_Chapter 6_

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MELOKUHLE'S POV

I snuggled under the blankets, my phone buzzing with Ntsika's last message. We'd been talking for hours, sharing our dreams and fears, and I couldn't believe how much I'd opened up to him.

"Hey, Melokuhle? What's your favorite memory from childhood?" Ntsika asked, his message popping up on my screen.

I smiled, thinking back to happy times. "Definitely summer vacations at my grandparents' farm. We'd spend hours exploring the woods and playing in the river."

Ntsika responded with a similar story, sharing his own fond memories of family vacations. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, like we'd known each other for years.

As the night wore on, our messages grew more introspective. "What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?" Ntsika asked, his question making me pause.

I thought back to my decision to pursue art, despite my parents' initial disapproval. "Following my passion for art, even when others doubted me," I replied, feeling a sense of pride.

Ntsika shared his own story of risk-taking, and I listened intently, feeling a deep connection to this boy who'd once been my rival.

Our conversation wound down, but my mind lingered on our words. I couldn't believe how much we had in common, how much we understood each other.

"Goodnight, Melokuhle☺️," Ntsika typed, his message accompanied by a sweet emoji.

"Goodnight, Ntsika," I replied, smiling softly. "Sweet dreams."

And as I knew myself....I drifted off to sleep
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Ntsika's POV

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear. My sister, Nolwazi was the first one to wake up and was preparing breakfast. I groggily got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine.

Downstairs, my mom had already prepared breakfast. My brother, Mlungisi, was arguing with my dad about something. I tuned it out and focused on my scrambled eggs and toast. Nonkululeko, my 13-year-old sister, was trying to get my attention, but I just grunted a hello.

Bandile, my 11-year-old brother, was making funny faces at me, trying to get me to crack a smile. I chuckled and playfully rolled my eyes. Sibusisiwe, my little sister, was running around the kitchen, singing a silly song. I smiled, watching her carefree spirit.

'Ntando, don't forget to grab your lunch on the way out,' my mom reminded me.

'Okay Ma,' I replied, taking a bite of my toast.

Nolwazi poked me in the ribs. 'Hey, Ntando, what's up?'

Not much, just thinking about Melokuhle and our conversation last night,' I said, trying to sound casual.

Mlungisi raised an eyebrow. 'Melokuhle, huh? You two getting close?'

I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. 'We're just friends.'

My dad chimed in, 'That's good, Ntsika. Friends are important.'

I nodded, finishing my breakfast. Time to head out to school.

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MELOKUHLE'S POV

I woke up to the warm sunlight peeking through the curtains, casting a cozy glow in my room. I stretched, feeling the softness of my blanket. My mom's gentle voice called out from downstairs, " Sawubona, Nana! Time to wake up!"

I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. After a quick shower, I got dressed in my favorite jeans and a comfy T-shirt. Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread filled the air. My stomach growled in anticipation.

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