The cost of loving you.

**Chapter 2: Confusion and Desire**

Today was an absolute disaster. Busi is impossible. She knows how dangerous this town is, yet she acts as if we have nine lives. If it wasn’t for Sanele, I don’t know what we would have done. He’s a real gentleman, but I can’t help but wonder—how did someone like him end up mixed with criminals?

It all started in the morning when Busi barged into my room to wake me up. We had our first class, and afterward, we needed to get to work on our assignment—interviewing locals. But no one wanted to talk to us. I could see the fear in their eyes. It wasn’t just about staying out of trouble; it was about survival in a place like Mlazi. But we couldn't give up. Someone had to be brave enough to speak out. I told myself we’d find that person eventually.

While we were walking through the town, I saw him. Sanele. At first, I thought I was imagining things. I hadn’t gotten a good look at him yesterday, what with the adrenaline and fear coursing through my veins. But today, I saw him clearly. He was tall, lean, and effortlessly attractive—definitely a hunk, as Busi would say. My heart sped up in my chest. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I’d never felt this way before. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way, especially not about a guy like him.

I’ve always been the good girl, the pastor’s daughter, keeping my head down and avoiding drama. Busi always teased me about it. She said I was boring, that I needed to loosen up and experience life, even date someone. Now, I finally understood what she meant. This pull I felt toward Sanele—it was strange. Even my body felt... different, like I couldn’t control how it reacted around him.

And then, just as I was lost in thought, I heard his voice.

“Hi!” Sanele said, breaking through my confusion.

I panicked. *Oh god, he’s really talking to me! What should I say?*

“Hi, hello!” he repeated when I didn’t respond immediately.

“Oh… hi, Sanele,” I stammered, mentally scolding myself for how awkward I sounded.

“So, you remember my name,” he said with a soft smile. “I forgot to ask yours last night.”

“Yes,” I blurted out.

He raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. “Oh! So your name is *Yes*?”

I felt my face flush with embarrassment. “No! Oh god, no. My name is Andiswa.”

His smile softened again, and for a moment, the tension in me loosened. “Andiswa… wow, that’s a beautiful name. It suits you.”

I couldn’t help but smile back, warmth spreading across my cheeks. “Thank you. You’re also... uh, one handsome gent.”

Sanele looked surprised, then amused. “What?”

Realizing what I’d just said, I backpedaled. “I said nothing! Sorry, excuse me.” Before he could say anything else, I turned and practically ran away, my heart racing.

---

By the time I made it to class, I was still replaying the conversation in my head. My mind was racing, and I couldn’t focus on anything. The lecturer’s voice was just background noise as I thought about Sanele—his smile, his voice, the way he made me feel like a bundle of nerves and excitement all at once. What was wrong with me?

Busi, always perceptive, noticed immediately.

“Friend, you seem lost. What’s going on?” she asked, sliding into the seat next to me.

I couldn’t lie to her. I told her everything—how I’d seen Sanele, how he’d spoken to me, and how I felt like I was losing my mind.

Busi grinned from ear to ear. “Girl, you know me. If you like this guy, then go ahead and date him! Take the risk! Love is a beautiful thing, and we’re only here for a week. You’ll get over him once we leave. It’s not like you’re planning to marry him or something. Just have fun!”

I frowned. “Why are you laughing?”

Busi couldn’t stop giggling. “Because I’ve never seen you like this! You’ve never been in a relationship. Remember how I practically begged you to date that guy back home, and you refused? You were all ‘I’m not busy with love and stuff.’ And look at you now!”

I shook my head, still unsure. “I don’t know what’s happening to me, Busi. I’m a mess. And Precious is right—I should be focusing on myself, on this investigation. Sanele is part of this criminal world, for crying out loud. What am I thinking?”

Busi waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Precious. She’s always so negative. Trust me, friend. Date the guy. You deserve to have some fun.”

“But I ran away from him when he greeted me!” I said, my face still burning with embarrassment.

Busi laughed even harder. “You need to go back and try again! Stop panicking. I know you’ve never been with anyone before, but you’ll be fine. Just relax.”

Her confidence was contagious. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was overthinking everything. After all, what was the harm in talking to him again?

“Okay, I’ll go apologize,” I said, feeling a surge of determination.

“That’s the spirit!” Busi cheered. “Go get your gangster man!” She burst out laughing, and even though I tried to glare at her, I couldn’t help but smile.

---

As I walked away from class, my mind was made up. I would find Sanele, apologize for running off like a fool, and maybe—just maybe—get to know him a little better.

What could go wrong?