The soft hum of the fan filled the room as Ariel and Favour sat at their reading desks. Their books were open, but neither of them was really focused.
"I've been thinking," Favour said, breaking the silence. "It's been a month, Ariel. Samuel said he liked me… but since then, nothing."
Ariel looked up from her notes. "Nothing at all? No sign, no progress?"
Favour shook her head. "He's still nice, like always. We talk. We even hang out. But it's like that whole confession never happened. I don't want to ask again, but I'm starting to lose my mind."
Ariel leaned her chin on her palm. "I get you. But maybe he's taking his time. You know Samuel — calm, calculated."
"I know, but I don't want to keep waiting like this," Favour sighed. "Maybe I'll just ask him next time we're alone. Whatever the answer is, I need to stop guessing."
There was a pause before Favour added, "What about you and Divine? He's been coming around a lot lately."
Ariel gave a small smile. "Yeah… he has. Honestly, he's been a big help after the whole David mess. He's funny, thoughtful… and real."
"So… are you going to say yes?"
Ariel paused for a moment. Her mind wandered back to a few days ago — a quiet evening, just her and Divine sitting outside.
> "I know this might not be the best time," Divine had said, looking nervous but sincere, "but I still like you, Ariel. I was hoping you might give it a thought."
> She had stared at him quietly, surprised but not upset. "I have," she'd said. "I like being around you. But… I don't know if I'm ready for a relationship again."
> His nod had been gentle, patient. "It's okay. I just wanted you to know."
Snapping back to the present, Ariel sighed. "He told me again that he likes me. I told him I'd think about it."
"And have you?" Favour asked, watching her closely.
Ariel nodded slowly. "I like him… but not in the way he wants. And honestly, I don't know if I can even trust any guy right now."
Favour reached over and touched her arm. "I understand. But Divine isn't David. You should think about it again. He's good to you."
"I know," Ariel said softly. "I will."
That night, as Favour lay in bed staring at the ceiling, a message lit up her phone.
Samuel: "Hey, I've been meaning to talk to you… Can we hang out tomorrow? There's something I want to say."
Her heart did a small flip. She smiled, fingers quickly typing back.
Favour: "Sure. I'll be free."
Early the next morning, a knock came at their door. Ariel opened it and found Divine standing there with a small paper bag in his hand.
"Hey, good morning." he smiled.
"Good morning" she smiled back surprised.
"I was thinking… maybe we could go out thus evening? Just something chill. I won't make it weird, promise."
Ariel smiled back, warm and unsure at the same time. "Alright."
They had a short discussion before he left with a wave.
after Divine left, Ariel thought to herself. She had said yes — not because she felt ready for anything serious, but because being around him brought her comfort she hadn't realized she needed.
Later in the evening, as the golden sky gave way to dusk, Divine returned to pick her up. He wore a simple, clean shirt and jeans, looking neat and slightly nervous. Ariel stepped out in a soft blue top and light jeans, her hair in a ponytail and a little gloss on her lips.
"You look nice," Divine said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Ariel smiled. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself."
They laughed, and soon they were on their way.
Meanwhile, at a quiet restaurant in town, Favour arrived just on time. She spotted Samuel almost immediately — seated at a table near the window, scanning the menu but clearly a little distracted. He looked up and smiled when he saw her.
"You came," he said, standing as she walked over.
"I said I would," she replied, sitting down.
There was a moment of silence between them as they adjusted to the setting. The waiter came and took their drink orders, giving them space.
"I've been meaning to have this talk for a while," Samuel said, fingers playing with the edge of his glass. "But I didn't want to rush it."
Favour leaned forward slightly. "I understand… I've been waiting too."
Just then, the restaurant door opened — and Ariel walked in with Divine. Favour noticed them first and waved with a grin.
"Ariel! Over here!"
Ariel looked surprised but smiled, and Divine gave a quick nod. Samuel turned around and then chuckled.
"Should we ask them to join us?"
"Sure, why not?" Favour said brightly.
Samuel signaled, and soon the four of them were sitting together at one table. The atmosphere shifted into something lighter, warmer. Jokes bounced between Divine and Samuel, while Ariel and Favour exchanged glances and quiet laughs. The air buzzed with casual chemistry, unspoken glances, and playful teasing.