HER CRUSH

Chapter25

Abdul
I walked into the room, seeing Sufyan finishing packing some of his things in the suitcase. He was humming a tune I didn't recognize, completely at ease, as if Lagos wasn't two hours away but another world entirely.

"Alright, I'll call you," he exclaimed, ending his call and looking at me with a  smile.

"You better not get lost in Lagos without me," I joked, walking toward him.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You think I'm the one who gets lost? You're the one who's always getting turned around in the city."

"That's not true. I'm a great navigator," I countered, puffing my chest.

"Really? Then why did you get us lost in Katsina last year?" he teased, eyebrows raised.

I laughed, throwing my hands in the air. "That was one time, okay? And it was your fault for not bringing a map!"

He shook his head, smiling. "I'm blaming you for that one. So, how's the bride-to-be?"

"She's doing great," I said with a grin. "You know, still trying to figure out how to deal with me."

He chuckled. "Good luck with that. I'm sure she'll figure it out soon enough."

We shared a laugh, and I clapped him on the back. "Take care, cuz. Give my love to Mommy."

He nodded. "Will do. And don't forget to take care of yourself. You're getting married soon, you know."

I grinned, leaning back casually. "I know, I know. I'll try not to mess it up."

He  smiled, zipped his bag, and gave me a knowing look. "I'll hold you to that."

Later, I headed toward Ummi's part of the house, but seeing she had a guest, I returned to my room. Sufyan had already finished packing.

"Let's go," I muttered, picking up my car keys. "I'll drop you off at the airport."

"Won't you even help me with my things?" He  asked, looking at me expectantly.

"Do I look like your servant?" I replied, smirking. "I'll help you with your laptop bag; the suitcase is all yours."

He remained silent, shaking his head, and I grabbed the laptop. We both walked toward the parking space. Sufyan went to inform my mother he was leaving, while I kept my eyes forward, hoping not to meet her guests.

Ummi escorted him outside, whispering something serious to him. I caught glimpses of her gestures but quickly turned away, not wanting to intrude. They continued talking, and she handed him something that he slipped into the front pocket of his kaftan.

I started the car, reversing out, and stopped where Sufyan and Ummi stood. He slid into the passenger seat.

"We need to make a quick stop at his new girlfriend Bilkisu's house.

This guy can be something else...always cycling girlfriends like a playlist.

After the brief detour, we drove straight to the airport. Sufyan picked up his suitcase. "Won't I even get a kiss?"

I punched him lightly and hugged him at the same time.

"Now get off me before people start calling me gay!" he laughed.

"Bro, you've got to go now," I said, smiling.

He nodded. "You too, bro. Don't forget to take care of yourself... and Zarah."

I chuckled. "I'll try my best. Don't worry about me; worry about your own life in Lagos."

"My life is always on point. You know that."