Kaima stumbled slightly as she bumped into someone, the sound of laughter and music drowning out her mumbled apology. She looked up, and her heart sank. It was Kayden, the notorious departmental player, his signature smirk already in place.
"Well, well, look who I bumped into," he drawled, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief.
Kaima's grip on her empty cup tightened instinctively. "Excuse me, Kayden," she said, forcing a polite smile as she attempted to sidestep him and reach for a refill.
But Kayden wasn't going to let her go so easily. "Hold on, sweetheart," he said smoothly, stepping into her path. "What's the rush? I haven't even had the chance to enjoy your company tonight."
Kaima sighed inwardly, rolling her eyes. She could already feel the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Kayden, please, I just want to get my drink and head back to my friends."
Kayden leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, "Why do you always run away from me, Kaima? It's a party. Let's have some fun... away from all this noise."
His hand casually brushed against her arm, and Kaima's discomfort heightened. The crowded space worked against her, with students pushing past, oblivious to the situation unfolding between them. Kayden took advantage of the chaos, nudging her lightly toward the side, his grip firm yet seemingly casual enough not to draw attention.
"Kayden, let me go," Kaima said, her voice tense but composed. She tried stepping back, but he only pressed closer.
"I'm just saying we can—"
"Is there a problem here?"
A deep, steady voice cut through the noise, making Kayden freeze. Kaima's eyes darted to the side and widened in relief as she saw Aaron, a tall, broad-shouldered guy from the 300-level class standing just behind them. His sharp gaze was fixed on Kayden, his expression unreadable but laced with warning.
Kayden straightened, his charming façade faltering just slightly. "Relax, man. We were just talking," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Aaron's expression remained cool and unwavering. "I don't think she wants to talk. Do you?"
Kaima quickly shook her head. "No, I don't."
Aaron stepped in between them, his stance protective but not overly aggressive. "Then you should probably move along, Kayden."
Kayden's smirk returned, though there was an edge to it this time. "Easy there, hero. Just having a little fun." With that, he turned on his heels and disappeared back into the crowd, leaving Kaima exhaling in relief.
"You okay?" Aaron asked, turning to her with a concerned look.
Kaima nodded, her heartbeat still racing. "Yeah, thanks. I don't know what his problem is."
Aaron offered a reassuring smile. "Guys like that? They don't take 'no' easily." He glanced at her empty cup. "Come on, let me help you get that refill before someone else tries to corner you."
Kaima chuckled softly, feeling the tension ease. "Thanks. I owe you one."
"Don't mention it," he said, guiding her toward the drinks table, his presence a welcome shield against the bustling crowd.
As Kaima filled her cup, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, grateful to have someone looking out for her in moments like this. The night was still young, and despite the brief scare, she was determined to enjoy it.
As Kaima sipped from her newly filled cup, the cool drink refreshing her dry throat, Aaron gave her a friendly smile. "By the way, I'm Aaron," he said, offering his hand as they stepped away from the drinks table.
Kaima smiled back, shaking his hand briefly. "Kaima. And thanks again, Aaron. I really appreciate it."
"No problem," Aaron replied, falling into step beside her as they navigated through the dense crowd. "I've seen you around at the block, but I guess we've never actually talked."
Kaima nodded, adjusting the strap of her mini floral-designed bag. "Yeah, I usually keep to myself. Pharmacy isn't exactly a walk in the park, you know."
Aaron chuckled. "Tell me about it. But hey, at least tonight we get to forget about all that and just have fun."
Kaima smiled. "True."
----
Kaima walked beside Aaron through the crowd, the night air thick with the aroma of grilled suya and the rhythmic beats of Afrobeat music thumping in the background. The colorful lights strung across the trees cast a warm glow over the hillside, making the entire scene feel almost surreal. Students milled around in clusters, some dancing, others laughing, and a few—like Kaima—just trying to get through the crowd without spilling their drinks.
Aaron, ever the gentleman, walked slightly ahead, occasionally glancing back to make sure she was keeping up. "You good?" he asked, his deep voice cutting through the noise.
Kaima nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah, just didn't expect the crowd to be this wild."
Aaron chuckled. "It's the Pharmacy bonfire night, Kaima. We don't play."
Kaima nodded, offering him a small, appreciative smile. "Yeah, and thanks again for earlier."
Aaron grinned. "Don't mention it. But hey, next time, don't wander off alone."
She rolled her eyes playfully, laughing softly. "Yes, sir."
Just as they approached the seating area, Kaima, distracted by scanning the crowd for Chelsea and Chuma, collided into someone. She staggered back slightly, gripping her drink tightly to prevent it from spilling.
"Oh! Sorry—" she looked up, only to be met with the gaze of an unfamiliar face.
Tall and well-built, the stranger's athletic frame filled out his fitted black polo shirt effortlessly, complementing his dark denim jeans. His rich brown skin glowed under the lights, and the crisp scent of his cologne lingered in the air between them. His eyes—deep, intense, and observant—met hers, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.
For a moment, Kaima felt frozen in place, caught in the sudden and unexpected intensity of his gaze. It was like time had slowed, the chaotic background of the bonfire melting away as his lips quirked into a lopsided smile.
Aaron's voice broke the spell. "Obi, my guy!"
Kaima blinked, stepping aside awkwardly as Aaron clapped the stranger on the back in a friendly manner.
"You know him?" she asked, still trying to steady herself.
Aaron grinned. "Yeah. Kaima, meet Obinna, my best friend, and same level. Obinna, this is Kaima."
Obinna extended his hand, his deep voice calm and composed. "Nice to meet you, Kaima."
She hesitated only a fraction before taking his hand in a firm but brief handshake. "Nice to meet you too."
Just then, a voice rang out behind them.
"There you are!"
Kaima turned to see Chelsea approaching with Chuma in tow, her face etched with concern. "I was about to call you! What took you so long?"
Before Kaima could answer, another voice joined the conversation. "Babe, you left me stranded!"
Kaima turned just in time to see a strikingly beautiful woman walk up beside Obinna and slip an arm around Aaron's waist. Chimamanda, with her caramel-toned skin and long, sleek hair, exuded confidence. Her red bodycon dress hugged her figure in all the right places, and the way she looked at Aaron told Kaima everything she needed to know—this was his girlfriend.
Kaima smiled politely, feeling slightly out of place as Aaron introduced her.
"Kaima, meet Chimamanda, my girlfriend. Amanda, this is Kaima—she's in 200 level."
Chimamanda's smile was bright but assessing. "Nice to meet you, Kaima. Hope my boyfriend's been behaving himself."
Kaima laughed softly. "Yeah, he's been great."
Chelsea, however, was having none of the pleasantries. She grabbed Kaima's arm and gave her a once-over. "What happened? You disappeared, and it took you forever to come back!, I was about to send a search party."
Kaima opened her mouth to explain, but Aaron chuckled and interjected. "Relax, mother hen. I found her before any harm could come to her."
Chelsea narrowed her eyes at him playfully before turning back to Kaima. "Harm?" she asked, her eyes widening. "What harm?"
Kaima shook her head quickly. "Nothing serious. Just Kayden being... Kayden."
Chelsea's eyes widened. "What? That idiot again?"
Chuma, who had been quietly observing, frowned. "I knew I should've come with you."
Kaima sighed. "It's fine, guys. Aaron helped me out."
Chimamanda leaned in, clearly intrigued. "Kayden? Ugh, that guy is so persistent."
Obinna, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. "Some guys just don't understand boundaries." His voice was calm but firm, and Kaima felt another spark of awareness at the way his eyes briefly flickered to hers.
Chelsea groaned. "Ugh, that guy never gives up, does he?"
Chuma, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "We should get you pepper spray, Kaima." His voice was laced with concern, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes.
Aaron grinned. "Or she can just call me next time." making the group to laugh a bit.
Chelsea, seemingly satisfied that Kaima was safe, turned to the group. "Well, now that everyone's here, we should find somewhere to sit before the best spots are taken."
Chimamanda, seizing the moment, clapped her hands together. "Great idea! There's a perfect spot near the service booth, not too far from the bonfire."
With mutual agreement, the group began walking toward the designated area. As they walked, Aaron and Chuma fell into conversation about school, while Chimamanda looped her arm through Chelsea's, already chatting about the latest department gossip.
Kaima, walking slightly behind, found herself next to Obinna.
"So," he said, glancing at her. "You excited about tonight?"
Kaima smiled. "Yeah, it's my first bonfire night."
Obinna's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Then you're in for an experience."
As they settled onto the cushioned benches arranged in a semi-circle, Chelsea leaned into Kaima with a grin. "This is actually turning out to be fun. You better not disappear on me again."
Kaima chuckled. "I won't, promise."
Aaron, sitting beside her, nudged her playfully. "And if she does, I'll find her."
Chimamanda laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. "Looks like Kaima has a new guardian angel."
Kaima smiled awkwardly, sneaking a glance at Obinna, who was focused on stirring his drink. Was there a flicker of something in his eyes? Annoyance? Curiosity? She couldn't tell.
As the conversation flowed with laughter and teasing, Kaima forced herself to relax. The tensions from earlier melting away, and the awkward run-ins with Kayden totally forgotten. Tonight was supposed to be fun, and despite the tension that lingered beneath the surface, she intended to enjoy it, not denying the fact that the night was starting to feel... interesting.