Hearts On The Pitch By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Chapter Ten

The night sky glowed with city lights, streaked with moving headlights and the distant hum of traffic, as Adaeze returned from work, her bag slung over her shoulder. She set it down on the centre table and straightened a cushion on the couch, glancing around her living room.

A soft knock made her heart skip. She walked to the door and opened it to find Izunna standing there, a confident smile softening into something tender. In his hands, he held a small paper bag.

He smiled, his voice low and warm. ‘I thought you might be hungry after work.’

Adaeze felt a flutter in her chest. ‘Thank you,’ she replied, her lips curving into a smile as she stepped aside. ‘You did not have to.’

‘Maybe not,’ he said with a shrug, ‘but I wanted to.’ He stepped inside, handing her the bag. The scent of fresh jollof rice and grilled chicken filled the room, making it feel warmer even though the night air outside was cool.

Izunna’s eyes never left hers as he moved closer, a comfortable silence settling between them.

‘I thought we could just eat and talk,’ he said quietly, letting his hand brush against hers for a brief moment. The simple touch sent a spark through her.

They settled on the couch, sharing the food. Izunna’s stories about the day, the team, and even silly moments in training made her laugh, a sound that made him grin. Every so often, their hands brushed as they reached for a plate, each touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

After the meal, Izunna rose to make them both cups of tea. He moved around her small kitchen with ease, humming quietly, while Adaeze watched, feeling a warmth settle in her chest.

‘You always seem so calm,’ she said as he handed her a steaming cup.

‘Not always,’ he replied with a soft smile. ‘But being here with you… it makes everything easier.’

They returned to the couch, sitting close, sipping tea and talking quietly about everything and nothing. Sometimes he laughed softly at her stories, sometimes she laughed at his, and sometimes they just looked at each other, letting the quiet fill the room.

Adaeze’s hand found his again, and he held it gently, thumb brushing over her knuckles.

‘You have been handling everything so well,’ he murmured. ‘I am proud of you.’

Adaeze’s cheeks warmed. ‘It has not been easy,’ she admitted. ‘But having you here makes it easier.’

Izunna leaned slightly closer, the night fully alive beyond the windows. ‘I am not going anywhere,’ he whispered. For that moment, the world outside, the rumours, the stress, the noise, faded into nothing, leaving just the two of them and the soft glow of the lights in her apartment.