The days that followed felt like a silent war between Star and Mandume.
Mandume noticed how Star deliberately avoided him—ducking into different hallways, skipping the library, even leaving the cafeteria earlier than usual. It wasn't just avoidance; it was something deeper. Something was wrong, and he was determined to find out what.
At the same time, Star was struggling with her own emotions. The thought of Mandume seeing her as weak or desperate made her stomach churn. She was already carrying enough burdens—she refused to let her feelings for him become another one.
But Mandume wasn't one to let things go so easily.
During lunch, he finally saw his chance. Star was sitting under a tree, alone, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the table. Mandume approached, determined to get answers.
"Star."
She stiffened but didn't look up. "I'm busy, Mandume."
Mandume frowned. "Busy doing what? Avoiding me?"
Silence.
"Star, what's going on?" His voice softened. "Why are you acting like this?"
Star took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay strong. "Nothing is going on. I just don't think we should be close anymore."
Mandume was taken aback. "What? Since when?"
She stood up, grabbing her books. "Since now."
Mandume grabbed her wrist gently, making her pause. "Star, please. If I did something, tell me."
She pulled away, her heart pounding. She wanted to tell him everything—that she was pregnant, that she was scared, that she didn't want to drag him into her mess. But instead, she whispered, "Just leave it alone, Mandume."
And with that, she walked away, leaving Mandume standing there, more confused than ever.
Meanwhile, Bonita was on a mission of her own.
Ever since that night when Mandume had slipped up about Star, she had been curious. Who was this girl, and why was her brother so concerned about her?
Tiffanie had been suspicious too, especially since Mandume had been acting distracted lately.
One afternoon, Bonita approached Tiffanie outside the lecture hall.
"We need to talk," she said.
Tiffanie crossed her arms. "About?"
"Star."
Tiffanie's eyes darkened. "What about her?"
Bonita smirked. "I want to know what's so special about her that my brother is so worried."
Tiffanie sighed, rolling her eyes. "Nothing. She's just some pathetic girl who sells sweets. She's nothing compared to me."
Bonita raised an eyebrow. "Then why do you look so bothered?"
Tiffanie huffed. "Because I don't like my boyfriend chasing after some common girl."
Bonita smirked. "Then let's make sure he doesn't."
Tiffanie's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "Now we're talking."
Later that evening, Mandume sat in his room, staring at his phone.
Should I call her? Should I let it go?
Frustrated, he threw his phone on the bed. No. I won't let this go. Star is hiding something, and I'm going to find out what.