Observant

Chapter 5: Ben

Today is my first day of orientation. I stick to a simple look and l wear skinny jeans, a t-shirt and black sneakers.

I was in such a hurry that all l had for breakfast was a slice of toast and a small juice box.

I know I'm going to regret this later. The main campus is a kilometer away from Rosa House. It was sweet of Palesa to walk me to campus until l get familiar with the route.

I'm finally back home after a long eight hours of being told school protocols, procedures and going though workshops.

This wasn't the orientation l signed up for.

I honestly thought that it will be a quick session of being welcomed to the school and then its party time. I clearly watch too many movies about "college".

Anyway l was surprised l made it back to res without collapsing from exhaustion.

Okay maybe I'm being a bit too dramatic but l staggered into my room and buried myself under my blankets.

That was when l heard a knock on the door, it was a long day and l didn't want to deal or interact with anyone right now. I was even too tired to eat.

I ignore it.

The knock continues and l continue ignoring the knock.

It's probably one of Palesa's friends looking for her and she isn't here. I continue ignoring the knock until the person calls my name. This voice sounds familiar.

This is a person I've met before. "Kagiso" the person persists. "It's Zenande." How did Zenande find out where l live and how did he even get past reception?

Him and l had a moment at Xoli's house after the fresher's bash. A chill session with friends turned into a make out session with one of the guys in the group.

It was probably the alcohol that led to that but it was awkward for me so l started avoiding him everytime l saw him.

We both do chemical engineering so it was extremely difficult to avoid him, at some point l even walked straight past him and acted as if l didn't see him. I was just too embarrassed to face him.

Now he's here? I wish l could just disappear or be somewhere else right now. Sadly l can't and now l have to face the guy I've been avoiding. "Be brave KD you can do this." I said to myself.

I took a deep breath and put on a smile, hoping that he can't tell that it's forced.

"Hi"

"Hey I'm sorry if l disturbed you, were you sleeping or something?"

Yes.

"No it's fine, l just had my headsets on."

"Okay cool l just wanted to tell you that I'm hosting a chill session at my house, nothing busy we'll just be lounging around the pool with a couple of drinks and so on. It'd be nice if you came."

This guy came all the way to invite me to hang out at his apartment?

"Sounds great, can l bring Palesa with?"

"Sure, can l get your numbers so l can text you the address?"

Oh, that's why he came.

I gave him my numbers and we said goodbye. I could tell that he's into me by the way he was looking at me. As if his face suddenly lit up when l opened the door to see who it was.

He had a feint smile l could clearly see he was trying to hide and a tone of nervousness in his voice.

I hope l didn't give Zee the wrong impression when l kissed him. It was a thing that happened in the spur of the moment and l thought the feeling was mutual. Clearly not.