A/N: Sorry, I had to republish this cause I didn't specify Chioma's POV in the last part. Sorry ❤️

Chioma's POV.

A Loud groan escaped my lips the minute my alarm rang in my ears. I tossed on my bed, grabbing my pillow and hurriedly stuffing it on my face. The darn thing rang again, much louder than before, and I angrily got out of bed and turned it off.

Mondays...

Which now meant I had to go to work. The horror! Not that I didn't like my job, I did - I really did - but, I also love sleeping in, WITHOUT my stupid alarm having to disturb my beauty sleep. I groggily rubbed my sleepy eyes and yawned loudly, and my eyes finally landed on my digital alarm clock.

6:45am.

It read, and I lazily lay back on my bed. I still wanted to sleep, but the fact that I had to get dressed for work didn't let me do that. I just had to get out of bed once again, muttering words unintelligently and making my way to my bathroom. As I got into my bathroom, and stared at my reflection in the mirror on the wall, my mind traveled back to yesterday.

Femi had kissed me... And I liked it.

Honestly, I wasn't expecting that AT ALL, and I was utterly dumbfounded by it. I'd felt the electricity run down my spine, and I couldn't explain the sparks and numerous emotions going through my head, mind and entire body. It was crazy - really crazy.

Basically, I was confused... And scared... And worried. To be honest, I'm not ready to get my heart broken yet again. And Femi? Femi is way too nice for me, and I'm not even sure how to feel about everything that'd happened. But one thing I'm certain of, is that I did feel something when he kissed me, and that's why I kissed back. Was I wrong to have done that? Perhaps I was only caught up in the moment?

But why was I so jealous yesterday? I was almost one hundred percent sure, that he'd flirted with those girls 'cause two of them came to him, all flirty-eyed, and he spoke to them - flirty-eyed too - and even laughed. That was flirting! but then he denied it. And next thing I know, we're dancing, and he's kissing me? It's definitely too much to handle right now,' cause I thought I was taking a break from men and romantic relationships. I just didn't want to get hurt again, and also don't want to be single forever, but it's just... It's basically complicated!

Love is hard. Love is really hard!

I'm sure of that. I'm sure it's a wonderful feeling too, but when you fall in too deep, you'll surely get hurt. And that's not what I want. Femi is a really lovely person, he's really understanding and cares way too much about the ones he loves and respects... And that, that, is basically another reason I'm scared. I'm afraid of losing him, 'cause I know he has tons of admirers and he kinda seems like a gentle but secret flirt to me. I mean, the dude is handsome, he's rich, and he has an amazing personality. A girl would be really foolish to miss that, right?

That means...
I'll be really foolish to miss that.

But how am I even sure that he kissed me 'cause he likes me. He didn't say so himself, and it was probably' cause he was caught up in the moment. Apparently, I was standing so close to him... And maybe that's the only reason he did it. I do remember him saying once that I wasn't his type. Although that was when we were both sworn enemies, I still fear he actually meant that.

Maybe he likes girls like Kunmi.

It seemed so, 'cause they're usually together, and as much as I hate to say it, they look really cute together... But I don't want him to be with Kunmi! I want him to be with me instead! Yes, me! But that might never happen. And that's the part that breaks my heart.

Although, they haven't been close during the past month. I'm guessing it's best that way, given the fact that I hate the girl, she hates me, and we have a sworn hatred for each other that's definitely mutual. So it's best that way.

I'm probably thinking about this way too much.

I mentally chided myself, and hurriedly brushed my teeth, took my bath and got dressed for work. Once I'm done with work, I'm sure they'll be plenty of time to ponder over that.

* * *
Femi's POV.

"So... Lemme just understand this gist now..." Damola let out a hysterical chuckle as he glanced at me. "... She just woke up one morning and decided to head back to India? Just like that?" He shook his head in disbelief, a hint of surprise laced in his voice.

"I'm just as shocked as you are. I didn't expect her to do that, but... What has happened, has happened" I replied and he shrugged in response.

"This life eh. To be honest, I miss her... I really miss her. But... Such is life, no matter what happens: we move!" He said, that usual excitement and vibe about him - instantly returned.

I heaved a loud sigh, as I plopped on my swivel chair - in my office. I couldn't concentrate... Each time I'd want to do something work related, for. Some. Reason! I'd always think about her. Just seeing her swept me off my feet, just holding her was enough to kill me, and kissing her blew my mind.

Weird.

This entire thing was so weird. I mean, I used to hate the girl! I used to despise her, I had said she wasn't my type, called her sassy, rude, arrogant and even thought she'd remain single forever 'cause she was just too bitter - then. But now? Now, everything has suddenly changed. I just couldn't seem to get her face, her name, her... Out of my mind. She was intoxicating me with her charms, every bit of her fascinated me - even without trying. And as cringe as this sounds, it's all true.

We hadn't spoken to each other ever since, I really wanted to - in fact, I was dying to - but I just couldn't call or go over to see her 'cause she'd asked to be given some time to think about this, all this... And I really want to respect her wishes, I don't want to push it, or rush anything. Perhaps, all that had happened was a mistake.

But still, I just didn't care about how much of a mistake it was. I'd really like to do it again, again and again... Cause it felt good. It felt right.

"Femi! Femi! Alaye!" Damola yelled, slapping my head upside-down. That single action, was enough to snap me out of my reverie and I immediately groaned and gave him the deadliest glare I could muster.

"Is it painful?" He laughed out loud, eyes lighting up with excitement.

I glared at him even more, muttering numerous curses under my breath as I rubbed the back of my head. "What kind of bloody slap was that nau?" I grumbled and he smiled.

"Mr. Lover Lover... I was talking to you, and you were ignoring me - just smiling like a mad fish" he said and I cringed at his choice of words.

Mad fish?

"I wasn't smiling at anything" I denied and he hissed.

"Don't be lying that kind of lie. You were clearly displaying your teeth" he said, a loud yawn escaping his lips. "By the way, I'm really hungry" he said and I hissed at him.

"Eat me nau. I look like food in your eyes, come and eat me. Use me and do human barbecue" I hissed once again, staring blankly at the paperwork before me. I was in no way interested in anything that was written there. I was only staring at it, to get Damola out of my hair - 'cause I knew he'd get bored, just watching me work. Luckily, his job didn't warrant him going to work everyday, and that's why he'd always crash here to bug my life.

"Lemme just pardon your senselessness" he said, and I offered him an eye roll as a reply.

"So... How far you and your babe na?" He asked, a mischievous smirk on his face, as he wiggled his brows at me.

I shut the paperwork, tired of pretending to actually care about whatever was written in there. "She's not my girlfriend..." I replied, and then a smile stretched across my face.

"... Yet" I added, eventually, and he laughed.

"Thank God oh! I thought you'll be a fool and deny it" he exclaimed and I shrugged.

"When are you asking her out then? 'Cause me I want the full gist. I can even give you tips on what to say..." He dusted imaginary dirt off his shoulders. "... It's a gift that I can't deny" he smiled and I - once again - rolled my eyes.

"To be honest, I'm not sure when. She hasn't exactly said anything to me after the whole kiss episode. I'm afraid she won't agree. I don't even know what's going on in her mind" I said, the helplessness in my voice was very evident.

"But... Was she angry about the kiss?" He asked, and I shook my head, no.

"She wasn't" I muttered.

"Then chillax na. No need to worry yourself, she probably needs time to think it through" he replied, with an indifferent shrug.

"And if she turns me down? Then what? 'Cause things will be super awkward after that" I said and he leaned back on his chair.

"You move on. That's how life is, it's the irony of life" he replied, nonchalantly.

I wasn't sure he quite got the point. I don't want her to turn me down. I need her to say 'yes'. And before asking, I need to be sure she'll say 'yes'. I wouldn't want to take the risk of asking her, and then she turns me down, and then our friendship would turn all awkward all of a sudden.

That'd be really bad.

"You don't get it, I don't want her to say 'No'. I need her to say 'Yes'. That's what I want, Damola" I huffed, as I ran a hand through my face.

"She won't say No" he said and I groaned aloud.

"And how do you know that?" I asked, not convinced in the slightest.

"Because, dummy... She kissed back, she wasn't angry about it, and that means she liked it. And if she liked it, then that means she likes you. There, chill now" he explained and I pondered on what he said, hoping that was true.

"You do have a point" I muttered in thought.

"Yeah, I told you. I'm an expert at these kinds of things, it's a gift" he replied, pride bubbling through him and bulging through his eyes.

I said nothing to him in response, I was basically worried. And anxious, not knowing what she'd say was truly killing me. The anticipation was literally biting into my veins.

I had to tell her how I felt first. During the past month, these feelings have been too difficult to ignore. And no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't tell her how I felt. I didn't want to mess up our growing Friendship with my crazy emotions going haywire, so I kept it all to myself. Ignoring it proved to be difficult - impossible even - 'cause I kept seeing her almost everyday.

And she was nicer, it seemed like her beauty increases every passing day. And that, that couldn't be ignored. I'd seen all the effort she put into changing - no matter how hard it'd been for her, she still tried.

"You hate me, don't you?" She'd asked me, a few weeks after she'd returned from her abduction. Her voice: low and fragile.

We were both sitting outside, on the patio in my house, and she was sitting right next to me - on the white decorative bench on the patio - with a worried look on her face.

She'd refuse telling me what was going on with her, but I insisted on knowing.

In reaction to her previous question, I creased my brows in confusion - as to why she'd even ask me that.

"No. No, I do not hate you. Why would you even ask that?" I asked, my eyes filled with concern and softening as I spoke, and she shrugged. Something was definitely bugging her, I thought.

"How come you don't hate me? I was so mean to you, Femi. Countless times! Yet, you're being so nice to me" at this point, she was staring into my eyes, pools of honey darkening as they stared into mine. In those eyes, I could notice the confusion and the helplessness. But why?

"... Why? Why Femi?" It came out as a whisper, a low - yet audible - whisper. "Why are you being so nice to me? I don't deserve it one bit, so why do you keep doing it? I've hurt you, haven't I? But still, you still help me when I'm in trouble. Even when others won't. Why?" She was still staring into my eyes, I was drawn into those eyes. And the exact same way she'd been asking me that question, I'd been doing same in my head.

Why? Why was I being so nice to her? Why am I so restless when she's hurt or in pain?

At that time, I had no idea. And so, I couldn't answer.

"I don't know" I replied truthfully. "I guess it's 'cause I consider you a friend?" The uncertainty in my voice was crystal clear.

Her eyes fell from mine, she bit her bottom lip and shut her eyes, like she was trying to forget something.

"Yeah..." She took an ominous caesura, before she spoke again. "We're just friends" she muttered, with a smile - which I could easily detect as a sad one.

I couldn't read this girl, even if I tried. She was always masking her emotions... And she was so good at it, she always did that. And that's why it was hard to tell what she's truly thinking about. She was mysterious, she was a puzzle - which I was trying so hard to solve. Yet, with every step I get closer to solving it: she throws a new obstacle my way.

I heaved an exasperated sigh as I though of this. Then, I had no idea why I cared so much, but now; I did.

And that's 'cause I love her. You only care so much for the ones you love. You ignore their flaws, you see them as perfect, even when they're not. And in mine and Chioma's case, that was the situation. She was perfect, her flaws made her perfect, they unlocked a better her. A better her that drew me into her.

And as much as I hate to admit it, my greatest fear - at this point - was for my feelings to be nothing but one-sided.

Ouch!

That'd hurt, a lot.

* * *
Chioma's POV.

The skies darkened with an alluring shade of dark blue, my shift had finally come to an end at this hour, and that meant one thing: and that was, I could go home!

Seb was already waiting outside the hospital's parking lot to take me home, and I hurriedly greeted a few of my co-workers, and exited the hospital.

Once in the car, Seb greeted me and drove off immediately. And it didn't take too long, before we finally got home.

Hastily, I'd gotten down from the car and hurried into the house. I was terribly tired and so hungry, and I couldn't wait to rest and stuff my face with food.

The minute I greeted my parents and headed into my room, I kicked off my white kitten heels and plopped on my bed with a groan.

"Chioma! Chioma! Chioma!" Amara yelled and I wondered what had gotten into her.

I immediately covered my entire body in my floral patterned duvet, from head to toe, trying to pretend to be asleep.

"Chioma oh! Please open the door!" She yelled from outside and I groaned, once again, trying to be asleep.

"Chioma! Please!" She yelled again, and I muttered a rain of cusses under my breath.

"What?! I'm trying to sleep!" I yelled, my frustration evident as I marched to the door and pulled it open.

"Come, come, come!" Amara immediately beamed the minute the door came open. She pulled me by my arm and literally began to squeal and began to jump and down. I wondered what could've happened to get her so excited.

"What's the celebration all about? What happened?" I asked, but she continued either ways, ignoring my question.

"Just join me and praise God! Stop talking! Pray!" She said and I creased my brows in confusion, as I watched her lift her voice in praise.

I slowly joined in, wondering what was so joyous that got her all bubbly.
After the whole prayer-worship session - which only lasted for a few minutes - she finally sat on my bed, with a big, fat grin on her face.

"Guess what?" she asked and I quirked a brow at her, completely tired of her drama.

"You know I'm never good at guessing. Just tell me what's going on already!" I demanded and she grinned widely, her grin glued on her chocolaty face.

"Just guess" she insisted and I rolled my eyes.

"If you're not telling me, then allow me to rest. I'm tired and —"

"Agozie is finally out of coma!" She yelled in excitement, causing my eyes to bulge out of their sockets and double in size.

"Are... Are... Are you serious? Don't... Don't joke with such a thing, Amara!" My voice came out shakier than I'd expected.

Amara rolled her eyes and placed an even bigger smile on her face.

"If you think I'm lying, then call Amanda and find out" she simply said, and I immediately ran towards my purse on the bed, and reached for my phone.

____________________________

A few more chapters to go!!!

So... Agozie is finally out of coma. I just couldn't let him die, he's too fine to die abeg🤧

Anyways, please don't forget to vote if you ended up liking the chapter, and please don't forget to drop a comment.

Also, A VERY BIG 'THANK YOU' TO YOU ALL FOR 34K+ READS!!!!! Oh-mY-GosH!!! That's huge... Thank you guys so much❤️❤️❤️❤️✨✨✨✨

PS: I just published a book of mine titled: BANK ALERT. The full book will commence by 2021. After I'm done with MTTSS and my Teen Fiction titled: Bittersweet (which will begin right after MTTSS)

Can't wait to share them with you, for now, if you'd like to have a glimpse of what Bank Alert looks like, then simply head on to my profile chisom_dili and you'll see it there. The Prologue is out now, and Chapter 1 will be out soon. The rest of the book will commence by 2021.

Love you!!!❤️❤️❤️✨

Till my next update,
Bye...