As I boarded the bus to school on July 11th, I was lost in thought. The weight of an impending assignment settled in, and I struggled to focus. Our lecturer had tasked us with organizing a cultural day presentation on July 16th, and the deadline seemed daunting. Before I knew it, a handsome stranger had paid for my bus fare. As we alighted, he introduced himself as Ebuka. Noticing my distraction, he asked what weighed on my mind. I shared my concerns about the assignment, and he offered to attend my presentation, specifically interested in seeing me showcase the Yoruba native tribe.

         Over the next few days, I poured my heart into preparations. I rehearsed every step, perfecting my dance moves with passion. The thought of impressing Ebuka motivated me, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest whenever I thought of him. His smile seemed to brighten up my world.

       The day of the cultural presentation arrived, and our faculty was abuzz with vibrant displays of diverse Nigerian cultures. From Igbo to Hausa, Itsekiri to Edo, Idoma to Gbagyi, Tiv, and Ibira, every department showcased its unique heritage. When it was time for the Yoruba presentation, I took the stage, dancing with all my might. However, disaster struck – I tripped, and my wrapper revealed part of my pink underwear . The student erupted in laughter, and I heard a snide comment about my choice of color.

       Mortified, I rushed to the back of the hall, tears welling up in my eyes. But then, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. It was Ebuka, his smile still warm despite the embarrassing moment. "You did beautifully out there," he said, "and everyone makes mistakes. Don't be ashamed."

       I took a deep breath, composed myself, and offered him a taste of my cooking – a traditional Yoruba delicacy, efo riro. Although it was peppery, Ebuka appreciated the flavor and expressed interest in trying more Yoruba dishes.

        Despite the initial mishap, the cultural presentation was a success. More importantly, I had found a connection with Ebuka, and the experience had brought us closer together. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turn of events that had led me to him.