Little Do You Know

9.BIRTHDAY PARTY.

He drew his lips closer as my poor heart pounded heavily. Then, moving them to my ears, he whispered:

"Breathe, Jummy."

It was the first time someone had ever told me to breathe. Then I realized—I had been holding my breath for a while.

I took in fresh air, half of which was filled with his body scent because he still stood close.

"I..."

Wait, what? Jummy, you what? You want to confess your feelings? You dey dream?

As usual, a heated argument was happening in my head.

"You what?" he interrupted my thoughts.

"I look forward to the party," I blurted out. Even I wasn't expecting me to say that.

He smiled. His smile had stopped sending me to heaven and back. It's now sending me straight to hell!

"Let's go," he commanded, finally moving away. I wanted more, but that was all.

As he switched off the lights and drew the curtains, I stole a glance at him. If he were a movie, he'd be too hot for cinemas. He'd blow up the entire screen! God was definitely in a good mood when He created Alex.

We stepped out, walking toward the road. Unlike my street, where only a few houses had fences, every house on Alex's street was fenced, giving the area an air of quiet wealth.

"We should see a cab soon," I said.

Jummy! Nobody asked. I know. The air was too tense—I had to say something.

"I hope so too. By the way, when next should we meet for the next—"

"Project date?" I interrupted, then immediately regretted it.

Jummy, why is your mouth running faster than your brain? Say something to back this up!

His calm eyes met mine.

"I mean the date for the project meeting," I added quickly, awkwardly rubbing the back of my head.

"Yes, which date should we fix?"

"I'm okay with any day."

"Okay."

If someone had told me I'd be having casual conversations with my crush—inside his house, no less—I would never have believed them.

Then suddenly, he grasped my wrist.

My heart skipped a beat.

"You forgot something?"

He pulled me closer.

"I just remembered that cabs are difficult to find from here."

"Oh."

He could have told me without touching me or pulling me close, but no, this guy won't be the death of me.

"Let's take my car."

I blinked. "You... you have a car?"

He chuckled. "It's my dad's. He left it with me before traveling."

"When did you even learn how to drive?"

"I've always loved driving. My dad finally let me learn when I turned 19."

That's cool.

Then he said something that made my heart somersault.

"You keep making me do new things."

Our eyes locked.

"What?"

"I rarely use that car. But today... I just decided to."