will.

𝐀/𝐍

Kizito💀.

Where is Semeeha?👀

I can't even answer that question because I don't know myself. She's here, she's there, she's everywhere, so it's hard to tell exactly where she is. But she's alive sha... I hope. I mean, I can't tell with Natasha Malik feeding her grass and water😭

La i se Ewure😩. When she's not goat... ehn!

So Hilary has finally found out that Jidenna and Adela are together 😂. She had to find out this way, I swear. There is absolutely no other way she could have found out. She saw Jidenna grabbing ass inside library, Kai! Well, at least he is reading🤭.

Now, Jidenna and Hilary are cool 🤭✨. Simi and Hilary are such a match made a heaven. Amebo and Bad Belle Couple 😂. Dawn is a very bad influence!

The next update will probably be on my birthday (what's the date 🌚?) and it might be double update... may not too, so don't hold me to it Biko. I will disappoint😂.

Till then, you know the drill 😌.