It slipped past her defenses before she could stop it.
The tightness in her chest eased. Her heartbeat steadied. Something inside her settled. Maybe this friendship part wasn't such a bad idea after all.
She drew in a slow breath, walked to the table, and sat beside him. Somehow, the weight on her shoulders didn't feel as crushing anymore.
Chibuzor watched her sit, then spoke in a tone that sounded casual, but carried a very clear message beneath it.
"By the way…" he said as he scooped generous portions of her favorite food onto her plate, "even though that argument was mostly for the nurses watching… I still wasn't exactly thrilled about the clothes thing."
Olaedo stiffened, just a little.
But before she could reply, he continued.
"I know Olisa is like a big brother to you," he said, his voice calm but firm. "And I know there's nothing between you two. I'm not questioning that."
He paused, eyes locking onto hers, sharp, steady, serious.
"But we have to be careful."
