Flashback to the past

“So, what were the two of you talking about?” Engineer Akinyemi asked heatedly, his voice rising as he seized the opportunity to vent his pent-up frustration. It was clear he relished having found scapegoats to redirect his irritation over the class's lack of attention.

“Mafia, sir,” Charles quipped smugly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Beside him, Akin smirked, clearly amused by the situation—or so it seemed.

“Oh, mafia, is it?” Engineer Akinyemi repeated, his sudden, smile catching Luke’s attention. Something about the way the lecturer said it made Luke uneasy. He knew Akinyemi well enough to tell the man was plotting something.

The grin on Charles’s face faltered, while Akin shifted his weight uncomfortably.

“Since you seem so interested in the mafia,” the lecturer continued, his smile widening, “perhaps you can enlighten the class. Can either of you give me two other names for the mafia?”

The question landed like a grenade. Akin stared at the floor, his earlier bravado evaporating, while Charles shifted uncomfortably on his feet, clearly out of his depth. Engineer Akinyemi’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched the pair squirm.

“Um… I don’t know, sir,” Charles finally conceded, bracing himself for the scathing remark that was sure to follow.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Engineer Akinyemi began, shaking his head theatrically. “So sad. Money can’t buy you intelligence—or common sense,” he drawled, his tone dripping with condescension. A ripple of laughter spread through the class, feeding the lecturer’s satisfaction.

“You two should consider a career in comedy,” he continued, smirking. “The only thing humorous about you both is your miserable lives and utter lack of intelligence.”

The class erupted into stifled snickers, and Engineer Akinyemi let the moment linger, clearly pleased with himself for reasons best known to him. Finally, he added, “The mafia can also be called the mob, the syndicate, the outfit… or even la nosa costra.”

He paused abruptly, his expression darkening at the sound of a barely audible giggle.

“Mirabel! Or should I say Miracle?” he snapped, zeroing in on her. “Care to share what’s so funny?”

Mira hesitated, but foolishly, she replied, “Um, sir, it’s la cosa nostra, not la nosa costra, sir.”

Luke nearly smiled—nearly. If there was one thing he knew about Engineer Akinyemi, it was that the man did not take kindly to corrections.

“It’s la nosa costra, Mira,” the lecturer shot back, his voice tight with irritation.

“But, sir—”

“Shut it!” he barked, his barely controlled rage spilling over. “And don’t ever try to correct me in your miserable life again!”

The class fell silent, the tension hanging thick in the air. Mira’s face fell, her earlier confidence shrinking under the weight of the lecturer’s glare.

Something in Luke snapped at the lecturer’s outburst, and before he could stop himself, he impulsively retorted, “She’s actually correct, my dear lecturer. It’s, uh, la cosa nunsa.”

For a moment, the class was completely silent. Then, as if triggered by a hidden switch, a wave of laughter erupted. Some students coughed loudly, trying to mask their amusement, while others openly chuckled.

Engineer Akinyemi’s face turned ugly , his expression livid. “Get out! The both of you—out—right this instant!” he bellowed, practically trembling with rage.

“Oh, come on,” Luke protested halfheartedly, though he was already packing up his things. He slung his bag over his shoulder and dashed out of the class, Mira close on his heels.

Once they were a safe distance away, Mira turned to him, slightly out of breath. “Hey, um… thanks, Fredrick,” she said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

“Um, yeah, sure, Mirabel,” Luke replied distractedly, his mind already wandering.

“So…” Mira hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Did you really know it was la cosa nostra, or…?”

“Nah,” Luke replied with a shrug, finally meeting her gaze. “First time hearing that arcane spell.”

“Wait… so you didn’t even—”

“Mirabel, Mirabel,” Luke interrupted with a heavy sigh. “Look, he deserved it, alright? Bro’s a terror.” His tone carried a trace of lingering annoyance. Then, with a quick glance at his watch, he muttered, “Um, see ya,” and turned to leave.

“Where are you off to?” Mira asked, fluttering her lashes with exaggerated innocence as Luke tried to make his escape.

Luke froze mid-step, turning slowly to face her. Something about her tone—and the way she batted her lashes—reminded him of his mother whenever she was up to mischief with his father.

“Uh, the library,” he replied cautiously. “Boring library.”

“Ah, the library… yes, I was just about to head there myself,” Mira said, her voice dripping with feigned enthusiasm.

Luke raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he gave her a skeptical stare. “What?” she countered, holding his gaze.

For a moment, they stood there in silence, and then Mira grinned sheepishly.

“Hehe… well, nothing,” Luke smirked. “Library it is. Lead the way.”

Luke shook his head but couldn’t suppress a small smile as they started walking.

It was fun, he thought later, reflecting on the odd turn of events. And just like that, the duo’s unlikely friendship began.