AN: A Christmas Eve gift for you all. 

Oh, and don't forget to vote please

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Muamba POV

I still cannot believe that yesterday was not a dream. How could Kapinga not recognise me at all? But then again that also means that I did a great job disguising myself for this task.

Initially, I was very disappointed that she did not recognise me. I did after all come specifically to this village to spend time with her. But then I realised that this was actually a win for me. Now do not get me wrong, I am simply going to carry this façade until Kapinga fully trusts me and then I will reveal to her my true identity. That way when she realises that it is me, she will be more forgiving of my foolish acts of the past. I just needed to show her that I was a good guy and with a clean slate, it would be so much easier to achieve that.

"Kashala, that dish isn't even properly cleaned," I heard Japhet say beside me. I looked to my hands and realised that I had taken a dirty plate and was about to place it with the other clean dishes.

"What is going on with you?" Kalamabayi asked. The three of us were currently sitting on the brick wall of the dam. I must admit that I was surprised that they know about brick walls in Evet since all the houses here were made purely of wood.

"What do you mean?" I asked as if I had no idea what he was talking about. I could not tell them about Kapinga yet. I first needed to sort things out with her and then I would tell them everything. For all I know she simply agreed to meeting later today because she was too modest to say no. Besides, I did not want to get my hopes up yet and telling my friends would immediately result in that. 'Friends' I thought to myself. I had only had one friend back in kingdom and now, not even two weeks of being in Evet and I have already made two new friends.

"You simply keep drifting off as if something is on your mind," Kalambayi replied casually. However, when I looked at him, I could see that his eyes held a glint. He knew something or at least acted like it. Or maybe it was the angle of the sun. But my gut told me that he was onto me. Was it when I did not let go of Kapinga's hand when we met or was it that Kapinga told him about me asking her out. After all, Kalambayi is the one who walked her back home yesterday.

"No, I am just missing home," I replied. This was supposed to be a lie, but I truly did miss home. I missed seeing my little princess. I also missed my bed. "You said that you are going back home in a month's time, right? So, that means three more weeks including this one, right?" Japhet said and picked up a set of clean plates.

"Yes," I replied and quickly went back to washing the dish I was still holding in my hand. I rapidly finished cleaning it and then picked up the second pile of clean dishes and stood up as well. As soon as we both started walking away from the dam, I felt Kalamabyi place his hand on my right shoulder. So, I turned to face him.

"She is a good girl. Do not play with her heart Kashala," Kalamabyi said quietly. I was about to reply to him when Japhet turned around and asked, "Are you guys coming or what?" To which Kalamabyi 's response was a light jog forward. He quickly caught up with Japhet and left me alone behind. His words ringing in my mind.

Shortly, after we got back from the dam, Kalambayi's mother requested his help for something and Japhet went with him leaving me free for my date. If I could call it a date that is. Without wasting anytime, I rushed back to my little hut. I had a date to get ready for after all. Yes, I was calling it a date.

To be honest, I have never in my life changed outfits this many times. This is saying a lot considering the fact that I am a prince and all. What this really means is that that the opinion of Kapinga on me trumped the opinion of thousands of my people. I wanted her, no I needed her to like me very badly. To the point where my hands were slightly trembling and extremely sweaty. My heart kept fluttering every now and then as if it forgot that its only function was to pump blood through my body. Then it dawned on me, I Prince Muamba of Safe Heaven was nervous. This was such a strange feeling that I nearly did not recognise it at all.

I decided to find a seat and try to calm myself down when my eyes landed on the clock hanging above my bed. Snap! I was late. I had to walk all the way to Kapinga's school and fetch her because I am a gentleman. If only I could have brought a horse with me. Anyways, I did not want to spend time with her at her school because her friends who see us and talk. So, I decided that I was rather going to spend the day with her away from preying eyes and ears instead. Thus, I quickly put on some sandals and headed out the door before my heart gave way.

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"Kapinga?" I called from the other side of her room. I chose not to knock just in case this was not her actual room.

Thank heavens everyone in this village was so extremely helpful. I did not even have to strike up the conversation with the young female who showed me to Kapinga's door. Now, this did seem a bit dangerous to me. For example, what if I was a danger to Kapinga? But I took my opportunity and here I am.

I first heard the turn of the key followed by the door opening to reveal an elegantly dressed Kapinga. No, she was not overly dressed at all. She had worn a simple dress with long sleeves. It was not to revealing but the little skin the dress did show was dangerous enough for me still.

"Hi," she said after our moment of staring at each other in silence. I first cleared my throat and then placed out my right hand like a gentleman would for her to take. I was not sure that I could really speak to her right now out of nerves.

Kapinga first raised a brow in confusion to my gesture and then her face morphed into that of realisation. She then slowly linked her hand with mine and off we went. For some reason we walked together in silence until we left the school premises. Then we both simultaneously tried to break the silence at the same time which only resulted in both of us saying, "No, you go first" at the same time. At which we both laughed. I could not help but look at her as she laughed next to me. Then before logic could restrain me, I found myself speaking out loud, "I cannot wait to know how your lips taste."

As soon as the statement left my mouth, I immediately froze. Then I slowly turned to look away from her face. I had just royally screwed up and could feel Kapinga's arm stiffen in my hold. She had heard what I just said. Here I was trying to make a good first impression on her and failing like a dimwit again. I could not bear to look at her now due to embarrassment, so I kept my eyes trained on the soil road as if it were the most fascinating thing I had ever seen.

"Well, Mr Kashala where are we going to on this bright and early day?" Kapinga said next to me. I was at first surprised that she did not immediately think I was some weirdo. After all, I just met her and here, I was saying such. And then I realised that this is my golden opportunity. I could get out of this awkwardness I created. She just gave me a second chance. "Well, I don't care much for what we do as long as you and I end up together?" I replied. Only to realise that I again placed us back to the awkward situation that Kapinga just pulled us out of. Damn me, why could I just not reel it in for once.

I then looked to Kapinga to gauge her reaction and from the way her eyes were drifting all around her, I could tell that she wanted to be as far away from my weird self as possible. I had to think of some way to fix this right now and I needed to think quick. Then like a bolt from the blue a brilliant idea struck me.

"Oh, do you think that was too much? I mean, I have been trying to woo this girl back in my old village for ages and she always seems to run away as soon as I open my mouth. As my first female friend please tell me what I am doing wrong. I am going back home in a month to try and win her heart and I cannot fail this time," I said finally stopping to take a much needed breath. But as soon as I stopped talking, I realised that again I did something scandalously stupid. I just told the girl I like that I like someone else. Why could I not think straight around this girl?

I was about to try and say something else in a futile attempt to save my reputation when Kapinga spoke up, "Well, yes all the compliments are a bit too much. Especially since you and I just met. For a second there I thought you were some crazy person. But do not worry MY DEAR FRIEND. I can try to help you as best as I can. I must admit though that I am no specialist in the ways of women." I looked up to Kapinga only to see a grin spread of her face.

Thank heavens that had worked I thought to myself. "Well then you and I are going to be great friends," I said. 

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AN

QOC: Have you ever fallen in love/ had a crush on a friend of yours? How did that go?

And I am proud to say that I am officially symptom free now guys. Please remember that COVID is still a thing out there and stay safe. 

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