The Quantum Layer was bustling with life. It wasn't often that the Secret Seven got to relax, and today was a rare exception. Joshua paced nervously, adjusting the decorations for the birthday party while the others watched with varying degrees of amusement.
"You're overthinking it," Chisom said, hanging a holographic banner that read: Happy Birthday, Joshua & Siji!
"He's always like this," Michael teased, balancing a tray of snacks. "You'd think this was some important galactic council meeting, not a party."
Barakat smirked. "Maybe he's nervous because someone special will be here today?"
Joshua shot her a look. "It's just Siji. My cousin. And my best friend, thank you very much."
"Right," Barakat said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
●●●
When the elevator doors to the Quantum Layer opened, a vibrant energy filled the room. Sijibomi Eworks, or Siji as she was affectionately called, stepped out. She wore a flowing white gown with faint gold accents, her braided hair cascading down her back. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but there was a depth to her gaze that often unsettled people—the eyes of a seer.
"twin bro!" Siji exclaimed, running to hug her cousin.
"Siji! You're here!" Joshua grinned, lifting her off the ground in a tight hug.
The others gathered around, introducing themselves one by one. Siji greeted them warmly, her natural charm making it easy for her to connect with everyone.
"So siji how is Britain?" Michael asked breaking the start of a awkward silence.
"Oh it's fine, same old same old. Tho it's always nice to be so close to watch man city lose." She retorted while looking at Joshua smiling. "Mama in your dreams man city is on top and we're winning this premier league so stop dreaming" Joshua said with a slightly annoyed look in his eyes "wait which team do you support?" Faruq asked with his eyes still glued to his laptop while floating in a new gravitational distortion device that he invented."arsenal of course w.." "useless team that hasn't one anything in the last 30 years." Joshua shouted from a table a little far from the group while holding drinks and laughing slightly "see the way yo.." "ok enough with this conversation". Barakat caught in while looking at siji who was vividly annoyed by Joshua. "How do your powers work? Joshua told us you're a seer" Barakat asked "oh well it's as it sounds i can see the future or more precisely i can see possible futures, although i don't fully know how my ability works but that's it" siji replied while sipping the drink she collected from Joshua "is there a limit to what you can see and how far?" Chisom asked curiously "not really i can intentionally look into the future but it takes a toll on my mind so i don't really like doing it, but i do have trances that happen".
The conversation went on for an hour with them getting to know more about siji and siji learning about them also
●●●
As the party got into full swing, Joshua found himself watching Teniola from across the room. She stood with Wisdom and Barakat, laughing at something Michael had said.
Siji appeared beside him, her knowing smile making him groan.
"Don't even start," Joshua warned.
"What? I wasn't going to say anything," Siji said innocently.
"You don't have to. I know that look."
Siji laughed. "Okay, fine. You've got a thing for Teniola. Why haven't you said anything?"
Joshua sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Because it's complicated. We're teammates. Besides, she's way out of my league."
"well true but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try," Siji said, nudging him playfully.
Joshua chuckled. "Thanks, Siji. But for now, let's just focus on the party."
The room dimmed, and a holographic cake materialized in the center of the room, glowing softly. The team gathered around as Joshua and Siji stood side by side.
"Happy birthday to the best 'twins' in the galaxy!" Barakat announced, prompting cheers and applause.
Joshua and Siji blew out the holographic candles together, the room erupting into laughter and celebration.
As the festivities continued, Joshua felt a deep sense of gratitude. Despite the challenges they faced, he had his friends, his family, and moments like this to hold onto.
Later in the evening, Siji wandered into the quieter part of the Quantum Layer, her curiosity leading her to the core room where the Eye resided.
The moment she stepped inside, she froze. The Eye floated in its crystalline chamber, pulsating softly. But as Siji stared at it, a sharp, searing pain shot through her head.
She clutched her temples, gasping. Images flashed through her mind—fragments of visions too fast and chaotic to piece together. A shadowy figure, and the faint echo of a voice she couldn't quite hear.
"Are you okay?"
Siji turned to see Joshua standing in the doorway, concern etched on his face.
"Y-yeah," Siji said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just a headache. Probably from all the foods and drinks."
Joshua frowned. "You sure?"
"Positive," Siji insisted. "Now come on, let's get back to the party."
As they left the room, Siji cast one last glance at the Eye, her heart heavy with unease.
The night wound down, the party ending with laughter and stories. As the others began to leave, Siji and Joshua stayed behind, sitting on one of the couches in the Quantum Layer.
"Thanks for the party," Siji said softly. "It's exactly what I needed."
"Same," Joshua replied. "You're the best, Siji. I don't say it enough."
"You don't have to. I know."
They sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their bond evident in the quiet moments between words.
But as Siji rested her head on Joshua's shoulder, the unease from her earlier encounter lingered. She knew better than to ignore her visions, but tonight wasn't the time to bring it up.
For now, she would keep the secret to herself.