The moon shone brightly, adding its natural glow to the already beautiful arena. Truly, Henry and his team had out done themselves, beating records of the past executives of the department and everyone present won't say otherwise.
The preparation for the event had taken a huge ton on everyone, as they all tried to balance themselves between their just concluded resumption test and tonight's event, and all could testify that tonight was a relieving moment for them, and they re all ready to enjoy it to the fullest.
K aima and Chelsea walked into the venue, taking in the breathtaking decorations. Chelsea gasped in delight. "Oh my God, Kaima! This is amazing! It looks even better than last year."
Kaima smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they really outdid themselves this time. The lighting alone is beautiful."
Chuma soon joined them, dressed casually but still managing to look effortlessly put together. "Ladies, I hope you came hungry because the food lineup looks insane."
Chelsea nudged him playfully. "We came to eat and have fun. No time for dulling tonight!"
As they found a spot to sit, the excitement in the air was undeniable. The night was just beginning, and everyone was ready to make unforgettable memories under the starry Port Harcourt sky.
-----
The bonfire event was already in full bloom, and the hillside was alive with energy. The massive turnout of students had exceeded expectations, with the crowd stretching far beyond the designated seating area. Laughter, music, and the glow of the bonfire filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the night.
Despite the overwhelming number of attendees, Henry and his organizing team had anticipated such a crowd and made ample provisions. Extra seating arrangements had been set up, additional food trays had been stacked in the service area, and the ushering team was hard at work guiding students to their designated sections.
The eastern end of the hill, which served as the service corner, was bustling with activity. Chinwe, the no-nonsense social director, stood confidently in the center of the makeshift stage, holding a microphone as she addressed the eager crowd. She wore a fitted green blazer over a white blouse and high-waisted jeans, exuding authority with every gesture she made.
"Alright, everyone, settle down!" Chinwe's voice rang through the speakers, her tone firm but friendly. "I know you're all excited—and trust me, so am I—but we need to keep things organized so that everyone enjoys themselves tonight."
The crowd gradually quieted down, with scattered cheers and whistles still echoing from various corners.
"First of all, a big shoutout to our president, Henry, and his hardworking team for making tonight happen!" Chinwe continued, pointing towards Henry, who stood off to the side, grinning proudly while students applauded and cheered.
Chelsea leaned toward Kaima and whispered, "Henry must be feeling like a celebrity right now."
Kaima chuckled. "He deserves it, though. They really did a great job."
Chinwe raised a hand, signaling for more attention. "We've got lots of fun activities lined up for you all—games, music, and, of course, plenty of food and drinks, thanks to our amazing sponsors." She gestured toward the service area where ushers were already handing out cups of drinks to students forming long queues.
"In a few minutes," Chinwe continued, "we'll officially light up the bonfire, and the night will truly begin. But before that, I need everyone to remember one thing—have fun, but stay responsible. Let's not embarrass the faculty, please!"
Laughter rippled through the crowd, and some students playfully jeered their friends.
"To kick things off," Chinwe added, "our faculty band will be giving us a warm-up performance before we move to the games and—"
She was cut off by a sudden roar from the crowd as the DJ dropped a hit Afrobeat track, and students started dancing spontaneously in their spots.
"Okay, okay, I see, you guys can't wait!" Chinwe laughed, stepping back from the microphone. "Enjoy the night, everyone!"
As she left the stage, the music took over, and the hillside transformed into a lively party scene. Bright lights illuminated the entire area, and the massive bonfire at the center crackled with anticipation, waiting to be lit.
Kaima stood beside Chelsea and Chuma, taking it all in. "This is going to be an unforgettable night," she said, smiling.
Chelsea twirled in excitement. "Babe, I told you! Now, let's go find something to eat before the crowd takes everything."
Chuma shook his head with a grin. "You and food, Chelsea. Let's go before it's too late."
As they made their way toward the food station, the night stretched ahead, promising laughter, memories, and a celebration that would be talked about for a long time.
-----
The evening had reached its crescendo, and the anticipation for the lighting of the bonfire had everyone on the edge of their seats. The music had slowed to a hushed hum, and the crowd's murmurs grew quieter as all eyes turned to the massive fiery clay mortar at the center of the hillside. Its imposing presence was impossible to ignore, and the crackling flames within it seemed to beckon everyone closer.
At the front of the crowd, Henry and Chinwe stood together, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lights and the embers from the unlit bonfire. Chinwe, with a proud smile, handed Henry the ceremonial matchstick.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the soft murmurs of the crowd.
Henry nodded confidently, turning to face the gathered students. "Alright, everyone, this is it! The moment we've all been waiting for. Let's light up this night and make some memories!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement bubbling over as the countdown began.
"Five!" Henry shouted, raising his hand as he motioned for everyone to join in.
"Four!" the crowd shouted back, voices unified with anticipation.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"ONE!"
With a dramatic flourish, Henry struck the match and held it to the tinder surrounding the clay mortar. A spark caught immediately, and within moments, a small fire flickered into life, slowly growing into a blazing inferno.
The crowd gasped and cheered in awe as the flames climbed higher, sending a warm orange glow across the hillside. The fire, now fully alive, crackled and popped, its heat radiating outward, creating an inviting warmth that added to the cool evening air.
Chinwe raised her arms in triumph. "And that, my friends, is the official start of the Faculty of Pharmacy Bonfire Night! Let's make this a night to remember!"
The cheers that followed were deafening, and students rushed toward the bonfire, drawn by its warmth and the intoxicating atmosphere it created. The fire now illuminated the entire area, casting dancing shadows against the trees and turning the space into a haven of energy, joy, and unity.
Kaima, standing with Chelsea and Chuma, couldn't help but marvel at the scene. "This... this is magical," she whispered, her eyes shining in the firelight.
Chelsea grinned, grabbing Kaima's hand. "Told you it would be epic. Now let's go dance and have some fun before the fire burns out!"
Chuma gave them a playful look. "You two and your dancing. I swear."
But even he couldn't resist the pull of the lively atmosphere. With the bonfire blazing in the center, the event had truly come to life, and no one could deny that this was a night destined to become one of their best memories of university.
----
Kaima pulled away from her group, weaving through the dense crowd toward the service booth to get a refill. The hillside was packed tighter than she had expected, with students moving in every direction—some dancing, others laughing in small clusters, and a few eagerly queuing for food and drinks. The aroma of sizzling suya mixed with the crisp night air, making her stomach grumble as she stepped closer to the table of drinks.
She carefully maneuvered through the throng, holding her empty cup close to her chest to avoid spilling whatever was left inside. Just as she reached out to grab a bottle of fruit punch from the dispenser, a sudden force knocked into her from the side, making her stumble slightly.
"Oh, I'm sor—" Kaima began, but her voice faltered as she looked up and met a familiar pair of deep-set eyes.
It was Kayden.
His signature smirk curled across his lips as he stared down at her, his presence as overpowering as ever. The warm glow of the bonfire flickered in his eyes, making them glint mischievously.
"Well, well, look who I bumped into," he drawled, his voice smooth and teasing.
Kaima swallowed hard, gripping her cup a little tighter. Of all the people she could have run into tonight, why did it have to be him?