### Chapter 3: Lekan’s Background
#### Lekan’s POV
I walked home, my mind replaying the encounter with the new girl. “She’s kind of beautiful and brilliant,” I murmured. I thought she might be a good friend, something my mom had been encouraging me to find. Lost in these thoughts, I was startled by my mother’s voice.
“Lekan!” she called.
“Yes, Ma,” I replied.
“Oko mi, have you eaten?” she asked.
“No, but I’m good now,” I said. My mother, accustomed to my cold and distant demeanor since my father’s assassination, left me alone.
My father, Mr. William, was ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen. After his body was brought home, I locked myself in my room for 48 hours, crying, weeping, and starving. My uncle eventually broke down the door and rushed me to the hospital. “Omo mi ooooo,” my mother had cried as she followed us. I woke up five days later, weak and quiet. Since then, I became unapproachable, even to the school bullies, who learned the hard way to leave me alone after one particularly aggressive bully, Emmy, received a memorable lesson.
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#### Scene of William’s Death
Somewhere in Victoria Island, Lagos State, my father opened a parcel he brought home from work. It was a dull-looking clock, but it was actually a sophisticated tech device.
“Lekan, my son, come out!” my father’s voice echoed from outside. I paused my game of Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) and rushed to him.
“I’m here, Dad,” I said.
“What were you doing inside, bighead?” he asked.
“Um... I was playing a game,” I stammered, looking down.
My father had warned me about online games, fearing they might influence me negatively. “Those games can erode your thinking and make you want to carry guns in real life,” he said.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” I apologized.
“The next time you do that, you’ll be grounded for two weeks. Do I make myself clear?” he said in his stern, military tone.
“Yes, General,” I replied.
My father, Mr. William, was a leading scientist working on a secret project for the Lagos State government called “NEW LAGOS.” He was developing an AI wristwatch named Globe234, which could do everything a mobile phone could and more. It could track its owner, send emergency signals, hack into any hotspot device, and had a long battery life of two months.
“I got you this clock,” he said, handing me the dull-looking device.
“This?” I asked, confused.
“Yes, this, BAKA (stupid brat),” he said, smiling. Hearing that word, I knew there was more to this clock.
“Okay, thanks, Dad,” I said, examining the clock.
“Listen carefully. This clock is very limited; only ten exist in the world. Make sure you always wear it. Take good care of it,” he instructed.
After our conversation, my father left the house, never to return. His death was a devastating blow to our family.
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#### Flashback
I sat alone, waiting for the bell to signal recess. It was a terrible experience when Emmy, a notorious bully, approached me.
“Give me that toy,” he demanded.
“Why?” I asked, feeling a surge of anger.
“I like it and want it,” he replied.
“Really?” I asked, smiling.
He was taken aback by my reaction but stood his ground. When he tried to take the toy from me and broke it, my anger exploded. The ensuing fight left him with a lesson he would never forget, and since then, I was known as the “Lonely guy who needs no one’s presence.”
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#### Jessica’s POV
A lot of thoughts ran through my mind as my father drove us home. Sensing my mood, he asked, “Princess, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing much, just reflecting on my experience at school today,” I said.
“My bad. I’m sorry, Princess. How was your day at school?” he asked.
“It was fine, Dad,” I replied. After a moment of silence, he broke the quiet.
“You like him, right?” he asked, smiling.
“Who?” I asked, surprised.
“That boy who helped you pack your bags,” he said.
“No,” I replied, but I felt my face flush as I recounted the incident. I told my dad about the boy, Lekan, and what Janet had said about him.
“There must be something wrong with him,” my father concluded.
“Can I be his friend?” I asked.
“Sure, you can,” he replied.
“Thanks, Oka-san,” I said, relieved.
“Anything for you, Princess,” my father said.
We drove home, chatting and laughing about our day. “I’m home, Mom. I’m hungry,” I shouted as we entered.
“Welcome back, my Princess,” my mother replied, hugging me. “How was school today?”
“Fine,” I replied.
“Go freshen up, then come for your food,” she said.
“Okay, right away,” I responded, running to my room.
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#### FACT ABOUT “THE NEW LAGOS”
**Disclosable Fact: **
The New Lagos is a team of highly intellectual scientists working in the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence in Lagos State. Its main purpose is to develop 5th-generation technology for Lagos State residents and the country at large. Due to the secrecy of its projects, it operates under high confidentiality. It is also a branch of the Nigeria Research Institute. Mr. Alani, Jessica’s father, is the head of research, with his two friends leading the technical and armory sections.
To be continued…
