I collapsed onto my bed the moment I got home, the weight of the afternoon pressing down on me. Daniel's anger still burned in my chest, and even though I had tried to make peace, the argument replayed itself in my mind over and over.
My phone buzzed. I picked it up automatically, knowing it was probably Femi.
"How's your day going, Morayo?"
I stared at the screen, a mix of relief and apprehension curling in my stomach. I typed back slowly: "It's been… long. Not the best, honestly."
"I'm sorry to hear that," he replied. "If it helps, I'd like to make the rest of your evening better."
I hesitated, then typed: "How exactly do you plan to do that?"
"Dinner, coffee… something small, relaxing. Just to ease your day."
I bit my lip. Part of me wanted to say yes, to escape the tension of the day. But I reminded myself of the truth I had already shared with him. "I… I can't tonight. I'll have to think about it."
"Thinking is fine," he replied immediately. "No rush. Take all the time you need. I just wanted to extend the invitation."
I smiled faintly, a small warmth spreading through my chest. Even after I had told him about Daniel, Femi didn't push. He respected my boundaries. And yet, there was something quietly compelling about the way he waited, the patience in his words.
I typed back: "Thanks… for understanding. It means a lot."
"Always," he replied. "I hope one day you'll let me show you a side of life that's light, easy, and fun. No pressure. Ever."
I stared at the screen, my fingers hovering over my phone. I wanted to tell him more, to confess how drawn I already felt to him, but I couldn't. Not while Daniel's argument still stung, not while my heart was so tangled.
"I'll think about it," I typed finally, careful to leave the door open without stepping over a line. "And I'll give you a response later."
His reply was instant, calm, and patient as ever: "That's all I ask. I'll be here when you're ready."
I set the phone down and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. His presence, even through texts, felt like a quiet anchor in the chaos of my day. And the more I thought about him, the more impossible it felt to ignore the pull he had already started to create.
My phone buzzed again. This time it was Lia.
"Morayo! You won't believe what I've been up to today!" she said as soon as I answered.
Her voice was a mix of laughter and chaos, as usual. "Jeremiah keeps texting me, asking me out again. Can you believe it?"
I smiled faintly, grateful for her energy. "Sounds like your life is just as chaotic as mine."
"Oh, don't get me started," she teased. "But girl, you sound… quiet. What's going on?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to share. "Just… a long day. Some things with Daniel. Nothing for you to worry about."
"Ugh, typical," she huffed, but there was no real anger in her tone, only concern. "Promise me you're not letting one argument ruin your whole week. You know you're stronger than that."
"I know," I whispered, though even I wasn't completely convinced.