The large, well-lit classroom buzzed with the low hum of discussions, the soft rustling of textbook pages, and the occasional scrape of chairs against the tiled floor. Despite the weariness still lingering from last week's bonfire night, students had gathered for their usual evening study session, determined to stay on top of their coursework. The air smelled faintly of coffee and the remnants of snacks students had sneaked in, a clear sign of their attempts to stay alert.
Kaima sat near the middle row, flipping through her Pharmacology textbook, but her mind kept drifting. The classroom wasn't packed, but a decent number of students were spread across the room, some deeply engrossed in their notes, others quietly gossiping under their breath. Chelsea sat beside her, dramatically sighing as she highlighted random parts of her textbook with little focus.
"I swear, if our lecturers even think of setting an assessment test on Valentine's Day, I will riot." she complained.
Kaima chuckled, shaking her head. "Chelsea, you're always praying against tests like it's a battle."
Leaning closer, Chelsea says "Because it is a battle, Kaima! How am I supposed to enjoy Valentine's Day if I'm stuck writing some long-winded essay on drug interactions?"
From the row behind them, Chuma, their ever-serious course rep, leaned forward, his voice tinged with amusements.
"Enjoy Valentine's Day? What exactly do you have planned, Chelsea?" he smirked.
Chelsea shot him a playful glare. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
A Student from the back row, Tayo joins the conversation "Seriously though, is our department planning anything for Valentine's? I mean, after the bonfire, they should at least give us something to look forward to."
A few students nearby perked up at the mention, their eyes gleaming with interest.
Anita, from the front row adds "I heard the Social Director is considering organizing a little get-together, like a love-themed hangout or something."
David, who was sitting beside Chuma rolled his eyes. "Please, Valentine's Day is overhyped. Some of us have better things to do than attend another social event."
Chelsea gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "David! Don't tell me you're one of those Valentine's Day haters. It's the season of love!"
David deadpan. "It's the season of overpriced gifts and unnecessary pressure."
Laughter erupted around them, and Kaima smiled, shaking her head at the typical back-and-forth banter between her classmates. Meanwhile, Chuma sighed, his eyes scanning the class before speaking up.
"Honestly, we should be more worried about whether or not the lecturers will cram in tests before mid-semester. You know how they like to strike when we least expect it."
Chelsea groaning again adds. "Can't they have a heart? It's Valentine's, not Test Day!"
Kaima responds to her teasingly. "Chelsea, if you put half the energy you put into worrying about Valentine's into studying, you'd top the class."
Chelsea stuck her tongue out at her. "Leave me alone, Kaima."
As the conversation simmered down, more students trickled into the classroom, some settling quietly with their notes, while others sat in small groups discussing everything from lecture topics to personal plans for the upcoming holiday. The mood in the room was lighter than usual, with Valentine's Day casting an air of excitement, even amidst the stress of their studies.
After an hour of silent reading, Chelsea nudged Kaima and whispered, "So... hypothetically speaking, if you were to have Valentine's plans, who would it be with?"
Kaima shot her a knowing look. "Chelsea, focus."
Chelsea giggled. "Come on! What about Obinna? I saw you two talking at the bonfire."
Kaima felt her cheeks heat up slightly but shook her head. "We were just talking, that's all."
Before Chelsea could press further, Chuma cleared his throat. "Ladies, focus. We still have a test to pass, remember?"
Chelsea sighed dramatically. "You guys are no fun."
As the evening wore on, the study session continued, with occasional bursts of chatter and laughter breaking the monotony. Despite the looming academic stress, there was an undeniable buzz in the air—an anticipation for something more than just coursework.
----
The school field was alive with energy, the roaring cheers of students echoing across the buzzing area as the Engineering boys clashed with the Natural Science faculty boys in a thrilling football match. The score was currently tied at 2-2, and tension hung thick in the air with every pass, shot, and near goal. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the crowd, but no one seemed to mind the heat, too engrossed in the game to care.
Kaima and Chelsea sat on the grass near the sidelines, surrounded by students waving their faculty banners and shouting encouragement to their teams. Chelsea had her eyes fixed on the field, occasionally standing up to scream whenever the Natural science faculty had the ball.
Chelsea yells excitedly "Come on, guys! Don't let them take the ball!"
Kaima laughed, sipping from her bottle of water. "Chelsea, you're acting like their coach."
Chelsea flipped her braids over her shoulder, grinning. "Somebody has to, Kaima! Engineering boys always think they own the field, but not today."
Kaima shook her head, her gaze shifting to where Chuma had disappeared moments ago to grab some snacks for them. The crowd continued to chant and clap as the players hustled across the field, the match becoming more intense with each passing minute.
Meanwhile, Chuma navigated his way through the busy snack stand, balancing bottles of drinks and packs of chips. Just as he turned to leave, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
Amanda yells excitedly "Chuma! Oh my God, it's been a while!"
Chuma turned around to see Amanda, her face lighting up with excitement. Dressed in a fitted black crop top and ripped jeans, she looked effortlessly stylish, her long braids cascading over her shoulders. Chuma smiled awkwardly, adjusting the snacks in his hand.
chuckling, he responds. "Amanda, hey! I didn't expect to see you here."
Amanda grins "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this match for anything. You know I love football."
She leaned in, her eyes scanning the snacks in his hands. "Let me help you with that." Before Chuma could protest, she grabbed a couple of the drinks and walked beside him.
As they navigate their way back to the busy pitch, Amanda teases "So... who are you sitting with?"
Chuma retorts quietly "Kaima and Chelsea. You remember them, right?"
Amanda's smile widened. "Of course! Let's go, I'd love to say hi."
Chuma sighed internally but nodded, making their way back through the crowd to where Kaima and Chelsea were seated.
Kaima looked up as they approached, and her eyes slightly narrowed at Amanda's presence. Chelsea, on the other hand, raised a brow and exchanged a knowing glance with Kaima.
Chelsea with a knowing grin, lounges for her "Wow, look who's here! Amanda, long time."
Amanda smiled sweetly, settling down beside Chuma. "I know, right? It's great to see you guys."
Kaima offered a polite smile. "Yeah, you too."
As they settled into watching the match again, Chuma distributed the snacks, and the game carried on in full swing. The crowd grew wilder as another goal attempt was blocked, leading to an eruption of groans and cheers.
A few minutes later, Aaron and Obinna showed up, walking towards them with relaxed grins. Obinna, dressed in a white polo and jeans, looked effortlessly cool, his confident stride drawing a few glances from passing students. Aaron, always the laid-back one, wore a casual t-shirt and joggers, his easy smile as infectious as ever.
As they got close to the group Aaron calls out. "Look who we found lurking by the stalls."
Kaima turned around and caught Obinna's gaze for a brief moment, something almost electric passing between them before she quickly looked away. Chelsea, however, was already grinning at the two new arrivals.
Chelsea retorts while teasing. "Finally! I thought you guys were too cool for the game."
Obinna smirks "Nah, we just wanted to make an entrance."
Aaron plopped down beside Kaima while Obinna settled on the other side of Amanda, the group now complete.
Aaron grinning at Kaima asks in mild tone loud for her ears only. "So, who's winning?"
Kaima laughed lightly. "It's still tied, but Chelsea here is about to storm the field if they don't score soon."
Chelsea rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm emotionally invested, okay?"
The game continued, with the group enjoying their snacks and the lively atmosphere. Chuma occasionally glanced at Amanda, who seemed to be getting too comfortable sitting close to him, while Kaima did her best to focus on the match instead of Obinna's presence.
As the sun began to set, casting an orange hue over the field, the excitement only intensified, and the anticipation of who would win filled the air.
----
The final whistle blew, and the entire field erupted in cheers as the Natural Science faculty secured their victory with a 3:2 score. The energy was electric, with students chanting, clapping, and congratulating the winning team. Chelsea was practically bouncing on her heels, excitement shining in her eyes as she turned to Kaima and Chuma.
Chelsea grins widely in"I told you! I told you they'd win. Aiden and the guys always come through."
Kaima chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm, adjusting her bag over her shoulder. "Alright, alright, you were right. Now let's head out before the crowd gets too much."
Chelsea shook her head. "Not yet! I need to congratulate Aiden first." She flashed them an innocent smile. "You guys can wait for me, right?"
Kaima exchanged a look with Chuma, who sighed dramatically but nodded. "Fine, just don't take all day."
Chelsea grinned and hurried off towards the field, where Aiden, the Natural Science team captain, stood surrounded by his jubilant teammates. As she reached him, the rest of the group moved off to the sideline, taking in the fading golden hues of the evening sky.
Aaron and Amanda, always up for a little snack, decided to grab some fresh fruits from the makeshift stand nearby, leaving Chuma briefly distracted by an old friend from their department.
Now, it was just Obinna and Kaima standing together by the sideline. The air between them was calm yet charged with an unfamiliar awareness. Obinna stood tall, his hands tucked into his jeans pocket, his charcoal-colored polo fitting snugly over his broad shoulders. His eyes scanned the pitch, but occasionally, they flickered toward Kaima.
Obinna smirking slightly finally breaks the silence. "So, you're a football fan, or just here because Chelsea dragged you along?"
Kaima smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's just say I'm a football observer. I don't know much about it, but I like the energy."
Obinna nodded, his lips quirking in amusement. "It's addictive, honestly. Watching or playing, it has a way of drawing you in."
Kaima glanced at him, noticing the way he spoke with a certain passion. "I take it you play, then?"
Obinna continues while grinning. "Yeah, once in a while. Nothing serious." He paused, studying her thoughtfully. "What about you? Any sport you're into?"
Kaima shook her head. "Not really. Maybe jogging in the mornings, but that's about it."
Obinna chuckled. "Jogging counts. At least it's something."
Before Kaima could respond, a loud yell echoed from the field.
"Heads up!" A voice from the field thundered.
Kaima barely had time to register the warning before a football came flying toward them at high speed. Her eyes widened in alarm, but before she could react, Obinna moved swiftly. With a fluid motion, he raised his arm, deflecting the ball with the side of his hand and expertly passing it back to the approaching player.
Kaima let out a breath of relief, clutching her chest. "Wow... that was close."
Obinna turned to her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You alright?"
Kaima exhaled, offering him an appreciative smile. "Yeah, thanks to you."
Obinna laughs softly "No problem. I wasn't going to let you get knocked out on a fine day like this."
Kaima laughed, the tension easing away. "Well, I owe you one."
Just then, Chelsea came running back, looking slightly breathless but elated. She didn't miss the small smile Kaima was giving Obinna and immediately slipped into her self-assigned motherly role.
Crossing her arms, she asks. "Kaima, What's with you and attracting troubles? I leave you for a minute and you're already getting into situations."
Kaima rolled her eyes. "It wasn't a situation, Chelsea."
Obinna smirked. "It was just a stray ball, but I handled it."
Chelsea squinted at him playfully. "Hmm, I see you did."
Chuma joined them at that moment, munching on plantain chips. "Alright guys, are we good to go now? I'm starving."
Aaron and Amanda returned as well, Amanda holding a bag of fresh oranges and tossing one to Chelsea. "Here, snack on this and stop acting like a mom."
Chelsea huffed but took the orange nonetheless. "Fine, but you all are just lucky I'm around to keep things in order."
As they made their way off the field, walking side by side, Kaima stole another glance at Obinna, and for the first time, she found herself wondering about the person behind the confident demeanor. Meanwhile, Obinna slipped his hands back into his pockets, a small smirk playing on his lips as he walked alongside her.
It was the beginning of something—Kaima wasn't sure what yet, but she could feel it in the air.