NORA WOKE UP the next morning, relieved exams were over. Her man was sound asleep beside her, and she took a moment to appreciate the view. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across his face and highlighting his tousled hair, a reminder of how many times she had run her fingers through it the night before. She let her fingers gently trace his features, from his thick brows to his pointed nose, finally resting on his cupid's bow.

"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted softly, eyes still closed. Nora pulled her hand back, but he caught her wrist, opening his eyes to reveal a warm, bright brown as the sunlight hit them. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, his gaze steady.

Clearing her throat and looking away shyly, she replied, "Yes, I did. You?"

"Are you really shy?" he teased with a grin. "After last night, I thought we'd be past that." Memories of the previous night rushed back, and she briefly closed her eyes to push them away, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Come here, babe," he murmured, pulling her in for a gentle kiss. After a moment, he broke away with a playful smile. "I'm starving. Let's grab some breakfast."

After deliberating whether it was worth it to get out of bed, they decided it was best to just order in. He placed orders for food then they stayed in bed, cuddling and watching Netflix.

"May I ask why you don't like to cook?" he asked, gently stroking her arm.

"It's not that I don't like to cook, I simply just can't cook," she shrugged. "I grew up with my dad and we mostly ate takeouts."

"What about your mom?"

"She left us. She's happily married now...with no kids." Nora added the last part out of habit; her father always mentioned it that way, as though he took some odd satisfaction in her not having children with her new husband.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," he replied, a softness in his tone.

"Don't be; it's okay. I didn't need her anyway." She tried to sound dismissive, though memories of her first awkward experiences, like going to her dad when she got her first period, flooded back. It had brought them closer in its own way, but there were moments she had felt her mother's He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Everything felt right as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. They spent the rest of the day nestled together, watching movies, sharing dreams and aspirations, and simply enjoying each other's company.

As evening approached, Nate suggested a walk to the spot where they had first met on campus. They made their way to the school gate, hand in hand, weaving through familiar crowds of students and street vendors, the sounds of laughter, music, and honking cars filling the air. A gentle breeze stirred as they walked along the pathways, the campus vibrant with life as the day began to wind down. When they reached the spot where the wind had once swept Nora's dress up in that unforgettable moment, Nate turned to her with a smile, memories of their journey together reflected in his gaze.

"Nora, there's something I want to give you," Nate said, reaching into his pocket. Her heart raced as he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, tears beginning to well in her eyes.

"It's a symbol of my love for you," Nate said softly as he fastened the necklace around her neck. "I want you to know that I'm here for you, now and always."

With tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, she threw her arms around Nate, holding him tightly. In that moment, she knew she had found her soulmate, her partner in life.

As they watched the sunset together, the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink, Nora felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—gratitude for the journey that had brought them together, for the love they shared, and for the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

Hand in hand, they made their way back, and she knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as they were together, they could overcome anything. With Nate by her side, she felt ready to take on the world, knowing that their love would always light the way.

Who would have guessed that the very guy she once loathed—the one who laughed when the wind betrayed her, whose mere presence had made her want to bash her head against a wall, the guy who invaded her privacy some months ago, the guy who went by the name Nathan Ayobami—would become the person with whom she'd share such a profound and magical connection? Having him in her life filled her with immense happiness, a feeling she wanted to relish forever.

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