A whisper in the dark

Chapter 1: A Whisper in the Dark

The night was thick with the scent of rain, the air damp as Lagos pulsed with life beyond the compound walls. Tobi sat by his window, the hum of generators filling the silence between his thoughts. Somewhere in the distance, a danfo driver argued with a passenger, their voices blending with the rhythm of a city that never truly slept.

But inside these walls, it was different. Inside, Tobi could not be himself.

He ran a hand through his short curls, exhaling slowly. Tomorrow, he would leave for university—a fresh start, a chance to breathe. Yet, beneath the excitement, fear coiled in his chest. Would things really be different? Would he?

A soft knock on the window made him freeze. His pulse quickened before he turned, already knowing who it was.

Dayo.

Tobi hesitated for only a moment before sliding the window open.

"You're not supposed to be here," he whispered, though his voice lacked conviction.

Dayo grinned, his dimples deep despite the shadows. "And yet, here I am."

Tobi swallowed. "If my parents see—"

"They won't." Dayo leaned on the windowsill, eyes searching Tobi's face. "You really think I'd let you leave without saying goodbye?"

The words hit harder than they should have. Tobi looked away. He and Dayo had never talked about what they were—not in words, anyway. They had stolen moments between school breaks, touches that lingered longer than friendship should allow, gazes that spoke the truths neither dared to say.

Now, Tobi was leaving. And Dayo was here.

"You're going to forget me, aren't you?" Dayo asked, voice softer now.

Tobi let out a shaky breath. "You know that's not true."

Dayo studied him for a moment before reaching forward, fingers grazing Tobi's. It was fleeting, barely a touch, but the warmth lingered.

Tobi clenched his fists. This wasn't fair.

"I wish things were different," he admitted, barely above a whisper.

Dayo's smile was bittersweet. "They don't have to be."

But they did. Because in this world, in this city, love like theirs was a secret meant to be buried.

A car horn sounded outside, breaking the moment. Tobi pulled back, reality crashing in. He had to go.

Dayo took a step back, but the weight of unsaid words remained between them.

"Goodbye, Tobi," he murmured.

Tobi hesitated, then whispered, "Goodbye, Dayo."

As he watched Dayo disappear into the night, he knew this was only the beginning. No matter how far he ran, some echoes never fade.