<p>By the time he arrived, Aira was fully dressed in a blue Abaya with shimmering stones. It complemented her fair skin beautifully. She wore simple flats and light makeup—just powder and kohl. She looked like an Arabian princess. As soon as she was done dressing, Inna handed her the phone, saying he had called.</p><p>She stepped outside and saw his car from a distance. When she got closer, she opened the front door and sat down.</p><p>"Wow, my cutie! Is this really you?" he teased.</p><p>She smiled and covered her face.</p><p>"Are you shy today?" he chuckled.</p><p>In a sweet voice, she replied, “Yaya, as if you’re seeing me for the first time.”</p><p>He smiled. “You look stunning.”</p><p>She looked at him carefully. He was wearing an elegant, well-embroidered milk-colored shadda, with a matching cap and a gold watch that gleamed on his wrist. He looked like a groom.</p><p>“Wow, Yaya, you also look handsome, like someone going on a date.”</p><p>He smirked. “I am going on a date—with you.”</p><p>Her face changed instantly. "Hmmm," she muttered.</p><p>Arman was pleased to see jealousy in her eyes. Both of them remained silent for a while before he turned to her and said, “My cutie, why are you quiet? Won’t you accompany me on my date?”</p><p>She pouted. “I’m not going! You tricked me by saying we were just going for ice cream, but you’re actually going to see your girlfriend.”</p><p>He adored her innocence. “Why won’t you come?”</p><p>"Because I don’t like her," she said stubbornly.</p><p>He laughed. “How can you dislike someone you’ve never met?”</p><p>She turned away, pouting.</p><p>He took her to several fun places—first to get ice cream, where they took pictures together. People who recognized Arman were surprised to see him with a girl because he was known for being reserved. He was the son of a governor, yet he was humble and approachable.</p><p>After ice cream, he took her shopping. She picked perfumes and chocolates, grabbing so much that it made him laugh. "Cutie, do you see another one you like?" he teased.</p><p>Finally, he took her to a phone store. It was already Maghrib prayer time when they entered. The shop attendants greeted Arman respectfully.</p><p>Looking at Aira, he said, “Baby, help me pick a new phone. Which one do you think suits me?”</p><p>She smiled. “Alright, Yaya.”</p><p>They showed her different models, from iPhone 5X to iPhone 13. When she saw the iPhone 13, she said, “Yaya, this one is the latest!”</p><p>He asked for the price, and they told him ₦720,000. Without hesitation, he transferred the money and got a new line registered.</p><p>On the way home, she admired the phone. When they arrived at the gate, she asked, “Aren’t you coming inside?”</p><p>“No, Cutie, I’m in a hurry. Can you carry your stuff?”</p><p>“Of course, Yaya!”</p><p>As she was about to leave, he said, “You almost forgot your phone!”</p><p>Her eyes widened. “My phone?”</p><p>"The one we bought," he smiled. “I saved my number inside. I’ll call you on it.”</p><p>Overjoyed, she almost hugged him, but he dodged and laughed. “Cutie, you’re grown now.”</p><p>When she entered the house, she hid the phone in her locker. She couldn’t wait to use it. That night, she and Arman talked until late, and the next day, she eagerly added her friends on WhatsApp.</p><p>Later, she was scolded for entering a stranger’s car, and Arman’s jealousy became even more evident. Amma teased her, making her realize what she had been denying—Arman truly loved her.</p><p>Lost in thought, she wondered, “Do I love him too?”</p>
