FINDING LOVE IN THE DMs

Episode 3

CLOSER THAN STRANGERS

On the sunny days at LASU, laughter echoed through the walkways, friendships blossomed in crowded lecture halls, and every day seemed to bring a new adventure.

For Sophia and Jennifer, university life was more than just attending classes; it was a journey filled with dreams, challenges, and moments that would shape their future in ways they never imagined.

As the lecture was going on, the lecturer asked a question. Perhaps Sophia was absent-minded and couldn’t provide an answer immediately.

“Get out! You little insect! I’m teaching and trying to help with your education, and you’re busy doing whatever you like. I don’t want to see you in my class until the end of this semester!” the lecturer shouted, pointing his finger at Sophia.

Sophia left in embarrassment because all eyes were on her. It made her feel terrible, and she burst into tears. The rest of the day was a bad one for her.

Not long after the lecture ended, it was time to go home. Jennifer came out of the lecture hall and saw her friend in a terrible mood, so she tried to cheer her up.

“Mummy’s girl, you’re crying because of the ‘Get out!’ the lecturer told you? Grow up, girl,” Jennifer said.

“Didn’t you see how everyone was staring at me? Gosh! It was so embarrassing,” Sophia replied.

“It’s fine. Let’s go,” Jennifer said, and they both left.

When they got home, Sophia freshened up and took a nap. She woke up later that evening, grabbed her phone, and saw a message from Jasper.

Jasper: “Hey, Queen.”

She smiled and replied, “How did we graduate from being strangers to you calling me Queen? Hope I’m safe.”

Jasper: “Ladies, nothing is ever enough for you all. How are you doing?”

They had an interesting conversation that evening, which eventually led to them flirting in each other’s DMs.

Sophia: “What do you love in a woman?”

Jasper: “I like my woman intelligent, petite, cute, and someone who likes making her own money instead of depending on me, although I’d still support her whenever I can.”

Sophia: “That’s my description. Are you talking about me?”

Jasper: “Silly girl,” he laughed. “I don’t even know what you look like, so I wasn’t talking about you. But you’ve got my attention, though.”

Sophia: “Aww, beg for it, or better still, pay me and get spammed.”

Jasper: “I’m pretty sure you’re blushing already. Just do the needful and stop playing around.”

Sophia eventually sent him her pictures and videos. The moment Jasper saw them, he was captivated. Sophia was dark-skinned and beautiful.

Jasper: “I didn’t know I’d been chatting with a goddess.”

Sophia: “I’m glad you know now.”

Jasper: “You’re beautiful, damn.”

Sophia smiled and replied, “Thanks for the compliment. At least you’ll stop being mean to me.”

Jasper: “Never again will I do that to you, my princess. How were lectures today?”

Sophia went on to explain what had happened.

Jasper: “I’m so sorry about that. That lecturer must be silly for treating you that way. Just be good, okay?”

Sophia: “Okay. Thank you.”

Jasper: “Alright, talk to you later.”

Jasper went on to study as a trader. He needed to understand the financial market to make better investment decisions. He didn’t sleep all night because he believed he needed to stay active to catch market moves.

Sophia, on the other hand, had a presentation for a course titled Media Critics the next day, so she studied her materials thoroughly to defend them well. At that point, both of them stopped texting and focused on their respective tasks.

The next morning was the day of the presentation, and Sophia delivered it so well that her lecturer applauded her. It was a good day for her.

Later, they were at home when Jennifer started lamenting.

“I hate it when people don’t have sense. You posted your new catch, and I didn’t say a word to you. Now I posted a male friend, and not even two minutes later, you’re already crashing out. Girl, can you imagine?”

It was another relationship saga between Jennifer and her man.

Sophia: “I already know what’s going on; you don’t need to explain. This is getting out of hand. Does he think you don’t have sense or what exactly? Girl, you’re taking a lot in this relationship.”

Jennifer: “He knows I was done complaining. I’m already used to the way things are going. Why can’t I just live my life because I’m dating?”

“Wow!” Sophia exclaimed as she walked toward the mirror.

“It’s gotten to this, huh? Getting used to a life you’re not comfortable with? Girl, speak up. I thought you were the queen of nonchalance. Why is this happening? Love is strong indeed.”

Jennifer: “Sophie, this has nothing to do with being nonchalant or not. We’re both adults in a relationship; we should act like one.”

Sophia: “I understand, but it’s already too much. He keeps posting girls up and down on his socials. It’s not fair. Please, girl… I’m breaking out. I think my period is coming.”

“Just shift from here with your period. I’m not in the mood,” Jennifer replied.

Sophia laughed.

“I’m not the cause of your problem, please. Let me go and look for something to cook. I’m hungry. Relationship people,” she added as she walked toward the kitchen.

The phone vibrated against the wooden table before breaking into a loud ringtone. Jennifer looked at the screen, and the smile on her face slowly disappeared. It was Jasper calling Sophia.

“Mtchewww,” Jennifer hissed.

“Your new man-to-be is calling you,” she said to Sophia.

Sophia smiled as she came out of the kitchen, where she had gone to make food for herself and Jennifer.

“You just haven’t told me what Jasper did to you,” Sophia said as she grabbed her phone and answered the call.

Sophia: “Hey, good afternoon. I hope I’m safe. What a pleasant surprise.”

Jasper: “I know, right? You just didn’t expect me to call. How are you doing?”

Sophia: “I’m very well. How about you?”

Jasper: “I’m doing very well too. How were lectures today?”

Sophia: “No lectures, actually. I just had a presentation that lasted a few minutes. I’m home now.”

Jasper: “Oh, how was it?”

Sophia: “It went very well. I thank God.”

Jasper: “I’m happy to hear that. I just called to check up on you. Glad you’re doing well.”

Sophia: “I’m okay. Thanks for calling. Hope you’re good too.”

Jasper: “I’m good too. Talk to you later.”

Sophia: “Okay. Bye.”

Jasper: “Bye. Take care.”