The last supper 2

As they arrived at McDonald's, Kamsi's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes swept over the sleek architecture and vibrant decor, both surprising and impressive. The warm, golden light cascaded from the polished surfaces, reflecting a modern elegance that she hadn't expected. It felt almost surreal. Growing up in Nigeria, her outings had been simple—modest dinners or casual strolls, carefully managed by her mother's strict oversight and tight budget. But here, in this bright, bustling space so full of life, Kamsi felt small, out of place, like she didn't quite belong.

"I figured you'd like it here," Gilbert said gently, his eyes twinkling as he guided her toward a booth by the window. The spot was perfect—tucked away from the main crowd but offering a view that stretched endlessly. The floor-to-ceiling glass framed the glowing city lights beyond, a mesmerizing backdrop to the moment. Kamsi sat down gingerly, her fingers brushing the table's smooth surface, trying to ground herself in this unfamiliar setting. The lights outside made the world seem softer, almost dreamlike.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice edged with the nervousness she couldn't quite shake. "The place is... really nice." She smiled at Gilbert, but it was the kind of smile meant to hide the uncertainty swirling inside her. The reality of this outing felt so far beyond her usual experiences. Her mother had always deemed fast food unnecessary, dismissing it as "junk." While Kamsi had silently envied her classmates who casually went out for burgers and fries, she had grown content with home-cooked meals. Now, sitting here, in a place she'd only heard of, she couldn't help but feel like she was trespassing in a world that wasn't hers.

Gilbert's reassuring smile lingered, but the atmosphere shifted the moment Xavier slid into the seat across from her. His movements were deliberate, slow, like a predator taking his time to study his prey. His sharp eyes locked onto hers, holding her gaze with a force that made her breath hitch. He didn't need to speak to make his presence known. His silence was loud enough. His gaze, dark and penetrating, felt like it was stripping away her defenses, exposing her insecurities.

"It sure is nice," Xavier finally said, his voice smooth, with a hint of amusement that sent a shiver up Kamsi's spine. His lips barely moved, but his gaze—steady and relentless—felt like a silent dare. He was watching her closely, reading every small twitch of her expression. Kamsi quickly averted her eyes, focusing on the view outside the window, though her heart began to beat a little faster. She could still feel his eyes on her, like they were burning into the back of her head.

Gilbert cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "So, Kam, what can I get you?" His voice was casual, but Kamsi barely registered the question. She glanced at the menu, the unfamiliar items blurring together under the pressure of deciding in front of them. Her throat tightened, and for a second, she felt a wave of panic.

Before she could answer, Gilbert chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I think I know what you'll love," he said, flashing her a reassuring grin before heading off to place their order.

Kamsi nodded, managing a weak smile, though her heart continued to race. Left alone with Xavier, the space between them felt too small, the air too thick. She tried to keep her eyes down, her fingers fidgeting in her lap, but she could feel the weight of his gaze—silent, assessing. Every slight movement she made seemed to draw his attention. It felt as if he were studying her, peeling back layers she hadn't even realized she had. The tension was unbearable.

"So," Xavier's voice sliced through the quiet, sharp and deliberate, "did you finish the exercise I gave you?"

Kamsi flinched, startled by the sudden sound. "Yes, I did," she replied quickly, fumbling with her bag to retrieve her notebook. Her hands brushed against the worn edges of the pages, and as she pulled it out, Xavier extended his hand across the table. For a dizzying moment, her heart leaped, wondering if he meant to take her hand. The thought sent an embarrassed flush rushing to her cheeks.

But then she saw it—the glint in his eyes, the subtle curve of his lips into a smirk. "Your notebook," he drawled, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction. He had seen the hesitation in her, the brief embarrassment, and it only seemed to amuse him further.

Kamsi's face burned with mortification. "Oh, right," she mumbled, hurriedly handing him the notebook, wishing she could disappear. She felt ridiculous for even thinking Xavier had reached for her hand. What was wrong with her? She silently berated herself as Xavier took the notebook, flipping through it slowly, almost lazily, as though savoring the discomfort radiating from her.

His dark eyes flicked between the pages and her face, his expression unreadable. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably long, and Kamsi could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. His presence alone made her squirm. He was too intense, too perceptive. She found herself noticing the sharp lines of his jaw, the way his brow furrowed in concentration. The soft glow of the dim lights sharpened his features, making him look even more untouchable.

"Not bad," he said finally, his tone light but laced with that familiar mocking edge. "Looks like you outdid yourself, nudist."

Kamsi's heart sank. There it was—that awful nickname. Her stomach twisted in irritation as she shot him a glare. "Can you not call me that, please?" she said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Xavier leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smirk widening across his face. "What? Nudist?" he repeated, his eyes glinting with amusement, like he was daring her to react.

"Yes," she snapped, crossing her arms defensively. "It's inappropriate."

His dark eyes sparkled with playful mischief. "Oh? And what should I call you then?" His voice dripped with mock innocence, though his gaze remained sharp, teasing.

Kamsi gritted her teeth, her patience wearing thin. "My name," she said firmly.

Xavier tilted his head slightly, feigning ignorance. "And that is...?" His tone was light, but the challenge in his eyes was clear.

Kamsi narrowed her eyes at him, her annoyance bubbling over. He was playing with her, just like always. "Never mind," she muttered, shaking her head in frustration. She could feel the heat of his gaze still lingering on her, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Just as her frustration reached its peak, Gilbert returned with their food, his presence immediately breaking through the tense atmosphere. "Here we go," he said, setting the tray down in front of her with a bright smile. "Cheeseburger and fries. Hope that's alright?"

Kamsi smiled, her stomach twisting with a confusing mix of hunger and nerves. "It's perfect," she said, grateful for the break in tension. The kindness in Gilbert's eyes made her feel a little more at ease.

As she bit into her cheeseburger, Kamsi's mind continued to buzz with the strange mix of emotions swirling around her. The food was delicious, but it felt like an afterthought compared to the tension crackling between her and Xavier. The shift in the air when Gilbert returned had been subtle, but it was there. Now, the atmosphere felt more comfortable, though still charged, as if something unspoken hung between them all.

"So, Kamsi, what are you going to study?" Gilbert asked, wiping his hands on a napkin. His eyes were warm and curious, locking onto hers with genuine interest. Next to him, Xavier raised an eyebrow, silently intrigued.

Kamsi swallowed the lump of nerves in her throat, straightening up a little. "Medicine," she said, her voice a little hesitant at first. "I've always admired how my mom cares for others, and I want to help people like she does. Though... I doubt I'm smart enough." She added a nervous chuckle at the end, but the self-doubt was clear.

Before she could say more, Xavier's voice cut through the air like a knife. "I agree," he said, his tone blunt and unsympathetic.

Kamsi's head whipped toward him, her eyes narrowing in an instant. Did he really just say that? A sharp sting of embarrassment flooded her chest, quickly replaced by irritation. She clenched her fists under the table, forcing herself to hold back a retort, but Xavier's sharp gaze didn't flinch. He was watching her, completely unbothered by her reaction, as if her anger was beneath him.

Gilbert, sensing the tension, nudged Xavier lightly with his elbow. "Well, I don't agree," he said, his voice kind and encouraging. He turned to Kamsi, offering her a soft smile. "I think you're smart and determined. With hard work and effort, I'm sure you'll make it."

A shy, grateful smile tugged at Kamsi's lips. "Thank you," she murmured. Gilbert's optimism felt like a lifeline, and she couldn't help but admire how easily he lifted her spirits. The contrast between his warmth and Xavier's coldness was stark, and it made her appreciate Gilbert even more.

"So, what about you?" Kamsi asked, her curiosity piqued. It felt only fair to ask, and she was genuinely intrigued by him.

"Me?" Gilbert smiled, leaning back with casual ease. "Well, I'm on track to becoming the youngest big deal in my field," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. He winked, making Kamsi chuckle softly. "I'm currently being recruited by one of the top companies in the country." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I'll keep the name to myself for now."

Kamsi smiled, impressed by his ambition. She admired how effortlessly he seemed to navigate life, always so confident and relaxed. But as her gaze drifted back to Xavier, who had been silently watching her, the familiar weight of his presence settled over her again. His dark eyes were unreadable, but there was something intense about the way he observed her. The moment their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, nearly choking on her drink.

"Are you okay?" Gilbert asked, his voice full of concern as he handed her a glass of water.

Kamsi nodded, coughing lightly. "I'm fine," she said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She tried to compose herself, feeling foolish under Xavier's relentless gaze.

Desperate to shift the conversation, she asked, "Do you come here often?"

Gilbert grinned, his easy charm returning. "Yeah, I do. This place is like my second home, literally." His pride was unmistakable. "My family's joint owners of this place."

Kamsi's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She hadn't expected that.

Across the table, Xavier muttered under his breath, "Showoff."

Gilbert turned to Xavier with an amused smile. "Come on, Xav, don't be a sour grape," he teased, though there was an edge of truth in his tone. "You chose not to be associated with your father's wealth, remember?" His words hung in the air, earning a cold glare from Xavier. The tension between them was palpable, and Kamsi's curiosity stirred, though she didn't dare pry.

The rest of the meal passed in a quiet lull, the earlier ease dissipating into something heavier, more unsaid. Kamsi finished her food in silence, grateful for the occasional smile from Gilbert that helped keep the tension at bay.

As they drove her home, Kamsi turned to Gilbert with a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you again," she said, her voice soft but sincere.

"For the hundredth time, it's nothing," Gilbert replied with a grin. "I had fun too." He cast a sideways glance at Xavier, who leaned against the car, arms crossed. "And I'm sure Xavier had fun as well," he added with a playful nudge.

Xavier immediately shoved his hand away, his expression darkening. "I promise I'll make it up to you," Kamsi said, feeling the need to repay his kindness.

"You don't have to, but I won't turn down the offer," Gilbert grinned.

"Shameless," Xavier muttered.

Kamsi smiled to herself, hiding a chuckle as she stepped out of the car. "Bye," she said, waving as she closed the door.

"Bye," Gilbert replied, leaning out of the window. "Don't forget to study over the weekend!"

Kamsi nodded, returning his smile before her gaze flickered to Xavier, who remained silent, his eyes still watching her with that same unnerving intensity.

As the car pulled away, Gilbert turned to Xavier with a smirk. "You know, you were staring at her the entire time."

"Shut up and drive," Xavier muttered, folding his arms and closing his eyes.

Gilbert chuckled, shaking his head. "Totally smitten," he whispered to himself, steering the car down the road with a knowing grin.