Playing the Game

Star clutched her phone, her heart pounding with hope as she unlocked the screen. She had applied for multiple jobs, praying for even one opportunity. But instead of a flood of responses, there was only a single notification—a message from the bank.

A notification of her Nontuition balance. N$17,000.

Yet, instead of disappointment, a spark of relief lit up her face.

"God just answered me at the right time… look!" She turned the screen toward Mandume. "My refund has come."

Mandume grinned, his dimples deepening. "You see? You aren't alone. Now, cheer up."

"Okay, Mr. Overprotective," she teased. "Your care is overwhelming."

Mandume's expression shifted slightly, his usual easy smile faltering. "It's not just care, Star," he said, his voice softer. "I… I made a promise to you. And I like to see people happy."

A moment of silence lingered between them before Star broke it. "Now that I have some money, I should buy my cosmetics."

Mandume raised an eyebrow. "And then we go file a police case."

Star shook her head, her playful expression turning serious. "No, Mendu. I don't think the police is the right option."

Mandume frowned. "Why not?"

"Tomas is holding Mom captive and waiting for my response. It's a game to him. If I report Mom missing and show them the letter, he'll know. And if he knows, he'll hurt her before the police can even find him."

Mandume crossed his arms, his brows knitting together. "So what's your plan?"

"I've been with Tomas for ten years, Mandume. I know how he thinks. He expects me to run to the police. But I won't. I'm going to find Mom myself. Tomas can run, but he can't hide."

Mandume's jaw tightened. "Star, you just said you know what he's capable of. What happens if you do find him? He could hurt you too."

Star's gaze didn't waver. "If I have to give up my life to save my mom's, I'll do it."

"What? No!" Mandume's voice was sharp, his eyes flashing with anger. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Listen, I have a friend. He's a detective. We can file a case with him. He'll work quietly, off the radar. Tomas won't even know we're looking for him until it's too late."

A slow smile crept onto Star's lips. "That's not a bad idea at all. Tomas can enjoy his little victory while it lasts—because he won't see what's coming."

Mandume smirked. "And he'll have no idea whether you responded to the letter or not."

"Exactly," Star said, eyes gleaming. "And before he knows it, he'll be behind bars."

Excitement buzzed between them as they struck hands in a high-five, their shared triumph filling the room. Then, in a rush of adrenaline, they hugged.

Mandume's heart pounded against his ribs, the warmth of Star's body pressing against him sending a shiver down his spine. But then—

Reality crashed back.

Star suddenly let go, taking a step back. Her mind had betrayed her, reminding her of something she had tried to forget—Mandume had a girlfriend.

A thick silence hung between them, both suddenly shy.

"Oh… uh, cosmetics…" Star muttered, clearing her throat.

"Yeah," Mandume said quickly, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Let's go."

As they left for the market, a different kind of tension settled between them. One neither of them dared to address.

Meanwhile, back in her room, Maria sat on her bed, lost in thought. A frown lined her forehead as she wondered what, exactly, Star was up to.