CHAPTER 4
I met Lerato and Thembi at our favorite café, eager to share updates on Ngwenya.
Lerato sipped her coffee. "Spill the tea, Ore."
I grinned. "Ngwenya's simulating menstrual cramps to understand me better."
Thembi's eyes widened. "That's...dedication."
Lerato chuckled. "Or crazy." Thembi added, "I mean, who needs that kind of empathy?"
I laughed. "He wants to break the period stigma."
Mpumelelo appeared, holding a ridiculous-looking contraption."What's that?" Lerato asked.Mpumelelo proudly displayed his "Menstrual Cramp Simulator 2.0."
Thembi burst out laughing. "You made that?"
Mpumelelo nodded. "For Ngwenya. To help him understand Ore."
I face-palmed. "Mpumelelo, no." Lerato giggled. "This is going to be good."
Thembi joked, "Ngwenya's in for a world of hurt."
As we laughed, Ngwenya walked in, spotting the simulator.
"What...is that?" he asked, eyes fixed on Mpumelelo's creation.
Mpumelelo grinned. "Your new best friend."
Ngwenya shook his head, laughing. "You're something else, Mpumelelo."
Ngwenya playfully rolled his eyes. "I think I'll stick to the original simulator, thanks Mpumelelo."
Mpumelelo chuckled. "Suit yourself, but this one's got extra features."
Lerato teased, "Like what? A built-in chocolate dispenser?"
Mpumelelo grinned. "Better. It's got a mood swing indicator."
Thembi snorted. "That's just a random LED light."
Mpumelelo defended his creation. "Hey, it's a vital feature."
Ngwenya laughed. "I think I'll survive without it."
As we joked, I realized Ngwenya fit seamlessly into our friend group.
After coffee, Ngwenya walked me home, simulator-free.
"Thanks for understanding about Mpumelelo's...invention," I said.
Ngwenya smiled. "I appreciate your friends' unique sense of humor."
I grinned. "They're a package deal."
As we strolled, Ngwenya asked, "So, Ore, what's your favorite feminist book?"
I thought for a moment. "Currently, it's 'Bad Feminist' by Roxane Gay."
Ngwenya nodded. "I'll add it to my list."
We exchanged book recommendations, our connection growing.
As we reached my doorstep, Ngwenya turned serious.
"Ore, can I ask you something?"
"Anything," I replied.
"Do you think...I'm doing enough to support feminism?" Ngwenya asked, sincerity in his eyes.
My heart swelled.
"Ngwenya, you're already doing more than most," I said. "Just by listening and learning."
Ngwenya smiled, relief evident.
LATER THAT EVENING
As we stood on my doorstep, Ngwenya's eyes locked onto mine. The evening air was charged with anticipation.
" your one beautiful breathtaking creature ” Ngwenya whispered, his voice low and husky.
I smiled, my heart racing.
Ngwenya's hands gently cradled my face, his thumbs tracing my cheeks.
"I've wanted to do this since our first conversation," he said, his breath warm against my skin.
My lips parted, inviting him in.
Ngwenya's lips brushed against mine, soft and gentle. The world around us melted away.
Our first kiss was like a symphony of emotions: tender, passionate, and authentic.
As we broke apart, gasping for air, I smiled.
"Wow," I breathed.
Ngwenya grinned. "Definitely worth the wait."
I leaned into him, our lips meeting again.
This time, the kiss deepened, filled with promise and excitement.
As we pulled back, Ngwenya's eyes sparkled.
"I think I'm falling for you, Ore," he whispered.
My heart skipped a beat.
"I'm already there," I replied, smiling.
Ngwenya's arms wrapped around me, holding me close.
In that moment, I knew our connection was something.
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