He stared at her lips like he wanted to do more than look, he did want to do more he’s thought about it everytime she walked past him.  It all started when she spoke to him for the first time asking if he was Igbo. She wanted to prove to her friend that an Igbo man could be spotted in a crowd especially amongst non Nigerians. Her smile was what caught his attention when he said he wasn’t.  “we should go, you have to be in the clinic” she said to break him out of his thoughts “Do you tell everyone who stares at your lips to go?, Does it make you uncomfortable ” he responded ” No, I tell them to be careful they might fall in love with me” she smiled and bit her little lips, he didn’t return the smile,  he moved closer instead not moving his focus away from her lips “what if they are already in love” He said, finally moving his eyes to look at her face waiting for a response, she didn’t have any.
“You know I love you,  you’ve always known that. From the way I speak to you to the way I hold you.  Why do you act like you think I’m joking ? You knew I meant it when I was asked who I thought of before bed at night and I said you, you knew when you called me to travel miles because you didn’t want to be alone.  Only someone who loves can do what I do and I know you love me, you didn’t talk to Titi cause you thought she was taking my time. You cried when you heard I was getting married even after you found out it was a prank. Only one who loves can act the way you do. So why can’t we love each other openly? “
She looked at him shocked then broke into a smile with her palms on her chest ” shit is this for your acting class, you are good, really good.  Now I feel bad for making all those jokes about you” “yes it is ” he responded surprised at his response, this wasn’t acting but he couldn’t say so.  He had come this far only to start at the beginning he thought to himself. “wait, what jokes? ” He asked giving the best smile he could.
Maybe someday his courage will last and they’ll both get the love they deserve but not today. Till then he was going to look at her lips, she had the most beautiful lips.

I thought of this imaginary conversations and thought to write it down. Do let me know your thoughts on this piece in the comments 💙