After leaving the beach, Alex and Muiz boarded a bus back home. The ride was quiet, the hum of the engine blending with the evening breeze.
Muiz kept fidgeting with his shirt cuffs, occasionally adjusting his posture as if trying to appear calm. But the nervous tapping of his fingers gave him away.
When they arrived at Clara's house, Alex smiled softly. "Relax, it's just my sister," she teased.
"I know," Muiz muttered, forcing a smile. "It's just… meeting family—it's different."
Alex chuckled lightly before knocking on the door.
A voice came from inside. "Coming!"
Moments later, Tom opened the door. His brows lifted slightly at the sight of a young man standing beside Alex, but he quickly masked his surprise with a polite smile.
"Good evening, sir," Muiz said, stepping forward and extending his hand. "My name is Muiz Youssef. I'm… Alex's boyfriend."
Tom blinked once, then smiled warmly. "Oh? That's nice to hear," he said, shaking Muiz's hand while glancing at Alex, whose cheeks were now a soft shade of pink.
"Come in," Tom said, stepping aside.
Once seated in the living room, Alex excused herself to help her sister in the kitchen.
Clara, busy stirring a pot on the stove, turned when Alex entered. A mischievous smile spread across her face.
"So," she said slowly, "he's your boyfriend now?"
"Big sis, come on—don't tease me," Alex groaned, her face flushing even redder.
"Oh, now I'm teasing?" Clara laughed. "How was your first date? How did he confess? Mama, gist me now!"
Alex sighed, laughing shyly. "Fine, I'll tell you. But promise me you won't say ooh or anything embarrassing."
"I promise," Clara said, holding up her hand in mock sincerity—only to let out a playful "oooh" seconds later.
"Big sis!" Alex exclaimed, laughing. "Okay, okay, fine. We went to a fancy restaurant first, then the cinema. After that, we went to the beach." Her voice softened as she sliced onions. "That's where he confessed his feelings to me… and I said yes. So, I guess I have a boyfriend now."
"Aww," Clara said, smiling proudly. "That's actually quite romantic. But don't think I won't say my mind to him later." Her expression turned protective. "He'd better not even think of breaking your heart."
Alex rolled her eyes fondly. "You sound just like Mom."
"Good," Clara said simply.
Meanwhile, in the sitting room, Muiz sat across from Tom, trying not to look as nervous as he felt.
"So, young man," Tom began, leaning back in his chair. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a DJ," Muiz replied confidently. "And I also sell DJ equipment."
"That's nice," Tom nodded. "Tell me more about yourself."
The two men talked for a while—about work, goals, and life in general—until the kitchen door opened and Clara stepped out.
"Dinner's ready!" she announced cheerfully.
The table was soon set, and everyone took their seats. The delicious aroma of jollof rice and fried chicken filled the air as they began to eat.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Clara fixed her gaze on Muiz. "So, Muiz," she said casually, "tell me about your hometown, your work, and… your plans for the future."
Muiz answered politely, his tone steady. But then Clara's expression turned serious.
"I'd like to ask something—truthfully," she said. "What exactly do you think of my sister? Are you planning a future with her, or is this just a passing relationship because you find her interesting?"
Tom cleared his throat and gave his wife a subtle look, but Clara ignored him.
"Big sis…" Alex protested, embarrassed.
"Don't 'big sis' me," Clara said firmly. "I just want to know how far he intends to go."
Her eyes locked with Muiz's. "Because, young man, if you ever hurt my sister or break her heart, I promise you'll spend at least a week at the police station. I have friends there."
Muiz blinked, then gave a nervous laugh. "Big sis…" he said with a shameless grin. "I understand, truly. But I'm not here to play with her heart. I'm really considering a future with Alex. I love her, and I don't intend to leave her—or break her heart. And if there's ever a breakup," he smiled at Alex, "she'll definitely be the one to initiate it."
Clara studied him for a moment, then her stern face softened into a smile. "I'll take your word for it, Muiz."
The tension at the table melted, replaced with laughter and light conversation.
After dinner, Muiz rested for a while before standing to leave. Alex followed him out to the gate, the soft night air cool around them.
"Your sister is kind of scary," Muiz said with a chuckle, "but I like how straightforward she is."
Alex laughed. "Yeah, she can make you love and hate her at the same time. But that's just how she shows she cares."
"I know," Muiz said, smiling warmly.
When they reached the main road where he'd catch a tricycle, he turned to her. "Goodbye, baby," he said softly, leaning in to place a gentle peck on her cheek.
Alex blushed, smiling shyly. "Goodbye. Don't forget to text me when you get home."
"I won't," he promised.
She stood there, watching until the tricycle disappeared into the distance before heading back inside.
At home, she washed the dishes and said goodnight to her sister before going to her room. After a refreshing shower, she lay on her bed and grabbed her phone.
Her fingers flew across the screen.
Alex: Guess what happened today 😊💕
Mia: Don't tell me it is about Muiz DID HE CONFESS ?! Spill it all now!
Alex: He did, 🤭At the beach… it was perfect, Mia. Like something out of a movie.
Mia: Girl, you're living the dream! I'm so happy for you ☺️ ❤️ You deserve it.
Alex: I can't believe it's real. I met his eyes and just… knew.
Just as she was about to sleep, another notification chimed.
Muiz: I've gotten home, dearie. Good night. Think of me in your dreams. 💫
Alex grinned like a fool in love, her heart fluttering.
Alex: Good night. You too ❤️
She placed the phone on her bed, hugged her pillow tightly, and squealed softly into it.
"I'm in love…" she whispered into the darkness.
The thought lingered in her mind like a warm melody until she drifted off to sleep, smiling.