Chapter One: The New Guy

Lagos buzzed with its usual chaos as I trudged along the bustling streets towards Adefemi High School. The sun beat down relentlessly, casting harsh shadows against the colorful buildings lining the road. Sweat trickled down my back, and I couldn't help but long for the cool breeze that usually accompanied the harmattan season. As I approached the school gates, I couldn't shake off the feeling of restlessness that had been gnawing at me all morning. Something was different today, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was the way the air crackled with anticipation, or perhaps it was just my own overactive imagination playing tricks on me. Pushing open the creaky gates, I entered the familiar chaos of Adefemi High. Students darted around like ants, their voices blending into a cacophony of chatter and laughter. I navigated through the throng, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming school year. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted him. Tunde. The new guy. He stood out like a beacon amidst the sea of familiar faces, his tall frame and easy smile drawing attention from all directions. With his dark skin and expressive eyes, he exuded a quiet confidence that was impossible to ignore. Curiosity piqued, I found myself inching closer, unable to tear my gaze away from him. Who was he? Where did he come from? And most importantly, what was he doing here at Adefemi High? Before I could ponder these questions any further, the bell rang, signaling the start of another school day. Shaking myself out of my reverie, I hurried towards my first class, the image of Tunde lingering in the back of my mind like a half-forgotten dream. Little did I know, his arrival would mark the beginning of a whirlwind journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. But for now, as I settled into my seat and listened to the drone of the teacher's voice, all I could think about was the enigmatic stranger who had captured my attention with nothing more than a smile.