Leri groaned as she dropped her pen on the table in frustration. It tumbled over to the floor.

She pushed the chair backwards, stood up and stretched for minutes before plopping on the chair once again.

She rubbed her eyes and yawned in exasperation. She had been sitting for hours but had not achieved anything worth the while. She had started writing Dahlia’s speech but unfortunately hadn’t gotten past two lines on her laptop.

Leri glanced at the screen of her laptop, reading the topic aloud in her head. ‘Entrepreneurship as a threshold.’

A groan came afterwards. She was facing a writer’s block, which she hated experiencing.

From the dining table where she sat, she stared ahead at the living room where Iyanu sat on the sofa watching anime on the television while causally munching Pringles.

Dragging her feet, she went over to him and fell on the sofa, next to him.

“Iyanu,” she murmured while repeatedly tapping his arm.

After a few minutes of ignoring, he finally snapped.

“Kini?” Iyanu paused the television, “what is it?”

“I have writer’s block jare,” she replied, “pass me the Pringles.”

“So?”

Leri blinked at him unbelievably.

“So?” she emphasized, “I want you to help me fix it.”

“And how am I supposed to that?”

“I don’t know for you o.” Leri told him, “Sha help me.”

“Try sleeping or resting nau, Inspiration will come.” Iyanu suggested.

“Noooo it won’t.” Leri leaned deeper into the sofa. “I need something fresh, something-“

“Then go for a stroll.” Iyanu shrugged, “fresh air.”

Leri gasped excitedly, “Iyanu you’re a genius.”

He only rolled his eyes in response.

“Let’s go to Bigpip for Shawarma this night.” She suggested with a grin.

“I have plans this night.” Iyanu withdrew her hand from his arm.

“Oya bills on me, you won’t need to pay for anything.” Leri paraphrased her statement.

“Seriously?”

Leri bobbed her head. “I swear it.”

“Okay fine. I’ll come. Now can I continue my anime in peace?” he pleaded.

“Why aren’t you at work anyway? Is your internship over?” Leri inquired.

“Today is Sunday, abi what are you saying?” Iyanu gave her a confused look.

Leri eyes widened in realization, “oh oh, I forgot.”

Iyanu shook his head sympathetically at her.

She swatted his arm and together they continued watching the anime.

“Are you and Dennis still dating?”

The question hit Leri like a pile of rocks.

“Of course, why do you ask?” she replied hastily.

“Sis I’m not a baby anymore.” Iyanu reminded her, “it looks to me like one of you is losing interest.”

“It’s not like that,” Leri assured him, “he’s in Ogun state for work and he’s really busy. We’re not quarreling.”

“Okay sha.” Iyanu shrugged, “but it’s okay to walk away when you can’t cope anymore. A relationship should be fifty-fifty. You shouldn’t be the one always doing the calling and checkup.

“To be very honest, we’re fine.” Leri forced a smile on her face, “when did my baby brother start giving relationship advice?” she teased, “so how about you? Any girlfriend?”

Iyanu chuckled. “Do I look like someone that is ready for a relationship? Abeg I no do.”

“Why so violent?” Leri raised a brow.

“A relationship is expensive in this Nigeria. Not just financially, but even emotionally. Besides, no Nigerian lady wants to date a broke boy.”

“You’re a big boy nau.” Leri teased.

“Sis, no whine me abeg.”

Leri laughed, “I really can’t wait to see the woman you’re going to end up with.”

Iyanu scoffed, “marriage is optional. I may not even marry sef.”

“Better don’t let Mummy hear that.” Leri chuckled, “You will fall in love, eventually.”

Iyanu shrugged noncommittally and Leri could only stare at him. Once upon a time they played with sand and rocks as children, but now, they were both adults. How time flies.

They arrived at Bigpip and as usual, it was lively with customers. An afro beat music played in the background but most importantly, the scent of food hung in the air.

Leri sat and waited for Iyanu who went to get their orders. A rush of unexpected breeze blew past, the cold stung her and she shivered a little. She glanced at the starless sky before returning her attention to her phone screen.

Ojite had posted her pictures on her Whatsapp status which made Leri smile. She commented the pictures, and was a little sad when she found out that she wasn’t online.

“Is this seat taken?”

The voice made Leri look up. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped multiple heart beats.

Tomiwa. Who she avoided throughout the rest of the party after..

“Y..Yes, I mean No,” she stammered, ‘it’s not taken. Have a seat.”

Leri looked everywhere else except his face and when Iyanu returned with their orders, she heaved a sigh of relief.

Iyanu stared at him questioningly until a look of realization crossed his face, “You’re the one that helped me the other day. The guy who paid my bus fare.”

Tomiwa nodded and Iyanu immediately stretched his palm for a handshake, “thank you once more for the other day. My name is Iyanu and this is my sister ..” he paused as she stared at Leri, “you guys know each other?”

“He’s an acquaintance.” Leri said firmly.

“We’re colleagues from work.” Tomiwa said instead as he accepted Iyanu’s handshake in an informal manner, as if they were long lasting friends.

Leri narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips at the sight. Her brother knew him. Wonderful.

“So sis, some of my friends are here. I’ll eat with them instead.” Iyanu announced impromptu and Leri watched speechlessly as he left her alone with someone she has been avoiding. Wonderful.

“You should eat before it gets cold.” Tomiwa spoke.

Leri remained mute as she narrowed her eyes at him. Precipitously, her suppressed anger resurfaced as she recalled last night. She was angry at how he left her abruptly. She was mad at herself for allowing herself to be treated in such a way.

Compelled by anger, she stood up and picked up her tray. She shouldn’t be near him. She should avoid him.

She had already turned when she felt a grasp around her wrist. Why was he stopping her?

“Ileri please stay.”

Leri shut her eyes briefly and turned to face him. His eyes were full of sincerity, and her eyes drifted to his beard. Once again, she felt like touching it.

She disregarded the thought by shaking her head. Men with beards weren’t her type.

Leri sat, looked away and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You look different tonight.” Tomiwa cleared his throat.

“What did you expect me to wear? A suit?”

“Of course not.” He shook his head repeatedly as he opened his pack of Asun. “About last night..”

“What happened last night?” Leri asked innocently.

Tomiwa looked up.

Leri raised a brow in question.

Tomiwa coughed, “Um..nothing happened.”

Leri tried to hide her smile and maintain a passive face. He was obviously nervous.

“You look relaxed.” She told him, “and so different in a casual wear.”

“Yes,” Tomiwa nodded his head slightly, “you too. It’s the first time I’m seeing you wear crocs.” he gestured to her feet.

Leri beamed, “they are like the most comfortable thing ever. I feel like if there was a crocs kind of corporate shoes, like heels. I would totally rock them.”

Tomiwa smiled slightly.

“Do you live around here?” Leri inquired.

“Not really. I stay at Lekki.”

Leri gasped. “And you came all the way here for just a plate of Asun?” she asked incredulously.

“I heard the Asun here is really good, and tasting is believing.”

Leri chuckled as she began to unwrap her shawama foil, “You’re very funny.”

“How about you?” Tomiwa asked, “Do you live around?”

“Yes actually,” She gestured towards the road with her finger, “I live just around-“   she paused and glanced at Tomiwa skeptically.

“Is anything wrong?”

“I don’t think you should know where I live when we’re not close friends.”

Tomiwa nodded in disappointment, “I see.”

Leri smiled a little and stared at his plate of Asun, “By the way, is that the only thing you want to eat tonight?”

“Well, I guess so.”

“Nope.” Leri shook her head, “do you eat spaghetti?”

“I haven’t had it in a while.” Tomiwa admitted.

“Perfect.” Leri grinned, “I’ll be back, don’t move.”

Leri returned with a couple cellophane bags, aware that Tomiwa was staring.

She took out the plate of jollof spaghetti, removed the cover and inhaled its warm aroma for a minute.

“Let me have your Asun?” she gestured to Tomiwa who pushed it closer to her.

Leri emptied its content into the spaghetti and went ahead to open another smaller plastic plate containing salad. She poured it into her mixture and began to stir with a fork until everything blended together.

“Here you go.” She gently pushed the plate back to Tomiwa, “try it.”

She watched Tomiwa take up his cutlery and scooped up a bite. He chewed slowly.

Leri awaited his reaction.

Words were not required as a response for Tomiwa who had started to dig in faster.

“How were you able to come up with this?” he asked amidst mouth full.

“When you’re jobless, there’s more than enough time for anything.” Leri replied, taking a bite of her own Shawarma, “Driven by boredom and fueled by joblessness.”

“Before you started working for Dahlia?” Tomiwa inquired.

“Nope. I’ve been jobless countless times in the past,” she opened a bottle and turned its content into an empty cup. “Try this also,” she stretched the cup to him.

“What is this?”

“Just try it.” She rolled her eyes.

He took a sip and his face changed into a thoughtful expression.

Leri giggled at the sight, “it’s sugar cane juice jare.”

“Really?” Tomiwa took more sips, “Wow. I have to get this on my way home.”

A rush of cold breeze blew past again, which made Leri instinctively run her palms across her arms. 

“Are you cold?” Tomiwa asked, surprisingly with concern.

“Not really,” she lied, “but look at the sky,” she pointed upwards, “I think it’s going to rain tonight.”

“There’s a possibility.” Tomiwa agreed. “Ileri?”

“Yes,”

“Someone got killed yesterday morning not too far from Dahlia’s place.” Tomiwa announced.

Leri immediately cupped her palm over mouth in shock.

“I want you to be very careful and always be at alert.”

“But how? What happened? Was it a he or a she?” Leri rushed her words.

“A man. His corpse was found on the road.”

“Blood of Jesus.” Leri exclaimed, “His family would’ve been very worried, probably waiting for him to come home.”

Tomiwa nodded slowly. “Just be very vigilant.” He fixed his gaze on her.

Leri looked down and away.

“I know how to make a pepper spray.” She said after a moment, “my best friend taught me, but I’ve never seen the need to make one.”

“You can keep always keep it in your bag, for extra protection.” Tomiwa suggested.

“That makes sense.” Leri said, “thank you for telling me this.” She smiled genuinely.

“It’s no problem.” Tomiwa waved it away, “Thank you for the food, it was very enjoyable.”

Leri grinned. Tomiwa just complimented her, but why was she feeling so happy?

The atmosphere suddenly changed into a chilly one, making Leri shiver. Her skin had always been the sensitive type, so she kept on rubbing her arms trying to keep herself warm. She felt Tomiwa’s eyes on her, watching her silently.

“I think I should get going,” she began packing up, “I don’t want the rain to meet me here.”

“Can you please wait for a few minutes, I’ll be back.” Tomiwa said before leaving her.

He came back after five minutes, meeting Leri standing, awaiting his return.

“I think you should have this.” Tomiwa unfolded what he held. An ash colored sweater. “Because of the cold.” He added quickly, refusing to meet her eye.

Leri’s heart softened at the gesture. But she was unsure, was it right to collect something from him?

“I-“ she started but couldn’t find anything to say.

“As payment for the food.” Tomiwa stretched the sweater to her, “you can give it back whenever you wish.”

“Thank you.” Her voice came out like a whisper as she collected the sweater.

Tomiwa took one step closer to her, “I’m glad I saw you tonight. Thank you for making my night brighter.” His face broke into a smile, “Goodnight Ileri.”

Leri was too stunned to move from her spot. She watched speechlessly until he was out of view.

Her heart was doing gymnastics stunt. Her head felt mushy, unable to think straight.

She clutched the sweater close to her chest and caught its scent that reminded her of him.

She had a boyfriend which made all these was unnecessary. But deep down, his compliments made her feel happy in a way she couldn’t explain. And his smile, was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen. It lighted up his eyes, revealing a hidden boyish look.

She shook her head and exhaled hot air through her mouth. Whatever this was had to stop. He was just her friend and she was going to keep it that way.

Don't forget to vote, comment and share❤️

Also, this is more of a filter chapter, and I have to ask, any Leri/Tomiwa shippers in the house?

Or y'all still rooting for Dennis?

Do let me know in the comment section😉