Part 3

I woke up that morning ready to mind my business. No flirting, no extra smiles, no energy for anybody. Just me and my work.

I wore this fitted black dress that shaped me perfectly — nothing dramatic, just neat and fine. A touch of perfume, a little gloss, and I was out. Today, I was going to be that quiet fine girl that minds her lane.

I got to the office, plugged in my earpiece, and focused. Cynthia tried to start a conversation but I gave her short replies. Not rude, just calm. She mentioned we should go for lunch later, but I told her I brought food from home.

Then, right in the middle of that conversation, Tunde and Adam walked in. Their eyes went straight to me — already eating at my desk.

Tunde smiled. “Something smells really good.”

I knew it was my food. My grandma trained me properly in that kitchen. But I just smiled, said thank you, and continued eating.

They left soon after — Cynthia following them like a magnet. My heart started beating fast, wondering if I’d done the right thing by pulling away.

A few minutes later, I glanced out the window towards the street. There they were — Tunde and Cynthia walking together. And just like that, they held hands. Adam was behind them, eyes glued to his phone.

My chest tightened. That was it. I decided right there to just let them be.

The whole week went by fast, but they noticed I’d been distant. Adam seemed the most bothered. He kept checking in, asking if I was fine. Then Friday morning came, and before I even got to work, a bouquet of flowers was already sitting on my desk.

There was a small note:

“I know you’re trying to keep your distance, but at least consider me… even if we aren’t lovers, we could be great friends. Love, Adam.”

For the first time that week, I smiled genuinely.

During lunch, I decided to leave my flask for once and told Cynthia I’d be joining her. She looked so happy — said she’d been meaning to talk to me all week but didn’t want to say the wrong thing.

I told her to spill the tea.

She sighed, then said, “So, me and Tunde are kinda… friends with benefits.”

I froze for a second but smiled. “That’s nice, if that’s what you want.”

But I noticed her face drop.

She said she actually liked him, but that was all he was willing to offer. “It’s either that or nothing,” she said quietly.

Before I could even respond, Tunde and Adam walked up to us and we all went for lunch. I ended up talking with Adam the whole time — about TikTok gist, music, even arguing over Davido and Wizkid. For the first time, I wasn’t thinking about Tunde. I was just… happy.

After work, they went to the lounge but I skipped it. I told them I had to get home early because I was visiting my mum for the weekend.

That weekend went by so fast. It felt peaceful. Me and Adam were texting more, actually talking. I could feel something starting to shift.

By Sunday evening, I left my mum’s house, got back home, prepped for Monday, and curled up to watch movies and scroll TikTok. Life was finally feeling light again.

Then my phone buzzed. A message from Tunde.

“Hey Zara… I’m so glad you’re out of your mood swing. I don’t like seeing you that way. You should smile more — you look prettier.”

God.

Just when I was about to move on and figure things out with Adam, this Tunde guy decided to text.

He knows exactly what he’s doing. I swear.