Cmm
The next morning, Favour arrived at her lecture hall early. She walked in, scanning the room with calm disinterest. On the second row to the right, she saw Samuel already seated, head bowed slightly as he scrolled through his phone.
But instead of going to join him like she usually did, Favour walked deliberately to the third row on the opposite side and sat down without sparing him a glance.
Samuel noticed immediately.
His head snapped up, surprised. He waited, watching her for a few seconds, thinking maybe she didn't see him. When she didn't move, he raised his hand in a small wave but she didn't respond. Instead, she picked up her pen and began flipping through her notebook, eyes fixed ahead.
Confused, Samuel lowered his hand. His brows furrowed as he sat back. Why is she ignoring me? Did I do something wrong?
He thought about standing up to speak to her, but just then, the lecturer walked in and the hall fell silent.
By the time the day's lectures were over, Samuel stood to pack his things, hoping to catch her and ask what was going on but Favour had already disappeared. She had picked up her bag the moment the lecturer ended and quietly slipped out of the hall.
As always, a small group of girls gathered around Samuel, asking questions about the class. He was known for helping out, always patient and clear in his explanations. Normally, Favour would wait for him outside until they walked to the library together. But today, she didn't wait. She didn't look back. She headed to the library alone, choosing to join Ariel in her usual reading corner she often shared with David.
---
Meanwhile, Divine had made sure to sit with Ariel again during the day's lectures. He chatted with her every chance he got, asking questions even when he already knew the answers. Ariel didn't push him away, but she was beginning to notice how persistent he had become.
After their final lecture for the day, Divine turned to her as they packed up.
"Let's head to the library together," he said casually.
Ariel slung her bag over her shoulder. "I'm meeting David there. We're supposed to read together today."
Divine nodded as if he'd expected that. "No problem. I'll just walk with you there and go my way."
Ariel hesitated, unsure. "You really don't need to…."
"I want to," he cut in gently. "Just a walk."
She looked at him for a moment, then gave a small sigh. "Alright. Let's go."
---
In the library, Favour made her way toward the usual spot she'd often seen Ariel and David sit. But when she got there, the chairs were empty. Confused, she pulled out her phone and decided to call Ariel. As she stepped away to make the call, she headed toward the hallway near the restrooms where it was quieter.
But just as she neared the corner, she stopped in her tracks.
A voice, a familiar one, echoed lightly from nearby. It sounded like David.
The voice grew clearer.
"I told you, We can't keep doing this. I have a girlfriend."
Favour froze. She took a silent step closer, standing just behind the wall.
Joy's voice followed quickly, tinged with frustration. "So you're just going to break things off with me like that? Pretend nothing ever happened?"
David sounded irritated. "I never promised anything. You knew I had someone."
Favour's eyes widened. Her breath caught in her throat. What did I just walk into...?
Before she could take another step, a voice called her from behind.
"Favour!"
She turned quickly. Ariel and Divine had just entered the hallway and spotted her. Favour blinked, startled, then forced a neutral smile as she approached them.
"Were you looking for me?" Ariel asked.
"Yeah," Favour replied quickly. "I came to read with you. Didn't feel like sitting with Samuel today."
Ariel looked surprised. "What happened?"
Favour shrugged. "I just needed some space."
The three of them returned to the main library floor and sat down together.
---
Not long after, David arrived and not alone.
Joy was with him, walking closely beside him, whispering something with a giggle. When they reached the table, David looked mildly surprised to see Divine seated with Ariel.
David smiled at the group and dropped his bag beside Ariel. "Hey. Sorry I'm late."
Ariel looked at him, a hint of concern in her voice. "Where were you?"
David nodded toward Joy casually. "Joy stopped me on the way. She needed help with some coursework."
Joy gave a polite smile. "Hi. I'm David's coursemate."
Ariel nodded slowly. "Oh… okay."
Favour's expression remained calm, but her thoughts raced. She watched Joy take a seat, her posture relaxed too relaxed.
Ariel looked down at her book, trying to focus, but the tension in the air was hard to ignore. She didn't say anything, but a quiet unease began to grow in her chest.
Divine leaned back in his seat, watching David closely, as if studying every word, every gesture.
Something had shifted and all three girls could feel it.