Guess who's in the building today? Yes yes, it is moi😌 anyways, I made this chapter longgg to complement my absence. If you missed me say hi!

Chapter dedication:  _Mayowa_  Just when I thought everyone forgot me, you asked of me tirelessly. Thank you b :)

♤

She's the exclamation mark in the happiest sentence I could ever  possibly write.
—𝓐𝓷𝓸𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓼

♤

Today, CIGs will be commemorating the official closure of first term and seeing that this would be our Christmas/end of year school party, I am feeling fly and over the hills.

As embarrassing as it sounds, I have never in my life attended a school occasion talkless of any social Christmas activities. Always being under the wing of my mother who locked me up and assured me that external functions were never meant for me, you can rightly guess why I am so frizzled up for this single occasion. Whereas, everyone seems so normal and chill about today.

"Where are my freaking heels?!" Running frantically round my room and yelling at no one in particular seems quite pathetic if I must say.

I hate being disorganised and this is so important for me because I want to experience every bit of this occasion in school.

Yanking my walk-in-closet for the umpteenth time, I do a quick eye scan of my shoe rack to see if my nude heels are still at the exact place I left them at, but it still the same. Empty since I ever discovered that they were no longer there. My mind must be playing a huge trick on me because I swear, I planned for this day damn too much and now my heels suddenly grew wings and flew away? The sudden urge to cry overwhelms my whole being and you can rightly say, I am abnormal for having a faint heart because of a trivial issue as this.

"Hey," The instantaneous inclusion of a second party causes me to scream as my heart does a reverse heart flip. I seethe silently, willing myself not to punch Derek for scaring the daylight out of my already frustrated soul.

"Are you mad?!" I yell as I face the culprit who already has an amused smile, gracing his face. "It's called civility when you knock, then I tell you to come in. Not entering my room like a barbaric human." I latch out as I gather myself from the near heart attack I just experienced seconds ago.

He cocks his left eyebrow up in a dramatic manner, as he crosses his arms over his chest. "Let's see. Maybe I knocked and some people were too deaf to hear that. So who's the barbaric human now?"

I sigh, not mentally prepared to welcome the usual banter with my cousin right now. I blatantly walk pass him, and continue my search extensively. My room is quiet for a while and I am curious as to why Derek hasn't uttered a word on my restlessness, only for me to turn and see him rummaging through my Jewelry section.

"Derek!" I state in a warning tone, meaning he should leave my things and probably get out of my room also. I need to dress completely for Christ's sake! I wonder why he is in my room at the moment.

"Nice set of accessories you've got here." He mumbles as he raises a double-decker diamond chain I never realised I ever had.

"Th...thank you." I manage to say after breathing in and out extensively as I feel the weight of anxiety seeping through every fiber of me. "Now, can you kindly get yourself out of my room?"

My cousin face flickers with a tinge of surprise as he slowly walks up to where I am standing. His eyes scans me upfront, as if he is trying to see through me and for a reason, I avert my eyes from his prying ones and retreat from his regarding gaze as I plop myself on my couch.

"Are you okay?" He questions and I nod in reply as I bite my lips simultaneously. He doesn't seem convinced as he imitates my moves by coming over and joining me on my couch. I grumble and fist my hands on my thighs.

"How hard is it for you to comprehend simple English? Leave me alone Derek." I try as much as possible not to raise my voice at him because for one, he isn't the cause of the anxiousness brewing inside of me like a rampaging fire.

"No. You are clearly unsettled and I would be damned to leave you like this." His voice raises slightly and I stare at him incredulously silently asking, 'what right do you have to shout at me for my own condition?'

"Stop acting like my elder brother and just listen to me this once." I state in a frustrated manner. I don't know if Derek feels hurt, knowing that I am trying to get rid of him so fast but he should try and understand. I don't want him to experience my anxiety attack that is going to occur any moment form now. So it would be best if he simply leaves me alone as I am.

He grips my right arm hard but not too painful for me to wince, as he tugs me to face him squarely. "You're scared. You're anxious and yo..."

"Don't act like you know me!" I yell, thereby cutting him short.

Lies.

Even Derek has this nonchalant look on his face as I say those words and we both know I am lying through my teeth.

"Fine, you're looking for your shoes right? Why don't I help you in the search?" He suggests and releases his grip on my arm. I sigh and rub my forehead wistfully.

He won't understand.

He doesn't understand at all.

"I've searched everywhere possible and I'm tired." I sigh again, closing my eye for a second. Disorganization is really bad for someone like me that has social anxiety and because of that, I have this sudden urge to ditch the party just because of a little glitch as such. When things do not go as planned, I see it as a sign from nature that I am not meant to go out and I am always relieved anytime I'm stuck in a situation as such.

"Derek?" I call out quietly as I already feel like an utter bitch whereas, I am far from that.

"Hmm?" He hums back in reply as he stares far away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I'm just so out of character at the moment. And I feel this is a sign from God that I shouldn't attend this end of year party." I all, but say. The way his neck whips to my direction is so fast and sudden that I fear that it has snapped silently.

"You don't mean that Aramide." His eyes are trained on me fiercely, as if he is daring me to oppose him. I sit still and speechless, knowing he is right.

"Ever since school released the date for this, I watched you glow. I watched you yap and day-dream about experiencing this day to its fullest. Heck, I've never seen you this excited ever since you decided to be happy from this month henceforth. So tell me, what is that inner demon telling you to back down now?"

I gulp.

Once. Twice. Thrice.

I swear it isn't my intention to back down but then, what can I do when I feel the claws of my social anxiety creeping in slowly and steadily...

"I have an idea." Before I can comprehend what his idea is about, he drags me to my feet and literally drags me from my room all the way through the passage down to the west wing of the house and we finally make a stop at the doorstep of his parents bedroom.

Wait! Thier bedroom?

I didn't have a problem of him dragging me to wherever his idea was leading him to. But his parents room? What is he thinking?

"Is this your, oh great and brilliant idea?" I ask sarcastically as he tactfully tries to pry the door open. As the door finally clicks open, my throat suddenly runs dry and I literally feel the need to inhale more oxygen before I lose it. I've never been to Uncle Tee's bedroom likewise other places that I am yet to explore in this mansion. But this...my breath is hitching in my chest as we gracefully walk in and I lost all ability to speak.

I've never seen a bedroom so versatile. If I'm not mistaking, I can literally say this is a whole damn flat. A single bedroom! I never knew their room was such a haven and yet, they get up every morning and do their daily duties?

Can never be me.

I will never come out of this luxurious room if I have such bedroom at my beck and call.

"You done ogling?" I hear Derek's distant voice and it takes me less than a second to realise he left me since, and is now digging into the closet of what I suppose belongs to Onome, his mother.

I sternly warn my legs not to move and see what Derek is doing in there because I swear if I do, I would just remain there forever. Getting lost in the wonders of Onome's whole collection forever – regarding that she is a fashionista.

"Umm...um, Derek? What are we doing here?" Kudos to my dear voice. It finally returns after having a massive constriction in my chest. I don't hear a reply as I hear the sound of things clacking against each other. I have already sworn to myself, I would not move further than where I am or else, I'd have am heart attack if I see more wonders in this room.

"Found it!" He mumbles distantly and I facepalm frustatedly on why this boy is hell bent on doing what he is doing right now. He comes out half a minute after he spoke and as I see the item shimmering on his hands, I shake my head vigorously stepping back until my back hits the door abruptly. I wince a little but that is not my problem.

"No, no, no, no." I say slowly like a rhythm, my eyes, widened as wide as saucers. He rolls his eyes and shoves them on my hand practically and as if fire burns me, I flinch and stare at him dramatically.

"Derek, I swear to God I would officially assume you have lost it because how can you drag me all the way to your parents room and now, you're giving me your mother's glass heels? No thank you."

Not ordinary heels, but Christian Louboutin glass heels?

No way in hell am I putting on those!

He smirks as if he already has everything planned out and I eye him warily, wondering what stupid plan he has made out in that genius head of his. Again!

»»————-————-««

Four hours, fifty-one minutes and three seconds is the exact total of time I have spent since I walked through the French double-doors entrance of CIGs event hall.

The main occasion where the parents, friends, well wishers alike, plus the school staffs and authorities were all present ended approximately an hour ago. So you can rightly guess we are at the after-party phrase right now. The after-party is solely made for the senior secondary students so that means no adult supervision of any sort.

The noise and howling around the hall has been ear-deafening ever since the Triple-J mounted the podium. It seems like, they have just been waiting for only this special moment because when the other events unfurled, this level of energy and enthusiasm was never manifested to a pint of what they are all displaying right now.

I don't blame them either. Because right now, everyone is so super-pumped and gingered for this. And since there is a less possibility of adult supervision around and the ultimate known fact that the Triple-J are very popular up to the continental peak, you can rightly guess why the hype is all worth it.

"Hey, you good?" The quick tendency to hyperventilate just because of my immediate environment speaks so much volume of how I am yet to be comfortable with the littlest things going on around me.

"Um, yeah I'm fine." I hurriedly assure Sesan as he eyes me warily and holds out the metal door leading to the boy's changing room which is at the back stage.

"Instead of being here all alone, you can join your set mates at the dancefloor you know." He says again, trying to will me out of my initial decision. Pressing my lips into a firm thin line as the nails on my fingers dig into the snack bar I was previously munching on, I return a softer gaze to Sesan reassuring him I'm fine.

"Sir, the welfare team are requesting for the third outfit prospects." A lanky but good looking guy who I presume is working for the boys and is directly under thier manager, manages to poke his head through the dressing room door — addressing Sesan of course. That was his cue to leave as he regards me one more time and disappears through the entryway; leaving me alone to myself again.

A whole freaking breath I didn't realise I have been holding since, manages to flare out of my nostrils at his exit. Ever since the second phase of the 'end of year party', I had to be at the back stage throughout and I was permitted to he there since I was given the VIP card and tag to have asses with the boys.

Truth be told, I'm very apprehensive of mixing with the others because of my social anxiety that tends to rear itself when I'm out of my comfort zone. And secondly because of my terrible experience of how Cheryl dealt with me at the Triple-J's party. So because of those sole reasons, the boys insisted I stick by thier side throughout this occasion just to be on the safe side. But now that they are performing on stage, I'm left to mingle and dine with me, myself and I.

How great!

At this point, I miss Kiki terribly. She didn't even last that long for this occasion because according to her, all school events are dumb as fück. And coupled with the fact that her family are travelling for thier Christmas holiday outside the country and she has to prepare since they'll be departing tomorrow. My eyes sting with unshed tears as I really think deep on how lonely I can really be without all these people surrounding me.

"Who's ready to have the best day of thier lives?!" Jamal's smooth voice echoes and reverberates round the strategic speakers in the hall. I ducked my head and poke my fore-fingers into my ears, ready to block out the incoming noise that serves as the response of the students aka fans. As expected, the reply is overwhelming that I am quite surprised my ear has not deafened yet.

I bite my lips and stare at the flowing red curtains, that serve as the pathway out of the backstage. The urge to go out and join the others and relish the awesome moment of the boys performance overtake my senses and I inch closer to the entrance slowly and slowly.

It's just to take a peak of thier performance, then I'm out.

I prompt myself and gently part the curtains to the world of the great happenings. I am suddenly greeted by the blinding lights adorning the halls and well, noise and more noise!

The arena is so beautiful and God! I can't believe I am missing out of this because of my fear of crowd. The emotions flickering on most of the students face is those of joy, admiration, happiness and pure love for the musicians currently on stage. Everyone is lost in the euphoria of the music, swaying to the rhythmic beat and well, I'm just rooted on my spot peaking at the wonders around.

"Ms, you have to leave the entrance." One of the strong-faced bodyguard states politely. I frown a little and wonder why I cannot have my perfect little view without disturbances.

"Oh sure sure. I'll em...yes, leave the entrance and just join the others." I stutter a bit and wince at the too much words I spilled.

Dumb move Ara. Dumb move!

I step out of the way courteously to avoid stepping on my flowing gown with the heels Derek gave me. I bow my head and walk through the crowd, feeling a tad bit of dizziness along the way.

It's okay, it's fine, just breathe in and out. Steady and steady...

On getting to the extreme side, someone jerks me backward and I turn sharply ready to diss my curses out when I am faced with a smirking Isoken.

"Isoken!" I mumble out of excitement, throwing myself at her for a hug.

"Woah woah woah!" She hoots with an eye roll as she reciprocates the hug.

"You're too proud. I hate you." I mumble with a mock frown after disengaging from the hug. She shoots a wry smirk giving the really look.

"I was beginning to get worried when I didn't see you at all." Her face turns serious for a split second. "But then, you're here looking all sexy and edible. Guyyyy I'm wondering why none of the Triple-J has fücked you yet cause damn..." My eyes quickly widened at the absurd words she just spilled as my face flushes alongside. I look around awkwardly wondering if anyone heard us but then, they're all caught up in the entertainment and the music is loud enough to drain our voices out.

"Shut up." I smack her arm, eyeing her playfully.

"Just stating my mind bïtch." She shrugs and drags me to the buffet table were a whole variety of snacks and cocktails are displayed. Her eyes scan the whole section, searching for God knows what.

"What are you looking for?" I query.

"Shhh! I'm looking for what would loosen you. You look so tensed up." Well, she isn't wrong about the fact that I am a tad bit tensed. I throw my gaze to scan the crowd of students for familiar faces and unfortunately for me, my eyes droop to where the headgirl, A.K.A Cheryl is standing. I cannot deny she looks dangerously beautiful with the bodyhug silver gown on her body. In fact, her make up and everything accentuated her beauty unlike mine.

Her mother went for the shopping of our Christmas party with both of us and bought exactly the same pattern of gown. Only difference is in the colour. As if she notices my gaze, she catches my eye and curves her face to a wicked smirk.

This bïtch.

She twirls round as if to actually display all her sexy curves through the gown. And she tips her right leg out dramatically since it had a long slit that runs up to the mid-thigh. I hiss silently wondering why she is deliberately riling me so much but my eyes didn't miss something just now.

No...

No way!

I gulp and stare at her feet and discover why she has been showing off to me. So all the while I was looking for my nude heels, she was the one who stole them and even have the guts to wear them? Jesus! You've got to be kidding me! Her face brightens in sheer wickedness when she discovers I have caught the drift of her display. I'm deeply hurt she was hell bent on ruining this day for me but guess what? Derek saved me.

I smirk back, tipping my own leg in the process. Her eyes go down within a second and she visibly goes red even under the neon lights streaming the hall.

Yes bïtch. I wore a much better heels than that. Your mother's own for that matter.

If possible, the rage is literally spilling like a volcano eruption through her eyes, nose and ears. She attempts to walk to where I am when somebody obstructs her movement. I'm about to laugh when I instantly recognise the person.

Tobias?

He came for the event?

Tobias clearly wants to ask her a brief question and leave but Cheryl having wicked plans from hell, wraps her arms around him for a not-so-innocent hug and pecks him slowly but sensualy. I don't know why my heart beating pattern has changed terribly just by seeing her actions, but it did. She smirks at my direction again and clutches him by her side.

Enough is enough Ara! Stop torturing yourself.

I quickly tear my gaze from her petty actions that has caused my heart to rip painfully in my chest.

"Ara I don't know if you can take vodka and..." I didn't let Isoken to finish her statement as I grab the drink from her hand roughly and chug everything within a go. The aftermath effect is dexterous as my throat burns like hellfire and my feet start to sway unsteadily.

"Woah, easy there!" She cautions with an amused smile.

"I...I needed that." I mumble and wince. Feeling the bitter taste of the drink on my tounge.

Why do people enjoy alcohol? Yuck!

"Oh shït! My dad has been calling me." Isoken grumbles as she discovers her phone has been on ringing but couldn't hear it because of the sound bass speakers. "He's coming to pick my sister and I in few minutes time and I can't leave you here alone."

She voices out her worry like a whiny kid. My head already feels like it is floating above the clouds so whatever she is saying doesn't matter to me that much.

"I'll be okay girl. Just go." She does not seem convinced at all and her gaze strays to behind me and smiles instantly.

"Senior Tobais, thank God you're here." My back stiffens automatically at her declaration and before I can say she is lying, the all-too-familiar sweet savouring cologne of Tobias hits my nose instantly.

Just great!

"Please, keep an eye on her I've got to go home. Bye Ara!" She is practically dishing the instructions out like a mother while she is walking away. I turn and face him ready to tell him that he should not worry, but my voice disappears or rather, hooks at my oesophagus.

Is it just me, or he looks dexterous and dangerously sexy today? Jesus what is happening to me! The way his honey orbs are taking my form in is so much to handle.

This guy...

"I'm fine. Kindly go back to Cheryl." I did not know why I just muttered that last part but that was foolish on the high side.

"What if," He pauses dramatically and steps forward, grabbing my waist gently in the process. "It is you I need?"

WHAT?

Author's note

Can someone scream cliffhanger quietly? Yes it is a cliffhanger😂
Anyways, I know I've lost a lot of potential readers alike. Unfortunately I hope I was able to salvage the situation on time. School has been really stressful and all so I'm trying to squeeze in updates.

I promise never to delay this long again or else if I do so, ya'll can beat me up🥴

And to unlock the next chapter quickly, VOTE and COMMENT ! Yes it encourages me a lot. So if you vote and comment considerably, who knows if I can update daily? :)

Book recommendation: Mask on by  ChloroQueen_
Honestly the book is both hilarious and entertaining. Very interesting piece❤

Q:  Does your crush like you back or I should mind my business?💀 (tell me o, I want to hear gist)!