#nm11

You never thought you’d be the kind of person to sit through a full afternoon of board games. Honestly, you figured it would be like watching paint dry, but here you are, stuck in Noni’s living room, surrounded by half-eaten snacks and three different types of chips you swore you’d never touch again.

Noni is grinning like he’s won the lottery. You’re pretty sure he’s been planning this little "game day" for weeks. Not because he loves Monopoly or whatever, but because he knows how competitive you get. It’s like a challenge he can’t resist.

“Alright, your move,” Noni says, flicking a card at you like it’s some kind of weapon. His eyes are sparkling with that playful fire you know too well.

You sigh dramatically but try not to smile. “I’m going to destroy you.” You don’t even know what game you’re playing, but you say it anyway, because honestly, how often do you get to threaten Noni Madueke and mean it?

He just chuckles. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he says, shaking his head with mock exasperation.

You laugh, and he laughs harder. You notice how his smile lights up the room ,  like the kind of smile that makes even the dullest days feel like a party. Honestly, that’s Noni for you. A walking mood booster who somehow makes you want to stick around even when you’re both exhausted.

The game drags on. You trade wins and losses back and forth like a tennis match that nobody really cares about, but both of you are way too stubborn to quit. The snacks disappear. Your competitive streak is alive and kicking, even if your brain is officially mush.

Halfway through, Noni pauses the game and stands up, stretching dramatically. “I swear I’m going to regret this tomorrow,” he says, rubbing his neck like he’s aged ten years in the last hour. “But you’re lucky I like you.”

You roll your eyes, but there’s that warmth in your chest again. You like him too. More than you expected, and honestly, that freaks you out a little. But right now? You’re just glad he’s here, laughing and making you feel like you belong.

He flops back down on the couch, pulling a ridiculous face that makes you snort. “You know, this is definitely my new favorite way to torture myself.”

You grin. “You’re weird.”

“Yeah, but I’m your weird.”

There’s a pause, a kind of comfortable silence that isn’t awkward at all. It’s the kind of quiet where words aren’t necessary because the feeling between you is loud enough.

Then Noni nudges you with his elbow. “Alright, truce? We can call it a tie if you promise not to glare at me like I’m the enemy.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Only if you admit I’m the reigning champ.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “Deal. But just wait. Next time, I’m coming for that title.”

You play along, mock scared. “Oh no. The great Noni Madueke is on the hunt.”

He grins. “Exactly.”

Later, as the sun starts to dip outside the window, you find yourself leaning against him. He smells like fresh grass and something faintly like home, and it makes your chest feel full in a way you hadn’t anticipated.

“You ever think about how weird this is?” you ask softly. “Us, hanging out like this, just being idiots and laughing at nothing.”

Noni looks down at you, his grin softening. “Yeah. But I like weird. Especially when it’s with you.”

You don’t say anything, just lean into him a little more. And honestly, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

The night winds down with the two of you sitting side by side, watching the city lights blink on. It’s quiet, but it’s perfect.

Because sometimes the best moments don’t need fireworks. Sometimes, they just need someone who gets you, a little friendly competition, and a couch full of chips to remind you that life isn’t always serious.