Unlock My Heart

Chapter 5

The next morning, I woke up feeling strangely light, as if some invisible weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It wasn't much, but for once, I wasn't dragging the constant stress of my parents' issues around with me like a second skin. Maybe Sean had something to do with that. Not that I was ready to admit it out loud.

I glanced at my phone and found a message from him waiting for me, like clockwork.

Sean: Morning. How you feeling today?

I stared at the screen for a moment, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. I didn't want to seem eager, but ignoring him didn't feel right either.

Me: Fine. Same old.

I hit send and immediately regretted how cold that sounded. But Sean didn't seem to mind. His reply came almost instantly.

Sean: Just fine? Not even a "great"? You really know how to keep a guy on his toes.

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. He had a way of making things feel easy, like it was no big deal to tease me, even when he barely knew me.

Me: Don't push it. What's your plan for today?

Sean: Classes till 12, then I'm free. You?

Me: Same. Might head to the library later. Got some reading to catch up on.

Sean: Sounds fun. Maybe I'll join you.

My heart did a little flip at that, but I forced myself to stay composed. This was just casual. He was just being friendly. No need to overthink it.

Me: Sure. If you can stay quiet.

Sean: Ouch. I'll try not to distract you... too much.

I shook my head, tossing my phone onto the bed before heading to the bathroom to get ready. There was no point in thinking too much about Sean. He was just a guy, and I had bigger things to worry about—like getting through the next few classes without falling asleep.

Later That Day

By the time my last lecture ended, I was more than ready to head to the library. It had been a long day of back-to-back chemistry classes, and I felt like my brain was about to melt from all the equations I'd been trying to keep up with.

As I walked across campus, the sun had begun to lower, casting a soft golden glow over everything. The familiar hum of Lagos—car horns, vendors shouting their wares, and the general buzz of life—was in the background, but the campus itself was surprisingly calm for a change. Maybe everyone else was too drained to cause a scene.

I made my way to the library, hoping for some peace and quiet. Just as I was settling down at one of the long tables near the back, my phone buzzed again.

Sean: You there yet?

Me: Yep. Already got my book open. Where are you?

Sean: Walking in now. Save me a seat.

I glanced around and spotted him as he walked in, his tall frame easily noticeable as he navigated through the stacks of books. He was wearing a casual T-shirt and jeans, and for some reason, that made him look even more... normal. Like someone who belonged in this world, despite the way he stood out everywhere else.

"Hey," he said, sliding into the seat across from me. "Hope I'm not too late."

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you'd try not to distract me."

He grinned, flashing that familiar playful look that always made my stomach twist. "I'll be on my best behavior, promise."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, both of us focused on our books. I tried to concentrate on my notes, but every now and then, I'd catch myself glancing up, watching Sean as he flipped through pages or scribbled something in his notebook. He seemed... at ease. Like he didn't feel the need to fill the silence with words. I liked that about him.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder why he was so interested in spending time with me. He could've been hanging out with anyone, yet he was here. I didn't get it. I was nothing special—just a girl with too much on her plate and a heart locked so tight I wasn't sure I'd ever let anyone near it.

"So," Sean said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "How's the family stuff?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"Last night," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You mentioned your parents. How are things?"

I swallowed, feeling that familiar tightness in my chest. I hadn't expected him to bring it up again. Most people would've dropped it by now, but Sean? He seemed genuinely curious.

"It's... complicated," I said, choosing my words carefully. "They've been fighting for as long as I can remember. It's like... like they're stuck in this endless loop, and I don't know how to break it."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "And you feel like it's your job to fix it?"

"I guess," I admitted. "I know I can't, but it feels like if I don't try, everything will fall apart."

Sean was quiet for a moment, his eyes searching mine. "That's a lot to carry, Alura. You don't have to bear all that weight on your own."

I looked away, not sure how to respond. No one had ever said it like that before—not with that kind of understanding. Most people just told me to "stay strong" or "get through it." But Sean? He wasn't giving me some half-hearted advice. He was really seeing me.

"Thanks," I said quietly. "But it's hard to let go, you know?"

"I get it," he said, leaning forward slightly. "But you've gotta take care of yourself, too. You can't help anyone if you're falling apart."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. He was right. I knew he was right. But knowing something and actually doing it? That was another thing entirely.

We fell into silence again, and this time, it felt heavier. But it wasn't uncomfortable. It was like we'd reached an understanding—a shared moment of vulnerability that I wasn't used to. And for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel the need to fill that silence with anything else.

After a while, Sean stretched, glancing at his watch. "I should probably head out. Got some stuff to finish up."

I nodded, trying not to let the disappointment show on my face. "Yeah, me too."

He gathered his things and stood up, giving me a small smile. "Take care, Alura. And if you ever want to talk again, you know where to find me."

I watched him walk away, my heart feeling a little lighter than before. I wasn't sure what was happening between us, but for the first time, I didn't feel like I had to run from it.

Maybe... just maybe... I could let him in. But I wasn't ready to make that decision yet.