Jordan Akhimien stepped through the bustling gates of the University of Benin, his heart racing with excitement. At twenty-five, he was embarking on a new chapter of his life, fresh books and dreams in hand. The vibrant energy of students mingling filled the air as he absorbed the vibrant atmosphere, taking a deep breath of the warm Edo State air.

He hailed a tricycle, known locally as an 'okada,' and squeezed into the back seat, his luggage piled beside him. The ride was bumpy, but every jolt only fueled his enthusiasm. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about the new experiences awaiting him and, most importantly, reuniting with his childhood best friend, Michael Eromonsele.

As they approached their hostel, Jordan noticed how far it was from the main gate. The trees lining the road formed a natural canopy, filtering the sunlight into dancing patterns. He finally arrived, grateful to step out and stretch his legs. He spotted Michael waiting outside their room, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, looking both tall and handsome, with a warm smile that lit up his face.

“Jordan!” Michael exclaimed, rushing forward to hug him tightly. “Man, you took your sweet time coming!”

Jordan chuckled, feeling slightly sheepish. “I’m really sorry, bro. Family matters kept me busy. But I’m here now!”

Michael’s smile returned wider. “That’s what counts! Let’s get you settled in.”

They climbed the stairs to their room, Jordan trailing behind with his luggage. Inside, he noticed two other boys around their age already situated comfortably—both equally tall and handsome. One had striking curly hair and introduced himself first. “I’m Justin Mamoke. Nice to meet you!”

Jordan nodded, returning the smile. “Nice to meet you too!”

The other boy, with a friendly grin and serious eyes, added, “I’m Idris Adeleke. Welcome to the room!”

With introductions done, Jordan felt a wave of camaraderie wash over him. He glanced around; their shared space was cozy, filled with the scent of fresh paint and anticipation. He knew this was just the beginning of unforgettable moments with new friends and the adventures that university life would bring.

As they chatted about their courses and interests, Jordan felt a sense of peace. Surrounded by like-minded, kind-hearted individuals, he realized that he was exactly where he was meant to be—ready to grow in faith, knowledge, and friendship.

As the boys chatted away, laughing and swapping stories, Michael suddenly turned to Jordan.

“Hey, how’s your mom doing?” he asked casually.

Jordan smiled and reached into his backpack. “She’s doing great. Actually, she made this for you.” He pulled out a small tin can and handed it to Michael. “Homemade chinchin. She said I should give it to you.”

Michael’s face lit up. “No way!” he exclaimed, grabbing the tin eagerly. “It’s been ages since I had your mom’s chinchin!”

He popped the lid open, the sweet smell instantly bringing back memories. Without wasting time, he took a handful and tossed a few pieces into his mouth. Then, with a grin, he offered some to Idris and Justin.

“Come on, you guys have to try this,” he said, already crunching away. “This is the real deal.

Justin and Idris didn’t hesitate. They each grabbed a handful from the tin Michael held out. As soon as they tasted it, their eyes widened in surprise.

“Whoa,” Justin said, chewing slowly. “This is really good.”

Idris nodded in agreement, already reaching for a second helping. “Your mom’s chinchin is something else, Jordan. Seriously, this is amazing.”

Michael chuckled. “Told you guys. His mother is good in making snacks.”

The boys kept munching as they talked, the warm afternoon filled with laughter, stories, and the crunch of chinchin.

After the boys finished eating the chin chin from the tin, Michael wiped his hands. He helped Jordan to arranged his clothes and other items into the wardrobe.

Jordan looked up, then grinned.

"Thanks you, Michael," he said warmly.

Michael laughed. "No problem! My guy, I'm just really glad we're in the same school — and the same room too."

Jordan nodded, feeling a happy glow inside. With Michael around, he knew school was going to be great.

Later that evening, around seven o’clock, Idris sat on his bed scrolling through his phone. After a while, he realized he was feeling really hungry. He looked around the room and saw Michael and Jordan sitting together, quietly reading their Bibles, while Justin was still busy browsing on his phone.

At first, Idris didn’t want to disturb them. But then he remembered that since afternoon, they had only eaten the chin chin Jordan had brought — nothing else. Maybe they were also hungry but just too focused to notice.

Clearing his throat a little, Idris asked, "Are you guys not hungry?"

Michael looked up, laughed, and said, "Now that you mention it, my stomach is actually growling for food!"

The boys chuckled, and the room suddenly felt lighter, like they were all thinking the same.

Justin looked up from his phone and said, "Why don't we go to the restaurant opposite the school gate? The food there was really good the last time Michael, Idris, and I went."

Jordan, thoughtful, suggested, "Or maybe we could just cook something here?"

Michael shook his head gently. "It’s already getting late," he said. "If we start cooking now, we’ll be up too long. We have to be early for our first lecture tomorrow."

After a brief pause, everyone agreed that it was best to go to the restaurant.

The four boys set off together, stepping out into the cool evening. The restaurant, called Hommix, was just across the road. As they walked, Jordan quietly played "Thank You, Lord" by Don Moen on his phone, letting the worship song fill the air softly.

In his heart, Jordan worshiped God silently, grateful for the new beginning and good friends around him. Idris and Justin walked ahead, chatting and unaware. But Michael, walking beside Jordan, felt it. The Holy Spirit, who lived in both of them, stirred in his heart. Without saying a word, Michael also joined in worship, silently lifting his heart in thanksgiving as they walked toward Hommix.

In the next thirty minutes, after a slow and peaceful walk, the boys finally reached the main gate of the school. They crossed carefully to the other side of the road and headed straight to Hommix, the cozy restaurant just opposite the school gate.

The warm smell of fried rice, grilled chicken, fresh pastries and other types of food welcomed them as they stepped inside. The place wasn’t too crowded, and the soft music playing in the background made it feel even more inviting.

Smiling and chatting lightly, they found an empty table by the window and settled in, ready to enjoy their evening meal together.

After they settled into their seats, a female waitress approached their table, holding a small notepad and pen. As she neared them, her cheeks turned pink — she couldn’t help it. All four boys were so handsome, and their gentle smiles only made her blush harder.

Jordan picked up the menu and stared at it, unsure of what to choose. Everything looked so delicious, and he felt his stomach grumble again.

"I crave almost everything on this menu," he said with a small laugh, looking at the others. "I don't even know what to order."

Michael chuckled. "That’s exactly how I felt the first time I came here," he said, nodding understandingly.

While Jordan was still deciding, Idris gently turned to the blushing waitress and placed his order: "Jollof rice and chicken, please."

Justin, without much hesitation, said, "I'll have three wraps of fufu with melon soup — and two pieces of meat."

The waitress quickly scribbled their orders down, stealing shy glances at their faces.

Michael ordered next, choosing the same as Idris — Jollof rice and chicken. Jordan, after a long stare at the menu, finally decided.

"I’ll have fried rice and a chicken lap," he said with a smile.

The waitress, practically trembling with excitement, wrote it all down quickly. Her heart raced, and she felt as if she might faint from admiration — their gentle voices and calm demeanor made them seem almost unreal.

Soon, she returned with another waiter, balancing their trays carefully. Together, they placed the delicious plates of food before the boys, who thanked them politely, their kindness only deepening the waitress’s admiration.

After the waitress and the waiter had left, the four boys wasted no time. They dug into their food eagerly, the rich aroma filling the air around their table.

Jordan took his first forkful of fried rice and his eyes widened in delight.

"Wow," he said, savoring the taste. "This is really delicious!"

Justin, with a mouth half full, chuckled and said, "I told you. This place cooks well — one of the best here in Benin." He scooped up another ball of fufu, dipping it generously into his melon soup.

As they ate, the conversation grew lighter and warmer. Idris cracked a small joke about how he could open a restaurant chain one day and call it "Idris Hommix," making everyone burst out laughing. Even a few customers nearby glanced over, smiling at their joyful energy.

Midway through the meal, Jordan leaned back a little, smiling gratefully. In his heart, he whispered a soft "Thank you, Lord" for the good food, good friends, and the peaceful evening. Beside him, Michael, sensitive in spirit, also offered a silent prayer of gratitude, feeling that same wave of thankfulness.

Though nothing was said aloud, a calm, almost tangible peace hovered over their table — a reflection of the quiet faith Jordan and Michael carried within them.

At one point, Jordan accidentally dropped a piece of chicken from his fork, and it bounced onto Michael’s plate. Everyone paused — then erupted in laughter, even Michael. Jordan apologized between chuckles, and Michael waved it off good-naturedly.

"Sharing is caring!" Michael joked, and the laughter bubbled again.

After they finished eating, the boys sat back in their chairs, completely satisfied. Plates were wiped clean, and even Justin, who had ordered the most, looked like he couldn’t possibly eat another bite. They laughed quietly among themselves, their faces relaxed and happy.

Michael called for the bill, and together they contributed, each one happily chipping in without any fuss. As they stepped out of Hommix into the cool night air, the breeze brushed softly against their faces.

The walk back to the hostel was peaceful. The streetlights lined the road, casting a soft glow on the pavement. Idris and Justin led the way, joking and teasing each other about who would wake up late for class the next day.

Meanwhile, Jordan and Michael walked a little behind, talking quietly. Jordan spoke about how grateful he was that God had made everything work out — a good school, good roommates, and even good food on his first evening away from home. Michael nodded, understanding completely.

"God is faithful," Michael said simply, and Jordan smiled, feeling the truth of those words deep in his heart.

As they reached the main gate and made their way back inside the school compound, the excitement of starting a new chapter filled the air. They knew tomorrow was the beginning of something special — and they were ready for it.

Together, they headed back to their room, their hearts full, their spirits high, and their friendship just beginning.

Back in their room, the boys got ready for bed, each quietly settling into their own space. Justin and Idris drifted off quickly, still smiling faintly from the evening’s laughter. Jordan spent a few more minutes whispering a prayer of thanks before lying down, while Michael, Bible still beside his pillow, whispered, "Thank You, Lord," one more time.

Before long, the room was filled with the soft, steady breathing of four tired but grateful friends. Their hearts were full, their spirits were light, and sleep wrapped around them like a warm, gentle blanket, preparing them for the new beginnings waiting with the morning sun.