‘FINDING ME AGAIN”

CHAPTER ONE; FRESH START ; Aisha &Zion

“Aisha took a deep breathe,slipped ID into her bag,and stepped into the crowded hallway.New semester,new her,as she navigated through students.She is so excited to begin a new phase of her life,been a bright-eyed year 1 student at Unilag studying nursing.She pushed open the door to the auditorium,scanning the sea of unfamiliar places,a fresh start and a new vibe.Aisha got to the hostel,checked herself in with the necessary paperwork’s to be signed and filled up.She was given a room,and taken in to settle down,where she met her roomie called Tasha”hi, I am new here,glad to meet you”Tasha responded “oh, you are welcome been expecting you for quite a while”.Aisha got to settle in well thanks to Tasha guiding her well.

Aisha woke up early,eager for her first lecture.She freshened up and ate her breakfast ready to go to campus.She got to campus,and got lost in the crowd.As she stood there,frozen with a mix of excitement and anxiety,a low voice whispered behind her”You seem lost”He chuckled,Aisha shot him a cool, dismissive glance, eyebrows raised in annoyance, and kept walking. Zion, unfazed, flashed a lazy smile as she disappeared into the crowd.Aisha didn't give him a second thought, but Zion's crew did. Leaning against the wall, they chuckled as Zion joined them. "Dude, looks like someone got rejected," one of them snarked. Zion shrugged it off, but his eyes lingered on Aisha's retreating form.His boys started poking fun, and Zion, never one to back down, raised an eyebrow. "Alright, I'll get her to notice me," he said, a dare in his smile. The bet was on: who could crack Aisha's cool exterior first?.Aisha sat in lecture,gaze drifting out the window.She was so excited about her first lecture class. Her lecturer came in Dr.petal,swept into the room,glasses perched on his nose”Alright let’s dive into today case study”.Until class flew by and when the bell rang.Aisha snapped her note book shut,gathered her stuff,immiediately a girl blocked her view and greeted her”hi my name is Mia”she responded saying”hello i am Aisha”Mia told her it was nice meeting her that she noticed she was new and also welcomed her.Mia chatted away, asking Aisha about her course load and favourite spots on, found herself relaxing around Mia's friendly vibes.As they talked, Mia casually mentioned a group project coming up and suggested they team up.Aisha smiled, feeling grateful. "Thanks for the update, Mia. And thanks for welcoming me, you're a lifesaver!" She pulled out her phone. "What's your number? We can chat about the project and stuff.Mia handed her phone to Aisha. "Put your number in, let's chat." Mia smiled, typing away. "All done!" They exchanged a friendly smile before parting ways.

Aisha got back to her room in the hostel,she was so tired,Aisha dropped her bag and collapsed onto the bed. "Tasha, I had a major ouch moment today."

Tasha looked up. "What happened?"

Aisha sighed. "I almost bumped into this guy, Zion, in the hallway. He gave me attitude, and I talked back. I think I was right tho 😅"

Tasha laughed. "Sounds like someone's got a story. What did he look like?"

Aisha rolled her eyes. "Tall, kinda arrogant-looking. Zion, I heard someone call him."

Tasha's eyes widened. "Zion Emeh? Popular guy on campus."

Aisha groaned. "Ugh, great. Now I'm gonna see him everywhere."Tasha leaned in, intrigued. "So what happened after the clash? Did you apologize or...?"

Aisha shrugged. "Nah, I just walked away. Didn't wanna give him the satisfaction. But now I'm stressing, thinking he'll be weird around me."

Tasha chuckled. "You can handle him. Besides, maybe he's not that bad."

Aisha raised an eyebrow. "You know him?"

Tasha nodded. "He's in our faculty. Some girls say he's nice once you get past the vibe."

Aisha scoffed. "I'll believe it when I see it 😊"Tasha laughed. "Fair enough. But if he approaches you, just play it cool, okay?"

Aisha nodded, determined. "I can do that."

Just then, Aisha's phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number: "Hey Aisha, it's Mia from class. How's it going? 😊"Aisha's face lit up. "It's Mia, the girl I met in class!" She showed Tasha the message.

Tasha grinned. "Nice! She's cute. Respond already."

Aisha typed away: "Hey Mia, just got back to my hostel. What's up?"

Mia replied instantly: "Not much. Just wanted to check if you got the group project details I sent earlier."

Aisha nodded to herself. "Yeah, got it. We'll catch up in class."

Tasha leaned in. "Seems like you're making new friends." 😊Tasha's expression turned serious for a sec. "Just be careful with new friends in uni, Aisha. People can be fake, especially if they're popular." 😊Aisha smiled, typing away: "Nah, Mia's a cool person and nice so far. We vibed in class 😊"Tasha smiled back. "Aww, that's good then! Just keep being you, and you'll be fine.Mia?"Aisha typed: Btw, what made you pick nursing science?"

Mia responded instantly: "L love for helping people + it's versatile 😊. You?"

Aisha smiled, typing back: "Same here! Want to make a difference 💕"Aisha's eyes lit up as she continued chatting with Mia. "We really clicked, talking about pediatrics and community health 😊"

Aisha's phone buzzed again. "She wants to add me on WhatsApp."Aisha smiled, typing away. "Sounds like we're gonna be project partners and friends 😊"

Mia responded instantly: "Definitely! Can't wait for tomorrow"

Aisha grinned, feeling a new connection. "Me too!"Aisha typed: "Alright, goodnight! See you tomorrow 😊"

Mia responded: "Night, sleep tight! 😊"

Aisha woke up to her alarm, rubbed her eyes, and jumped out of bed. She quickly got dressed in a comfy outfit, grabbed her bag, and headed out for her early morning lecture.

After a quick breakfast, she attended her lecture, taking notes on pharmacology. The morning flew by.

As 2 PM approached, Aisha headed to the café, excited to meet Mia and work on their project. 😊Aisha and Mia settled into a corner table, laptops open, and started brainstorming ideas for their nursing science project.

Just as they got into the flow, Aisha noticed Zion and his friends walking by the café. He caught her eye, smiled slightly, and kept moving.

Mia followed her gaze. "Who's that? 😊"

Aisha played it cool. "Just some guy from class."

Zion's group didn't stop, but he glanced back once, catching Aisha's eye again. She looked away quickly, focusing on Mia.

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, 'just some guy' 👀"

Aisha laughed it off. "Let's focus on this project!"As Zion and his crew lingered nearby, he shot Aisha a smirk. "So, working with a new partner, I see."

Aisha didn't look up, typing away on her laptop. "Yep."

Mia sensed the tension and jumped in. "Hey, we're on a deadline. Nice chatting, though."

Zion chuckled, undeterred. "Alright, don't work too hard, Aisha."

Aisha still didn't glance up. "Don't worry about me."

Mia whispered, "Girl, he's really not worth it 😊"

Aisha smirked. "I know, right?"Rex grabbed Aisha's arm, pulling her up. "You think you can disrespect Zion like that?"

Aisha's eyes widened, and she tried to shake him off. "Let go!"

Zion instantly spun Rex around, voice low and firm. "Rex, what are you doing? Let her go!"

Mia jumped up, backing Aisha. "Back off!"

Rex snarled but released Aisha's arm. Aisha stepped back, eyes flashing.

Zion turned to her. "Sorry about that."

Aisha scoffed. "Don't bother."

The café patrons started staring. Zion nodded, pulling Rex away. "Let's go."

As they left, Mia checked Aisha's arm. "You okay? 😊"

Aisha brushed her off. "Yeah. Let's just finish this project."Aisha's jaw clenched as she tried to focus on the project, but her mind kept drifting back to the confrontation. Mia noticed and gently nudged her. "Hey, don't let them get to you, okay?"

Aisha took a deep breath and nodded, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. "Yeah, I'm good. Let's just finish this."

They worked in silence for a bit, the tension slowly dissipating. But Aisha couldn't help but wonder what Zion was thinking, and why he'd even bother stopping Rex if he was just going to let her get hurt.

Mia broke the silence, her voice low. "You know, I think we make a pretty good team."

Aisha smiled slightly, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, we do."

As they wrapped up their project, Aisha felt a sense of accomplishment, and a determination to not let Zion and his crew get the better of her. 😊

Gotcha! 😊 Let's try again

CHAPTER 2:”THE FACADE”

Aisha settled into her seat, sipping her lukewarm coffee as she waited for her next lecture. Mia plopped down beside her, flashing a bright smile. "Hey girl! How's it going?"

Aisha smiled back, feeling a sense of relief having someone to talk to. "It's going, just trying to get used to this uni life."

Mia nodded sympathetically. "I know, right? The workload's already piling up. But hey, at least we have each other, eh?"

Aisha nodded, feeling a pang of trust towards Mia. As they chatted, Zion walked by, catching Aisha's eye. He flashed a charming smile and winked at her. Aisha raised an eyebrow, confused by his attention.

Mia noticed and leaned in, her voice low. "Don't mind him, he's just a flirt. Always trying to get girls' attention."

Aisha shrugged it off, not interested. But Mia's eyes flickered to Zion, a subtle exchange between them.

Later, Mia texted Aisha, "Hey, let's grab lunch! I want to introduce you to some people.

As the lecture ended, Aisha gathered her things and met up with Mia at the entrance. "Hey, ready for lunch?" Mia asked, grinning.

Aisha nodded, and they headed out. Instead of the cafeteria, Mia led her to a corner of the campus, surrounded by trees and benches. A group of people were lounging around, laughing and chatting. Aisha's eyes widened as she took in the scene – they were drinking, smoking, and speaking in a mix of slangs and Pidgin.

Mia pulled her closer. "Aish, meet the crew!"

One by one, they came up to introduce themselves. There was Tayo, the loudmouthed jokester; Leila, the quiet but intense artist; and Jax, the smooth-talking ladies' man. Aisha felt a bit out of place, but they welcomed her with open arms.

As they chatted, Aisha noticed Zion slip into the group, a joint hanging from his lips. He caught her eye, and Mia quickly intervened, "Hey, Zion, what's up?"

Aisha's radar pinged – what was going on between these two? And what had Mia really brought her into? 😏

Zion nodded at Aisha, his gaze lingering for a bit before he turned to Jax. "What's good, cuz? Got the goods?" He gestured to the joint.

Jax handed it over, and Zion took a long drag, exhaling smoke as he leaned against a tree. "So, Aisha, how's uni life treating you?"

Aisha shrugged, feeling a bit uneasy under his gaze. "It's chill. Just trying to find my vibe."

Mia jumped in, "Aish is doing great! She's already got a bunch of notes from our psych lecture."

Leila raised an eyebrow. "Psych, huh? You into that deep stuff?"

Aisha smiled. "Nah, just trying to keep up."

The group laughed, and the conversation flowed – music, movies, and uni gossip. Aisha found herself relaxing, getting into the vibe. But every now and then, she'd catch Zion watching her, and Mia's smile would flicker for a split second.

As they started to disperse, Zion pushed off the tree. "Aish, you chill? Want to walk you to your next class."

Aisha hesitated. Was he hitting on her? "Uh, no thanks. I'm good."

Mia looped her arm through Aisha's as they walked, steering her away from Zion. "So, what do you think of the crew?" she asked, her voice bubbly.

Aisha hesitated, processing the mixed vibes. "They seem cool. Bit intense, though."

Mia laughed. "Yeah, they're a lot. But they're solid, you know?"

As they walked, Aisha's phone buzzed. A message from Zion: "Hey beautiful 😊, want to grab coffee?"

Aisha frowned. What was this? She showed Mia, who smiled slyly. "Aish, go for it! He's totally into you, and he's a great guy."

Aisha raised an eyebrow. "But you said he's a flirt."

Mia waved it off. "Yeah, but that was before he met you. Trust me, he's different around you. Plus, it'll be fun! 😊"

Aisha hesitated, unsure. What if Mia was right?

in quickly, "Yeah, I'll walk with her. We have stuff to catch up on."

Zion's smile didn't falter, but Aisha saw something else – a flash of annoyance? 😏

Mia looped her arm through Aisha's as they walked, steering her away from Zion. "So, what do you think of the crew?" she asked, her voice bubbly.

Aisha hesitated, processing the mixed vibes. "They seem cool. Bit intense, though."

Mia laughed. "Yeah, they're a lot. But they're solid, you know?"

As they walked, Aisha's phone buzzed. A message from Zion: "Hey beautiful 😊, want to grab coffee?"

Aisha frowned. What was this? She showed Mia, who smiled slyly. "Aish, go for it! He's totally into you, and he's a great guy."

Aisha raised an eyebrow. "But you said he's a flirt."

Mia waved it off. "Yeah, but that was before he met you. Trust me, he's different around you. Plus, it'll be fun! 😊"

Aisha hesitated, unsure. What if Mia was right?

Mia's eyes sparkled with encouragement. "Come on, Aish, live a little! Grab coffee with him, see where it goes."

Aisha sighed, her fingers flying across her phone screen. "Fine. But if he tries anything, I'm blaming you."

Mia grinned, sending a thumbs-up emoji to Zion's message. "Don't worry, I've got your back."

Zion's response came through instantly: "Cool! Tonight, 6 PM at Java's?"

Aisha showed Mia, who nodded. "Perfect spot. Dress cute."

As they parted ways, Aisha felt a flutter in her chest. Was she really doing this?

Tasha looked up from her books, a mischievous glink in her eye. "Hey, Aish! How was class?"

Aisha dropped her bag on the bed. "It was okay. Just met some people, though."

Tasha's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. "Ooh, spill! Who are they?"

Aisha flopped onto her bed, phone buzzing – Zion's message: "Looking forward to tonight 😊"

She smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. What was she getting into?

Tasha ,noticed the smile and raised an eyebrow. "Zion, huh? 😄"

Aisha's eyes widened. "How did you...?"

Tasha ,Zion pulled out a chair for her, and Aisha slid into it, feeling a bit like she was in a movie. He ordered their drinks – cappuccino for her, black coffee for himself – and they chatted about everything from uni life to music tastes.

As the conversation flowed, Aisha found herself laughing more than she had in weeks. Zion was charming, asking her questions and really listening to her answers.

But every now and then, she'd catch him looking at her in a way that made her skin prinkle. Like he was seeing something she wasn't sure she wanted him to see.

The coffee turned into dinner (he insisted on trying the new jollof rice place next door), and Aisha lost track of time. When she finally checked her phone, it was past 10 PM.

"Whoa, I gotta head back," she said, suddenly panicked.

Zion paid the bill, walking her out. "I'll drop you. My car's parked nearby."

Aisha hesitated. Was this a good idea? 😏

Zion's car was sleek and smelled like leather and cologne. Aisha buckled up, feeling a flutter as he slid into the driver's seat.

As they drove through the quiet uni streets, the music low and the windows slightly open, Zion glanced at her. "So, how's your first week treating you?"

Aisha shrugged, looking out at the night. "It's been... interesting."

He chuckled. "That's a good sign, right?"

They pulled up to her hostel, the engine humming soft. Zion turned to her, his expression suddenly serious. "Aisha, I really like talking to you."

Aisha's heart skipped. Before she could respond, he leaned in – not too close, but close enough – and kissed her cheek.

"Text me when you get in safe?"

Aisha nodded, feeling dazed as she slipped out of the car. 😏

She rushed back to her dorm feeling so shy and awkward.She got to her room freshened up and received a text from Zion;

_Her phone lights up

*Zion*: "Sleep well, beautiful. Dream of me?"

Aisha reads it 3 times. Heart = doing gymnastics.

She bites her lip, types, deletes, types again...

Aisha*: "Zion 😊

Okay. Goodnight."

She hits send and immediately throws her phone face-down on the bed.

Covering her face with her pillow like _"WHAT DID I JUST SEND"

2 minutes later... _ding_

Zion*: "That smiley got me.

Goodnight Aisha.

Sweet dreams."

And that’s it. No more texts. Just both of them lying in bed, smiling at their ceilings.

In the morning 🌅

She wakes up and the first thing she does is check her phone...

*7:42am*

_ding_

Zion*: "Morning, beautiful 😊

So... did my text work?

Did you dream of me or should I try again tonight? 👀"

Aisha is still in bed, hair everywhere, smiling like an i***t.

Her roommate Tasha walks in like _"who’s making you blush at 7am?"_

Aisha takes 10 minutes to reply because she’s overthinking every word.

Aisha*: "Good morning Zion 😅

I don’t remember my dreams o...

But I did wake up smiling. Does that count?"

_ding_ 30 seconds later

Zion*: "That counts.

That counts a lot.

Can I see that smile today? Lunch? My treat."

Aisha doesn’t reply immediately.

She sets the phone down and stares at the ceiling.

Tasha notices from the top bunk. _"Hey… you okay down there?"_

Aisha pulls the blanket over her head.

*Inside her head it’s loud.*

Is this real?_

A month ago we barely talked. Just hi and bye in the hallway._

Now I’m smiling at 7am because of him?_

I don’t know what this is. Fling? Crush? Something more?_

But… I like talking to him. I like how he listens._

I like how he stayed after chem lab to help me understand titration._

I like how he made me laugh when I spilled coffee all over my notes._

The way he looked at me in the car last night... that didn’t feel casual._That felt like he actually sees me._

Her chest gets tight.

Falling means risk. Falling means she could get hurt.

But pretending she doesn’t like him also hurts.

She sits up slowly. Hair messy, heart messier.

Aisha to herself*: "Okay. One lunch. Just lunch.

I’m not falling. I’m just… curious.

And I like his personality. A lot.

Right?"

She picks up the phone with shaky hands.

Aisha*: "Okay 😊

1pm. Cafeteria by the library.

Let’s see if your smile is as nice in person as it is in texts."

She hits send before she can overthink it again.

Then drops the phone and hides her face.

Tasha: _leans over the bunk_ _"So… we catching feelings or what?"_

Aisha: _throws a pillow up_ _"Shut up Tasha. I just like him. Is that a crime?"_

_But she’s already opening her wardrobe._

Tasha: _"Mhm. ‘Just like him’. That’s why you’re checking 3 outfits in 5 minutes."_ 😂

---

*The truth she won’t admit yet:*

She doesn’t know where this is going.

But for the first time in a long time... she doesn’t want to run from it.

---

*1:00pm - Cafeteria by the library*

Zion is already there. Two plates of jollof and chicken, one Chapman, one Coke.

He stands up the moment he sees her.

> *Zion*: "You came." _soft smile_

> *Aisha*: _nervous laugh_ "You said my treat. I had to see if you were lying."

> *Zion*: "Never. Sit." _pushes her plate over_ "So… did you sleep well?"

> *Aisha*: "Better than I should have."

They eat. They talk. No pressure. No bet.

Just Zion asking about her day, and Aisha noticing the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs.

As they’re leaving:

> *Zion*: "Walk you to your hostel?"

> *Aisha*: "Yeah… okay."

And for the first time, walking in silence doesn’t feel awkward.

It feels safe.

*1:12pm - Outside Aisha’s hostel room*

The walk was quiet. Not awkward quiet.

The _“I don’t want this to end”_ quiet.

They stop at her door.

Aisha fumbles with her keys but her hands are shaking a little.

Zion*: "You okay?"

Aisha*: _laughs nervously_ "Yeah. Just... full of jollof."

He smiles. Steps a little closer.

The hallway light is warm. Tasha’s music is faint from inside. But right now it’s just them.

Zion looks at her. Really looks.

Hair still a little messy from rushing, lips curved like she’s trying not to smile too big.

Zion*: _softly_ "I’ve been thinking about your smile all day."

Aisha*: _heart drops_ "Zion..."

He doesn’t say anything else.

He just reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers linger for half a second.

And then—

He leans in. Slow. Giving her time to pull away.

She doesn’t.

It’s not rushed. Not messy.

Just one soft, lingering kiss. Like _“I like you”_ and _“I’m scared but I’m here”_ all in one.

When they pull back, both of them are smiling like idiots.

Zion*: _whispers_ "Was that okay?"

Aisha*: _nods, still catching her breath_ "Yeah... that was more than okay."

He bumps her shoulder gently.

Zion*: "I’ll text you later. Go rest, beautiful."

Aisha unlocks the door, turns back one last time.

Aisha*: "Okay. Text me."

She closes the door.

Leans against it.

And immediately covers her face because she’s grinning so hard it hurts.

From inside:

Tasha: _"SOOO??? How was lunch??"_

Aisha: _screams into a pillow_ _"TASHA SHUT UP!!"_ 😂

---

*The truth now:*

She doesn’t know if it’s a fling.

But her heart knows it didn’t feel like one,

---

*11:27pm - Aisha’s room*

Lights off. Aisha is in bed pretending to scroll t****k.

Tasha is already snoring on the top bunk.

_diiiing_

Zion*: "Hey you 😊

Just checking if you got home safe.

And if the jollof didn’t knock you out."

Aisha smiles into her pillow. Types. Deletes. Types again.

Aisha*: "I got home safe 😅

The jollof was a 10/10. Your company was... also a 10/10."

_diiing_ 10 seconds later

>Zion*: "Also a 10/10 huh?

I’ll take it 😌

> Real talk though Aisha...

> Today felt different.

> I like talking to you.

> I like _you_.

> Is that weird to say over text?"

Aisha’s heart is doing gymnastics.

She stares at the ceiling for a full minute.

> *Aisha*: "It’s not weird.

> Because I like you too.

> I like how you make me laugh.

> I like how safe I feel with you.

> Today felt different for me too."

_diiing_

> *Zion*: "Can I be honest?

> I was nervous today.

> Kept thinking ‘what if I mess this up?’

> But then you smiled at me in the cafeteria and

> I forgot everything else."

> *Zion*: "So... can we do it again?

> Not lunch this time.

> Maybe a walk? Or just sit somewhere and talk?

> Whenever you’re free."

Aisha reads it 3 times.

> *Aisha*: "I’m free tomorrow evening 😊

> Walk by the lake?

> No pressure. Just... us."

> *Zion*: "Deal.

> 6pm. I’ll be there.

> Goodnight, beautiful.

> Sweet dreams."

Aisha sets her phone down.

Pulls the blanket over her head and kicks her legs like a 12 year old.

Tasha: _mumbles from top bunk_ _"Who’s texting at midnight..."_

Aisha: _whispers_ _"Nobody. Go to sleep Tasha."_

*The truth now:*

She’s not sure what this is yet.

But she’s excited to find out.

---

*Next Morning 🌅 - 8:30am*

_knock knock_

Aisha is still half-asleep, hair in a bonnet, brushing teeth when Tasha yells from the door:

> *Tasha*: "Aisha! Someone’s here for you!"

Aisha opens the door and — *Mia*.

From her department. They gist sometimes, sit together in class, but not _that_ close.

> *Mia*: _half-smile_ "Morning Aisha. Can I come in?"

> *Aisha*: _wiping toothpaste_ "Yeah... sure. What’s up?"

> *Mia*: "Just checking on you. We haven’t really talked in like forever."

Aisha lets her in. Tasha grabs her bag like she can sense vibes:

> *Tasha*: "I’ll be in the common room. Yell if you need me 😂"

Door closes.

Mia looks around awkwardly. Sits on the edge of the chair.

> *Mia*: "So... are you avoiding people or something?

> I’ve seen you around campus but we never really talk anymore.

> Last time was what... 2 weeks ago in GST class?"

Aisha feels a bit guilty. She _has_ been distracted.

> *Aisha*: "No, I’m not avoiding you.

> It’s just been... hectic. School, stuff.

> Sorry if it seemed like that."

Mia nods slowly, studying her.

> *Mia*: "You look different though.

> Glowing. Distracted.

> Is it... that Zion guy?

> People have been talking."

Aisha freezes. _People have been talking??_

> *Aisha*: _laughs it off_ "Zion and I are just... friends.

> We had lunch yesterday. That’s all."

> *Mia*: _smirks a little_ "‘Just friends’ with that kind of smile?

> Okay o. I’m not here to pry."

> "I just wanted to say hi.

> Don’t be a stranger, Aisha. Campus is small."

Mia stands up to leave.

> *Mia*: "See you in class?

> And... congrats. If it’s something. You deserve to be happy."

She walks out before Aisha can respond.

Aisha closes the door and leans against it.

Tasha peeks in: _"What was that about?"_

Aisha: _"Nothing... people are just noticing."_

---

*The truth now:*

It’s not just her and Zion anymore.

People are watching,

---

*Later that day - 3:20pm*

Mia finds Zion by the basketball court. No anger. Just curiosity.

> *Mia*: "So? How’s the bet going?"

> *Zion*: _grins_ "Going well. She said yes to the walk."

> *Mia*: _laughs_ "Damn. She really fell for it fast."

Zion shrugs.

> *Zion*: "It’s nothing serious. I’m just pretending to like her to win.

> You know you’re the only one I actually want."

Mia steps closer.

> *Mia*: "Good. Because I don’t care if Aisha gets hurt or not.

> That’s her problem, not mine."

They kiss. Later that night they sleep together at his place.

When she leaves, she doesn’t look back.

> *Mia*: "Text me when you win the bet."

> *Zion*: "Bet."

---

*6:00pm - The Lake*

Zion’s phone buzzes.

> *Zion*: "Hey. Still on for the walk? 😊"

Aisha’s in her room getting ready. She’s nervous but excited.

> *Aisha*: "Yes. I’m coming."

By the lake it’s just them. Sunset, quiet, talking for hours.

He’s charming. She’s falling.

> *Zion*: "Aisha... will you go out with me?

> Like, be my girl?"

Aisha’s heart jumps.

> *Aisha*: "Yes." _soft smile_

They hold hands walking back. Later that night they make out.

And that’s when Zion finds out she’s a virgin.

He doesn’t say anything about it. Just kisses her forehead and tells her to get some rest.

---

He then escorted her to her dorm and gave her a peck on her forehead saying “Goodnight”.

---

One week later;

Aisha was looking for Zion’s notes. He left his bag in the lecture hall after chem.

She unzips it to find his notebook and her eye catches his phone. Screen on. Notifications popping.

*Group chat: "The Bet Boys 💰"*

> *Tunde*: "Omo Zion update us! How far?"

> *Zion*: "LMAO she’s fully in 😂

> Walks, dinner, hand-holding, everything.

> She thinks it’s love.

> 2 more weeks and that 200k is mine."

> *Emeka*: "She’s a virgin too bro. Jackpot."

> *Zion*: "Shhh. Don’t ruin the game."

Aisha stops breathing.

The hallway noise fades. Her hands go numb.

She reads it again. And again. Like if she reads it enough times the words will change.

> *Aisha*: _whispers_ "It was a bet..."

Zion walks in right then with 2 cups of Chapman. Sees her. Sees his phone in her hand. His smile drops.

> *Zion*: "Aisha... give me that."

> *Aisha*: _doesn’t move_ "Is it true?"

> *Zion*: "Babe let me explain—"

> *Aisha*: "WAS. ANY. OF. IT. REAL??"

Her voice cracks on the last word. People in the hallway start looking.

Zion steps closer.

> *Zion*: "Aisha please, it started as a bet but—"

> *Aisha*: "BUT WHAT??

> The kiss at my door?

> The ‘you’re beautiful’ texts at 11pm?

> The way you looked at me at the lake and asked me out??"

> _tears start falling_

> "Was that all part of the 200k too??"

Zion can’t answer. Because the truth is, somewhere along the line it stopped feeling like a game to him. But he said too much in that chat.

> *Zion*: "I do like you. It got complicated—"

> *Aisha*: _laughs bitterly, wiping her face_ "Don’t. Don’t lie to me again."

She drops the phone on his bag. Picks up her own things.

> *Aisha*: "I hope the 200k was worth it, Zion."

She walks out. Head high. Shaking.

Behind her, Zion stands there with two cups of Chapman getting warm, and a group chat that just ruined everything.

Tasha finds her 10 minutes later in the stairwell, crying silently into her knees.

> *Tasha*: _sits beside her_ "Hey... what happened?"

> *Aisha*: _voice broken_ "It was never real, Tasha.

> None of it."

---Aisha broke down in complete tears ,she was hurt and devasted,It was as if the whole world is sinking right into her.She just wanted to scream out loud in bitter tears,Tasha ….