"Magnus! Magnus!! Magnus!!!" Michael Uchenna's voice cut through the buzz of the restaurant, growing more insistent with each call. Magnus Fernandez didn't respond, his gaze fixed on something far beyond the walls of their surroundings, lost in a world only he could see. Michael sighed, his concern deepening as he reached out to tap Magnus on the shoulder.
Startled, Magnus blinked, his eyes refocusing on Michael as if seeing him for the first time. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice slightly dazed, like someone waking from a long dream.
Michael studied his friend's face, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and the tension in his jaw. "I called your name three times, man. You were completely zoned out. What's going on? You know you can talk to me."
Magnus hesitated, his jaw clenching as he struggled to find the right words. "Nothing much," he finally muttered, but his tone lacked any real conviction. "I just... I've been thinking about Bukola again."
"Ah, Loverboy," Michael teased, trying to lift the mood, but his voice carried a note of seriousness. "Come on, Magnus. It's been over five years since she left. Why torture yourself? There are so many women out there who would give anything to be with you."
Michael slung an arm around Magnus's shoulders, giving him a light shake. "You're Magnus Fernandez! The guy who can have anything or anyone he wants. Snap out of it, bro!"
Before Magnus could reply, Michael spotted their other two friends approaching the table. "Hey, over here!" he called, waving them over.
Yetunde Rolland and Osas Ohis joined them, their presence immediately brightening the atmosphere. Yetunde's energy was infectious; she greeted the guys with high-fives and a warm smile that lit up her face. Osas, more reserved as always, offered a firm handshake, his gaze lingering on Magnus with a perceptive, almost probing look.
"What's up, guys?" Osas asked as he took his seat. His eyes settled on Magnus, and he didn't miss the tension etched into his friend's features. "Magnus, you alright?"
Magnus forced a smile, but it barely touched his lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just dealing with some old memories."
Yetunde leaned forward, her expression softening with concern. "Bukola again?" she asked gently, knowing full well the weight of that name in Magnus's life.
Magnus nodded, his gaze dropping to the table. "I thought I'd be over it by now. But sometimes, it feels like she's still here, like she never really left."
Osas leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Man, you've got to let go. She moved on with her life a long time ago. You need to do the same."
"He's right," Yetunde added, her voice firm but kind. "You deserve happiness, Magnus. You can't keep living in the shadow of a memory."
Magnus sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know you're right. All of you. It's just... it's not that easy."
Michael clapped him on the back, his grin wide and encouraging. "That's why we're here, bro. We've got your back, like always."
Magnus glanced around the table, his heart swelling with gratitude. He knew they were right—his friends had always been there for him, through thick and thin. But as much as he appreciated their support, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was still trapped in the past, a prisoner of memories that refused to fade.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, the mood around the table lifting as the group settled into their usual banter. Yetunde's laughter rang out, filling the space with warmth, while Osas and Michael exchanged playful jabs. But even as Magnus joined in, a part of him remained distant, his thoughts drifting back to Bukola—her smile, her laugh, the way she used to look at him like he was the only person in the world.
Just then, Magnus's phone rang, breaking through his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw his mother's name flashing. With a sigh, he answered.
"Yes, Mum," Magnus replied, his tone respectful but with a hint of weariness. His expression shifted as he listened to her speak, his eyes clouding over with something unreadable. He responded briefly, "Okay, Mum. I'll be there soon."