For the first time in weeks, Samuel entered the library alone. The seat beside him felt emptier than usual without Favour's constant whispering, playful nudges, or the way she'd tug at his sleeve each time she didn't understand a concept.
He sighed as he opened his textbook, but his eyes couldn't focus on the pages.
Eventually, he pulled out his phone and typed a message.
"Why aren't you in the library today?"
Favour's reply came almost instantly.
"I'm reading with Ariel today."
Samuel stared at the screen for a while. His fingers hovered before he typed again.
"Can you come over to my place this evening?"
"I want to talk to you."
Favour's heart skipped when she saw the message. Her fingers trembled slightly.
"Okay. I'll come."
She placed her phone face-down on the table. This is it, she thought. No more holding back.
---
Back in the library, Divine sat beside Ariel, trying to concentrate but failing. His eyes drifted to Ariel again. She was staring across the room, clearly distracted her eyes locked on David. David sat stiffly, nervously flipping pages and pretending not to notice her gaze. It didn't fool anyone.
Favour sat close by, her textbook open but unread. She could still hear Joy's voice in her head — the way she'd pleaded with David, the frustration, the desperation. Even though she hadn't seen them, she was sure of what she heard. And her instincts told her everything wasn't as simple as David made it seem.
Eventually, Joy stood up and stretched. "I'm heading home," she said casually to David.
"Alright. See you," he said without meeting her eyes.
That was the cue. The rest of the group packed up as well.
Divine clenched his fists as he watched David. How could he bring another girl right in front of Ariel and still lie to her face? His chest ached from the helplessness. He wanted to scream, to pull Ariel aside and tell her everything. But no, not yet. Not until he had proof.
Outside the library, Ariel called out, "David, wait."
He paused and turned to her.
Divine slowed down his steps but kept walking, glancing back once.
"We need to talk," Ariel said, her voice low but firm.
David nodded, his eyes softening. "Yeah, okay."
They walked a few steps in silence before Ariel finally asked, "Is something going on with you and your Joy?"
David stopped walking. "Ariel…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "No, she's just my classmate. Look, I know I've been distant and weird lately. But I promise that's changing. I'm really sorry, okay? I've just been overwhelmed."
Ariel looked at him carefully. "So you're saying nothing's going on?"
"I swear," he replied. " I'll make more time for you, I promise. Things will be different from now on."
After a long pause, Ariel gave a small nod. "Okay. Just… Don't lie to me."
"I won't," he said, managing a weak smile. "Thank you for giving me another chance."
They said their goodbyes and walked off in different directions, but Ariel's heart still felt unsettled.
---
Divine stood far off, watching the entire exchange from the shadows of a tree. She believed him again, he thought bitterly. He's hiding something and she can't see it. But I will make sure she knows. No matter what it takes.
That evening, Favour stood nervously in front of Samuel's door. She smoothed her hair, inhaled deeply, and knocked.
The door opened, and Samuel stepped aside. "Come in."
She walked in and sat on the reading chair. He sat beside her, elbows resting on his knees.
"So…" Samuel started. "Why did you ignore me today?"
Favour looked up at him, unsure how to begin. "I wasn't ignoring you. I just… needed space."
"Space?" he asked, frowning slightly.
She nodded. "I've been thinking a lot lately. About… things."
Samuel looked at her, waiting.
Finally, Favour stood up, heart pounding. "I.. I like you."
Samuel blinked.
"I've liked you for a long time," she continued, her voice trembling. "And I know it's probably weird, and maybe you don't feel the same, but I just needed to tell you. I'm tired of pretending."
Samuel stood too, a little stunned. "Favour…"
She looked down, ready for rejection.
But instead, he said softly, "I think… I like you too."
Her head snapped up. "What?"
He gave a nervous chuckle. "I mean, I'm still figuring things out. I didn't know you liked me. I always thought you were just being… you. Loud, nosy, clingy…" he smiled, "but kind of amazing."
Favour laughed, breathless. Without thinking, she pulled him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her briefly, then pulled back slightly.
"I still need a little time, though," he said. "I don't fully understand what I feel yet. But I don't want to hurt you."
"I understand," she whispered. "Just being honest feels like a huge relief already."
They sat back down, the air between them lighter.
After a while, Favour hesitated and said, "There's something else…"
Samuel turned to her, curious.
"In the library… I overheard something. I didn't see the people, but I'm sure it was David Ariel's boyfriend and a girl named Joy. They were arguing. Joy was asking him to break up with Ariel."
Samuel's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"I didn't tell Ariel because I wasn't completely sure. But now… after seeing Joy with him today… I don't know what to think."
Samuel leaned back, thinking. "You should tell her. Even if it's hard. She deserves to know something's up."
Favour nodded slowly. "I will. But I want to find the right time