The cost of loving you.

*Chapter 6: The Chase of Love and Consequences*

**SANELE**

I don’t understand girls. Especially Andiswa. Sure, I made a mistake, but for her to ignore me like this for months? That’s not right. She could’ve at least left a message, something to show she cared. Why am I even worried about her? It’s obvious she doesn’t give a damn about me. Or was she just using me to get information about my brother?

I remember that day so clearly—the way she subtly pushed for details about him. Why did I trust her? I should’ve listened to Senatla. He told me to ignore my feelings, to stay away from her. Now I’m out here, chasing after her like a fool. Like a sick chicken. And for what?

I deserve better than this. I know I did wrong for keeping her to long. But still… there’s something about her. I can’t stop thinking about her. And that’s the problem. Everyone knows I’m a player—I can have any girl I want. Yet with Andiswa, it’s different. She’s different.

I was so deep in thought, I didn’t notice Mayor walk into the room until he spoke.

“What’s bothering my little brother so much that he’s talking to himself, huh?” Mayor asked, a grin on his face. “Tell me, is something wrong?”

I quickly pulled myself together. “Nah, bro. Everything’s fine. I’m just tired, that’s all.”

“You’re lying,” he said, taking a seat across from me. “It’s that girl, isn’t it? What’s she done now?”

I tried to play it cool. “Who are you talking about?”

Mayor smirked, shaking his head. “You think I’m a fool? I have eyes everywhere, Sanele. I know you’ve been seeing that spy girl in secret.”

My heart skipped a beat. So he knew. I didn’t think it would come to this so soon. “If you’re mad, there’s no need to be,” I said carefully. “I haven’t talked to her in months. She’s been ignoring me, so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

He laughed, but it was a cold laugh, the kind that made you feel like you were missing something. “Who said I was mad? I’m not angry at all. In fact, you did well. Seeing her could be an advantage for us. We’ll get information out of her, stay two steps ahead of them. They won’t know what hit them.”

I frowned. “That’s not possible. She’s not talking to me anymore.”

Mayor waved it off like it didn’t matter. “That can be fixed. I’m visiting Banda’s school today, and you’re coming with me. You’ll have the time to talk to her and patch things up. Don’t disappoint me, Sanele.”

I sighed. “Have I ever disappointed you?”

---

**ANDISWA**

When I heard that the Mayor was visiting today, my heart sank. I hoped he wouldn’t bring Sanele with him, but deep down, I knew he would. I didn’t have the strength to face him. Not now. Not when the mere thought of seeing him made my heart ache.

I tried to focus on anything else, but Busi’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“Guess what?” she said, breathless from running.

“What?” I replied, not in the mood for games.

“Just guess!”

“Busi, if you don’t want to talk, leave me alone. I’m really not in the mood.”

“Chill! I just saw the Mayor today. He’s here… with Sanele.”

My heart skipped a beat, but I played it off. “Oh… okay. So?”

Busi rolled her eyes. “Idiot. This is your chance to fix things. Look how stressed and miserable you’ve been. Just talk to him. You won’t mess up this time. Stop being a coward.”

I sighed. “You think?”

Before Busi could respond, Precious butted in. “That’s a terrible idea, Andiswa. Remember what happened last time?”

Busi turned on her, her eyes narrowing. “Who asked for your opinion? You’ve always been jealous of Andiswa because she’s got Sanele.”

Precious scoffed. “Jealous? What would I do with a gangster like him?”

Busi smirked. “Oh, you could do plenty with a guy like him. Want me to tell you?”

“Guys, please,” I interrupted, tired of their bickering. “Busi, I’ll talk to him, okay? Are you happy now?”

Busi grinned. “That’s my girl! Now go fix yourself. Look at you, ‘ngathi u mafa vuka’—like you’re on the brink of death.”

We both laughed, and for a moment, things felt lighter. But Precious gave me that familiar look, the one that said, "You’ll regret it." And honestly, she was usually right. That’s what scared me.

Still, I had to do this. I had to face Sanele, for my own sake.

---

I spent the next half-hour searching for him. My heart pounded harder with each step, a mix of fear and anticipation surging through me. Finally, I spotted him near the bathrooms, leaning against the wall, staring into space. Should I turn back? He looked upset. What if he didn’t want to talk to me? What if he was done with me for good?

No. I had to do this. It was now or never.

I took a deep breath and approached him. “Hey, Sanele,” I said softly, my voice shaking.

He didn’t respond. He didn’t even look at me. My stomach dropped, but I tried again.

“I know you’re angry with me,” I continued, “and it’s okay. You don’t have to talk. I will. I’m so sorry for everything. I’m sorry for ignoring you. I know I was wrong, but I was scared. I’ve never done this dating thing before, and I didn’t know how to react. I’ve been a fool, but I miss you. I want us to fix things. Please, talk to me. I’m sorry.”

Sanele finally looked at me, his eyes hard. “So you think an apology will fix everything?” he asked, his voice low. “I sacrificed everything just to be with you. I lied to my brother for you, Andiswa. And this is how you repay me? I was worried about you. I thought I had done something wrong. But no. You were just using me, weren’t you? Trying to get information about my brother?”

“No!” I cried, my heart breaking at the accusation. “That’s not true. I truly love you, Sanele. I don’t know how or why, but I do. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Please, forgive me. I promise I’ll do better this time.”

He stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “I don’t trust you,” he said finally, his voice cold.

I felt my heart shatter. I nodded, forcing myself to accept it. “It’s okay. At least I tried. Thanks for hearing me out. Goodbye, Sanele.”

I turned and began walking away, tears blurring my vision. But before I could take more than a few steps, I felt his hand grab mine. He pulled me back toward him, and without a word, kissed me. It was a kiss full of raw emotion—anger, love, relief. We both cried, holding each other tightly, promising never to let go.

“Stop crying,” he whispered, wiping my tears. “I’ve forgiven you.”

“I know,” I said, sniffling. “But I feel so bad. You’re such a good guy, and I almost lost you because of one stupid mistake. I’m such a fool.”

Sanele smirked, his eyes twinkling. “Yeah, you are.”