Things have been going well these past few weeks. Christopher has been the epitome of gentle nature and sticks to some important rules. To reduce the risk of giving in to our sexual cravings, we both decided to keep our physical distance to a minimum, which he adhered to willingly.
Chris frequently visits his workplace. According to him, he applied for a part-time job in a mall during the whole scenario between us months ago. For now, I am mostly home alone, eating, sleeping, doing more of my snacks practical as well as sulking in my books.
"I learned you guys will be accommodating some students from other departments during the next semester", Joy said, breaking me out of my thoughts.
Chris, Joy, and I are currently walking towards our lecture halls.
" Yep, I do not know the department that will join us but I hope for the best", I replied as Christopher kept listening.
"I hope you don't mind some of the Chemistry students joining you. It would be great", Joy commented, and for a split second, I felt she might be fantasizing about how our departments would be together.
" You are funny. To be honest, I think we should not mingle with you guys. We are already over 30 in the Pharmaceutical Department. Having more students especially from your side due to some unit courses will be hectic", I announced, trying not to burst her bubble.
"That is true anyway", Joy said.
We made our way close to the Chemistry lecture room and I have to say goodbye.
" Erm, Joy we would be having a small get-together this evening, hope you can join us", I said as I clamped my left hand with Chris, who seemed rather quiet.
"Yes, I almost forgot. You can also invite two of your friends. The time is 4 pm, don't be late", Chris added.
" Sure, I will put that in mind", Joy said, a smile on her lips before leaving with Christopher.
After the lectures, I went to the hostel as fast as possible. Being on the good side, the lecture ended around noon today, giving me enough time to prepare for the get-together. We are close to the end of our first year( second semester) in the university, so Chris and I came up with the get-together idea. I decided to make some Chin Chin for the guests, thanks to my knowledge of preparing it. After the whole stress, I took a bath and wore a good outfit to grace the little occasion.
Christopher got home early and helped in preparing other things as well, like arranging and spicing things up with a little decoration, as well as getting drinks, nonalcoholic actually. We are still a bunch of teenagers, alcohol is still a NO-NO for me.
Everything was set as the guests started arriving. Three of my coursemates who are Abigael, Jonathan, and Isaac got to the apartment. The others include Sola and Tosin. Joy also informed me that someone else is coming.
We all sat on the floor in circles as we munched on the Chin chin I made.
"Hmm, the Chin Chin tastes perfect. Our host, nice work", Christopher commented as I nudged him in his arm blushing slightly.
" You made this well. How did you learn how to make it? The ingredients in it are well mixed. The sugar level is not too high also", Abigail said, raising her head to face me.
"Thank you. I learned it through an online class. From there, I did the practical, hoping to be good at it", I explained as everyone's gaze was on me.
" That is great. Just wondering, why did you learn it? No offense tho. You are a Pharmacy student and hardly have time to do other things. As far as I can tell, I hardly see any Science student learning a trade or something around what you are trying to learn", Sola chipped in as everyone nodded in acknowledgment.
"Everyone has his or her choice. Developing one or two skills in Nigeria is the best or else you are OYO(ON YOUR OWN)", I stated and they started laughing.
" That is true. Either you are a science student or not, you need to have a skill. My dad made it mandatory for me to learn a skill immediately after high school. Right now, I am a graphic designer earning from it too", Tosin commented.
"Good one bro. I hope you don't mind making my wedding invitation in the future", Shola added.
" No problem bro, discount will be added", Tosin said and we shared a laugh.
I have always been interested in learning a skill and seeing an online class for making snacks made me seize such an opportunity, hoping to expand my knowledge in it. I will soon start packaging the snacks and selling them, especially in the school kiosk where snacks and other stuff are sold.

The sound of a knock brought me out of my reverie as I volunteered to welcome the person knocking. I opened the door only to see someone backing the door.
"Hey, can you come in?" I beckoned, opening the door wider.
I couldn't get much from the person's back figure except for his off-white outfit, talk with a well-built body.
The figure turned, a smirk curling near his lips, my heart suddenly beating fast.
"Nice to meet you again Michael", the voice said.
My heart leaped as I felt the adrenaline rush down my body. In that instance, I felt nothing but guilt calling on me.
" Se..ni.or Ra. Raphael", I stuttered, my eyes wide opened as he chuckled lightly
My mind flashed back to how Chris read his previous messages he sent via message and Whatsapp. He blocked him, including his contacts, Whatsapp, and messages. I felt guilty for blocking him as I bowed my head slightly, avoiding his gaze.
"Who is by the door? Is it, Raphael? Joy's voice brought me back to earth as she moved closer to my side.
" Hello cousin, come in", Joy beckoned as Raphael went in to meet others.
"Are you okay Michael? You look upset. Did my cousin offend you?", Joy asked as I let out a fake smile, trying to be convincing.
" No, not at all. Let us go", I quickly said, ending our conversation as we made our way to where others are.
I sat beside Chris who encircled his arm around my shoulder.
"I hope you are okay with Raphael being here?", he whispered while others were exchanging pleasantries with Raphael whose expression I could not pinpoint.
"All thanks to you, I am feeling guilty. You blocked him, remember?", I whispered and he nodded.
"Do not worry. He would not disturb you", he assured as I performed a breathing exercise, trying to relax.
I stood up after the interactions to say something.
"You are all welcome to this little get-together. My co-host and I say a warm thank you for honoring our invitation. I will leave it to the co-host, Christopher, to continue", I announced as they gave a round of applause.
"So as the co-host, I suggest we start with a game, Truth or Dare. It would start from the host, so let us make it great. Remember we are teenagers, so let us stick to decent Truths or Dares. So let the game begin", Chris said.
"I choose Joy. Truth or Dare?", I asked Joy, an evil smile at the corner of my lips.
"Truth", she replied.
"Who do you have a crush on?", I asked as the whole place went silent, making Joy's face redden, as she blushed slightly.
"Christopher", she said amidst hesitation as everyone began cheering. Christopher was just smiling, haha.
After everyone stopped cheering, Joy picked his cousin, Raphael.
"My dear cousin, Truth or Dare?", Joy asked with a smirk, round her lips
"Dare", Raphael replied almost immediately.
"I dare you to kiss the first girl that speaks to you tomorrow morning or pay me 1,000 naira between the next 3 hours", Joy stated, prompting us to snicker.
"Joy, Joy, daylight robbery. The lady responsible to put you in a tight condition", Abigael hailed, as we all laughed.
"Okay, this is 1000 naira", Raphael said presenting his cousin a crisp note of 1000 naira. Not bad, he sure has enough money to spare", I thought.
"Yay, Raphael, you are next", Joy announced, her face beaming with a smile probably over the 1,000 naira.
I looked at Raphael, our gaze meeting each other, sending a cold feeling down my body.
"I choose the host", he finally announced, making me swallow the lump of saliva in my throat.
This is not going to be good.