Vode's head drooped, his eyes fluttering shut as the lecturer droned on. The University finest, yet most notorious sleeper, was at it again. His classmates snickered, trying to stifle their giggles. The lecturer, Professor Otoyo, had had enough.
"Vode, you're as useful as a sleeping pill in my class! Get out!" The board marker flew, narrowly missing Vode's head as he jolted awake.
"Sir, I-" Vode protested, but Professor Otoyo was unforgiving.
"Out, Vode! Take your sleepiness elsewhere!"
Vode gathered his things, his face burning with embarrassment, and slunk out of the lecture hall.
Later, as he sat on a bench, nursing a throbbing headache, Idara approached him. "Vode, you should really see the school nurse about that headache."
Vode waved her off. "Cold water and a nap, that's all I need."
Idara raised an eyebrow. "You're as stubborn as a donkey. Fine, suffer in silence then."
Just then, Aisha strolled towards them, her bright smile lighting up the campus. Vode's heart skipped a beat. Idara noticed and rolled her eyes. "I'll leave you to your...cold water and nap." She walked away, leaving Vode and Aisha alone.
"Hey, Aisha! What brings you here?" Vode asked, trying to sound suave despite his pounding headache.
"Just enjoying the sunshine. You, on the other hand, look like you need some sunshine in your life." Aisha teased, her eyes sparkling.
Vode chuckled. "Yeah, maybe I do. But I think I'd rather have a raincheck on that nap first."
Aisha laughed. "I think we can work something out. How about I buy you a cold drink, and we can walk around campus together?"
Vode's heart soared. "That sounds like a dream come true."