The Premiere of the movie was a smash hit. In the weeks leading to it, stars and regulars alike clamoured for an invite. Because of the drama surrounding it, which the blogs had feasted on for weeks, it was the movie on everyone's radar.
The buzz surrounding the film had reached a fever pitch, and this was the night everyone would finally see those controversial scenes for themselves. The anticipation in the air was so thick, you could taste it.
Folarin and Chuka arrived in separate vehicles with their dates â Folarin with Lucy and Chuka with a new upcoming actress, Manda, who he'd met on the set of the movie. They had been out on one date prior to the premiere and Chuka liked what he'd seen so far. He intended to take it slow but still wanted to treat her to an industry-related night out with him. Being pictured with him could only do good things for her career.
All four of them posed for several rounds of photos on the red carpet. Chuka and Folarin stood together to take a shot and the entire venue erupted in screams. This movie was definitely going to be one for the books. Plus, they looked damn good in their outfits, and it showed in the reactions of everyone who looked at them.
They were about to head inside when a voice called out. "Hey. Don't forget me."
Chuka turned around, at the feel of a hand grabbing his arm. "Oh hi, Leo."
Leo was very sharply dressed too and smiling widely. "Take one with me.", he said to Chuka, ignoring everyone else.
Chuka turned to his crew. "Abeg chill for me. I dey come."
Folarin said nothing and stood to the side with the girls but not before Chuka noticed him give him a weird look.
"Alright let's take a few.", he said, walking back to the carpet with Leo.
As they posed for pictures, Leo could barely take his eyes off Chuka. "Guy, you can't be looking at me like that when press is taking pics.", Chuka said discretely as they posed. Chuka's eyes roamed to where his people were waiting.
Leo looked back at the cameras. "Do you do this on purpose?", he asked under his breath.
"Do what?", Chuka said softly, with a plastered smile.
"Smell so fucking good. Look so damn delicious.", Leo said quietly. "Do you do it just to fuck with me?"
"Leo, stop it." His eyes wandered to the side again and Chuka suddenly realized the face he kept checking for was Folarin's not Manda's. Weird, he thought.
"I want you, Chuka." Leo said, almost loud enough to overhear. "What would it take to - ?"
"I think that's enough pics." Chuka waved at the photographers and started to walk over to his people.
All four walked in and took their seats, ready for the screening to begin.
The movie ended to thunderous applause. It had wrapped on a bittersweet note and some members of the audience were wiping tears from their eyes. Chuka and Folarin spent nearly 20 minutes shaking hands and getting pats on the back for their incredible performance. Afterwards, there was a small mixer for cast and crew and their plus-ones.
Chuka realized he and Folarin had barely spoken since they arrived. He walked over to where he stood with Lucy. "Omoo. The reactions are crazy."
"I know. It's wild.", Folarin said.
"We did good, bro." Chuka said, pulling Folarin into a warm hug. Camera flashes went off all around. It was a sweet moment.
"The movie was mad, Chuka." Leo said, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. "I saw the credits. Story idea was yours? Damn! Sexy and smart." He eyed Chuka like a slab of meat as he took a sip of his drink.
"Yeah, but we worked on it together.", Chuka said, throwing his arm around Folarin's neck.
"Right." Leo said, unimpressed, barely looking Folarin's way.
"Hi, Leo." Manda said timidly, stretching her hand out. "I'm Manda. I played one of the nurses in the movie."
Leo looked at her.
"I'm a big fan.", Manda continued, starting to feel awkward.
Finally, Leo took her hand and gave it what could barely be described as a shake. "Thanks.", he said simply. This was the girl that was most likely going to end up in Chuka's bed this night so he couldn't be bothered to pretend it was nice to meet her.
Leo turned back to Chuka. "So," he said slowly. "Are you going to the after party? Or should we just go somewhere? You and me."
Chuka shook his head. Leo's bare-faced flirting regardless of whoever else was listening, would always be a marvel to him.
"I just redecorated my place." he said in a bedroom voice, stepping closer to Chuka. "Do you want to come check it out?"
"Guy rest nau.", Folarin said suddenly. "Rest. This is getting embarrassing. How many languages should he use to tell you 'no'?"
Leo looked at Folarin. "And how is this any of your business? Was I talking to you?"
"You can't even be talking to me. I for don use blow clear you since." Folarin said, stepping forward.
"Guy, I fucking dare you.", Leo said, stepping forward as well.
Their voices were rising and attracting unwanted attention.
"Hey hey hey." Chuka said, trying to draw their attention back to him and de-escalate the situation before people found out what the ruckus was about.
He turned to Folarin. "Just chill out. Okay? Relax."
Then he faced Leo. "Leo," he said. "This was cute at first but it's not anymore. You're a really great guy and I'd prefer not to lose a friendship. But if you can't accept that we'll never be more than that, then it might be time to end this."
"Chuka...", Leo exclaimed.
He continued. "I'm thankful for that gig. Seriously. It's been great for my portfolio and even better for my account balance but guy, if you can't be just friends then it has to be strictly business. If we have to work together on set or off, I'm game. But anything else is off the table. I'm sorry but this has to fucking stop. Enough!"
Folarin had never heard Chuka sound so firm with him. It was still gentle, but his tone had a strictness and finality it had never carried before.
Leo was quiet for a long time, just looking at all of them, then looking around to be sure no one else had overheard. Finally, he sighed. "Fine.", he stretched his hand out for a shake. "Friends."
Chuka took it and shook.
Then Leo leaned in. "With benefits", he whispered with a smile, then walked away quickly.
"In your dreams, Leo." Chuka called after him.
Leo turned, walking backwards. "That works too." He made a discrete jerking off motion in the air with his fist. Then he turned back and walked back over to his date, another upcoming actress.
Though annoyed, Chuka couldn't help but let out a laugh through his nose at the cheek of him.
"That guy is a mess.", Lucy said, laughing as she shook her head.
"My bestie has a serious crush on him o!" Manda said, astounded. "I had no idea it's men he likes." She giggled. "She will cry when I tell her."
Chuka looked at Folarin. He was the only one with a straight face and refusing to look at Chuka. One of the organizers stepped in and announced that the after party was underway and requested everyone make their way to Biyi Boye's house in Ikoyi.
The guy had barely finished talking when Folarin headed for the doors. Lucy quickly caught up with him, touching his shoulder and trying to get him to slow down. He simply took her hand in his and kept walking.
Chuka and Manda followed. At the parking lot where they'd parked side by side in their reserved spots, Chuka caught up with Folarin before he got in his car. "Guy, wetin dey sup nau? What's going on?"
"Nothing." Folarin said, simply, his tone neither cold nor warm. "Make we push first, we go yarn for that side."
Chuka hesitated. "Oya nau."
Folarin got in the car and started the engine. Chuka and Manda entered his and they were on their way.