If you’re looking for romance in Lagos, know that public transport will always separate your K-drama fantasy from your reality.
It started like the beginning of a Korean rom-com.
I got to the bus stop early that day, determined to get to work before everyone and claim that chair I borrowed permanently from the admin department. You know those types of chairs that you can lean into and don’t get a back ache, yesss! That’s the one I’m talking about.
Anyway, I got there and was standing at the bus stop, minding my business , my eyes alert for any strange being that’ll stand beside me as per I no wan hear stories that touch the kidneys. This is Lagos y’all!!
Then I saw him.
EIIIIIIIIII( screaming in uppercase)
Fine boy.
Clean haircut.
Ironed shirt and trousers with creases that could slice my heart in two clean pieces.
A face that said “I pay my rent on time and also spoil my woman.”
Our eyes locked for 0.2 seconds. My heart did one unnecessary backflip.
This must be how it starts, I thought. Love in the bus stop. Fate in traffic.
I adjusted myself so he could stand beside me, gave a small smile that says “I’m approachable but emotionally unavailable for now.” I was just thinking about how this could be my fated love and was even already scripting how I’d gist our future kids:
“Daddy and I met at the bus stop… it was divinely orchestrated.”
But Lagos brought me back to reality and said “not today, ma.”
Because one second later, we both saw it.
The long awaited Keke moving toward us like salvation on three tires.
He turned, our eyes locked for the first time but not with the romance I imagined but with panic
Before I could even blink, naso my lover don launch forward, e con do me like say we dey Gulder Ultimate Search. We both started struggling for the keke.
Chai!!!
I didn’t even know when I jumped into the keke to secure the seat beside the driver, and shouted “Ikeja Underbridge” make I no go loose guard
Love had already left my eyes. Survival mode was on
Because in this city, love is sweet, but flirting comes after fare.
