Every day, Star takes the same route home from college, her path as predictable as the setting sun. But today, on a whim, she veers off course, choosing a different road that also leads home. The air feels different here, charged with the thrill of the unknown.
As she passes a modest brick house, she notices a boy standing atop a large rock beside it. He spots her immediately.
"Hey," he calls out, his voice carrying an easy confidence. "Can I walk you home?"
Star raises an eyebrow. "It's your choice to walk beside me. I came alone, so I can't say you should because I may not need it."
The boy chuckles, jogging toward her. "Hey, hey, no need to be so guarded. I don't mean any harm. I just... wanted an excuse to walk with a beautiful lady."
Star studies him for a moment. He's too smooth, too comfortable with words. The kind of guy who knows how to talk to girls.
"So," he continues, "where are you coming from?"
"College," she answers curtly.
The boy tilts his head, scrutinizing her. "Which college lets out this late? It's already 5 PM. Don't classes end at 2? What were you doing? With your boyfriend? Kissing? Or... something more?"
Star halts mid-step, her expression darkening. "Do I look like a machine that can process all those questions at once? For your information, I'm a second-year student at Namibia University of Science and Technology. Not some high school girl you can just pick up and hook up with."
The boy's eyes widen, his expression shifting from amused to surprised. "Wait—you're in university?"
She smirks. "Don't I look like a uni student? That look on your face says a lot."
Grinning, he pulls out his student card and waves it proudly. "Well, what do you know? I'm a second-year student at UNAM. Guess I picked the right person to walk home with."
"Hmm. That's nice," she says nonchalantly.
"Is your house far?"
She narrows her eyes. "Why? You planning to visit?"
His face lights up mischievously. "Of course! When I come to pay your bride price."
Star rolls her eyes, her thoughts racing. This guy is ridiculous. He doesn't even realize I don't want him escorting me. Wait—why is he still here? We're almost at my house. How do I shake him off without sounding rude?
"Excuse me? My bride price?" she repeats.
He laughs. "Relax, beautiful. I'm just joking. Why so serious all the time? That gorgeous face doesn't suit a frown."
I'm not angry, dude, she thinks, just trying to figure out if you're worth keeping around. Clearing her throat, she refocuses. "Are you going to walk me all the way to my doorstep?"
"Not really, but you could show me where you live. You know, just in case I get lost in this area one day and need some water."
She points at her house. "That one."
"Your house?"
"My parents'. Now, can you head back before you actually get lost?"
He chuckles. "Nah, I memorized the way. I'm not a kid."
She turns toward her house. "Okay… bye."
"Wait! What's your name again?"
She hesitates for a second before answering. "Star."
His grin falters slightly, and he stammers, "Wow. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Uh, can I... can I get your number? Please?"
She crosses her arms. "Why are you stuttering?" With a sigh, she takes his phone and quickly types in her number. "It's just a number. Not my life savings. No big deal."
He exhales in relief, clutching his phone like a prize. "Oh my God, I thought you were gonna yell at me or something. That's why I followed you all the way here. I should've just asked earlier."
Handing his phone back, she smirks. "And what about the smile?"
He winks. "Your smile is priceless. It can't be earned with jokes."
She shakes her head, amused. Just as she steps toward her house, he calls out from a short distance away.
"Hey, Star! I'm lost. Can I get some water, please?"
She hides her smile. You're ridiculous.
He grins triumphantly. "See? I know how to get around girls. I got my smile without paying thousands."
She lets out a small chuckle, shaking her head as he turns and jogs away.
His voice echoes one last time. "You have a gorgeous smile, Star. Gapped teeth and all. A golden girl. I wonder why you hide it."
He disappears down the road, and Star steps into the house, finding her mother preparing dinner as usual.