Life Of A King

Chapter 12

-IMIBONGO CRYSTAL KING

I can't deny that it bothers me, the lingering discomfort that settles within my chest, but what recourse do I have? There's no claim, no tether between us to legitimize any resentment. Today's duties force an unwanted proximity, a shared space with him, magnifying the awkwardness.

In class with Hayley, I find myself divulging the morning's unsettling events. The questions loom, and Hayley, with her usual candidness, ventures into the heart of the matter.

"Do you like this guy friend?" she asks, her hand resting reassuringly on mine.

I shrug, uncertain of the feelings that swirl within. "I don't know, Hayle's. I enjoy our conversations and the time we spend together, but after this weekend, I don't know."

The recount of unanswered texts and apparent ghosting hangs in the air, a palpable frustration lingering between the lines. Hayley attempts a consoling perspective, suggesting he might be dealing with personal issues.

"I thought so too until this morning," I counter. "He had to return some girl's student card, dealing with some stuff, stuff that involves a lot of sweating and moaning."

Hayley laughs, but her mirth subsides when Tshepiso enters the scene. I roll my eyes, anticipating the impending exchange.

"I will leave you to it," Hayley says, making a swift exit, leaving me to face Tshepiso's presence.

"She's clearly angry at me for something," he remarks, confusion etched across his face.

I look at him with an air of indifference. "I don't understand why you're mad at me, though. You made it clear that you didn't want a relationship."

"What do you want, Tshepiso?" I ask, gathering my belongings and preparing to leave.

"Imibongo, I want you, dammit!" he declares, taking me off guard.

My skepticism surfaces. "Why? Didn't you get what you wanted from whatever her name is this weekend?"

Walking past him, he grabs my arm, pulling me close and pinning me against the wall. "Nothing happened between me and her! You are who I want."

His confession hangs in the air, and he leans in, his breath tantalizingly close. "I messed up, I want to fix things. Let me fix things."

His lips meet mine in a kiss that defies the school's decorum. The taste of sweetness lingers from his recent indulgence. Our tongues entwine in a dance of desire, slow and unhurried. A gentle bite on my lower lip sends shivers down my spine. Reality intrudes, and I push him away, his words echoing in the charged air, "We can't do this."

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-DYLAN SAMKELO KING

-DYLAN SAMKELO KING

"Mr. King, I have that package you asked for," Lethu enters my office, and I rise to meet her halfway.

"Thank you so much, Lethu. I have no idea where I would be without you," I express my gratitude, taking the package from her. Walking over to my desk, I place it on the table.

"You work a lot, Mr. King," she observes, standing behind me as I turn around.

"I have to for my wife and kids," I explain, and she steps a little closer.

"Sometimes you need a little break," she suggests, and I chuckle.

"I do take a break a-" Before I can finish, she interrupts, smashing her lips onto mine, catching me off guard. The door opens, and I quickly push her away.

"Honey, Lethu wasn't-..." Sam trails off, dropping the food she was carrying. I can only imagine how this might look from her perspective. I move Lethu aside.

"Sam, it's not what it looks like," I try to explain.

She shakes her head, turning around. I rush after her. "Honey, wait, please. I can explain," I plead, grabbing her arm. She turns to slap me.

"Don't you dare touch me," she warns and steps into the elevator.

"Sam, please, just let me explain," I say, entering the elevator with her.

"Is that the reason you've been coming home late, huh? Wow, Dylan!" she expresses hurt in her eyes and voice.

"Sam, I would never cheat on you. You have to believe me, please," I plead, but she chuckles bitterly.

"Isn't that what all men say when they are caught cheating? Leave me alone, Samkelo!" She walks out of the elevator, leaving me to sigh and watch her walk away. When my wife is mad, it's wise to let her cool down on her own without running behind her because she's capable of anything when she's angry.

I return to my office, marching to Lethu's desk. "What the hell was that?" I demand, and she looks down, ashamed.

"I'm sorry, Mr. King," she says, and I chuckle.

"Sorry? You just ruined my marriage, dammit!" I exclaim, and she looks down as if about to cry.

"I want you to pack your things and just leave," I declare, and she looks up with glossy, teary eyes.

"Mr. King, I am sorry. That shouldn't have happened. I can't lose my job, please, Mr. King. It was a mistake," she pleads.

"I want you gone by the end of today!" I command and then walk into my office. I grab my phone, attempting to call my wife, but there's no response. I sigh and throw my phone on the couch.

"Honey, what's going on? I just passed Lethu packing her things," Mom says, and I turn around.

"What happened? You look pissed," she observes.

"Lethu kissed me, and my wife saw it."

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To Be Continued