Chasing dreams, finding love

Chapter 6:Tea, goosebumps, and plot twists

At Sofi's place

Sofi paced her room, adjusting her traditional outfit for the hundredth time. Her parents were on a cleaning frenzy outside. She swore she'd never seen her dad mop so aggressively or her mom arrange cushions with such determination. Today wasn't just any day-this was The Day. The boy's family was coming to meet her.

But Sofi wasn't thinking about marriage or destiny. She was busy texting her best friends, Mirelli and Janiya.

Mirelli: "Girl, don't forget-to spill tea on him. It's a power move "
Janiya: "Wait, I'm going through the same thing. I have to go to My dad's friends' house. What if it's like a secret matchmaking plan?!"

Sofi laughed nervously. As if this could get any weirder, she thought. Then the phone rang.

Her dad hollered,
"Sofi! The boy's family is asking for directions. Come guide them!"

Sofi grabbed the phone, already annoyed. Why don't adults use Google Maps like normal people?

"Hello?" she said, trying to sound polite.

"Hi," came the voice on the other end. It was smooth and calm, with a faint hint of amusement. "We're near a green gate, but we don't see a house number. Can you help?"

Sofi gave him the directions without thinking too much about it. She wasn't paying attention to the voice itself, just the task at hand. "Left at the mango tree, then right at the pink wall. You'll see a blue gate. That's us."

"Got it. Thanks," the voice replied, a slight chuckle trailing the words. Sofi hung up, assuming this was just another awkward stranger she'd have to meet.

Minutes later, the family arrived. Her parents greeted them enthusiastically, exchanging pleasantries like seasoned diplomats. Sofi stayed hidden in her room, dreading the moment her mom would call her out. And then it happened.

A few minutes later, she overheard her parents chatting with the guests. Her dad called out, "Sofi! Bring the tea!"

She balanced the tray and walked into the room, pasting on the most neutral expression she could muster. But the moment she stepped inside, her eyes landed on him.

Leon.

Her heart stopped. Her college crush, the boy who had once been the center of her universe, was sitting there, calmly chatting with his parents as if nothing was unusual. He looked just as effortlessly charming as she remembered-maybe even more so. His sharp jawline, unruly hair, and confident posture sent her heart into a tailspin.

Leon's gaze flicked to her, and for a moment, his expression didn't change. No spark of recognition. Nothing. He just smiled politely as if they were strangers. Sofi froze, her hands trembling slightly as she set the tray down.

"Tea?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"Thank you," Leon said smoothly, his voice steady and unreadable.

Sofi's stomach churned. Did he not recognize me? she wondered. They'd shared a few classes and had eye contacts. She'd spent sleepless nights dissecting those small moments, convinced they'd meant something.

And now? Nothing.

Her parents and his parents were busy laughing and chatting, completely oblivious to the tension crackling between the two. Sofi busied herself pouring tea, avoiding his gaze, but her mind raced. How could he not remember her?

Leon, meanwhile, was having the time of his life. He hadn't forgotten her. In fact, the moment he'd seen her name on the meeting list, he'd known it was her. But pretending not to recognize her? That was far too tempting.