Page 23 of Blake University: HBCU Chronicles – Yon & Imole

After leaving the brunch, and Yon made their way off campus to Cove Pizzeria, a small but popular spot tucked between the old movie theater and the jazz café. The smell of garlic, cheese, and fresh dough filled the air the moment they stepped inside.

Yon hadn’t stopped apologizing since they left the brunch tent.

“I swear, if I knew my mom invited Shawna…”

he paused, shaking his head.

“That wasn’t supposed to go like that.”

picked up a pepperoni slice from their shared tray, folded it delicately, and took a bite.

“I figured that. You looked like you were about to flip the table.”

He gave a crooked smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I almost did. You good, though?”

“I’m good,”

she said, reaching for her lemonade.

“Honestly, it wasn’t the welcome I expected, but you showed me where you stand. That matters more than a smile and a plate of eggs.”

That made him pause. Yon looked at her, really looked at her.

“You see me for who I am, don’t you?”

tilted her head, eyes locked on his.

“I think I always have.”

They ate in comfortable silence, exchanging little glances, nudges, and jokes. When they were done, Yon insisted on walking her back to her dorm. Inside the suite, it looked like the aftermath of a small hurricane. Clothes on the floor, empty water bottles, hair tools abandoned mid-style.

“Damn,”

Yon laughed, stepping over a crushed bag of chips.

“Did they pre-game or perform an exorcism?”

“Both, probably,”

snorted, already picking up strewn shoes and tossing them into the closet.

“Lala and Stormii left in such a rush this morning. I swear we were out of here in like ten minutes.”

Yon helped without question, tossing wrappers into a trash bag and fluffing a pillow or two.

When the room finally resembled a functioning living space, disappeared into her bedroom and changed into a pair of black boy shorts and a cropped white tank top. Her hair was in a messy ponytail of curls, and her skin glowed from the sun and excitement of the weekend.

Yon had taken off his jacket and button-down, leaving him in a white muscle tee that clung to his toned chest and highlighted the definition in his arms. He laid back on her bed making himself comfortable.

She stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a smirk.

“You know you’re doing the most right now, right?”

she teased.

“What?”

he asked, giving her an exaggerated innocent look.

“I’m just chilling.”

“You’re chilling with those arms out and that smirk on your face. It’s driving me crazy”

He laughed, grabbing a pillow and patting the space beside him.

“Come chill with me then.”

She crawled into bed beside him, laying her head against his chest. The beat of his heart was steady and warm. He smelled like fresh laundry, spice, and a hint of the cologne he wore to brunch.

“You’re dangerous,”

she murmured.

“Only to defenses,”

he quipped, wrapping an arm around her.

“I’m gentle with nerdy girls in crop tops.”

They both laughed, but the air between them thickened. It was soft and electric.

Their eyes met, and something passed between them, it was quiet and magnetic.

Yon brushed his thumb across her cheek.

“You know, you’re really beautiful, right?”

rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her blush.

“Now you’re just being extra.”

He leaned in and kissed her. It was soft, intentional and almost like he could taste her sweetness. His hand rested lightly on her hip. She kissed him back, slowly, deeply, as her fingers finding their way to the nape of his neck. They kissed like they had all the time in the world. Like nothing else existed.

Eventually, pulled back just enough to ask, her voice small, “Why haven’t you… tried anything with me?”

Yon blinked, caught slightly off guard by the question.

“You mean, like… sex?”

She nodded, shy. “Yeah.”

He rubbed his hand gently along her thigh and looked her in the eyes.

“Because I respect you too much to rush something that should mean something. And… you’re not just another girl to me.”

She looked at him, studying his face.

“Have you ever… you know?”

Yon gave a short nod.

“Yeah. But that’s not what this is. This is different. You’re different.”

swallowed, heart thudding.

“I haven’t.”

His face softened with a smile.

“That’s okay.”

“You’re not… disappointed?”

He shook his head slowly.

“Nah. I think your first time should be special. It should matter. And if it happens to be with me…”

He ran his fingers along her arm.

“Then I want it to be when you’re ready. When we’re both ready. When this, whatever this is, is more than just homecoming and butterflies.”

’s lips curved into a smile.

“You’ll wait?”

Yon leaned in, kissing her again; slow and deliberate.

“You’re worth waiting for.”

And that was all she needed to hear.