THE DEVIL IN DETAILS

Chapter 8 : Bokka's Shadows

Elias and Joshua settled into their cozy hostel room, nestled in the heart of the university campus. The room was a comfortable haven, with three single beds, a sturdy wooden desk, and a spacious wardrobe. A large window overlooked the lush greenery of the campus, casting a warm glow over the space. As they unpacked, they met their third roommate, Osa, a junior student with a warm smile.

Osa was preparing to leave for his night class, his backpack slung over his shoulder. Joshua teased him good-naturedly, "Ah, night classes, study groups, and grade chasing – the classic freshman experience!"

Osa chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, I guess I'm just trying to make the most of it."

Elias playfully rolled his eyes. "Don't mind Joshua, Osa. He likes to think he's above all this."

After Osa departed, Joshua headed to the shower, leaving Elias to unwind on the bed, listening to hip-hop beats on his phone. But his relaxation was short-lived, as a message from Bokka flashed on his screen. Elias ignored it, not in the mood to engage with Bokka's drama.

However, when Joshua emerged from the shower, Elias filled him in on the message. "Bokka's inviting us to a party. Wants us to join him for a 'night to remember'."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of party?"

Elias shrugged. "No idea, but I'm sure it'll be drama-filled, knowing Bokka."

Joshua's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's crash the party, I'm sure there'll be plenty of girls to go around."

Elias's expression turned serious. "You can't be serious, Josh. We know how unpredictable Bokka's become. Remember that night two weeks ago? He killed that man in cold blood."

Joshua's grin faltered for a moment before he quipped, "Ah, come on, Elias. According to Bokka, we're all in this together. We're equally guilty, and if he goes down, we all go down. He's not willing to take the fall alone."

Elias shook his head. "Let's keep our distance from Bokka for now. We can't afford to get dragged back into his chaos."

Joshua nodded in agreement, but his tone hinted at a lingering temptation. "You're right, but it's not over yet. Bokka wants the gang back together, and he's not giving up easily."

Elias's voice took on a cautionary tone. "We can't risk ruining our lives. We've got enough money to invest in our futures, and Amaka's parents are loaded. Ahmed's family is comfortable, and Alice's family is doing well too."

Joshua chuckled. "Speak for yourself, bro. You might be a financial genius, but Bokka and the other might not exactly be known for their money management skills. And who knows, maybe I'm low on funds myself."

Elias raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, you're saying we should go back to our old lives?"

Joshua shrugged. "I'm just saying, who knows what the future holds? The rest of the gang might come crawling back, especially Ahmed, with his love for splurging cash."

As Elias and Joshua conversed, a knock on the door interrupted their discussion. Amaka stood in the doorway, radiant and poised. Joshua's eyes widened, taken aback by her stunning appearance. "Wow, what happened to your face?" he asked, his tone laced with admiration.

Elias, however, promptly intervened, his voice firm but polite. "Amaka, what brings you to our hostel?"

Amaka's smile faltered for a moment before she quipped, "Is that how you welcome a woman? With suspicion and hostility?"

Elias's expression softened, and he gestured for her to enter. Amaka's gaze swept the room, her eyes locking onto the two friends. "Did you receive Bokka's text?" she asked, her tone serious.

Elias nodded. "About the party invite? Yeah, we got it. But we're not going."

Amaka's expression turned resolute. "Good. We need to focus on stopping Bokka, not enabling him."

Joshua snorted, his frustration evident. "Can we please not discuss how to stop Bokka? The only way I can think to stop him is to... eliminate him. Sending him to jail again means sending ourselves down with him."

The room fell silent, the weight of Joshua's words hanging in the air. Amaka's gaze met Elias's, a silent understanding passing between them.

Amaka broke the silence, her voice light. "Elias, want to grab some fresh air with me?"

Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone playful. "What about me? Don't I deserve some fresh air?"

Amaka's smile was enigmatic. "I think you should attend Bokka's party."

Elias chuckled, intervening before Joshua could respond. "Relax, Josh. Amaka probably needs to discuss something with me in private."

Joshua's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Hold on, are you two rekindling an old flame?"

Amaka's laughter was forced, her denial hasty. "No, No."

Elias smiled wryly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't mind Joshua, Amaka. He's just good at teasing people."

As Elias and Amaka strolled through the school premises, the evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Elias turned to Amaka, his voice low and concerned. "How's Alice doing? Still shaken by what happened?"

Amaka's expression turned somber. "Yeah, she's still trying to process it all. Bokka's actions have left her feeling vulnerable."

Elias nodded empathetically. "I can understand why."

"And have you heard from Ahmed lately?" Amaka's gaze met Elias's, her eyes searching. "Actually, I was wondering if you'd heard from him. You two haven't been talking much since your fight, have you?"

Elias shrugged, his tone nonchalant. "Not really. We've been giving each other space."

Amaka's voice took on a serious tone. "Do you think Ahmed will attend Bokka's party?"

Elias's expression turned skeptical. "I doubt it. But it's his choice if they want to go."

Amaka's eyes clouded with concern. "I don't think it's a good idea if he goes. We need to stand together if we want to stop Bokka."

Elias's smile was laced with sarcasm. "Yeah, you are right. However, stopping Bokka is almost impossible, according to Joshua."

Amaka's silence was palpable before she responded, "You're right, though. Killing him might be the only way to stop him."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, their banter effortless. "So, what have you been up to?" Amaka asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Elias grinned, his tone playful. "Just taking care of myself. How about you? Any new guys around?"

Amaka's laughter was husky, her tone teasing. "My love life is none of your business, Elias."

As the darkness deepened, Amaka glanced at her watch. "I should get back to my hostel. It's getting late."

Elias nodded, his expression chivalrous. "I'll escort you."

As they walked, the tension between them was palpable, their past feelings still simmering beneath the surface. At the girls' hostel, they bid each other farewell, the air thick with unspoken emotions.