The music carried through the hall as Zara and Tunde stayed on the dance floor a little longer than either of them expected. What started as something small had become surprisingly comfortable. Zara moved more freely now, her earlier hesitation fading as she followed the rhythm.
"You're getting used to it," Tunde said, watching her.
Zara smiled. "Don't get used to this version of me."
"Too late," he replied.
She shook her head, laughing softly. "It's just one dance."
"We'll see," Tunde said lightly.
Zara didn't respond, but the small smile on her face stayed.
Around them, the crowd continued to celebrate. Guests cheered loudly, some dancing with full energy, others watching and clapping along. The asoebi shimmered under the lights, colors blending as people moved.
"Okay," Zara said after a moment, slowing down. "That's enough."
Tunde raised an eyebrow. "Already?"
"I kept my promise," she replied. "One dance."
Tunde nodded. "Fair."
They stepped off the dance floor together, moving slightly to the side where it was less crowded.
Zara adjusted her dress, letting out a small breath. "That was actually not bad."
"I told you," Tunde said.
She looked at him. "Don't get proud."
"I am already proud," he replied.
Zara laughed again.
It came easier now.
More natural.
There was no pressure in the moment, no expectations, just simple conversation.
"You're different," Tunde said suddenly.
Zara looked at him. "Different how?"
He shrugged slightly. "Just… different."
Zara studied him for a second. "I don't know if that's a compliment."
"It is," he said.
She nodded slowly. "Okay."
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. They just stood there, watching the crowd, listening to the music, sharing a quiet pause in the middle of all the noise.
"Are you always this calm?" Tunde asked.
"Not always," Zara replied. "Just when I'm trying to understand where I am."
Tunde smiled faintly. "You'll understand it soon."
"I hope so," she said.
He glanced at her again, like he wanted to say something else, but held it back.
"Come," he said instead. "Let's sit for a bit."
Zara nodded, and they moved toward a quieter section of the hall where a few empty seats were available.
As they sat, Zara looked around again, taking everything in. The decorations, the people, the energy—it was still overwhelming, but now it felt a little less unfamiliar.
"Do you come to these kinds of weddings often?" she asked.
Tunde nodded. "More than I would like."
Zara smiled. "I can imagine."
"You'll get used to it," he added.
Zara shook her head slightly. "I don't know about that."
Tunde laughed quietly.
Across the hall, his friends were still watching.
"Guy is serious," one of them said.
"This one is not ordinary again," another added.
"Let's just watch," Kunle said.
They all nodded.
Back where Zara and Tunde sat, the conversation continued easily.
No pressure.
No awkwardness.
Just two people getting to know each other.
"You're leaving soon after this wedding," Tunde said.
Zara nodded. "Yes."
"That's not a lot of time."
"No, it's not."
Tunde leaned back slightly, thinking.
"Then we'll just have to make the most of it."
Zara looked at him, a small smile forming again.
"Maybe."
Tunde returned the smile.
But this time, his gaze lingered just a little longer.
And even though everything felt light, simple, and effortless—
There was something underneath it now.
Something quiet.
Something that hadn't been there before.
And neither of them said anything about it.