Is this destiny?

A few tables away, Imani took her seat next to Jamari without a word.

Jamari glanced at her and smiled.

Since their touching-experience in the bed from that morning, Imani and Jamari didn't talk. Imani got ready for her morning exercise and dashed out without waiting for Jamari. Normally, they take turns in the bathroom and leave together, but Jamari understood that Imani is flustered and that she probably needs some space.

During the warmup run, Jamari was behind Imani, and then at the training ground he was doing his own thing next to her, and even though she didn't shoo him away, she didn't look at him either. As usually, Jamari let her do the morning after-training routine in the bathroom first, and by the time he was done, she was not in the apartment.

At this point, Jamari suspected that this is more than embarrassment and that Imani must be angry. Did he cross some line Imani set? How can he fix it? He was not sure about that, but his stomach rumbled, so he went to get breakfast.

Back to the present...

Now Imani sat next to Jamari, which means that she is not angry. 

"Enjoying breakfast?" Jamari regretted his stupid question, but it was the only thing he could think of to strike a conversation.

"It's OK." Imani mumbled without looking at him.

Jamari understood this as she needs more time to process the events from that morning, and he gave up on talking to her. He thought that he should tease her. That usually works. But how can he tease her when she is shutting him out? 

Jamari and Imani ate next to each other in silence when Ade and Hande joined them.

Ade plopped on his chair and started eating fruits which were from three bowls on his tray.

Jamari exhaled in relief. Finally, someone he can talk to. The silence is suffocating.

"You are having only fruits for breakfast?" Jamari asked Ade.

"Mmm…" Ade hummed while nodding. He swallowed and explained: "Apples are good, but cantaloupes and watermelons are super-sweet. I can't believe they can be this good out of season. I think these are from Mexico. You should have some melons also."

Jamari's lips stretched into a smile at the memory of Imani's breasts in his hands. "I've had some this morning." His smile widened when he saw that Imani is looking at him with her eyes open wide.

Ade was busy with food to pay attention to Imani. He mumbled with a full mouth: "Oh, so you got fruits before breakfast? You probably picked the sweetest ones."

"Yeah. The ones I've grabbed are the best." Jamari said and chuckled when he saw that Imani is blushing fiercely. It was obvious that she understood the reference.

Hande didn't notice the awkward atmosphere between Imani and Jamari, but she noticed watermelon juice dripping down Ade's chin. She rolled her eyes and took a napkin.

"Take smaller bites. You are not a pig." Hande grumbled while dabbing Ade's chin.

Ade smiled and with his cheeks full, he looked like an adorable chipmunk. "I can be your pig if you want one."

Hande giggled. "I don't want a pig. I want Ade."

Ade swallowed and grinned. "Here I am. Pig and all…"

He leaned closer and made pig-like sounds before kissing her cheek.

Hande burst into a hearty laugh which rang over the clamor in the dining room. She pushed Ade away with a reminder that there are people watching.

… 

At the table with Sarah and Aiden…

"Your ring changes color…" Zack noticed that the black ring on Aiden's hand occasionally changes into silver color.

Aiden looked at his left hand and smiled. He tilted his head toward Sarah. "Hers also."

Sarah extended her left hand next to Aiden's and a second later, they touched, and the color change happened.

"These are our wedding bands." Aiden explained while gazing in Sarah's eyes. "When we touch, our rings prove that she is the light of my life."

"And you are mine..." Sarah responded to Aiden dreamily while lacing her fingers with his.

Aiden hummed in approval. "That is why I never take it off. It reminds me that without you, my life is dark."

Sarah's cheeks hurt from smiling. The impact of Aiden's sweet talking is more intense when there are others listening. 

"That is cool." Zack said while nodding. He understood that it must be some chemical reaction, or electrical… and when they touch, they complete the circuit. Maybe. "Where did you get them?"

"Talk to Felix." Aiden said and winked at Masika who was observing all this in silence.

Masika blushed and lowered her head while wondering if Zack will propose to her or not. She is too young to get married. Or is she? Ah! If he asks, how should she respond?

Zack glanced at Masika and chuckled. "Stop overthinking."

Before Masika could snap a response at him, Zack stood up. "I have a meeting in a few…"

"I'm going also…" Masika was right behind him.

Sarah leaned on Aiden and observed the duo as they walked away side-by-side with trays in their hands.

Zack leaned toward Masika. "Do you want me to get you a ring?"

Masika blinked. "What makes you think so?"

"I saw your interest when I asked about their rings."

Masika narrowed her eyes. There is no way she will admit it. "Who would want a ring from you?"

"I can think of a few ladies who would not mind…"

Zack saw that Masika thrust her hip sideways, toward him, and he stepped backward, avoiding her.

"How dare you dodge?" Masika hissed.

"I know I was wrong. I will stay still and receive my punishment."

Masika stood by his side and thrust toward him.

When her hip connected with his body she winced, and he didn't budge. "Why are you so hard?"

Zack leaned closer and spoke into her ear: "I am always hard around you, doll…"

Masika froze and she felt heat creeping up her neck. They are sharing an apartment and they did it many times, but she can't get used to his dirty talk. She didn't know that Zack is so naughty.

She watched him shake with laughter and part of her was angry that he is teasing her, and the other part enjoyed seeing him carefree and happy.

"You are lucky that I'm in love with you." Masika exhaled helplessly. 

"That I am…"

…

At the table…

Aiden's eyes were on Sarah and he enjoyed seeing her expression as she observed the people in the dining hall.

"Happy?" He wanted to hear what is on her mind.

Sarah glanced at Aiden and her smile widened. "I never thought that I would be surrounded by so much love. Everyone is doing their own thing, but it's harmonious."

Aiden leaned his lips on her temple. "This is all thanks to you."

"Do you like it? Would you change anything? Sometimes I worry that I get too consumed in what I want that I neglect your desires."

"Before I've met you, I was a loner. There were people around me, but I didn't let anyone inside. If someone told me that I would live in a place with nearly a hundred people and be content, I would call that person a liar. But none of this would matter without you. Don't worry about neglecting me. I am right by your side and I promise to tell you if I need more of your attention. I never thought that I can be this happy and…" Aiden put his palm on her belly. "I know that it will get better."

Sarah rubbed the back of his palm and smiled dreamily. Yes, it will get better.

---

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