CHAPTER ONE: The Night It Started
It was outside school, but somehow it still felt like school rules followed them there.
The off-campus party was already alive before Kimi even stepped in.
Music shook the air. Lights flashed through the crowd. People were laughing too loudly, as if noise could hide their real thoughts.
Kimi didn’t even want to come.
Cassie was the one holding her hand earlier.
“Just come, abeg,” Cassie had said softly. “No stress. We’ll stay small.”
Cassie was always like that calm, simple, avoiding anything that looked like drama. If life could be reduced to eating, sleeping, and peace, she was already living it.
Dera, on the other hand, was not gentle about anything.
“If you go there and start forming silent girl, I will leave you,” she had warned. “Talk if you need to talk. Don’t let anybody disrespect you there.”
Dera didn’t believe in silence when something needed correction. If a boy acted wrong, she would say it. If a girl acted wrong, she would still say it. Fairness was her rule.
Kimi didn’t argue with either of them.
She just came.
But even here, she stayed slightly away from the crowd.
Holding her bag.
Observing.
Silent.
Cassie stayed close to her, occasionally whispering, “I’m just here for vibes, nothing serious.”
Dera stood a little ahead, scanning the environment like she was ready to call out nonsense if it showed up.
That was when it happened.
Kimi saw him.
Rex.
He wasn’t trying to stand out.
He just did.
Standing with his friends, laughing like he had no pressure in life. Relaxed shoulders. Easy energy. The kind of boy that didn’t look like he was struggling with anything.
But something about him felt… different.
Then his eyes moved.
And landed on hers.
Kimi didn’t move.
She wasn’t the type to react quickly.
Rex didn’t move either.
Just a second.
But it didn’t feel like one.
Then she looked away first.
Not because she was shy.
But because she didn’t stay where she didn’t need to.
Later that night, Rex walked over.
Not rushed.
Not hesitant.
Just sure.
“Hey,” he said.
Kimi looked at him briefly. “Hey.”
Cassie watched quietly from behind, already sensing something but saying nothing.
Dera, on the other hand, gave a quick glance and muttered under her breath:
This one looks like trouble.
You in our department?” Rex asked.
Yes,” Kimi replied.
Name?
Kimi.
Rex.
Just that.
But something already started forming.
Later, Rex found the course rep.
“Who’s that girl?” he asked.
The course rep looked. “Kimi.”
“She’s in our department?”
Yes.”
Rex paused.
Then said quietly:
She’s beautiful.
And didn’t even realize how serious that sounded.
