Forcados University was alive with the usual hustle and bustle of a fresh semester. The sprawling campus, adorned with lush greenery and towering buildings, buzzed with activity as students trooped through the wide walkways, some engaged in lively chatter while others hurried to their lectures, their bags swinging behind them. The air was thick with the scent of fried snacks from nearby kiosks and the unmistakable energy of a new beginning.
First-year students, their faces filled with excitement and confusion, clutched onto their course forms, asking for directions from the more experienced seniors who barely paid them any attention. The student union building, always a hive of activity, was filled with students queuing up to resolve registration issues, while a group of athletes jogged past, their matching jerseys marking them as part of the school's football team.
Past the central library and the faculty of science, nestled at the far end of the campus, stood the Pharmacology Departmental Block, a three-story structure painted in faded cream with large glass windows that reflected the morning sunlight. The block was a melting pot of students in crisp white lab coats and others in casual clothing, engaged in lively conversations about their holiday experiences and the weeks ahead.
Inside the large lecture hall designated for second-year students, a chaotic scene was unfolding. The seats, arranged in neat rows, were now in disarray as students clustered in groups, laughing and catching up. Some were perched on desks, exchanging stories about their holiday experiences, while others flicked through textbooks, their expressions already showing the weight of the semester ahead.
Chikaima sat in her usual spot near the middle row, leaning on her desk with a tired sigh as Chelsea scrolled through her phone beside her.
"Kaima, I swear if I see one more course outline in this group chat, I might scream," Chelsea muttered, flicking the screen with annoyance.
Kaima chuckled, stretching lazily. "Welcome back to reality, my dear. Holiday over, stress activated."
Just then, Chuma slid into the seat beside them, looking unusually serious. "Ladies," he greeted, tapping his pen against the desk. "Hope you've seen the timetable for the continuous assessment? It's starting earlier than expected."
Chelsea groaned. "Why do they enjoy torturing us like this?"
Before Kaima could respond, the room suddenly fell silent as the departmental president, a tall, dark-skinned final-year student named Henry, walked into the hall with his usual air of authority. Clad in a crisp blue shirt and black trousers, he cleared his throat and gestured for attention.
"Alright, everyone, settle down," Henry's voice rang out, commanding the room. "Welcome back to a new semester. I hope you all enjoyed your holidays because it's time to hit the ground running."
A few students murmured in response, but most listened intently as he continued.
"Now, to business. As most of you already know, our annual Pharmacy Department Bonfire Night is coming up at the end of the month. It's a tradition that brings all five levels of our department together—first years to final years. It's happening on the last Friday of this month, and I expect maximum participation."
A ripple of excitement passed through the class, with whispers and murmurs breaking out. Chelsea leaned toward Kaima. "Finally, something to look forward to."
Henry smiled, noticing the excitement. "There will be music, food, and of course, a chance to bond with everyone in the department outside of academics. Trust me, you don't want to miss it."
A guy from the back called out, "Will there be suya?"
Laughter erupted, and Henry smirked. "Of course, and much more. Just make sure you're there."
With that, he wrapped up his brief speech and left the hall, his presence lingering even after he was gone. The moment he stepped out, the chatter resumed with twice the intensity.
---
Evening – After Classes
The sun had begun its slow descent, casting an amber glow over the campus as Kaima, Chelsea, and Chuma strolled toward the campus gate. Their feet crunched against the gravel, and a gentle breeze carried the distant sounds of students playing football on the sports field.
"So," Chelsea began, adjusting her bag strap, "this bonfire night… what are we expecting?"
Chuma shrugged. "Probably the usual—loud music, barbecue, and a bunch of people trying to outshine each other."
Kaima sighed. "I just hope it's fun. I need something to break the monotony of class and labs."
Chelsea nudged her playfully. "You never know, Kaima. Maybe Mr. Perfect will finally show up and sweep you off your feet."
Kaima rolled her eyes. "Please, Chelsea, not this again."
Chuma smirked. "She's not wrong, though. Bonfire nights have a way of... stirring things up."
Kaima shook her head. "Let's just go, abeg. All I'm looking forward to is food and good music."
Chelsea laughed. "And maybe a little drama."
With that, they disappeared into the evening, their conversation blending into the lively hum of campus life.
----
The cool evening breeze caressed Kaima's skin as she walked down the street outside her apartment complex, clutching her purse tightly. The streetlights flickered, casting long shadows on the pavement, and the distant hum of traffic blended with the occasional chatter from passersby. She had only stepped out to buy some fresh fruit from the roadside vendor, but as she approached the stall, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Ah, Kaima," the deep, honeyed voice drawled. "Looking fresh as always."
Kaima's heart sank. She turned slowly to see Kayden, the notorious departmental player, leaning casually against a parked car, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. He was dressed in ripped jeans and a tight black T-shirt that accentuated his toned build. His confidence was overwhelming, and she could already see the amused glint in his eyes.
Kaima forced a polite smile. "Hi, Kayden. How's it going?"
Kayden pushed off the car and walked toward her with the ease of someone who knew his effect on people. "Better now that I've seen you." He winked, running a hand through his neatly cut hair. "So, what's a pretty girl like you doing out here alone? Looking for some company, perhaps?"
Kaima chuckled nervously. "Actually, I just came to buy some fruit. Nothing exciting." She gestured towards the fruit vendor, hoping the conversation would end quickly.
But Kayden wasn't one to give up easily. "Come on, Kaima. You know we don't have to be strangers. Why don't you let me take you out sometime? Just one date... I promise you won't regret it." His voice was smooth, laced with undeniable charm.
Kaima cleared her throat, trying to find the right words. "Kayden, that's... nice of you, but I'm really busy with school and all. No time for dates right now." She smiled, hoping he'd take the hint.
Kayden leaned in slightly, his cologne wafting around her. "Busy? Nah, I don't believe that. Even bookworms like you deserve some fun."
Kaima laughed awkwardly, glancing at her phone for an excuse. "I really should get going. I have a lot to do tonight."
Just then, a group of students passed by, and she seized the opportunity. "Oh, there's my neighbor! I need to catch up with her. Nice seeing you, Kayden!"
Before he could respond, she turned swiftly and made a beeline for the fruit stall, quickly buying a few apples and heading back toward her apartment without looking back.
As soon as she shut the door behind her, she exhaled deeply, leaning against it with a relieved smile. "Thank God," she muttered under her breath. The last thing she needed was to end up in Kayden's bad books—or worse, on his list of conquests.
She placed the fruit on the counter and walked to her desk, flipping open her pharmacology textbook. "Focus, Kaima," she whispered, shaking her head. "No distractions."
With a silent prayer that she wouldn't have to run into Kayden again anytime soon, she settled in for a long night of studying.