Little Do You Know

17. GLASS AND GLANCES

I stared at Alex, my lips pressed together as my mind replayed his words.
"Not everything requires a kiss, boss."

And so?

Was I supposed to kneel down and thank him for that announcement? Because I didn't ask for his input. I didn't ask him to care. I didn't ask him to glare at Kay like some jealous—

I stopped myself before the thought could form completely. No, Alex didn't like me. That much was obvious. If anything, he only tolerated me because of our project. So why was he acting like I had done something scandalous?

Kay's voice cut through the tense silence.

"And what's your business with that?" His tone was sharp, his posture rigid, and for a second, I thought he was about to take a step forward.

Alex met his gaze without flinching.

But before anything could escalate, someone from the crowd muttered, "Abeg, Kay, forget am."

A chorus of agreement followed.
"This thing no go far na."
"No turn this one to fight abeg."
"We came to enjoy, not settle quarrel."

Kay exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. "Whatever, abeg." But I could tell he was still stewing in embarrassment.

I shook my head, pushing the whole thing aside. I was supposed to enjoy this ceremony for Christ sake!

"Yeah, it's time for the award ceremony!" I heard someone say. I barely paid attention at first. My mind was still stuck on Alex and what he said. But the shift in the room's energy made me glance up.

Just like that, the atmosphere shifted. Someone dragged a small podium to the front, and a senior student walked up with a list in hand.

A hush fell over the crowd.

"The first award," the announcer said, is for the Most Likely to Always Borrow Pen and Never Return It."

Laughter rippled through the room.

"And the winner is..." The announcer unfolded the paper slowly for dramatic effect. "Musa!"

A roar of laughter broke out as Musa, one of the quieter students scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Ah! It's not my fault o!"

"No excuses, come and collect your award!"

Musa walked up to the front, and the announcer handed him a clear, beautifully designed glass trophy. The base was thick and smooth, while the top had elegant, swirling edges.

Musa turned the award in his hands, staring at his own reflection in the glass. "Wow. I never expected it."

"Speech! Speech!" The crowd chanted.

Musa cleared his throat. "Well... I'd like to thank everyone who lent me a pen, even though I never returned it. God bless you all."

The room shook with laughter.

The ceremony continued.
"Most Likely to Argue With a Lecturer": A hot-tempered guy who yelled, "That's a lie!" before realizing it was actually true.

Each award brought more laughter, reactions, and unexpected winners.

Then, as the tension built, they finally reached the main ones.

I barely paid attention as the first few awards were handed out, my mind still clouded with unease. The crowd cheered, names were called, but all I could focus on was the lingering tension in my chest.

Then, the Mc's voice rang out, snapping me back to the moment.

"And now, for the academic excellence awards, starting with the Most Brilliant Male student in our class."