The party was in full swing, music pulsing through every corner of the venue. Morayo and Lia weaved through the crowd, Lia's laughter cutting through the bass like it belonged there, while Morayo stayed slightly behind, trying to keep her nerves in check.
Lia leaned close as they passed a group of chatting students. "See that guy over there?" she whispered, pointing discreetly. "You're thinking he's cute, aren't you? Admit it."
Morayo rolled her eyes, heat rising in her cheeks. "I… I don't know what you mean."
Lia smirked. "Oh, come on! You act like you're immune to noticing handsome boys. Don't deny it."
Morayo shook her head, tugging slightly on her gown to adjust it. "I'm fine, really. Let's just get a drink."
But Lia wasn't done. She grabbed Morayo by the elbow, spinning her toward the dance floor. "Tonight is our night. You're not hiding in a corner. You're going to talk, laugh, dance… maybe even flirt a little. Just a little."
Morayo let out a soft groan, but she couldn't stop herself from laughing. Lia's energy was infectious, and for the first time in a long while, she felt… light.
A little later, while Lia had disappeared into the crowd, weaving effortlessly through groups of admirers, Morayo found herself alone at a sleek, velvet-cushioned table near the edge of the VIP area. She sipped her drink quietly, adjusting her heels under the table, when a shadow fell over her.
He was standing there—Femi Caldwell.
Tall, impeccably dressed in a perfectly cut navy suit, crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His shoes were polished Italian leather, subtle gold cufflinks catching the light just enough to whisper wealth, not shout it. His presence carried the kind of confidence that made a room quiet without any effort.
He leaned slightly forward, hands resting casually on the edge of the table, and spoke smoothly, his deep voice threading through the music. "And what does a beautiful girl like you find herself doing all alone at a party like this?"
Morayo blinked, startled, her heart skipping. She hadn't expected anyone like him to approach, much less speak in such a calm, measured way. "I… I'm just… resting," she said softly, cheeks warming.
"Resting," he repeated, lips tugging into the faintest smile. "I see. Well, I'm glad I found you. I'm Femi."
"Morayo," she replied, extending a hand almost instinctively. Her fingers brushed his lightly, and she noticed...subtly....how strong, deliberate his grip was, without being overbearing.
"Morayo," he said again, letting her name linger like it fit perfectly in his mouth. "Do you mind if I sit?"
"Please," she said, gesturing to the seat beside her.
They fell into a tentative conversation, talking quietly over the music. He asked about her studies, her life on campus, and her plans for the week, but without prying too much. There was an ease to the way he listened, the way his dark eyes didn't miss the slightest flicker of expression on her face.
As the evening drew on, Morayo realized how natural it felt to talk to him, how different it was from anyone else she knew.
Finally, the clock nudged her conscience. She had to go.
"I… should probably get going," she said, standing, brushing her gown lightly.
Femi rose as well, moving with effortless grace. "Allow me to call a ride for you?" he offered.
"No, thank you," she said politely, shaking her head. "I'm fine."
He nodded, studying her with a quiet intensity that made her pulse quicken. "Then… may I have your number? I'd like to continue this conversation sometime."
Morayo smiled faintly, a little mischievous. "Are you sure? You might regret it if you get to know me better."
"I'm sure," he said calmly, producing his phone.
She gave him her number, their fingers brushing again. There was nothing flashy in the exchange—no dramatic gestures, no unnecessary words—but the air between them hummed with subtle significance.
"Until next time, Morayo," he said softly.
"Until next time," she echoed, letting herself feel the quiet thrill as she turned to find Lia, who had been waving her over, still radiant and untouchable in the crowd.
Together, they left the VIP section, laughter bubbling from Lia as Morayo followed, a small smile tugging at her lips. Something had shifted tonight—something she didn't fully understand yet—but it felt… undeniably real.