chapter 2

  Adebayo finally arrived home after a long walk from school to his house. He reluctantly went inside, slumping into a nearby chair, his mind once again was ablaze with memories of his mysterious lady. In the stillness of his room, he allowed himself to relive their brief encounter, playing out every gesture, every flicker of the expression on her eyes. And with each remembrance, his heart ached a little more, longing for the chance to see her again.

  Just as Adebayo was allowing himself to get swallowed by his thoughts, his friends burst into the room, their faces a mix of frustration and concern. ''Adebayo why did you disappear like that?'' they demanded, their voices raised in annoyance.'' We were worried sick! and you didn't bother to tell us you were going home before us.'' Adebayo, jarred back to reality by their arrival, tried to calm down, his eyes bleary with fatigue. '' I'm sorry,'' he said, his voice apologetic. '' I just needed to clear my head.'' '' Clear your head?!'' one of his friends bode snapped, his voice ringing with frustration. '' You were fine before we left for class this morning so why the sudden change ?'' His question hung in the air, the tension among the friends palpable. Adebayo, his eyes downcast, said nothing knowing that he couldn't explain the hold the woman he met for a couple of seconds had over him.

The silence, heavy with unanswered questions, was broken by Bode's voice, its suddenness shattering the stillness of the room. '' Come to think of it,'' he said, his gaze fixed on Adebayo's face. ''You've been acting strange ever since you saw that lady at the entrance of the class today.'' Like a predator catching the scent of its prey, Adebayo sprang towards Bode, his eyes alight with urgency. '' You remember her! he exclaimed, his voice now tinged with desperation. '' I need to see her again, Bode! I need to see her!'' Startled by Adebayo's sudden display of affection, Bode stumbled backward, his eyes wide with surprise. '' If this girl is the reason for all this,'' he said, regaining his composure. ''We'll find her, Zaniab can help us I think they are friends.'' At this, Adebayo released Bode from his embrace, a look of gratitude shining in his eyes. '' Thank you, Bode,'' he said, his voice filled with relief. '' I knew I could count on you.'' He dashed towards his room with a mischievous grin, skipping and giggling like a child.

As Adebayo disappeared into his room, Bode stood rooted to the spot, his filled with confusion. In the space of just a few moments, his friend had transformed from a brooding, secretive figure to a cheerful person. '' What on earth is going with Adebayo?'' he muttered to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He shook his head in disbelief, unable to fathom the transformation he had just witnessed.

The next day, Bode and Adebayo made their way to the campus cafe, their mission clear: to track down Zaniab and learn more about the mysterious woman who had captured Adebayo's heart. Adebayo, a bundle of nervous energy, couldn't help but bounce from foot to foot as they approached their coursemate. ''Zaniab!'' Bode called out, his voice a pitch higher than usual. '' We need to talk to you!'' Zaniab, sipping her coffee, looked up in surprise at the sight of the young men. As they settled into the seats opposite Zaniab, Adebayo's excitement bubbled over, spilling out in a torrent of words. ''Zaniab, we need your help! You see, there's this girl, I met her yesterday and I need to know more about her.'' Zaniab, her curiosity piqued, leaned forward, a sly grin playing across his lips. '' Oh? And who is this mystery woman, Adebayo? Someone you saw on campus, perhaps Adebayo nodded, his cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. Bode unable to bear the sight of his friend making a fool of himself, quickly interjected. '' The girl he's talking about is your friend. She was on campus yesterday, she came to say hello to you before our morning class yesterday.''

Zaniab, her eyes widening in surprise, fixed her gaze on Adebayo, her expression now a mixture of amusement and curiosity. '' Wait a minute. Are you talking about Rose? Adebayo, sheepish and flustered, nodded eagerly. '' Look, Zaniab,'' Bode said, fixing his gaze on her. '' We were wondering if we could maybe talk to Rose. Adebayo here really wants to know her better.'' Zaniab, glancing back and forth between the two young men, smiled wryly. '' As it happens, Rose is on her way to meet me. She'll be here soon.'' Adebayo, his heart skipping a beat swallowed hard. '' R-really?'' he stammered, his voice a whisper. Just as Adebayo's nerves threatened to overwhelm him, a voice called out from behind him. '' Zaniab!''

Adebayo, his heart leaping into his throat, turned to see Rose, her eyes bright and her smile wide. ''Rose!'' Zaniab replied, rising from her seat. '' Come join us !'' Adebayo watched, his gaze fixed on Rose, as she took a seat opposite him, her presence radiating warmth and energy. As Zaniab introduced her friend to Adebayo and Bode, the latter hardly able to suppress his nerves, Adebayo found himself lost in Rose's presence.

'Rose, Zaniab began, '' this is Adebayo. And Adebayo, this is Rose.'' Adebayo, his voice unsteady, managed to blurt out a greeting. '' H- hi. It's good to meet you.'' Rose, her smile widening at Adebayo's flustered response, offered a reassuring reply. '' it's good to meet you too,'' Rose said, her voice soft and melodic.

Sensing the connection between the two, Bode and Zaniab exchanged a knowing glance. They had a plan, and they were determined to see it through. '' Hey, guys,'' Bode interjected, his tone light and casual. '' I and Zaniab need to go something real quick we will be back in no time.'' Zaniab, nodding in agreement, added, '' Yes, that's right. We will be back soon.''

With their plan in motion, Bode and Zaniab bade farewell to Adebayo and Rose, leaving the two alone at the table. As they strolled away, Zaniab shot one last look over her shoulder, her face a mask of mischievous amusement. ''Remember,'' she whispered to Bode, '' we need to be somewhere where we will be able to see them.'' Bode, grinning in agreement, led Zaniab towards a nearby alcove, where they could watch Adebayo and Rose from a hidden view. From their hidden vantage point, Bode and Zaniab watched as Adebayo and Rose settled into conversation, their words growing more animated with each passing moment.

'' Look at them,'' Zaniab whispered, a smile playing across her lips. ''They're hitting it off, aren't they?'' Bode, his eyes fixed on the pair, nodded in agreement. '' I think Adebayo is in love. Look at how he can't stop smiling.'' Zaniab, her gaze filled with affection for the two, leaned in close to Bode.

As Bode and Zaniab continued to watch the unfolding scene, they saw Adebayo, his face a mixture of shyness and determination, reach into his pocket and extract his phone. ''Is he doing what I think he's doing?'' Zanaib murmured, her excitement mounting. Bode, his eyes widening with understanding, nodded in confirmation. '' He's collecting her number. Looks like he's making his move.''

Moments later, they saw Rose typing something into Adebayo's phone, a smile on her face as she handed the device back to him. Shortly after this, they both see Adebayo standing from the stable, his face still radiating with excitement.  Bode and Zaniab, eager to hear the latest developments, started returning to the table. But Adebayo, catching sight of his friend, motioned for Bode to follow him, a conspiratorial glint in his eyes. '' Hey Zaniab,'' Adebayo called out, a wide grin on his. '' I'll catch up with you later, Bode and I need to take our.''

Bode and Adebayo both bid their farewells and quickly left the cafe.

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