Dedicated to TheOfficialSemiloore I never imagined in my lifetime that she would check my book and yet..she did!!!! I'm so happy yooo🥺❤

And this is my last update of the year...enjoy this update guys. Don't leave without VOTING and COMMENTING! It is a compulsory something.

Song of the chapter: MOOD - 24kGolden

♤

...

"Aramide is fully affiliated with the Triple-J."

"She's fücking with the Triple-J just like Lizzy did."

"One of the Triple-J is her betrothed lover."

"She dumped star model, Tobias Pirah for Jerry Akintunde."

"She's using the group to get to the lead singer, Jamal Nonso."

"She and Kiki are secret lesbian lovers."

"Aramide might be an undercover spy, sent to wreck our beloved boys' band."
...

Isoken immediately hisses as she reads the last headline from the tabloid post, fresh out of the I-gist website.

"Are this people natural idiots or what? I can"t believe I flock with crackheads as schoolmates on a daily basis. Jeeeez!" She visibly shivers and flicks invisible dirt from her labcoat dramatically.

In as much as I find it within me to laugh at her statement, I can not do it. I am already too maladroit and drained to have a proper reply to her statement. I don't know why I have been feeling so drowsy, nonchalant and queasy since the day started. I know it doesn't have to do with the upcoming rumours in the school's website but then, that says a whole lot - especially when I am a very emotional person.

"Babe, You've gast to see this one toooo! Osheee, you don blow pass Davido and Burna boy fight oo!" Isoken is grinning from ear to ear while her eyes are getting immense and colossal with the way she has been gazing at the contents on her phone screen.

How can gossip make someone to be this giddy?

Once again, I keep shut and just wish this life of misery and prejudice should end. As of yesterday when Jide pulled off that stupid stunt, I kind of felt more open and vulnerable to my vampire-ish schoolmates in a whole. My saving grace was the threat he posed and I am glad they are sensible to steer off my lane or else, Jide's threat would become a sardonic reality to the unfortunate scapegoat.

"Oh. My. Geeee! You need to see this one. Puhleaseeeee?!" She puckers her lips out like a baby in need of food. I ignore her antics and sigh in relief when I sight the familiar automatic door of SS2 Gold. Today has been hectic - really. This is the second to last period before the closing bell will be rung and seeing that we just finished from our chemistry practicals in the laboratory, I have been more than eager to enter our class so that I can lay my head peacefully.

"Guy, you talk to much abeg. Free me." I mutter in whist and crane my neck to peer at my class that is disorganised right now. I will never have a problem with Isoken and her usual babbling self - heck, she's the most outspoken and crude person I have ever met and I am very much okay with it except for the likes of Kiki who despises her to no end. That is why I never hang out with Isoken when Kiki is there.

Disastrous - that is just it.

After maneuvering past my rowdy class, a soft sigh exits my lips as I plop on my sit heavily while shrugging my labcoat and oxblood blazer off to allow the class' Air-conditioner to cool me. I am not in the least, surprised that Isoken follows me all the way to my seat. When she is keen on getting something, she must get it.

She smacks her butt on my desk locker in the same fashion I did and I am left to stare at her incredulously. It is no news that Isoken has this big and pronounced ass that is enough to hook a whole population of men. I have witnessed guys that get tounge-tied, mesmerized and dumbfounded just by staring at her ass. Her uniform skirt does not help matters as she slim-fitted it to accentuate all her curves.

So she wants to break my table with her big ass?! This girl ehh.

Before I can voice my worry out, someone I have come to dislike TERRIBLY, beats me in doing so.

"Whoa, look at who wants to tear another person's locker down." Jaramilo's seat is two rows away from mine - his best bud and partner in crime, Aaron is already sitting with him and few of my other classmates in a round table manner.

Jaramilo and Aaron are just these two set of human constituting nuisance to the society. I wonder how thier parents would feel knowing thier sons are complete set of dufoos, bullying and causing chaos in every circle of thier life. Remember when he and Aaron first attacked me in a chemistry practical class we had and then Isoken defended me? Yes. He is the idiot of that time. The same perosn that made a lame joke about yesterday incident before Jide stepped in too.

I groan internally and bury my head into the crook of my arms. I am not so ready for another fit of exchanging brutal words with an idiot and I hope Isoken catches onto that also. I feel her movement as she slowly comes down from my table and I did not hesitate to raise my head back up. The last time I underestimated her sassines, she punched him and recieved punishment while I was still the centre of mockery. I won't let history to repeat itself.

I swiftly remove my leopard rimmed glasses and tuck it into my glass case. Incase something is to occur, I do not want my poor glasses to suffer. I grab her hand stylishly begging her not to reply. Most of my classmates were stuck in their own euphoria of gists and the class is quite rowdy so it would be better if we do not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves.

She doesn't say anything as her face is still carrying that sweet smile on her face - the only thing about that smile is its nature. Is isn't sweet persay. It is weighing heavy tons of snare, bitchness and sarcasm.

"Some people have hands, but they would NEVER be able to touch this asset." She says in a sing-song voice and deliberately hikes the rear of her skirt, giving the boys a good show. I am aware of the fact that Isoken and Jaramilo dated previously.

Yes they only lasted for four days why? Because Jaramilo was never satisfied with the fact that Isoken never allowed him to come to her house and viseversa. She explained many a times that her father was a strict pastor and wouldn't allow her receive visitors, or visit others. So therefore he decided to end things with them.

And all these happened around the summer holiday so apparently, I didn't know anybody from CIGs that time. Isoken from what I have gathered, was not even broken at all. She became more flirty with guys and even slept with a senior a day after the breakup before I knew about her University boyfriend who came into the scene and happens to be my cousin - Kwesi.

"Ashewo." He mutters under his breath while his guys are busy ogling Isoken as she gives them an elegant show off. I silently crack up as he glares at his guys that are supposed to be on his side. Instead, they were busy having a nice view. It isn't funny persay but whatever makes Jaramilo angry, let's just say it gives me joy.

Isoken even goes ahead to abandon me in practically flirting with Preye - one of the supposed guys that are sitting with Jaramilo and co. I did not mind honestly though. At least Isoken will stop bugging me with the infamous news about me in the website.

"Hey Aramide," I internally groan wondering why nobody wants to leave me in peace. I slightly raise my head and wipe the frown off my face to give a pleasant smile when I notice it is my class prefect.

"Umm, hey Haleemah!" I say with a soft tone as I gaze at her uncertainty. Haleemah is this extraordinary and stunning Hausa/Fulani Muslimah beauty. Her skin is so fair and blemish free that you'll think she is not a Nigerian. I always admire her matching oxblood hijab that goes with the school's oxblood blazer. She is just pure perfection and I am glad she is not a stuck up bïtch like most of the female population in CIGs.

"Sorry for the disturbance though. I was assigned to collect the last weekend assignment by corper Dan." I did not waste time in bringing my assignment note and giving it to her. She flashes a sweet smile and makes to leave me desk when she suddenly turns back again.

"Oh, I just remembered. Snr Christopher said I should call you. He his currently in his class."

Whoa..hold up!

My heartbeat pattern starts to beat in an irregular manner and I don't know if it is because Snr Christopher is Cheryl's boyfriend, or if it because he is Snr Tobias bestfriend. But the greatest of all fear is entering SS3 class in a whole.

"W- why..me?" She smiles at my sudden change of composure and props her elbow a little on my table.

"I don't know but whatever it is, you have to go. Disrespecting a senior's call is like you have committed a sin in CIGs." Of course, I can't forget that. I saw it on the pamphlet of the school when I was new. "By the way, Snr Dozie is there too. I'm sure he would ensure nothing bad will happen to you...if you're scared." She assures with a shy smile.

Okay to quickly remind you, Snr Dozie is the captain of Swimming activity in CIGs while Snr Christopher is his assistant. The first time that I wanted to swim? Yeah coach Meyers introduced me to them and they ensured I knew the basics of swimming. Now that is said, Haleemah right here is dating Snr Dozie. If she isn't talking about her boyfriend, she is talking about her school mother - Snr Mariam.

"Thanks for the information Haleemah." I quickly wave her off in a light manner as I drape my oxblood blazer back on my body. Walking out of the class without your blazer is another sin in my dear school. She Struts to collect my other classmates note while I scan round the class for Isoken who is currently flirting with Aaron now.

Isoken you have a boyfriend!

That girl is really a handful though. I wonder how my cousin copes with her to be honest. The class is void of any of the Triple-J and that seems weird. They were all present in the morning section of classes but as of now, no one as seen them and they look unbothered by that fact. Kiki moved to Social Sciences' class because she couldn't cope with science class any longer. That is why Isoken has been by my side recently - because there is no Kiki. Sighs

SS3 is not too far from ours, but theirs was like a block away. The SS3 have a special seclusion since they are finalists. According to the school, all due respect must be accorded to them. Rounding the corner pathway, I hear a sound that didn't sit quite well to me. I shrug it off and ignore it. Upon stepping foot by the entryway of the pitch dark corner of SS3 block, my brain conjures up with amusement as I finally see the scene behind the sound.

Snr Dozie's back is to me as he clearly as a female wrapped around his waist. The female's skirt is bunched up to her thighs while they are both deep throating and wrestling with their lips. The funniest thing is the female - which happens to be Haleemah's supposed school mother.

Oh wow

"Excuse me." I snap them out of thier stupid making out section as they are currently blocking the shortcut pathway to thier class. They both sprint out of each other hold and look at me with pure mortification. Snr Dozie subtly adjusts the front of his trouser fly while Snr Maraim is fumbling with her top buttons. I walk past them and brush Snr Dozie's shoulder deliberately as I hiss under my tone.

I feel so bad for Haleemah right now. Her boyfriend is cheating on her with her school mother? I never so this in a million years to come. And to think that I used to admire their relationship and respect them as seniors.

"I told you this wasn't a good idea! You're such a horny bastard wallahi!" I can hear her pathetic voice as it slowly fades at the background. My mind becomes restless as I slowly drag my feet to the SS3 role of classes that are now less rowdy.

Unlike my block that is always noisy, SS3 is currently having less of that noise. I guess they are preparing for their mock examinations. I have never entered the senior block..and now I am here. What does Snr Christopher want from me exactly?

My legs become extra clumsy as I waddle to the front of the roll of SS3 classes. No single soul is outside and It seems hella creepy. I know all doors used at CIGs are automatic so once you get close to it, it would automatically open.

No, no no! I can't so this.

My head is throbbing because of the inner conflict of my mind. Cheryl will be there for christ's sake! I can't deal with this. I can slowly turn back and pretend I never knew right? I slowly do a back walk to leave and as I swiftly spin on my feet, I smack my head against somebody's chest.

"Ohwww!" I yell out in a hushed tone as I gently rub the back of my palm to soothe my head.

"Whoa, I'm so sor- Aramide? Just the person I've been looking for." I raise my head to gaze at Snr Christopher as he smiles lightly and drums his finger to a non-existent music.

"I'm sorry." I mutter shyly and take a step back. I hardly interact with my classmates talkless of my seniors. So it is kinda weird that he's smiling just because he was looking for me.

"It's cool fam. I needed to discuss something with you." I did not have enough time to even process his words as he tugs me to the entrance of SS3 Diamond which is the first arm of the whole set of the senior block.

The automatic door swings open for us and my head spins in misery. I clamp my eyes shut and my posture becomes rigid as we weave past the seats. His classmates did not stop thier banter when we walked in...I guess they don't even know who I am.

"Oh my freaking Jesus! Is that not the popular girl in SS2 Gold?!" A girl by my side whisper-yells with a tone of surprise.

I take back my words - I am quite popular.

I slowly open my eyes to take in the serene of the class. The class is well organised I must say. Unlike our class that is painted in royal blue, theirs is painted in lavender shades with a touch of royal gold. The class has a overview of the green forest that is vast and the AC's are put on of course.

My swooning mind immediately turns blank as I see Cheryl talking to Snr Tobias. His feet are propped on his desk while his back is reclined in a sly way. His arms are tucked behind his head while his honey eyes are fully concentrated on the crap my cousin is obviously feeding him on. His blazer is long gone while he rolled the sleeves of his top to his elbow level. His olive nude bulging arms are on full display and Cheryl subtly lets her hand linger there as she laughs like a Cheshire cat. So pathetic.

I gaze at Snr Christopher worridly if he is noticing the way his girlfriend is stylishly flirting with his bestfriend. Instead, his eyes are holding a warm look as he finally reaches them.

"Hey babe," He swiftly drops a kiss on her cheeks and rests his hand on the small of her back. Her smile silently switches to a look of whist and I again, I'm the only one who sees it. I wonder how Snr Christopher would feel, knowing that my dumb cousin is just using him to get to his bestfriend. Heck, she is even sleeping with our cousin!

"Aramide?" Snr Tobias' tentative voice reels me out of my dark mind. By calling my name like that, I see a different kind of sparkle in his eyes as he removes his legs from the desk and adjusts himself. Cheryl is quite shocked at the change of events because she never knew I was there. Her eyes are now swirling with hatred and raw disgust.

Oh well, breaking news cousin: I dislike you too!

"Go and kneel down in front of the class. Now!" Her voice is so sharp and fierce that it drags the attention of her classmates. Snr Christopher and Tobias are staring at her with looks of confusion and despair, wondering what offence I committed.

"What did I.. " she cuts me off by gripping my hand tightly and attempting to move me to the front.

"Hold up Headgirl, what did she do?" Snr Tobais asks as he spares a brief glance at me. He is the only one in his class that knows that I am a Bolanle so he must be wondering why my own dear cousin is treating me like a riff raff. Her eyes soften as she flips her braids to speak with him.

"She is draping her blazer on the shoulders and we all know, that it is highly prohibited in CIGs." Her face curves to a wry smirk as she knows she has gotten me right on the hook. I know Cheryl can be ruthless, but this? She is just being a sadistic and vicious human right now.

"I'll punish her myself. Don't worry." He assures with a stern look and takes my hands from her hold. Her face upholds a victorious look as she knows I'll be punished.

Little did she know...

Our feet gently rhythms as a regular pitter-patter pattern as we walk out of the class. The SS3 class slowly overcome the little scene and return to their busy selves unlike my stupid classmates who would do anything to gossip about that little display till day break.

Warm air kisses the pores of my skin when we exit the air conditioned classroom. I don't know why recently, everyone has been holding my hand like as if I am a kid. I quickly meet up with his hasty strides though his hands are still holding mine firmly.

We make a stop at an unfamiliar part of the block and I take in the new scene since I haven't been here before. It is an abandoned hallway that leads to nowhere. I wonder what this place was used for before.

His hands gently drop from mine and that is when the cue of awkwardness, crawls in. What was I thinking before? That we'll talk freely like gees after our last encounter at the Triple-J's party?

Okay. This is totally weird on all levels.

I can feel his honey sharp eyes, studying my every movement and it unsettles me a whole lot. From the side of my eyes, I see his hands moving up slowly and slowly. My body tenses up in anticipation and I still refuse to meet his intense brown eyes. His hands finds thier way to my arms causing my body to turn stiff rock.

What is he doing?

"Aramide..I'm sorry. I am sorry I Ieft you when you needed help the most and I'm sorry I almost took advantage of you when you were high. I swear I never knew what happened th.." I abruptly silence his words by hugging him tight. The emotions oozing out of him are too much to bear. He has been sinking himself in the ocean of self-guilt and it hurts a lot.

He is clearly caught off guard at my sheer bold step as he carefully warps his muscular and flawless arms round my frame. His hug is different from Ayo's hug and Jerry's own persay. It is kinda different...

"Forgive me?" His voice coarses through his uniform top and causing it to vibrate and affect my cheeks that are plastered flat on his ripped chest. I blush and mumble an; "Huhumm."

I drink in the tranquility of our present position. I don't know what pushed me to hug him..but it feels nice. The distant voices of learners can be heard from afar and it dawns on me that I skipped class for the first time in my lifetime ever. Wawu

"So it is a rendezvous then." He flashes a sweet smile, displaying his double deeped dimples by his cheeks. I step out of the embrace to peer at him in bewilderment.

"A rendezvous as in..." I trail off and pray what I am about to say won't embarrass me. "...a da- date?" His eyes light up in admiration and I didn't miss the slight flush of pink that tints his cheek.

"Umm, yeah. A date with me as a compensation."

So...he is asking me on a date?!

OH

MY

GOD!!!!

《A/N》

Interesting fact guys! From the part where she caught Haleemah's boyfriend making out with her school mother is a real life story and I was the one in Aramide's shoes😂 I was pissed off that day sha. I was actually going to see a senior that called me when I encountered that rubbish and I didn't talk about it to anyone. Surprisingly, the news spread round my classmates the next day and that innocent friend of mine cried *sighs*

Anyhoo, I want to appreciate y'all for sticking with me so far. I love you guys soooo freaking much. So please, if you make moodboards, aesthetics, banner, fanatic...anything to light up my book my pm is always free yeah?😌
I would very much appreciate them.

SeE yOu alL In 2021 YoOoo!🤪

-Jasmine ©️