It was around noon—two days later. Kari and Khi were finally gearing up to leave for Texas, to head home for Christmas and winter break. Trae was gone, Aja flew out that morning, and Jelani was getting dropped off at the airport by the two now.

"Y'all have a good Christmas! Don't forget to send me pictures when you open my gifts, and take a mistletoe picture or I'm whooping y'all ass," she said seriously.

"What if there's no—"

"Find it," she cut Khi off, making Kari laugh. "Okay lemme go. Bye y'all!" she chuckled. "Bye Khi's girlfriend," she teased to Sakari, nudging her side playfully, making her blush.

"Goodbye, Jelani," she giggled, giving her friend a hug.

After they saw her off, it was back to the Honda for the new couple. The day after everything happened, Sakari was on cloud nine—she still was honestly, she couldn't believe this was actually happening and so easily too.

Although, them slipping into relationship mode was quite the transition. They weren't at all used to kissing, so sometimes they forgot. Like today—Sakari didn't remember kissing him once since he picked her up three hours ago. She figured they'd get used to it eventually.

He opened her door, and she thanked him before sliding in the front seat, and immediately yawning before he could see. She was ready to fall asleep on him any moment.

"You ready? Hungry?" he asked, starting the car up.

"Um...a little, but if you wanna just go we can," she shrugged.

"I'm dying of starvation, can't you tell in my face," he pointed, dramatically hollowing his cheeks to make his slim face look skinner.

"Okay, dramatic. Let's get something and we can eat while we go," she suggested. The hotel his parents got was farther into Georgia so their 8 hours was looking a little stretched this time. They were set to get there around 8:45, and she didn't want him driving too late.

He nodded, and they decided on Zaxby's, causing Khi to speed there like he was actually dying.

They said a quick prayer over to food and for a safe drive, then they were on the road to their first destination.

"Good day in my mind safe to take a step out," she sang quietly to herself, staring out the window sipping her drink, prompting Khi to look over at her, twice. His smile was small as he watched her in short spurts, before deciding to bother her.

"Uh, we gon have to get you situated in this girlfriend role," he teased, watching her blush.

"We are? What am I missing?" she asked, setting her drink down. "Teach me,"

"Lesson one: feeding your man while he drives," he pointed at the food sitting in his lap. "You know if I start eating we gon crash,"

"Khi you eat and drive all the time," she chuckled. "You are so dramatic,"

"Okay, but I was single when I was doing that," he smirked, and her eyes rolled playfully. "Now, suddenly, I'm incapable,"

"Okay, okay, here," she laughed, taking his plate and picking a piece of chicken to feed him. She dipped it in the sauce, and held it toward his mouth, allowing him to take a big bite of it, immediately following up with a handful of fries, because he had to eat it together.

"Thank you," he said, mouth full of food.

"Don't be nasty," she made a stank face. "But you're welcome. Tell me when you're done,"

"You gon feed me the whole plate?!" he asked as she ate on some of her own fries.

"I'm trying to get situated in my role, sir," she giggled and he couldn't help the heat that spread across his face at the fact that this was really his girlfriend speaking. Sakari. His girlfriend.

Eight hours and two bathroom breaks later, Kari flopped onto the hotel bed at 9:30, more than ready to sleep the entire rest of the night, after eating, of course.

Since they were in the holiday spirit, Dre and Tamara told Khi and Kari to get room service, just for tonight so they wouldn't have to go out again. She figured she'd shower while she waited for Khi to text her and let her know the food was arriving.

She was so excited to go home, she wanted to see her family, she wanted to sleep in her bed and open presents, and not do homework of any sort. She also wanted to spend time with Mekhi without them having to be worried about school, just for a little. And explore what their relationship would be like. So far, it just seemed like their friendship—but the premium version.

She was sure with some alone time they'd be able to decipher just what they'd be romantically—and excited was an understatement.

Once she was clean and in some pajamas, she picked her phone up and saw Khi literally just texted her, so she grabbed her phone and her charger, heading over to his room.

"It smell good as hell," she groaned, once he opened up, completely missing the fact that he was shirtless till she walked right by him. "U-um what did you order?" she asked, opening her food.

"Chicken alfredo," he yawned. "Whatchu get again? I forgot," he walked over, very close behind her, leaning his head in the crook of her neck to see over her shoulder. His proximity, the shallow breath against her neck and way she could feel his heart beating against her back had her in a bit of a daze.

"Just a burger," she spoke, not at all focusing on that said burger sitting in front of her. He mumbled something about it looking good before backing up and walking back around the bed to sit down and eat, allowing Sakari to breathe.

They sat next to each other eating, watching a documentary on Khi's MacBook, not talking much, as they were both exhausted and ready to sleep. By the time they were finished eating, Khi was already halfway there.

"Khi...get under the covers, Pop," she giggled and he groaned. "You're gonna be mad and cold in the morning. Go head,"

"Are you staying with me?" he asked, and her eyes widened. "You can if you want. We probably not gon get to sleep in the same bed again till we drive back," he chuckled.

"O-okay, yeah," she nodded. She was a bit nervous, seeing as this was her first time sleeping in the same bed as him since they were about 6 years old. This was also her first time spending the night with a boy, much less her boyfriend.

"Cool," he smiled. "I gotta brush my teeth," he hopped up, and she had to as well, so she quickly scurried off to her room to do just that, and grab her things while she was at it, making sure she left the room looking nice and left a tip for the housekeeper anyway even though she barely touched anything.

She also had to text the groupchat. It was only right.

: we sleeping in the same bed bitch ima pass the hell out
baeja🌸: oh she's a gf gf.
jeli✨: get some dique while you at it 🤌🏾
: goodnight. bye.

She laughed before knocking on Mekhi's door, so they could go to bed.

"Who gotchu smilin' at your phone and shit?" he asked, sounding serious, but when she looked up, she saw the smirk on his face. "Oh shit, I can be nosy now, lemme see,"

"No! You still can't read the groupchat it's a breach of security," she held her phone to her chest and he just shook his head, allowing her in.

She followed him to the bed, getting under the covers, and as soon as her head hit the pillow she yawned, feeling the weight of her exhaustion hit her quickly.

"The hell you doin'?" she heard Khi ask.

"Uh...going to sleep," she said in a duh tone. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for my girl to come cuddle me," he spoke back. Her face started to get hot as she slowly turned on her opposite side to face him.

"Right, that's me," she giggled.

"Yes, it is you. Come here," he chuckled, and she scooted in until she was touched by his warm embrace, relaxing her further. "See, don't that feel better?" he asked, lazily letting his hand roam her back.

"I guess," she spoke jokingly, snuggling up to his chest.

"I guess my ass—look at'chu getting comfortable," he teased.

"Whatever, Mekhi," she chuckled. "Go to sleep, I have to drive and we leaving at 7:45,"

"Um. You forgetting one more thing, Tootie," he said, causing her eyes to open and look up at him. "Gimme kiss,"

"O-oh right, sorry," she blushed, leaning up to quickly peck his soft lips. He sucked his teeth at the shortness of it and dipped his head to capture her lips again, but longer. Once he pulled back he pecked her twice, leaving her slightly short of breath.

"Now we can say goodnight," he said with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Goodnight," she whispered, not being able to wipe the smile from her own face.

"Tootie get up," Mekhi chuckled. "How you go back to sleep that fast you was just woke," he walked over to the bed where she sat straight up, sleeping against her fist. It was 7:30 in Georgia, and they were set to arrive in Houston around 6:45—if Sakari would wake up.

"I'm up," she mumbled. "I don't wanna drive no more,"

"I know," he cooed, walking over and letting her lean on his torso, and he rubbed her back. "But I'm sure as hell not doing it so you gon have to get up, love," he chuckled and she sucked her teeth.

"I'on like you," she muttered, finally standing up, taking the hand he offered.

"Right, you love me," he teased, making her laugh. He had not failed to throw in her face that she told him she was in love with him flat out like that. "My girl said these other bitches can't love me like she can," he continued and she slapped a hand over her face remembering her impassioned rant about her feelings.

"Okay! Stop," she whined as they waited for the elevator.

"It's okay though, I love you too," he smirked, kissing her hand that he held. "Took me a minute, but I'm here now. Now hurry up, Ima buy us Starbucks,"

"Oh you do love me," she gushed and he shook his head, as that was all he needed to get her awake and alert.

Once they checked out and made it to his car, he said another prayer for a safe drive, and she peeled out, heading straight for the Starbucks they passed on the way in.

"Hi! Goodmorning," Kari spoke into the drive thru, happy he was buying her coffee. She already knew what he wanted—he always got the exact same thing even for breakfast. "Yes, can I get a venti strawberry açaí refresher and two bacon, sausage and egg wraps...uh huh, and also a venti honey almond milk cold brew..with two pumps toffee...that's it, thank you!"

"You a lil too excited bout this coffee, Tutu," he chuckled as she drove up to the window. She loved caffeine in the morning, watching her perk up after her first few sips was honestly entertaining.

"I just been wanting to try this one!" she defended as he handed her his card. "Thank you, Bubba,"

"Mhm," he nodded, just watching her as she greeted the person with a smile, dimple sinking into her cheek. "You pretty as fuck," he said once she turned back to face him and hand him his card.

"H-huh?" she sputtered. "Me? Thank you," she rambled, starting to blush. "Where did that come from?" she asked, toying with the string on her hoodie.

"You just look pretty," he shrugged. "Your coffee," he pointed and she whipped her head around to grab it, as well as his drink and their sandwiches.

They set back off on the road, he sneakily recorded her, as she took her first sip of her coffee after swirling it around in the cup. "It's good, Tootie?" he asked behind the camera.

"Yes," she groaned, momentarily throwing her head back, making him laugh. She looked over and saw him recording, instantly straightening her face, making him laugh harder. "Stop!"

Eight hours and three bathroom breaks later, Kari was speeding down their street, happy to be home.

"Finally! Shit," she groaned. "Mekhi wake up," she turned to look at him. He was slumped in the seat, wearing her blanket over his nose, arm resting under his head, facing her, as he literally fell asleep in the middle of a conversation.

"No," he mumbled.

"Boy—I will leave you in here and make Auntie Tam come get you," she threatened and his eyes snapped open. "That's what the fuck I thought," she laughed.

"Fuck you," he chuckled, sitting up and stretching. "Who house they at?" he wondered.

"Umm," she hummed, grabbing her phone, seeing that they were at hers. "Mine! It's gonna be very interesting to walk in here," she chuckled.

"Why?" he asked, and she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Uh....we're together now, or was I mistaken about that?" she raised her eyebrows. "You did tell them, didn't you?" she asked, watching his eyes grow wide with realization.

"Oh damn," he sharply inhaled. "Why didn't you?!" he asked when she groaned, placing her hand over her forehead.

"We played rock paper scissors! You lost!" she argued back.

"See...I feel like this on you for counting on the nigga with ADHD to remember that. That's on you, love. Not me," he raised his hands in surrender.

Despite the very annoying conversation at hand, she couldn't help the smile that graced her face as this was the second time he called her love today. She couldn't help but think if that'd become her pet name, but before she could fantasize, she had to yell at him.

"No it isn't! This is your fault," she shook her head. "You're gonna tell them too, I did my part already," she shrugged.

"What part did you do?!"

"I told you I liked you first! I'm not hearing no arguments Ahmad, do it. I'on care, I do not care what you finna say to me!" she held her hand up when he opened his mouth.

"Who you talkin' to for real? We can fight Sakari," he chuckled.

"You not gon beat my ass, so it don't matter," she shrugged. "Just do it!" she whined.

"Fine! Damn," he huffed. "Bring yo ass on, before I leave you in here," he hurriedly got out of the car and she followed with a grin. Breaking the news was gonna be very interesting, and she just wanted to sit back and watch him tell it, even though he'd probably embarrass her.

"Hold my hand, so they get the hint," he stuck his hand out and she grabbed it. "No, the cute way that makes us look like we dating," he quickly laced their fingers together. "We not good at this," he chuckled.

"Not at all," she laughed. "Okay, okay, serious face," she quickly gathered herself as they walked up the driveway and into the house. Tamika let her know the door would be open and they were in the den.

They made their way down and heard the unmistakable music of the Martin theme song, causing them both to shake their heads. All their parents watched together was Martin.

"We're home!" Khi called—even though this was her house. "Hey y'all," he cheesed.

"Hey babies! How was the drive?" Tamika grinned, as everyone else said hello, not even bothering to look their way, much less see their hands stuck together.

"Good, good. But uh, we'll get into that later! Me and Tootie gotta tell y'all something," he prefaced, catching the little one's attention, and he put his finger to his lips, watching Shiloh zip hers.

"Wassup son? Y'all dropping out? Already?" Dre snickered.

"No, dad," he chuckled. "We uh...we together. Me and Tootie dating," he said plainly. At first it was silent, then one by one, everyone's heads turned to them and he held their intertwined fingers together.

"Well I'll be damned," Semaja muttered. "Ow!" she then gasped when her mom popped her arm.

"Since when?!" Tamara hopped up rushing over to them. "Are you for real?! Really?" she gasped.

"Yeah for real," Khi laughed. "Why you look like you don't believe me, dad?" he asked, as Dre furrowed his eyebrows.

"You like this bum, Tootie?" Dre asked and she erupted into laughter.

"Yes she like me! She told me first, right?" he nudged her and she nodded, but Dre did not look convinced in the least. "What?! She gotta kiss me or something?"

"Mekhi!" she smacked his arm.

"Yes! Do it! Meeka where's the mistletoe?!" Tam clapped, and an evil smile spread across Tamika's face.

"Mama no," Kari said.

"Yes, Meeka, no. I'on wanna see this boy kiss my child," Shemar said, teasingly.

"Daddy, please," she giggled but it was too late—Tamika was running off to find the mistletoe they kept around, and before they knew it, it was dangling over their heads, and they looked up simultaneously.

"See what you did? Stupid," she gritted.

Khi only laughed, obviously waiting for his kiss. "C'mon, one. Just gimme one, so he can believe I bagged you," he smirked, making her groan.

They were so busy fussing, they didn't see Tamara ready with her phone.

"Just one," she mumbled, standing on her tip toes and kissing his lips very briefly, garnering very mixed reactions.

Tamara was over the moon—clearly. Dre and Shemar both gagged, and the loudest of them all was Siarah.

"Ooooh mama! They kissing!" she pointed. 

"I see," Tamika laughed.

"They're so ugly, my heart can't take it, ew," Maja pouted, and in and instant, Sakari was pouncing on her, making her erupt in in laughter. "Look at her, she tryna hurt me because she in love," she snickered and Khi was trying his best to keep his laugh in—and failed. 

"Oh! This funny to you too?" she raised her eyebrows.

"Ye—no? No, no not funny at all love,"

"Love?! Oh no, y'all gon make me throw up," Shemar shook his head and Semaja