Chapter 98: A Life Intertwined
1255words
The house they stayed in looked like a temple, filled with art and much liveliness. Their shared works were hanging on the walls, showing how their connection grew stronger over time. It was a place emanating warmth and comfort - a true haven from outside turbulence.
Dapo asked softly with a little laugh, "You remember the time we thought we could rule the world in just one year?"
Eki smiled, her eyes sparkling with memories. "Times were wild, yes?" she replied. "But we survived, no?"
Their journey was not easy, but they faced it together. The most important thing that kept them close was their love for each other. They helped one another with dreams, celebrated together when they achieved success and provided support in dealing with big challenges.
Their drawings grew more advanced, mirroring the intricate parts of their life. It was not just about appearance anymore; it now displayed their inner self and showed how much they had developed. The depth and maturity in their work were qualities that only experience of many years could give to them.
They start helping new artists, sharing what they know and their passion with beginners. They humbly do this because they understand giving back to the community is very important, as this community helped them become good at their craft.
Their life together was complete. Home always had love and laughter, days were full of creative activities, family moments and friendship – they found a balance many people wish for but rarely get to have.
One evening, I am looking at the city lights shining from my balcony and start talking with Dapo. I ask him if he remembers our first meeting.
Dapo smiled. "How could I forget? You were a whirlwind."
They laughed and remembered when they met for the first time, noticing how much time had gone by since that moment. They faced many difficult moments together and got through many challenges on their path. Their growth with one another is unique and rare to encounter elsewhere.
Looking at the city, they feel calm and happy. They build empires—not from money or power but with love, creativity, and influence. Their legacy is not just about what they made, but also about the people who got inspired and the hearts they touched.
Just as they were about to relax, suddenly their phones rang at the same time. They looked and saw that both screens displayed the same number. They exchanged puzzled looks with one another.
"Who could be calling both of us at the same time?" Dapo wondered.
Eki's heart was beating very fast when she picked up the phone. The voice on the other side, with much static noise, made her feel very scared. "Hello?" she said, trying to steady her voice which trembled a bit.
'Eki and Dapo," the voice replied in a cold, calculated tone. 'We've been watching you."
Dapo, who was listening closely, took the phone from Eki. "Who is this speaking?" What do you want?" he asked in an annoyed tone.
There was a pause, then a low chuckle. 'Let's just say, we're old friends."
Eki and Dapo look at each other with fear in their eyes. They remember this voice - it is the same one that gave them a warning a long time ago.
'You think you've won," the voice continued. 'But the game is far from over."
Dapo grip the phone very tight. "We are not afraid of you," he said, trying to sound brave.
"We will check," answered the voice. "You have many enemies; they wish to see you fail."
Eki began to feel an icy fear because they had spent too much time focusing only on the good things and forgot about hidden dangers in the shadows.
'What do you want?" Dapo asked, his voice steady despite the fear.
"I want you to remember the rules of this game," the voice said. "We made these."
Click, line dead. Both Eki and Dapo just stood there, with the phone hanging loosely from his hand that went limp. They did not move or speak; it was like time stopped around them. Cold quiet filled space.
'They're back," Eki whispered, her voice filled with fear.
Dapo gave a serious nod, "We cannot let them succeed."
The rest of the night, they did not sleep. Their minds were busy and worried. They knew they needed to prepare for anything that might come next. They phoned their security team, enhancing protection around where they live and work.
Days that followed were filled with worry and no calm. Every shadow looked like danger, every noise seemed like a threat. The fear continued.
But, in all this fear, there was a small piece of rebellion. The people do not want to be ruled by those who try to control every part of their lives – they refuse to let them take away happiness, creativity and freedom.
Eki and Dapo, decide to show threats in public. This is their way of revealing who the bullies are and asking for help from the community. Their aim is simple: by showing this darkness, it will be scared away, just like how sunlight makes night creatures go back.
They come for the press conference, their faces look pale but their voices stay strong. They tell the story – fear and courage, hope and resolve. The people became more angry, putting extra pressure on authorities to find out who did this thing.
Days kept on passing, turning into weeks, and yet the dangers did not go away. Eki and Dapo had many people nearby - their friends, family members, and also other folks from around the community. They had love and light around them, giving them the power to face the dark times.
Eki and Dapo, stay strong in their decision to not feel afraid. They keep working together on new projects; these creative efforts act as a courageous reply against those who try to stop them. The studio turned into a quiet place for Eki and Dapo, giving them peace and room to discover their art skills.
One evening, while they continued working very late, a strange noise caught their attention. It was a gentle scratching sound coming from the window. Eki and Dapo exchange worried glances. Carefully, they inch closer to the window, feeling their hearts start to beat faster.
When they moved nearer, their eyes noticed a tiny metal piece on the glass. They found out it was a tracking device. A fear of coldness went through them. They were being watched.
When they almost showed this thing, a noise like "click" was heard. The window broke into many pieces, and somebody came out from the dark.
Eki and Dapo became silent, their thoughts racing quickly. They always knew this moment would come one day, but it arrived earlier than they expected.
A person came inside, face covered by the darkness. They grabbed the gun and placed one finger on its trigger.
Eki and Dapo gazed at each other with fear in their eyes. This was the moment they had been so scared of, the one they did not want to come true.
