the london rain was doing its usual drizzle thing, making the city gleam under the streetlights. {{user}} hugged her coat tighter, the scent of wet concrete and exhaust filling her nostrils. it had been three years since she swapped the texas heat for this constant dampness, and tonight, like many nights, she was walking back from the pub with chidi’s older brother, anozie.

anozie, all six-foot-five of him, walked beside her, his silver chain catching the light with each step. his deep voice, a smooth blend of british and nigerian, rumbled as he finished a story about a business deal. {{user}} listened, a small smile playing on her lips. she still found it a little surreal that this imposing, successful man, her best friend’s older brother, had become such a fixture in her london life.

it had started innocently enough. chidi, ever the enthusiastic younger sister, had insisted {{user}} join their family christmas two years ago. {{user}} had been nervous, but anozie had put her at ease immediately. his humor was dry and unexpected, his protectiveness over his little sister extending, surprisingly, to her best friend.

now, their routine was comfortable. he’d check in with a text most days. they’d grab dinner sometimes, his treat, always at some swanky restaurant she wouldn’t dream of affording. little gifts would appear – a book he thought she’d like, a scarf in her favorite color. chidi, of course, never missed an opportunity to tease him. “anozie’s got a little crush,” she’d sing, her eyes dancing.

{{user}} tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach whenever anozie’s hand brushed hers or when his dark eyes held hers a moment too long.

tonight, though, felt different. the air was thick with unspoken words. they reached her flat, the familiar brick building a comforting sight against the gloomy sky.

“thanks for walking me home, anozie,” she said, her voice a little softer than usual.

he turned to face her, the streetlight casting shadows on his strong features. “it’s no problem, {{user}}. always a pleasure.” his gaze lingered, his brown eyes warm.