Chapter 3: A Night of Loyalty and Friendship.

Meanwhile, back at the bar, the atmosphere was lively—compared to Lydia's quiet drive. The room was full of laughter and friendly conversations. Adex's friends sat around a round wooden table.

Neyo leaned back in his chair and poured liquor into his glass. He took a sip and said, "So, have you finished talking to your queen?"

Adex chuckled, shaking his head. "At least I've got someone to call my own, Neyo. You?"

Neyo smiled and relaxed in his chair. "Common Adex, you used to be the first one to order another drink. "But since you met Lydia, just look at you, discussing weekend trips and home-cooked pasta." 

Neyo laughed along with the others.

Adex shrugged, remaining unbothered. "What can I say, guys? When someone matters to you, priorities change."

John grinned. "You deserve a toast, my friend," he said, raising his glass. To love, loyalty, and Adex, the domesticated king!"

They raised their glasses and laughed together. The evening was full of friendly teasing, sharing old stories, and making new memories.

Adex laughed and enjoyed the company of his friends, yet his thoughts returned to Lydia. The anticipation of seeing her soon remained in his mind, adding an extra glow to the evening.

Adex put his phone in his pocket. He felt excited as he looked at the main entrance. "She's on her way," was the only thought in his mind. He needed to make sure the dinner he promised was ready for Lydia when she arrived. Even though the room was noisy with drinks and laughter, he stayed focused because he had a task to finish.

Seun whispered, "Adex's mind is no longer here with us." He turned and looked at him. "Let's go home, guys."

Adex felt excited when Seun said those words. The night's energy still buzzed in his chest, and Seun's words made him want to move even more. Without thinking, he quickly got up from his seat, ready to leave and share the good vibes elsewhere.

"One more thing, guys, I'm driving," said Adex.

"Nah!" Neyo shook his head. "Do I look drunk? Why am I not allowed to drive?"

Adex waved his hands. "I never said you're drunk, but for everyone's safety, I think I should drive."

John groaned. "Let me take the wheel then. I promise to take you far away."

"I don't want to go far away, John; I want to go home. You made it sound like you're driving us to heaven," Adex replied.

John exclaimed, "But everywhere is home! We're far from home, yet it's still called home."

"I think I will go with Adex kind of home," Neyo Spoke from behind.

Seun swayed back and forth as he tried to raise his hand. "I can drive," he said.

They all looked at him in shock and confusion, seeing him staggering around with a bottle of liquor in his hand.

"Absolutely not!" Neyo and John shouted together.

Adex turned away in irritation. "No arguments; I'm driving."

Seun laughed and playfully nudged Adex in the back. "I wish I were in your position. Your girlfriend is coming home to celebrate with you while I'm here, single and without a steady partner. Perhaps I should take a lesson from you."

Neyo laughed. "Yes, you need coaching, Seun. You're far too single for my liking." He shook his head and continued, "Adex, share the secret. Your friend Seun can't seem to keep a girlfriend for more than two weeks!"

Seun smiled. "At least I'm not like Neyo, who changes the person he loves faster than a chameleon changes colours."

Neyo, draining the remainder of his drink, smiled louder. "I'm still trying to work out how to tell my girlfriend that I no longer find her attractive. That girl is annoying."

Seun gasped. "Neyo, my brother, you are finished! Start by practising the words, 'It's not you, it's me.' And you will see the magic of breakup."

Adex chuckled and shook his head. "You guys are absolutely unbelievable."

Seun opened his eyes in feigned wonder, throwing his hands up in the air as though he had just seen something amazing. "Adex is the only guy dating a lady for more than three years. Three years!" Seun shouted. "Men, you're good."

Neyo smiled and puffed out his chest as if he was considering being like Adex. He threw his arms wide open. "I can be like you one day," he said.

Adex chuckled, his head shaking with a smile. "That day will never happen. I don't believe so," he said to him. "You're always smooth and charming, but everyone knows you're also the one who breaks women's hearts without a second thought," he replied.

"What!" Neyo's mouth fell open as he watched Seun take the final sip from his cup. Seun's eyes glowed with a brief, mischievous sparkle as he silently challenged him with each slow, calculated sip.

Adex smiled, moved by Seun's words. In gratitude, he patted Seun hard on the back. Then, he turned to Neyo and smirked.

Adex joked, "Neyo, you should ditch that phone before you do something stupid. I shall not be responsible for calling your Ex-girlfriend."

Seun and John burst into laughter. As it ceased, he glanced around the table, his eyes sparkling with appreciation. "What a wonderful night, everyone! I want to express how much I love you all."

Seun, who looked a bit drunk and unsteady, waved a hand indolently and grinned. "We love you too, man," he mumbled.

Neyo moved closer to Adex and hugged him tightly, "Happy birthday once again, brother!"

Adex patted him on the back. "Thanks, man. I appreciate you."

As they turned to leave, Neyo raised his arms dramatically. "Alright, guys, let's go!"

The group chuckled as they made their way to the exit. They went outside and felt the cool night breeze. They could still hear laughter and music getting quieter behind them.

"That was a night to remember!" Neyo called out.

"Definitely!" Adex agreed with a satisfied smile on his face.

They got into the car. Adex took the wheel, inserted the key into the ignition, and started the engine. They drove off into the night.