The Kiss We Hid

THE KISS

As the rain started to fall, Amara dashed into the neglected garden behind the house, not anticipating any company. To her surprise, she found Chike standing beneath the mango tree, his white shirt slightly damp and his gaze fixed on her. For a moment, they were silent.

Having grown up together, they had shared many secrets, laughter, arguments, and countless cherished memories. Yet there was one topic they had never discussed—how their hearts would race in each other's presence.

“Why are you here?” Amara asked quietly.

“I was waiting for you,” he replied.

Her heart skipped a beat.

“Why?”

Chike moved closer.

“Because I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Amara’s smile faded. “Leaving where?”

“Abroad. My flight is in the morning.”

She looked at him, realizing the rain was running down her face.

“You were planning to leave without telling me?”

“I didn’t know how to say goodbye.”

“Then don’t,” she blurted out, unable to hold back.

Chike’s eyes met hers.

“Don’t go,” she pleaded softly.

He stepped nearer until they were almost touching.

“Amara…” he began.

She gazed into his eyes and replied, “Yes?”

“I’ve loved you for years.”

Her breath caught in her throat.

Before she could respond, he softly caressed her cheek, leaning in to kiss her. It was gentle, tentative, filled with all the unspoken feelings they had kept hidden. When they finally separated, Amara's eyes glistened with tears.

“What now?” she asked.

Chike gave a sad smile.

“Now we keep this between us.”

And that's precisely what they did—never telling their families or friends. For five years, that kiss remained their secret, a beautiful memory neither could forget.

That was until one evening when Amara received a wedding invitation. The bride’s name seemed familiar, but the groom’s name made her heart drop: Chike. Beneath his name was another name she had never expected—her younger sister, Adaeze.

She stared at the invitation in disbelief, her hands shaking. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Chike. Amara answered without a word.

“I need to explain,” he said in a hushed tone.

Amara shut her eyes.

“Then tell me why the man who kissed me five years ago is marrying my sister.”

After a pause, Chike finally spoke, revealing the words that changed everything:

“Because that wasn’t the only secret I’ve been keeping from you.”