Ini stirred awake, blinking into the soft morning light that slipped through his curtains. The spot beside him on the bed was empty—Ore was gone. Reaching for his phone on the nightstand, he saw a notification.
It was from her: "Had to leave early. Love you 💕."
He smiled faintly, dropped the phone on the bed, and padded to the kitchen. The leftover rice from last night was still in the pot. He dished some lazily, ate while leaning on the counter, then returned to his room.
The day's weight finally caught up to him, and he collapsed on his bed, drifting back into sleep.
---
Next morning
The loud buzz of his alarm jolted him awake. Groggy and unwilling, he fumbled for the phone on the nightstand and slapped the screen to silence it.
The alarm blared, sharp and insistent, pulling Ini out of a deep sleep. He groaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes before swinging his legs down to the cool floor.
He shuffled into the bathroom, grabbed his toothbrush, and went through the motions—brushing steadily until the mint filled his mouth, rinsing, then splashing cold water over his face. The reflection in the mirror looked a little weary but sharper, more awake than the boy who first stumbled in.
He stripped off and stepped under the shower. Warm water streamed down, soothing the knots in his muscles and rinsing away the heaviness of yesterday. For a moment, he just stood there, breathing with the rhythm of the falling water. When he stepped out, he toweled off quickly and moved back to his room.
His school uniform lay neatly folded on the chair: a crisp white shirt, pressed blue trousers, and a matching blue tie. He dressed carefully, tucking in his shirt, smoothing the creases, then knotting the tie at his throat. He slipped on his polished black shoes, checked himself once in the mirror, and ran a hand over his hair.
He looked neat, composed, and ready.
Ini slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped into the kitchen, the smell of fried eggs and tea lingering in the air.
"Good morning, Mom," he greeted, pulling out a chair.
She looked up from the stove, giving him a quick glance. "Morning. I came in late yesterday and you were already asleep. I hope you're not sick?"
Ini shook his head with a small smile. "No, Mom. Just tired."
She studied him for a second longer, then nodded, setting a plate in front of him. He ate his breakfast quickly, the warmth settling his stomach after the cool morning air. When he was done, she packed up his lunch and slid it across the table.
"Thanks, Mom," he said, tucking it carefully into his bag. He pushed back his chair, already halfway out the door. "Goodbye!"
"Ride safe!" she called after him.
Moments later, he was on his bike, pedaling down the familiar streets, the wind tugging at his shirt and tie as he made his way to school.
Tolu arrived at school to find that most of his classmates were already in their seats, chattering away about the weekend. He slipped inside quietly, returning greetings here and there before settling into his usual spot.
A few minutes later, Leke strolled in, grinning like he had just won the lottery. He wasted no time dropping into the seat beside Tolu.
Leke: "How was your weekend, bro?"
Tolu: "Nice. Yours?"
Leke leaned in, eyes shining.
Leke: "I think I'm in love."
Tolu: raising a brow "What?"
Leke laughed, unable to hold it in.
Leke: "Yesterday was amazing. It was like date after date after date. She took me everywhere—ice cream, movies, arcade—you name it."
Tolu: chuckling "Wait, isn't that supposed to be the other way around? You taking her out?"
Leke: "That's what I thought too. But she proved me wrong, and trust me, I wasn't complaining."
Tolu shook his head with a smile.
Tolu: "So I'm guessing it was amazing?"
Leke: "The best, man. The best."
Just then, a group of girls walked in, Amaka among them. She caught Leke's eye, gave him a playful wave, then gestured for him to come over. Leke smirked.
Leke: "See you later, loverboy."
Tolu only laughed softly, opening his bag and pulling out a book. He had barely flipped to the first page when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind.
Ore: "Good morning."
Tolu smiled, recognizing the voice instantly.
Tolu: "Good morning."
She let him go and slid gracefully onto his desk, crossing her legs like she owned the space.
Ore: "Your friend seems really energetic."
Tolu: grinning "Yeah, he is."
There was a brief silence before Tolu asked, his voice lower this time.
Tolu: "I wanted to ask… is this how it's always going to be? Always busy with supernatural stuff , no time for ourselves?"
Before he could finish, Ore leaned forward and pressed a finger lightly against his lips.
Ore: "No. We'll have time to ourselves. I promise." Her gaze softened. "And I know the timing was bad, but I didn't seduce you just to turn you. I really like you, Tolu."
His chest warmed at her words. He smiled, small but genuine, his earlier worries easing just a little.
Tolu tilted his head, watching her carefully.
Tolu: "So… if I ask you on a date this Saturday?"
Ore's lips curved into a playful smile.
Ore: "Ok. But I'm the one picking the place."
Tolu: smirking "Alright. But at least tell me where."
Ore: leaning closer, lowering her voice "It's a secret."
She whispered the last word with a mischievous glint in her eyes, and they both broke into quiet laughter.
Before he could say anything else, the sharp clang of the school bell echoed through the halls, cutting the moment short. The laughter faded into knowing smiles as the class settled down, the day officially beginning.
Students outside the classroom hurried in, shuffling to their seats with the usual morning chatter. Leke slipped back inside with them, sliding into his chair beside Tolu just in time.
A moment later, the teacher walked in carrying a stack of books, the room falling into a hush. He set them on the desk, adjusted his glasses, and began the lesson, chalk scratching against the board as the day officially took off.