THE WARNING
1009 Words
Chapter 7
POV: Kemi & Kayode
The restaurant was even more beautiful than I had imagined. The glass walls overlooked the sparkling city lights, and the warm glow from the crystal chandeliers made the whole place feel magical. Soft music played quietly in the background while waiters moved gracefully between the tables.
Kayode pulled out a chair for me with a smile.
"Sit, babe."
"Thank you," I said as I sat down.
I looked around, taking in everything.
"Wow... this place is beautiful."
He smiled as he sat across from me.
"I told you I had a surprise."
I leaned forward with a grin.
"So, what's the surprise?"
He smiled mysteriously.
"It's a secret."
I pouted.
"Oh, come on."
He laughed.
"No."
"Just one little hint?"
He shook his head.
"If I tell you, it won't be a surprise anymore."
I sighed dramatically.
"You're impossible."
"And yet, you still came with me."
I couldn't help smiling.
"I guess I did."
Before either of us could say anything else, a waitress walked over with a friendly smile.
"Good evening. Welcome. Would you like water or juice while you look at the menu?"
"Water, please," I replied.
She nodded and turned to Kayode.
The moment she looked at him properly, her eyes widened.
"Oh my God..."
She covered her mouth in surprise.
"I'm so sorry for asking this, but... are you Kayode?"
He smiled politely.
"Yes, I am."
She let out a nervous laugh.
"I can't believe it's really you. I've been your fan for years. Would it be okay if we took a quick picture together?"
Before Kayode could answer, I spoke.
"I don't think this is the right time. We're having dinner."
The waitress looked embarrassed.
"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."
Kayode glanced at me before looking back at her.
"It's okay. It'll only take a minute."
The waitress smiled again.
"Thank you so much."
She quickly took out her phone and stood beside him.
Kayode smiled politely as she snapped a selfie.
She looked at the picture and beamed with excitement.
"Thank you. You've made my day."
"You're welcome," Kayode replied with a smile.
She thanked us once more before walking away, still smiling as she admired the photo on her phone.
I quietly picked up my glass of water and took a slow sip, but somehow, it didn't make me feel any better.
Kayode looked at me.
"You didn't like that, did you?"
I slowly shook my head.
"No."
"The picture?"
I nodded.
"I was sitting right here, and it felt like our moment was interrupted."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Are you jealous?"
My eyes widened.
"What? No."
He smiled.
"Kemi."
I let out a small sigh.
"Okay... maybe a little."
His smile grew wider.
"I knew it."
"It's not funny."
"I'm not laughing at you."
I folded my arms.
"It just felt disrespectful."
His smile slowly faded.
"I wasn't trying to disrespect you. She only wanted a picture, and it would've taken just a few seconds."
"I know... but I still didn't like it."
He reached across the table and gently held my hand.
"I'm sorry it made you feel that way."
I looked at our hands for a moment before quietly pulling mine away.
"I guess I'm still getting used to people wanting your attention."
"I understand."
For a few seconds, neither of us spoke.
The waitress returned with our drinks and quietly placed them on the table before walking away again.
Kayode broke the silence.
"About last night..."
My heart skipped a beat.
"You don't have to explain if you don't want to," he said softly. "But... were you uncomfortable?"
I looked down at my lap.
"I just wasn't ready."
He nodded slowly.
"I'm sorry."
I looked up at him.
"I shouldn't have kept pushing. That wasn't fair to you."
A wave of relief washed over me.
"Thank you for understanding."
"I care about you, Kemi. The last thing I want is for you to feel pressured into anything."
I smiled faintly.
"I know."
He looked at me for a moment before speaking again.
"But I still feel like something changed between us today."
I frowned.
"Because of the waitress?"
He shook his head.
"Not just that. It feels like we're misunderstanding each other."
I lowered my eyes.
"Maybe we're both still learning."
He gave a small nod.
"Maybe."
For a few moments, neither of us spoke.
The waitress returned with our food and carefully placed the plates on the table.
"Enjoy your meal," she said with a smile before walking away.
Neither of us touched the food.
Kayode glanced at his watch before letting out a quiet sigh.
"I think we both need a little time to calm down."
My heart sank.
"You're leaving?"
"I don't want us to say something we'll regret."
He placed enough cash on the table to cover the bill.
I quickly stood up.
"Kayode... I'm sorry."
He looked at me, and the sadness in his eyes made my chest ache.
"You don't have to apologize for how you feel."
He gently squeezed my shoulder.
"We'll talk tomorrow, okay?"
I nodded, even though I wasn't sure everything would be okay.
He gave me one last smile before turning and walking toward the exit.
I watched him disappear through the restaurant doors.
The room was still filled with soft music and quiet conversations, but somehow, everything around me felt empty.
I slowly sat back down and stared at the untouched food in front of me.
A single tear rolled down my cheek.
I quickly wiped it away.
Just as I picked up my handbag to leave, my phone vibrated.
I frowned.
The message was from an unknown number.
My heart began to race.
With shaky hands, I opened it.
Stay away from Kayode... if you want him to stay alive.
My breath caught in my throat.
Before I could recover from the shock, another message appeared.
This is your only warning.
I froze.
Who knew I was here?
And how long had they been watching us?
- Writer
