"Love is not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you."

                       T Y L E R

I stood in front of the floor-length mirror in my room, adjusting my school tie for what felt like the hundredth time. My mind was already at school, thinking about the football match I had later that day.

There was a knock on my door, and my attention averted to who was knocking.

"Come in," I announced, finally getting my tie adjustment right.

The door swung open, and our butler, Reginald Pembly, walked in with his usual poise. He stood tall, his slender frame clad in a crisp black suit, completed with a white shirt and a black tie. His silver hair was combed back, revealing a prominent forehead and a pair of piercing brown eyes, a testament to his mixed heritage. His dark skin had a warm, golden undertone, a characteristic of his half-caste background.

Reginald held a silver tray in his gloved hand, bearing a steaming cup of coffee and a small plate of toast. "Good morning, Milord," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I took the liberty of bringing you a cup of coffee and some toast to start your day."

I chuckled a bit, nodding to the glass stool beside my bed. "You can place it on the stool. Thank you."

"No mention. Can I get you anything else, Milord?"

I thought for a moment, then said, "Actually, Reginald, I need you to let the driver know that I'll be driving myself to school today."

Reginald raised an eyebrow. "Very well, Milord. Shall I inform him of the reason?"

I smiled wryly. "Just tell him I have a football match and I want to make sure I get there on time."

Reginald nodded discreetly before leaving.

I knew he understood my frustration with the driver. To be honest, I couldn't stand the man. He was a fat, lazy individual who seemed to think that just because he lived under our roof, he was entitled to do the bare minimum. I often wondered why my parents even kept him on staff. He was always sluggish and slow, and I had to constantly remind him to hurry up.

It's infuriating!

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting ready for school. I had a big match to win, and I couldn't let anything distract me. I drank my coffee, but I didn't eat the toast.

Wasn't in the mood for toast.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my backpack, and headed downstairs.

As I reached the kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of my mom's laughter. She was sitting at the kitchen island, sipping her coffee and chatting with her production manager, Mr. Jenkins.

My younger brother, Kai, was sitting across from them, munching on a bowl of cereal. He was already dressed in his school uniform, looking like a miniature version of me.

Mom caught my eye and smiled. "Good morning, sweetie! How was your night?"

"Good, Mom," I replied, dropping my backpack on the floor and heading to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

Mr. Jenkins was discussing something with Mom, and I tuned in to their conversation.

"...and the producer is very excited about the project," he was saying. "We're going to be meeting with  Jackie Richards, tomorrow to discuss the plans for the shooting."

Mom nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "That sounds great. I'm looking forward to it. Tyler, Kai, we'll be going to Jackie's house tomorrow after school, okay?"

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why?"

"We're discussing a new movie project," she replied, smiling. "It's going to be a big one, and I think you'll both really enjoy accompanying me."

Kai's eyes lit up. "Is it an ashion (action) movie, Mommy?"

Mom chuckled. "You'll just have to wait and see, sweetie."

I solemnly hissed, but when Yemisi's face flashed in my thoughts, I felt my lips curve into a smile.

I can't help it.

Every time I think of Yemisi, I feel a strange, fluttery sensation in my chest. It's like my heart was skipping beats, and my mind was filled with visions of her pouty lips and smile, her sparkling brown eyes, and her long, curly braided hair.

I'm even addicted to her scent - a sweet, floral scent that makes me feel lightheaded.

I have no idea what's happening to me. Just yesterday, I'd partnered up with Yemisi deliberately, in our science club, and it was like the whole world had shifted.

I suddenly want to be around her all the time, to hear her laugh, to see her smile, even though she barely does that.

It's like I'm under some kind of spell.

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog, but instead I thought about how I kissed her some days ago. I actually kissed her, I couldn't resist it.

Especially when I saw her making out with David in the computer room, I just couldn't contain the anger I felt.

I wanted to tear David's uniform and kill him!

I've known Yemisi for years, and we've always just been enemies. But now. . . now I can't stop thinking about her.

Is this what I think it is? Am I in. . .love?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't believe it. Me, Tyler Ogbe, in love with Yemisi Richard?

It's unthinkable.

"Get going, Tyler!" Mom shouted over her shoulder, already sashaying out of the room with her skinny PA and manager trailing behind her.

I didn't even realize she'd walked out. I was too lost in my thoughts, trying to process this strange new feeling that had taken up residence in my chest.

Focus Tyler!

I needed to focus. I had a football match to win, and I couldn't let my thoughts about Yemisi distract me.

"Come on, Kai," I said to my four year old brother.

I grabbed my backpack, and helped him with his lunchbox. The nanny, Jennifer, quickly rushed over to give Kai a final check.

"Do you have everything? Your water bottle, your snacks?" Kai nodded, shouldering his tiny backpack.

She smiled at me. "And don't forget, Master, I'll be picking Kai up from school today since you have a match, so you don't have to worry about him."

I nodded, taking my eyes off her before muttering, "Thanks."

I couldn't help but give her the cold treatment. It was a habit I'd developed over the past year, ever since things had gotten weird between us.

Jennifer, our nanny, has always been friendly and kind, but last year, when I was 17 and she was 18, things had taken a strange turn.

I remembered it clearly. We were alone in the house, and she'd cornered me in the kitchen, her eyes gleaming with a strange intensity. She'd tried to kiss me, to force herself on me, and I was shocked and horrified. I pushed her away, told her to leave me alone, and she'd acted like nothing had happened.

But I knew what had happened. And I've been careful around her ever since. I don't trust her.

And I made sure to keep my distance, to treat her with a cold politeness that kept her at bay.

Yes, she's beautiful, but definitely not my type. She made it too easy, and there's no thrill in the chase.

I turned to Kai. "Let's go, little man."

                          ✿✿✿

The whistle blew, piercing the air and signaling the end of the match. I looked up at the scoreboard, already knowing what I'd see.

Golden Stars Academy had beaten us 3-2.

I let out a deep breath, feeling a mix of disappointment and pride. We'd played a good game, but in the end, Golden Stars had just been better.

Fuck!

As I walked off the field, I was met with the congratulations of the opposing team. I smiled and shook hands, genuinely happy for them. "Good game, guys," I said, meaning it. "You played a great match."

Their captain, a tall, lanky boy, clapped me on the back. "Thanks, man. You guys were tough opponents."

I laughed. "We'll get you next time, we promise."

The guy chuckled slightly with a shrug and I walked off the field.

We may not have won, but we'd played with heart and determination. And that was all that mattered.

"Jesus Christ! Tyler!"

I turned to see Divine limping towards me, her face contorted in a mixture of pain and excitement. I rushed to her side, catching her by the elbow to support her. "Hey, hey, easy does it! Your ankle's still sprained, remember?"

Divine grimaced, her eyes fixed on that junior boy who challenged me weeks ago.

"That goalkeeper of ours is a disaster! If I'd been playing today, we would have won that match hands down!"

She glared at me, as if daring me to contradict her. "I mean, seriously, Tyler, three goals from GSA? That's just pathetic!"

I sighed, shrugging it off. Though, she was right, our goalkeeper was just doing rubbish. I don't even understand that SS1 boy at all, it's high time I kicked him out of the team. He can't even play properly, talk-less of defending our goalpost.

Mitchew.

"Sha, just forget it," Divine said, patting my shoulder with uncertainty. Like, she was afraid to touch me.

"Why are you acting weird?" I teased, placing her hand on my shoulder. She gasped, widening her eyes, before quickly withdrawing from me.

Weird.

"Um, le-let's go," she stammered, blinking continuously.

I furrowed my brows at her and took a step closer. "Where are we going?"

Divine's eyes darted around, avoiding mine. "I-I mean, the locker room. We need to...um, change."

Suddenly, she slapped her forehead. "I meant, you need to change."

I raised an eyebrow, amused by her sudden nervousness. "Okay, sure. But you're acting really weird. Is everything okay?"

Divine's face turned bright red as she quickly looked away. "Y-yes, everything's fine. Let's just go, okay?"

"Oya let's go," I said, grabbing her hand. She froze, her eyes wide with surprise. I didn't notice at first, but as I looked down at her hand in mine, I felt a strange jolt. Divine's hand was trembling, and her palm was sweaty.

I looked up at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded hastily, trying to pull her hand away. "Y-yes, I'm fine. Let's just...go."

I raised an eyebrow, but released her hand. "Okay, weirdo," I teased, chuckling. "Where's Felix sef?"

"H-he's at the canteen. When you finish dressing up, we'll go meet him. He said he has a big news."

"What's it about?"

She shrugged. "No idea."

We reached the locker room, and Divine waited outside for me. I freshened up and put on my uniform, before grabbing my things and walking out.

We walked together to the canteen, the sound of our footsteps not echoing through the crowded hallway. As we turned a corner, I spotted Yemisi chatting with David. They were laughing and smiling at each other, and I could sense the flirtation in the air.

I felt jealous and I tried to brush it off, but I couldn't.

I noticed the way David was looking at her, the way he was leaning in close. I felt a surge of possessiveness, which I couldn't suppress.

Divine glanced at me curiously. "Tyler, are you okay?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go."

We entered the canteen, and I spotted Felix sitting at a table, a big grin on his face.

"What's going on?" I asked, dropping into a chair beside him.

Felix leaned in, a conspiratorial look on his face. "So guys, I-"

But before he could continue, Divine interrupted, her eyes fixed on me. "Tyler, are you sure you're okay? You seem a bit...off."

I shook my head, trying to brush off the feeling of unease. "I'm fine, Divine. Just tired from the match. Felix, please continue."

Felix shot Divine a glare before carrying on with his announcement. "Four words, guys! I am in love!"

Divine's eyes widened in surprise, and she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Who is it, Felix?"

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but didn't say anything. Felix is used to falling in love easily, and it dosen't. . .

. . .end well

Felix grinned, a faraway look in his eyes. "She's amazing, guys. Sassy, beautiful, curvy...she's got it all. And her smile...oh man, her smile can light up a room."

Divine squealed, bouncing up and down in her seat. "Ooh, I love a good romance! Tell us more!"

Na there dem go see her.

Felix chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay, okay. So, I've been crushing on her for a while now."

I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "Oga talk, who's she?"

Felix took a deep breath, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "It's... Yemisi!"

Eh?!

My eyes widened in shock, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Yemisi? As in, the same Yemisi? The same Yemisi I'd just seen flirting with David in the hallway?

The Yemisi I'm. . .madly in love with lately? That Yemisi?

I stared at Felix, my mind reeling with questions. "Yemisi? How...when... huh?" I stuttered, unable to form a coherent sentence. "I don't understand!"

Felix laughed, clearly enjoying my shock. "I know, I know, it's a surprise. But I just can't help how I feel, guys. I'm really into her."

Really into her? Is he mad?!

I tried really hard to control my breathing because I was fuming inside my body. I was pissed!

I can't believe Felix wants to start struggling Yemisi with me o!

"Omo, guy, you should totally go for it!" Divine encouraged him, smiling happily.

I furrowed my brows at her, but she didn't seem to notice. She was too busy telling Felix how me and Yemisi already know each other and how I can help him get closer to her.

Like, why the fuck would I do that?!

"Really? Y'all know each other since childhood?" Felix asked. I simply nodded without looking at him.

Because I knew that if I kept staring at him, I might end up. . . beating him up.

It's just how I felt! Just when I've started recognizing my feelings for Yemisi, this guy comes out of nowhere and confesses his love for her.

What sort of misfortune is this?!

Felix's eyes sparkled with hope as he leaned in, his voice taking on a pleading tone. "Tyler, I beg you in the name of God, please, you have to help me! You're her friend, you know her better than I do. Just...just help me get closer to her, okay?"

"We aren't friends," I spat, and he flinched. I sighed, lowering my tone. "We aren't really friends."

Divine chimed in, "Come on, Tyler, it's not like you're going to lose anything. Just help Felix out, and who knows, maybe he'll even win Yemisi's heart!"

God punish you!

I glared at Divine, but she just smiled innocently back at me. As much as I wanted to refuse, I just couldn't. Felix's hopeful expression and Divine's urging words wore me down.

"Fine," I muttered, throwing up my hands in defeat. "I'll help you, Felix. But don't expect miracles."

"No wahala guy, I know I will win her over," he said with so much confidence.

I laughed inwardly, narrowing my eyes at Felix, who was now busy gisting with Divine.

Game on, Felix. Game on.

<—————>
A/N

Omoooo🙆🙆🙆🙆

So, Yemisi don turn two best friends to enemies, unknowingly o😂😂

Chai, so Tyler likes her😏

And he'll be pretending like he feels nothing whatsoever 😩

Also, (Golden Stars Academy) GSA won the match😣, chai.
They're really good players oo, and they are derived from my twinnie's book😗

Crazy New Girl by @Divylove0

So, y'all should plz go check it out 🙃

Please my lovelies, comment your thoughts on this chapter 😗
Lerrus communicate, bikó 😣

Also, pls vote 🙂

Ok, buhbye 🤭

CiCi 🌹

🌺TEASER🌺

"How dare you!"

Tyler took a step closer to me, his eyes flashing with contempt. "I partnered with you because I knew no one else would tolerate your crap. And you know why you got expelled from your former school? Because of your bad attitude, because you irritated everyone around you-"

Tah!

Before I knew it, my hand flew up and slapped him across the face. The sound echoed through the room, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.

Tyler's eyes narrowed, his cheek reddening from the slap. "You're going to regret that."