Lessons After Class.

Chapter 13

I woke up on Sunday with light already slipping through the curtains. The room felt calm, like the day had good plans for me. The first thing I saw was Yemi’s face. He was already awake, looking at me like he had been waiting.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked.

“Because you are awake now”, he said.

I shifted closer. The white sheets were slightly rough under my fingers. His arm was under my neck. My head rested on his shoulder. The pillow smelled like his soap.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“Early enough”, he said.

“You sound serious”, I said.

He smiled a little and adjusted his arm so I was more comfortable.

“Give me today, Hana”, he said.

“Give you today how?” I asked.

“Your whole day”, he said. “No plans. No rushing. Just me and you”.

I lifted my head and looked at him.

“That sounds like kidnapping”, I said.

He laughed.

“I promise to return you in one piece”, he said.

“And what if I say no?” I asked.

“Then I will beg”, he said.

“You do not beg”, I said.

“I can for you”, he said.

I rolled my eyes. Knowing Yemi, that’s a big lie but I had to give this a thought. I looked at the ceiling for a moment, then back at him.

“What do I get in return?” I asked.

He brushed his thumb lightly over my hand.

“I will make it worth it”, he said. “I promise”.

“You always say that”, I said.

“And do I ever fail?” he asked.

I thought about it.

“No, you do not”, I said.

He smiled wider.

“So is that a yes?” he asked.

I sighed softly and settled back against him.

“Fine”, I said. “You have my whole day”.

He pulled me closer.

“Thank you”, he said.

Just do not stress me, I said.

“Today is for enjoyment only”, he said.

We stayed there for a while, talking about small things. What we dreamed about. What we wanted to eat later. What song was stuck in his head. My fingers played with the edge of the sheet. His hand rested on my waist, warm and steady.

“I like waking up like this”, I said.

“Me too”, he said. “Especially when I know I get you all day”.

“Then you better not waste it”, I said.

“I will not”, he said. “I promise you”.

I took my time getting ready. I showered, used my favorite soap, and rubbed lotion on my skin until it shined. I wore a soft cream dress that hugged me in the right places but still let me breathe. I tied my hair back and left a few strands loose by my face. I wanted to look calm and fine, not loud. I sprayed a light scent and checked myself one last time. I looked like myself, just a better rested version.

Yemi sent a text saying he was outside. I grabbed my small bag and walked out. The sun was bright but not harsh. He stepped out of the car and smiled the moment he saw me. That smile always made me feel chosen.

“You look good”, he said.

“You always say that”, I replied.

“Because it is always true”, he said.

He opened the door for me and we drove off. The car smelled clean and soft as usual. Music played low in the background. We talked about nothing and everything. He told me about a funny story from work. He works part-time in his dad’s company. I told him about a dream I had that made no sense. We laughed like we had all the time in the world.

Our first stop was breakfast at a quiet place by the water. The kind of place where the chairs are soft and the plates look too nice to touch. The waiter greeted us and showed us to a table with a clear view of the river. Boats passed slowly, and the water shone under the sun.

“This place is nice”, I said.

“I wanted to start the day right”, Yemi said.

We ordered pancakes, eggs, fresh juice, and coffee. While we waited, he reached for my hand across the table. His hand felt warm. I traced small circles on his palm without thinking.

“How has this week been for you?” he asked.

“Busy. My professors are something else with the assignments on the first week”, I said remembering everything that unfolded this past week. “I missed you”.

“I missed you too”, he said.

The food came and it tasted as good as it looked. The pancakes were soft and sweet. The juice was cold and fresh. We ate slowly, talking between bites. At some point, he wiped a bit of syrup from my finger and smiled like he had just found a secret.

After breakfast, we took a walk along the water. The breeze played with my dress. We passed couples, families, and people walking dogs. Yemi pointed out small things, a bird resting on a rail, a child laughing too loud, a man playing music on the street. Being with him made the world feel clear.

Our next stop was a spa. I raised my brows when we arrived.

“A spa”, I said.

“Yes”, he said. “Trust me”.

Inside, the air smelled like herbs and calm. Soft music played. They led us to a room for couples massage. We changed into robes and lay side by side. The lights were low. When the massage started, I felt my body melt. All the stress I did not even know I was holding began to fade.

I heard Yemi sigh softly beside me. I smiled to myself.

“This is heaven”, I whispered.

“I told you”, he whispered back.

After the massage, we sat in the lounge with warm tea. My body felt loose and light. Yemi looked relaxed, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“You needed this”, I said.

“We both did”, he replied.

We left the spa and drove to a shopping area. The kind with clean streets and big glass stores. The kind of store I would have to save for two years to afford a dress. He parked the car and took my hand again.

“Today is about you”, he said.

I laughed. That sounds dangerous.

He smiled like he meant it.

We walked into a clothing store first. I picked up a few things, touching fabrics, holding dresses up to my body. Yemi watched patiently, giving honest thoughts.

“That one looks like you would wear it on a happy day”, he said about a blue dress.

“I like that”, I said and added it to the pile.

We moved to another store, then another. Shoes, bags, little things I did not plan to buy but somehow needed. Each time I looked at the total, my eyes widened.

“Are you sure?” I asked more than once.

“I am sure”, he said every time.

We took a break at a cafe and shared cake and milkshakes. I had chocolate. He had vanilla. We fed each other small bites and laughed when crumbs fell.

“You spoil me”, I said.

“I like seeing you happy”, he said.

After shopping, he surprised me again. He drove us to a place I had only seen online. A fine art gallery. The walls were white and tall. The art was bold and quiet at the same time. We walked slowly, stopping in front of pieces that caught our eyes.

“What do you see?” he asked in front of a large painting.

“I see peace and chaos fighting”, I said.

“I see strength”, he said.

We talked about art like I knew what we were doing. Maybe he did. Or maybe we were just sharing thoughts. Either way, it felt close.

As evening came closer, he told me not to worry about dinner. He had plans. We drove again, this time to a high end restaurant in the city. Valet parking. Soft lights. People dressed well.

I suddenly felt shy.

“Do I look okay?” I asked.

He looked at me like I was the only thing in the room.

“You look perfect”, he said.

Inside, the restaurant was warm and glowing. We were led to a quiet table. Candles flickered. A man played soft piano music in the corner.

We ordered wine, food I could barely pronounce, and dessert before the main meal even came. Everything tasted rich and full. Each bite felt like a reward.

We talked about our future. Not in a heavy way. Just small dreams. Places we wanted to visit. Things we wanted to build.

“I like the idea of growing with you”, he said.

“I like the idea of growing with you too@, I said.

After dinner, he asked if I was tired.

“I am full and happy”, I said.

“Good”, he said. “Because we are not done”.

The last stop was a quiet rooftop spot. The city lights spread below us. The air was cool. We sat close, sharing a blanket. He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me in.

I rested my head on his chest. I could hear his heartbeat. Steady and calm.

“Thank you for today”, I said softly.

“Thank you for being you”, he replied.

We stayed there for a long time. Talking. Sitting in silence. Watching the city breathe. I felt safe. Loved. Seen.

When he finally drove me home, the night was deep. He walked me to the door and held my hands.

“I had a really good day”, I said.

“Me too”, he said.

He kissed my forehead and smiled.

“Good night, Hana”.

“Good night, Yemi”.

As I went inside, my heart felt full in a quiet way. Not loud. Not rushed. Just full. I knew this Sunday would stay with me for a long time.