Before the kiss

The compliment

I went home feeling exhausted and hungry. The moment I got home, I ate my lunch and, before I knew it, I had fallen asleep on the dining table.

A few hours later, I felt someone gently tapping my shoulder.

"Feezah," my mother called softly. "Go and sleep properly on your bed."

I slowly opened my eyes. She smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep," she said.

"It's okay, Mum," I replied with a sleepy smile before dragging myself to my room.

I didn't even remember when I fell asleep again.

The next morning, the sound of my phone ringing woke me up. I reached for my phone and smiled the moment I saw the caller's name.

Vicky.

The sleep disappeared from my eyes immediately.

"Good morning!" I greeted excitedly.

"So," she laughed, "tell me everything. How's the new school?"

I couldn't stop talking. I told her about the beautiful buildings, the expensive cars, my classmates, and how different everything was from our former school.

She listened carefully before asking jokingly,

"I hope you haven't replaced me already."

I laughed.

"How could I ever replace you?"

As we continued talking, I accidentally mentioned how handsome the boys in my new school were.

There was a brief silence.

Then Vicky burst into laughter.

"Feezah! You never noticed how handsome the boys in our former school were. Are you sure your perspective about boys isn't beginning to change?"

I immediately shook my head, even though she couldn't see me.

"Never. I'll always obey my mother's words, no matter what."

She didn't argue with me. Instead, she wished me a wonderful day before ending the call.

After ending the call, I got out of bed, said my morning prayers, took my bath, and got dressed for school. I revised the notes Anita had explained to me the previous day before walking downstairs.

My mother looked at me in surprise.

"Were you this excited yesterday?" she teased. "I practically had to force you to eat."

I smiled shyly.

"I guess I'm getting used to the new school."

She laughed softly before serving me breakfast. We ate together, and after we were done, she drove me to school as usual.

Before leaving, I waved goodbye. She smiled proudly at me, and somehow, seeing that smile made me happy too.

Not long after I entered the classroom, my classmates started arriving. Most of them went outside for the morning devotion, but I decided to stay behind for a few minutes so I could arrange my books properly.

Just then, Damian walked into the classroom.

There were no loud cheers this time because most of the students who usually welcomed him were already outside.

This was my chance.

I stood up and slowly walked toward him.

"Damian..."

He turned around.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," I said nervously. "I wasn't really comfortable, and I didn't mean to embarrass you."

He smiled.

"It's okay. I wasn't offended."

I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"So... we're cool?" I asked.

He chuckled.

"Of course."

As he turned to leave, he suddenly stopped and looked back at me.

"Oh... and one more thing."

"Yes?"

He smiled warmly.

"Feezah... you're really beautiful."

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

My heart began beating so fast that I thought he could hear it.

Someone like Damian...

Complimenting me?

I didn't know what to say.

All I managed was a nervous smile before rushing out to join the others for morning devotion.

The rest of the morning passed quietly until it was time for Biology.

Our Biology teacher walked into the classroom and began teaching about puberty.

She explained that during this stage, teenagers often begin to develop feelings for the opposite gender. She also said that having feelings—or even a crush on someone—was normal, but we should never allow those feelings to distract us from our studies or our goals.

I listened carefully.

It sounded similar to what my mother had always told me.

The only difference was that my teacher never described boys as dangerous. She simply advised us to be careful and stay focused.

That made me wonder.

If my teacher believed having a crush was normal...

Why did my mother make it sound like every boy would eventually destroy my life?

Before leaving the classroom, our Biology teacher smiled and said,

"It's okay to admire someone, but don't let your emotions control your future."

His words stayed with me.

If I remembered correctly, that was only the second time I had ever heard the word crush.

The first time was when Vicky excitedly told me about the huge crush she had on her neighbour's son.

Back then, I never bothered asking what it meant.

Now...

I finally understood.

From that day onward, I tried my best to stay away from boys.

Especially Damian.

But somehow...

Ignoring him was becoming more difficult than I had imagined.

A few days later, the principal announced that the school would be organizing its annual prom.

The entire hall erupted with excitement.

Students immediately began discussing dresses, suits, dancing, and who they wanted as their prom date.

The girls couldn't stop talking about Damian.

"I hope he asks me."

"No, he'll definitely ask me."

"I've been waiting for this day!"

I simply smiled to myself.

There was no point getting excited.

I had already decided I wasn't attending.

When we returned to the classroom, Anita turned to me.

"So... who do you want as your prom date?"

I shook my head.

"I'm not coming."

"Why?"

"I already have somewhere to be that day."

It wasn't exactly the truth...

But it was the only excuse I could think of.

We were still talking when the classroom suddenly became unusually quiet.

Everyone's attention shifted toward the door.

I looked up.

Damian was walking toward me.

In his hand...

Was a beautiful flower.

He stopped right in front of my desk.

"Feezah," he called softly.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Will you be my prom date?"

The classroom fell silent.

I could feel the eyes of my classmates—and even some students standing outside—fixed on me.

The jealousy on the girls' faces was impossible to miss.

I opened my mouth to speak...

But no words came out.

Thankfully, Anita spoke before I could embarrass myself.

"She won't be attending," she said. "She already has somewhere to be that day."

Damian looked at me for a few seconds before giving me a small smile.

"I understand."

He quietly took back the flower and walked away.

I watched him leave, unable to move.

If Anita hadn't answered for me... what would I have said?