Chapter 5: First impression
837 Words
Opeyemi’s attitude had changed completely towards me, and I couldn’t understand it at all. I didn’t know if it was jealousy or just over-protectiveness, but either way, she shouldn’t be acting like this. I sighed. Ah well, that’s on my head. Let me not overthink it…
[Alarm beep]
“Ohhh holy crap, it’s 1 pm already! Omo, let me quickly shower and get dressed so I can be punctual to the restaurant Doyin reserved for us.”
I paced around my room, thinking aloud. Hmmm… something simple and classy. Not too much. Less I forget — I don’t do gowns or crop tops. I like my clothes baggy, comfy, yet classy.
I finally settled on a loose top and jeans, slipped on my sunshade, and grabbed my crossbody bag. I dialed Ope immediately — she had to rate me before I stepped out.
“Ope!!! Please come, I need your opinion on my outfit. Am I good to go?”
She appeared but sounded off, like it was none of her business. Well, technically it isn’t… but she’s my cousin and friend.
“Hmm, your outfit is nice. You’re good to go now.” She frowned slightly.
“Alright babe, see you later,” I said, blowing her a playful goodbye.
---
Getting closer to the restaurant, I saw him. Doyin was seated at a window-side table, composed and well-dressed. My stomach fluttered. Omo, am I good enough? I straightened my posture and reminded myself not to ruin this moment.
“Hi Doyin, I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting.”
“No need to apologize, Wura. You’re only five minutes late. I’m cool. Besides, this afternoon is for us. Nothing to worry about, and I’m not angry.”
His voice… wow. Cool, mature, gentle, and sexy at the same time. I couldn’t help but notice his lips — soft-looking, perfectly shaped. My heart skipped.
“So, what would you like for now?” he asked gently.
“Hmm, nothing yet. Just a glass of water while we look at the menu,” I replied.
“I like your outfit,” he said, smiling. “You look cool… and beautiful.”
I blushed shyly.
---
Then he said something that melted me completely:
“Wura, this might sound too early… or even unbelievable, but I really liked you the moment I saw you. I felt something different. I didn’t want to be too forward until the day I came to your hostel to see my sister, and to be honest, I didn’t even expect to meet you there. I guess fate has its own way of bringing people together, right?”
I smiled, my heart fluttering. “Yea, you’re right. It’s fine… let’s see how things go between us.”
We ordered food and talked about everything — school, family, dreams, silly gossip about campus life. Honestly, he was such a sweet soul and incredibly intelligent. I couldn’t stop smiling. Every moment spent with him felt effortless, natural, and special.
---
When it was time to leave, we walked together to the taxi stand. He insisted on paying for my ride, but I gently declined. So sweet… intentional even.
“Alright, Wura, please text me when you get home.”
“Alright. I will. Bye Take care.”
Back at the hostel, Ope was asleep. I didn’t disturb her. I pulled out my phone and texted Doyin:
“Hey Doyin, thanks for the lunch date. I’m in my hostel now. I really enjoyed our conversation.”
As I set my phone down, I couldn’t help but smile. Today had been perfect — light, fun, and full of butterflies. My heart felt fragile, but happy.
Little did I know, this was just the beginning of something that could either make it soar… or break.
...........
When I walked into the hostel, Ope was already asleep. I didn’t wake her up; she looked so comfortable. I tiptoed past her and headed to my bed, my heart still fluttering from lunch.
I constantly checked my phone to see if Doyin replied. Maybe he’s busy… or maybe he’s just coming up with a reply… I kept going into w******p; there was nothing. Eventually, my excitement dissipated into impatience.
After a very long time, I heard Ope stir. She yawned and stretched and looked over at me with the typical frown she always had these days.
"Wura, I'm going to my friends," she said, clearly not even considering my day. "I'm going to be gone until tomorrow and don't bother me, okay?"
"Uh... okay, sure?" I mumbled, surprised by her coldness.
She gathered her bag and left, slamming the door behind her.
I sighed and went back to my bed, hugging my pillow. I kept staring at my phone in hopes of a reply but nothing came. Time went by, before I knew it, I was asleep.
I couldn't help thinking about him even as I slept, and that little voice in my heart still asking why had he not texted back.
- Writer
