conundrum (first part)

a friend in need

Bolu left Ola's place pretty late that night, feeling relieved that she'd eventually gotten him to calm down. She advised him to get over the whole thing and explain his feelings to his friend calmly instead of responding violently to their accusations. "They care about you and are concerned," she said gently. "If they aren't, they wouldn't even bother asking you, and you shouldn't have taken offense."

Ola's gaze lingered on hers, his eyes dreamy. "Thanks, Bolu. I just needed someone to explain things to me because it seems everyone thinks I'm a bad person, and only you understand me for now." Bolu chuckled and looked away. "It's probably because I'm calmer and a woman. We're kind of sensitive and very observant, unlike you men."

Ola nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I guess so. And thanks for coming too. I know we've had a break, and I'm probably selfish to call you only when I needed you." Bolu wouldn't let him feel bad for calling her. "Oh no, trust me, it was no bother," she said, feeling useful and relevant that he'd thought of calling her first.

As they stood up to leave, Ola offered to see her off to her hostel. "It's kinda late, and your area isn't so safe," he said, his concern genuine. Bolu agreed, but she wouldn't let him enter her hostel. She felt she was already losing control of her senses around him and didn't want him popping up anytime at her house. He saw her off to her street, and they parted ways at the corner.