CHAPTER 2 — Lines and Boundaries
The library smelled like paper, dust, and ambition.
Adanna sat at a long oak table surrounded by open notebooks, her laptop glowing with debate notes. She'd arrived thirty minutes early — on purpose. If she worked fast, maybe she could finish before he showed up.
But the universe had other plans.
> "You're early," Tobi's voice said from behind her.
She didn't turn.
> "Or maybe you're late."
He laughed softly, pulling out the chair beside her — uninvited, of course.
He set his bag down and leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand like he had all the time in the world.
> "So," he said, "Partner."
Adanna's typing didn't slow.
> "Don't call me that."
> "What should I call you, then?"
> "Okafor works fine."
> "Too formal," he said, lips curving. "Sounds like I'm addressing a judge."
> "Maybe you should start practicing. You'll need it when I win this competition."
That earned her a raised eyebrow.
> "When you win?"
> "Confidence isn't arrogance," she replied without missing a keystroke.
> "Depends who you ask."
Their eyes met — hers sharp, his playful — and for a second, the library fell away.
---
The Assignment
Dr. Olayemi's email had been clear:
> Each team will prepare arguments for both sides of the topic: "Social Media: Bridge or Barrier to Human Connection."
Adanna had already drafted three pages. Tobi skimmed them, eyes scanning quickly.
> "Your points are good," he said slowly, "but they're… emotional."
> "And yours would be what? Heartless?"
> "Objective," he corrected. "You use too many personal examples."
> "Because people are personal, Tobi. That's what makes arguments real."
He smirked.
> "You know, I think you like arguing with me."
She finally looked at him properly. His eyes were warm brown, almost golden under the sunlight spilling through the window. Dangerous eyes — the kind that made it hard to breathe.
> "No," she said softly. "I just like winning."
He chuckled, leaning back.
> "Then we'll get along just fine."
---
The Bet
By the end of the meeting, they'd filled pages of notes — and worn each other out.
Tobi stood, stretching.
> "You're good, Okafor. But I'll make you a bet."
She frowned.
> "I don't gamble."
> "It's not gambling — it's motivation."
"If we win the debate, you owe me coffee."
"And if we lose?" she asked.
"Then I'll take you to dinner. You'll need cheering up."
Adanna stared at him, speechless.
> "That's not how bets work."
> "Sure it is," he said with a grin. "Either way, I win."
> "In your dreams."
> "Every night."
She rolled her eyes, stuffing her notes into her bag — but her smile betrayed her.
---
Later
That night, in her dorm, Zara listened wide-eyed as Adanna paced the room.
> "He's impossible," Adanna said. "He thinks everything is a game."
> "You sound like someone who had fun losing," Zara teased.
> "I didn't lose!"
> "Then why are you blushing?"
Adanna froze. "I'm not."
Zara grinned. "Sure you're not."
---
Across campus, Tobi sat in his room, pen tapping against his notebook.
He flipped to a blank page, hesitated, then began to write.
> She argues like thunder — loud, certain, electric.
And I can't decide if I want to silence her or let her strike again.
He stared at the words for a long time before closing the notebook.
The poem wasn't meant for anyone to see.
Especially not her.
---
🔥 End of Chapter 2