It was a typical Monday afternoon in Forcados University's 200-level pharmacy class. The large lecture hall buzzed with scattered conversations as students sat in different clusters, discussing everything from the just-concluded football match to plans for the upcoming Valentine's Day.
Near the front, Chelsea was animatedly talking to Kaima about gift ideas.
"Kaima, you know you could just get a secret admirer and have them send you something nice on Valentine's Day. No stress, no expectations." she states grinning mischievously.
Kaima rolled her eyes, stuffing her pen into her notebook. "Chelsea, you and this your matchmaking spirit. Please, let me breathe".
"Come on! Valentine is meant to be celebrated, and I won't let you stay in your apartment eating instant noodles in the name of studying." Chelsea continues, mockingly pouting.
Kaima laughed. "If only you knew how much I dread that day."
Just outside the classroom, a group of students, including Henry and a few others from the student association, were busy talking about the upcoming departmental symposium. Their conversations could be heard clearing from the window.
Henry, leaning back in his chair commands. "We need to finalize the logistics before Thursday. If we can't get sponsorship for the refreshments, we're dead."
Tolu, a slim guy among the group adds. "Abeg, let's just buy gala and pure water. These lecturers won't even notice."
Laughter erupted from their corner, blending into the lively atmosphere in the room.
Suddenly, the door to the class burst open, and Chuma strode in with purpose, his usually calm face set in a hard expression. The entire class gradually quieted down as his shoes clacked against the tiled floor.
Chuma clears his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Alright everyone, listen up!"
The murmur in the room dropped to a hush as all eyes turned to him. Kaima exchanged a glance with Chelsea, sensing something serious was coming.
Chuma exhaled, running a hand over his head before dropping the bombshell. "Dr. Nwosu just informed me that our practical lab test has been scheduled for Friday."
A moment of silence. Then—
Students not happy with the sudden news starts to shout from different corners of the class
"What?!"
"You can't be serious!"
"Friday is Valentine's Day!"
"This school no get joy at all!"
Chelsea's jaw dropped. "Oh no, no, no! This cannot be happening!" She grabbed Kaima's arm in mock horror. "My plans!"
Kaima sighed. "I knew it. I knew they wouldn't let us enjoy that day in peace."
At the back, Daniel stood up, throwing his hands in the air. "Who schedules a test on Valentine's Day?, which is also a weekend! Are they heartless?"
Chuma shook his head, trying to calm the growing unrest. "I know, I know. It's short notice, and honestly, I'm just as shocked as you are. But you all know how Dr. Nwosu operates. He said it's either Friday, or we risk having it added to our final exams."
A collective groan filled the room.
Titi, a chubby petite girl grumble from the front roll of the class. "This is sabotage. How are we supposed to enjoy our day now?"
Aiden, who had been leaning on the desk near the window, smirked. "Well, guess we'll be spending our Valentine's in the lab, mixing chemicals instead of feelings."
The joke got a few reluctant chuckles, but the frustration was evident in everyone's expressions.
Chuma tapped his fingers against the table. "Guys, it's not the end of the world. We still have four days to prepare, so let's focus."
Chelsea folded her arms dramatically. "Four days? You say it like it's a whole month, Chuma. Some of us had plans, you know."
Chuma sighed and rubbed his temples. "Chelsea, for the love of pharmacy, focus on the test."
Kaima, trying to stay calm, asked, "Chuma, did he say what topics to expect?"
Chuma nodded. "Yeah, he mentioned drug formulations and dispensing calculations. So, if you haven't been revising, you better start now."
This sent the class into another frenzy, with students hurriedly digging through their bags, pulling out notebooks and forming impromptu study groups.
Chelsea slumped in her chair, looking at Kaima with a defeated expression. "There goes my Valentine."
Kaima patted her hand. "It's okay, Chels. We'll survive. Besides, chocolate tastes just as good after a test."
Chelsea shot her a flat look. "Says the person who wasn't planning anything in the first place."
Meanwhile, the boys in the class were already planning how to balance studying with still making the most of the day.
Daniel grins slyly. "We'll just start studying tonight, then after the test, the real Valentine's begins."
Okaro, who had been sitting quietly at the back, chuckled and leaned forward. "If you fail, no Valentine for you."
The whole class erupted in laughter at that, the initial tension easing slightly.
Chuma finally sighed, resting his hands on the table. "Alright, everyone, let's get serious. No more complaints. We're having the test, and that's final. Let's get to work."
As the group settled down into their study discussions, Kaima sighed and flipped open her notebook, resigned to the reality of their Valentine's Day plans being hijacked by academics.
----
The soft hum of crickets filled the air as Kaima flipped through her notes in the near-empty lecture hall, the overhead fluorescent lights buzzing faintly. She rubbed her tired eyes, realizing for the first time how quiet the building had become. Checking her phone, her eyes widened in shock.
"Oh no... 7:15 pm already?" She panics.
She hastily packed up her textbooks and notes, stuffing them into her bag exiting the classroom. As she stepped out of the pharmacy faculty building, the cool night air hit her, sending a small shiver down her spine. She quickened her pace, heading towards the school gate.
The streets outside the university were less crowded at this time, with only a few vendors packing up their stalls and students rushing home. Just as she rounded a corner, she suddenly found herself face-to-face with a small group of rough-looking guys huddled around a makeshift bench, cigarette smoke curling lazily in the air.
Kaima's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to walk past them quietly, but one of the guys, a tall man with a scar running down his left cheek, stepped in front of her with a smirk.
"Hey, fine girl. What's the hurry? You no wan chill small?" Scarface, one of the guys questions.
Kaima's grip on her bag tightened. "I—I'm in a hurry, please."
Another guy, dreadlocks bouncing as he moved, stepped closer, eyeing her bag.
"Ahn ahn, why the shakara? Wetin you carry for this your bag sef? Maybe na something we fit use." he chirps.
Kaima felt her pulse spike in fear as he reached for her bag.
"Please, I don't have anything—"
Before he could lay his hands on it, a strong, calm voice cut through the tension.
"I don't think she's interested, guys." An unfamiliar voice interrupts.
Kaima turned to see a tall, well-built young man standing behind her, his face shadowed by the dim streetlights. His posture was relaxed, but the steel in his eyes made the guys back off slightly. The leader with the scar scoffed, muttering under his breath before gesturing for his friends to leave.
Kaima let out a shaky breath as the group walked away. She turned to the man who had saved her, taking in his kind yet confident expression.
"Thank you so much… I don't know what would have happened if—" she says quickly, the fear still evident in her voice.
The stranger smiles "It's okay. You shouldn't be walking alone this late." He extended a hand. "I'm Owen, chemical engineering finalist."
Kaima took his hand hesitantly and offered a small smile.
Kaima: "Kaima. Pharmacy, 200-level."
"Nice to meet you, Kaima. Let me walk you home. Can't have you running into those guys again." Owen retorts.
Relieved, she nodded, and they began walking together, the tension slowly easing as they chatted lightly about their respective departments and the stress of upcoming tests. Owen told her about his final-year project struggles, and Kaima chuckled, realizing how much they had in common.
As they reached her street, she turned to him with genuine appreciation.
"Thanks again, Owen. I owe you one."
Owen grins. "Nah, just be careful next time."
Just as she was about to say goodbye, a familiar voice called out.
Obinna: "Kaima?"
She turned to see Obinna approaching, his tall frame illuminated by the streetlights. He was dressed in a casual white T-shirt and dark joggers, his usual confident energy radiating off him effortlessly. His deep brown eyes met Kaima's, and for a brief second, the world seemed to still.
Owen glanced between them and smiled knowingly.
"Hey, Obinna. Long time, bro." Owen calls out to him.
Obinna offers a handshake, with his eyes still on her. "Yeah, Owen. Been a while. What's up?"
"Just walking Kaima home. She had a little run-in with some guys, so I figured she could use the company." Owen replies.
Obinna's eyes darkened slightly at that. "Really? You okay, Kaima?"
She nodded quickly. "I'm fine, thanks to Owen."
Obinna smiled at Owen. "Thanks, man. I'll take it from here."
Owen nodded, glancing back at Kaima. "Alright then. See you around, Kaima."
Kaima: "Goodnight, Owen."
As Owen walked away, Kaima found herself alone with Obinna. They began walking towards her apartment, the comfortable silence between them stretching for a moment before Obinna broke it.
"Rough night, huh?" He asks, breaking the silence.
Kaima sighed. "You have no idea. Between studying for Dr. Nwosu's test and almost getting robbed, I just want this day to end."
Obinna chuckled lightly. "Dr. Nwosu really knows how to kill Valentine's vibes, doesn't he?"
Kaima groaned. "Don't remind me."
When they finally reached her door, Obinna paused, watching her fetch her keys from her bag with a small smirk on his face.
"So… any Valentine's plans? Or is Nwosu the only thing on your calendar?" He interjets.
Kaima laughed, shaking her head as she places the key in the lock. "Well, I was hoping for a quiet one, but now it's all test, test, test."
Obinna leaned against the doorway with a grin. "Don't worry. The test won't ruin the fun. I'll make sure of it."
Kaima raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"
Obinna tapped his temple playfully. "That's for me to know and for you to find out."
She shook her head with a smile, finally unlocking her door. "Goodnight, Obinna."
"Goodnight, Kaima. Lock your doors." He replies with a smile.
As he walked away, Kaima closed the door behind her, leaning against it with a small smile. Maybe Valentine's Day wouldn't be so bad after all.