It had been three weeks since Chomie and Sfiso had become friends. Sfiso called Chomie and asked her if she could go with him to the town. Excited, Chomie agreed. She was aware that her friendship with him had been very convincing and she hoped that perhaps he might approach her this time.

Chomie made sure she was ayoba in fashion. Around 12 o’clock the fashion killer was seen pointing her finger upwards, then she was seen walking egoistically all the way to the red quantum called ONE EYED.

“Hey I’m glad you have arrived much earlier, I was thinking of withdrawing money at the ATM,” Sfiso said when they got together.

“Oh okay fine then, let’s go,”

“So where have you been for the past two days, chomza, I haven’t seen you by your favourite spot under the tree,”

“Ow my cousin is gone for a week, so I have to stay home and watch over the house,”

“Oh is that so?”

“Yes! That means you can come around any time you like,”

“Ahh no, can’t do! I’m busy with my students’ papers,” Sfiso said as he walked up to the ATM. He withdrew the money and together with Chomie, they followed each other all the way to some store.

There was a store around the corner, which was a clothing store called Barbara’s boutique. It was indeed stunning and attractive outside. Chomie couldn’t help but gaze at the dresses advertised on the boutique’s windows. She was imagining herself wearing some stunning short purple dress and pink shoes. Perhaps Sfiso will buy me this dress and this T-shirt, this cargo pant or these high heels, she thought as she stood outside the shop.

“Hawu! Come in Chomie I’m waiting for you,” Sfiso was standing beside the menswear side. And Chomie joined him.

“Uhm Chomie, I want you to help me here,”

“What can I help you with?”

“I need you to help me find the best shirts and jeans for Mlungisi, today is his birthday! I’m impressed by the way you dress and I’m pretty sure you’ll choose the best for my friend. Isn’t it, Chomza?”

“Oh sure I can,” Chomie said in a depressed voice.

“So walk around and take a look at them, I’ll be waiting for you right her beside the counter.

They shopped all day and Sfiso got some good things for Mlungisi. When they were done, they headed home.

“Thank you very much for helping me today I appreciate it my friend,” said Sfiso as they walked out of another shop.

“It’s my pleasure, cause that’s what friends are for?”

“Don’t worry my friend I will buy you a slab by the street vendors. Can you believe it, you get two for ten rand only!” Sfiso said excitedly.

But Chomie couldn’t hide the disappointment she felt and stared at him coldly.

“Oh hey Sfiso, there is something I need to tell you!”

“What is it?”

“Well I appreciate being friends with you, but that’s not what I wanted from the start. The real thing is, I’m in love with you, and I’m asking you to be my boyfriend,”

Sfiso remained silent for a long while. He felt like he was desperate of finding a whole to hide. He was shy and embarrassed. He looked down, and up again, and faced on his left side, and then on the right side. He rubbed his head, placed his hand on his chin. Then finally he spat his words out.

“I’ll think about it,”

“What are you going to think about? Why don’t you tell me now!?” Chomie softened him.

“No! I have to think, about if I know you and trust you enough to make you my girlfriend,” Sfiso replied. He turned and started walking to the taxi.

***

Tell us: What do you think of Sfiso’s response?