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CHAPTER 18 "SHOULD WE KISS?" © Opeyemi Akintunde As Inspired by the Living WORD The hall was quiet, the Guest Speaker's voice echoing across the room as she passionately delivered her topic. Students sat, some listening intently, others distracted by whispered conversations and absent thoughts. But elsewhere...hidden beneath calm faces and quiet exteriors...plans were being crafted... “How’s it coming along with your subject? Mine is going perfectly well. He seems like a weak one. I should kiss him tonight.” Nina was saying to her two partners in crime through her  mind voice. Zino sat still, his face a mask of calm confidence, but his thoughts churned. “I have her seduced already,” he replied in his mind, wicked satisfaction glinting in his eyes. “I’ll engage her tonight somewhere really private. I hope to do more than kiss her. They’re not as strong as Principal Harry  projected them to be.” A sly smile curled on his lips. Across the row, Mira's voice cut in, laced ...

CHAPTER 19 "SHOULD WE KISS?" © Opeyemi Akintunde As Inspired by the Living WORD Jide’s gaze stayed on Layo from across the circle, his silent support conveyed in a subtle nod. Though there was a  significant physical distance between them but his unspoken words reached her loud and clear: "I’m here, Layo. Just breathe. Focus." Layo caught his look, the communication between them undeniable even amidst the lively crowd. Her heart settled a little, but she still felt the oppressive presence of Zino beside her. “Tell me, Jide,” Nina’s teasing voice broke into his thoughts. She lightly tapped his arm, redirecting his focus. “How did you ask her out?” Jide chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. “It’s...complicated,” he said, though his mind had already drifted back to the memory of that moment. ****** FLASHBACK – TWO WEEKS EARLIER The classroom was quiet, with only a few students lingering after school. Layo and Amaka sat side by side, their textbooks spraw...

CHAPTER 17 "SHOULD WE KISS?" © Opeyemi Akintunde As Inspired by the Living WORD. “Hello, baby sister…” Tolu greeted, her tone cheerful. “Hi, how are you?” Layo asked with a small smile. Tolu tilted the phone slightly, grinning. “How’s your fair going, Scholar?” “Not bad,” Layo replied, narrowing her eyes as she noticed something odd about her sister’s outfit. “Where are you?” “At home, on my way out…” Tolu said nonchalantly. Layo’s brows revealed instant disapproval. “On your way out? I’m not your mother, but I have a lot of problems with what you’re wearing.” Tolu laughed, looking down at her off-shoulder top. “Relax! I’m just trying on a dress a friend got me. I’ll change into something more covered before Mum sees me.” Layo shook her head. “A friend got you that?” “Yes! What do you think?” “That you’re never wearing that out,” Layo said, crossing her arms. Tolu rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ugh, what do you know?” She paused, then her tone softened. “But seriously, how ar...

CHAPTER 16 "SHOULD WE KISS?" © Opeyemi Akintunde As Inspired by the Living WORD “Excuse us?” Amaka said sharply. Racheal, ignoring Amaka completely, pointed a finger at her with a wave of dismissal. “You...you may pass,” Racheal snapped. Then, turning to Layo, her expression hardened. “But as for you…” Layo stared calmly at Racheal, unbothered by her glare.  “The audacity,” Racheal muttered under her breath. Layo raised an eyebrow, her tone cool and calm. “How may I help you?” Racheal’s face twisted slightly, her words coming out with bitter frustration. “Help me? I should be asking you that.” “What are you talking about?” Layo asked, her confusion evident. Racheal’s voice heightened with emotion, though she tried to sound steady. “You think you can just stroll around, batting those pretentious eyes at every guy and flirting with them?” Amaka stepped in. “Flirt? With who?” Racheal turned sharply, glaring at Amaka. “Zip it when I’m talking.” “What is the meaning of this?” Layo...