Should we kiss 19

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 sprawled across their desks.

“I’m beyond tired,” Amaka groaned, setting down her pen dramatically. “I can’t come and kill myself over this Biology Fair.”

Layo glanced at her, amused. “We’ve barely been at it for thirty minutes.”

“Feels like an hour,” Amaka retorted, leaning back in her chair.

“It doesn’t,” Layo said matter-of-factly, returning to her notes.

“Abeg, I’m tired,” Amaka muttered.

“Take a ten-minute walk,” Layo suggested with a laugh.

Amaka perked up instantly. “Great idea!” she declared, grabbing her bag and walking out of the classroom.

Layo shook her head, smiling to herself as she continued her work. She switched to another book, trying to decode the day’s quadratic equations.

Moments later, Jide strolled into the room. “There you are, bookworm,” he greeted with a teasing smile. “How’s the research for our project going?”

Layo glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow. “Bookworm?”

“Yes,” Jide replied with mock seriousness. “Who reads after school hours?”

“I do, and you should too,” Layo quipped.

“I’ll pass,” Jide said with a playful grin. “Research isn’t exactly my thing. We know you’re the thorough one, so we left the heavy lifting to you. Got any ideas?”

“Not really,” Layo admitted. “I’m thinking about personal hygiene and human interactions. I think Miss Helen likes that topic.”

Jide tilted his head thoughtfully. “Hmm, nice but not too deep. Remember, we’ve got tough competition from Brightstar Academy and MarpleBridge. Robin High is the only weak link.”

“I’ve got something deeper in mind,” Layo said, a spark of determination lighting her eyes. “But I’ll need more time to flesh it out. So, what brings you here?”

Jide leaned casually against a desk. “A little birdie told me I’d find you here.”

Layo gave him a knowing look. “Amaka?”

“Obviously,” Jide said, grinning.

“I was researching earlier with her,” Layo explained, “but after she bailed, I’ve been trying to make sense of today’s quadratic equations. They’re really messing with my head.”

“How about you take a break?” Jide offered.

Layo smiled. “Okay, I can do that.”

“Great,” Jide said, his tone light. “I’ll keep you company.”

“Don’t you have football practice?” Layo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“They can manage without me,” Jide replied. “Plus, an opportunity to spend time with you? Definitely not missing that.”

Layo smiled shyly, her cheeks warming at his words.

Jide’s expression turned slightly more serious. “Plus, I don’t trust Racheal. I don’t want you alone. She could pop up anytime, trying to cause trouble.”

“I appreciate the thought,” Layo said, her voice steady, “but I don’t need protection from her. I can handle her myself.”

“I love your boldness,” Jide said, his smile softening.

Layo felt her heart skip, a faint blush coloring her face.

“I love your smile,” Jide continued, his tone growing warmer. “I love how you carry yourself. I love that you’re beautiful.”

Before Layo could respond, Jide gently took her hand in his.

“I love everything about you,” he said quietly. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

Layo’s eyes widened in shock. “I...I wasn’t expecting this...” she stammered.

“Sorry to spring it on you suddenly,” Jide said, chuckling softly.

Layo bit her lip, suppressing a laugh.

“But I’m not sorry for expressing my feelings,” Jide added earnestly. “I really, really like you.”

Layo hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Jide repeated, his voice filled with joy.

“Yes,” Layo confirmed, a shy smile spreading across her face.

Jide laughed, holding her hand a little tighter. They gazed at each other, their connection deepening in the quiet classroom.

*****

BACK TO PRESENT

Jide’s smile lingered as the memory faded. Nina’s voice pulled him back.

“Well?” she asked, leaning closer. “How did it happen?”

Jide chuckled softly, his eyes still carrying the warmth of the memory. “It’s a long story,” he said, dodging the question.

But across the circle, his gaze returned to Layo. Something in her body language told him she wasn’t as comfortable as she seemed.

Something wasn’t right.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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