Sunny Side Up♡

Chapter 49: I'd choose you everytime?

I stretched out on the bed, my body sinking into the plush mattress, wrapped in the comfort of my satin pajamas. After ditching the dress and heels, I felt lighter, more like myself. The party was still going on downstairs, but I had slipped past it, using my iron deficiency as an excuse. It wasn’t really a lie, just... convenient. I just didn’t have the energy—physically or emotionally—to stand there pretending I wasn’t overthinking every single word Ntsika’s dad had said.

I sighed, rolling onto my stomach, phone in hand. My mom’s name popped up on my screen, the blue chat bubbles filling our conversation.

Mom: Your dad and I just got back from dinner. You should’ve seen the way he was fighting with the waiter over the bill. Yoh, embarrassing!

I smiled, shaking my head. My dad always insisted on paying, even when the service was bad.

Me: Lmao, I can already hear him saying, “It’s the principle, Thandi!”

Mom: Exactly! I had to pull him away before he started giving a whole TED Talk.

Mom: Anyway, how’s the party?

I hesitated for a second before typing.

Me: It’s fine. Ntsika’s dad gave a whole speech, though. You know those ones where it’s about the future and family responsibility?

Mom: Haaibo, and here I thought it was just a birthday. Are you okay?

I chewed on my bottom lip before replying.

Me: Yeah, just needed air. I’m in my room now.

Mom: That’s good, baby. Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, drink water and rest, okay?

I was about to reply when a knock sounded at the door.

I glanced at my phone, then at the door, my heart doing that weird little flip. Who could it be?

Sliding off the bed, I padded over and pulled the door open, and there he was—Ntsika.

His suit jacket was gone, leaving only his white shirt, the top few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest. His sleeves were rolled up, and on his feet? Adidas slides. He looked like a mix of business and comfort, and somehow, it worked.

In his hands were the gifts I had gotten him.

"Hey," I said, stepping aside.

"Hey," he echoed, walking in like he’d been here a million times before.

I closed the door behind him, watching as he made himself comfortable on the edge of my bed.

"Liyanda said your iron deficiency was acting up," he said, glancing up at me.

I nodded. "Yeah... and we also had to stand up to listen to the speech , and I couldn’t do it. So I came back. I hope that wasn’t a biggie?"

Ntsika shook his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. "No, but I kinda missed your face."

I scoffed, settling onto the bed beside him. "Not me."

He chuckled, shaking his head. " You're impossible."

I rolled my eyes, leaning back against the pillows.

He lifted the neatly wrapped box in his hands.

I raised a brow. "You didn’t open it yet?"

"Nah," he said, his voice lazy, like he had all the time in the world. "I wanted to do it with you."

I huffed, shaking my head. "Une haba Ntando."