Little Do You Know

2. PAIRING

The lecture room was rowdy as I walked back to my seat.

"I didn't even know when you stood up. Where did you go?" Enny questioned, unplugging her earpiece.

"How would you know when you're always pressing your phone?" I smirked at her and continued. "Stepped out to ease myself."

"Alright."

I didn't actually go to the toilet, but I needed a reason to stand up. I had to see him.

I had been crushing on Alex Matthew since our first year. He was perfect. His dark skin had a deep, rich glow, like polished mahogany under sunlight. He was tall, at least six feet, and lean, with broad shoulders that made him stand out effortlessly. His face was smooth, almost unreal, with sharp, defined cheekbones that accentuated his strong jawline. But his nose, his straight, pointed nose, was what I found the most captivating. It made his entire face look so refined, so elegant.

Then there were his eyes. Deep brown, almost black, always calm, like the ocean before a storm. They had a way of holding secrets, of making you feel like he was thinking about something far beyond anyone's understanding. And his lips, thin, perfectly curved, were what I always feasted on in my dreams. He didn't smile often, but when he did, it was the kind that could send me straight to hell and bring me back in the same breath.

It was only last semester that I learned his name, Alex Matthew. Not a single day had passed since then without me looking for him, just to make sure I saw him at least once. But despite all this, I, Olajumoke Adams, had never spoken to him. Not once.

That day, his usual seat, the last row, first seat, was empty. He never missed a lecture, so I was worried. Where could he be? I had to check. But after scanning the entire room and still not finding him, I returned to my seat, disappointed.

Just then, the entire hall fell silent. A lecturer had entered. I quickly tapped Enny, and she removed her earpiece.

"Good morning, students," the lecturer greeted. He looked friendly but very old fashioned. His baggy red trousers started awkwardly high on his stomach, paired with a faded white shirt that looked like it had seen better days.

"Morning," my coursemates chorused.

"I am Professor Ogundele, and I'll be taking you MCB 311 this semester."

A murmur spread across the hall. MCB 311 is not a joke. Why are they giving us a new lecturer now?

"I still have more to say, and I'd advise you all to shut up and listen." His tone sharpened, demanding attention.

Who is this man telling to shut up? And why is he roaring like an overfed lion? Enny whispered.

Eniola Adeleye, my best friend since childhood, had always been blunt, sharp mouthed, and ready to fight for me at any moment. We lost contact during secondary school, but somehow, fate brought us back together at Hallmark University. She was taller than me, with a fuller frame and plump cheeks that made her look younger than she was. Her skin was dark like mine, but while mine was smooth and lean, hers had a rich glow that made her stand out.

"Wait, what? Overfed lion?" I cackled.

Enny was a pro at swearing, but this was a first. She learns new ones daily.

The class settled down again, and the professor continued.

"I won't be teaching you, but..."

"Eeeeeh, thank you, Jesus!" Enny screamed, along with several others.

"I'm not done yet!" He roared again.

"This man likes to shout o!" She glared at me, her eyes filled with irritation.