The girls remained close during their first year, rooming together in a modest off-campus apartment. They split chores and stayed up late discussing lectures, gossiping about classmates, and sharing their hopes for the future. For a time, it seemed like their bond would remain unshaken.
However, the dynamics of university life began to widen the cracks that had formed in secondary school.
Chiamaka quickly became popular among her peers. Her combination of beauty, intelligence, and charisma drew people to her effortlessly. Professors praised her in lectures, classmates sought her for group projects, and she was a regular feature at social events and student gatherings.
By the end of their first semester, Chiamaka had been nominated as the class representative for her department, a role she carried out with confidence and grace. Her popularity extended beyond academics; young men on campus admired her from afar, and some were bold enough to approach her with declarations of love.
One of those admirers was Obinna, a handsome engineering student from a wealthy family. Obinna had a reputation for being charming and persistent, and he spared no effort in pursuing Chiamaka.
"Chiamaka," he said one afternoon after a lecture, handing her a bouquet of roses, "I've been watching you for months. You're smart, beautiful, and kind. I can't stop thinking about you."
Chiamaka, though flattered, hesitated. "Obinna, I appreciate your words, but I'm not ready for a relationship right now. I have so much to focus on with my studies."
Obinna smiled. "I'll wait for you. Take your time."
Ogechi watched all of this from the sidelines, her envy simmering beneath the surface. Unlike Chiamaka, she struggled to find her footing. While she excelled academically, she lacked the social ease that made her friend so magnetic.
Whenever they attended social events together, Ogechi felt invisible. The boys who flocked to their group only had eyes for Chiamaka, and the girls who sought friendship often did so to get closer to her.
One evening, after yet another party where Chiamaka was the center of attention, Ogechi.