Discourage her

So you tried to discourage her, as subtly as you could. "Sanya, I don't think it's a good idea," you said, trying to keep the tension out of your voice. "You know how those college events can get... a bit wild."

Sanya's smile faltered for a brief moment, her eyes flickering with disappointment. "You don't think I can handle it?" she asked, a hint of defensiveness in her tone.

You backpedaled immediately. "No, no, baby, that's not what I meant," you said, your voice rushing to reassure her. "It's just... college guys can be dumb sometimes. They might get the wrong idea."

Sanya's face fell, and she looked down at her lap, her shoulders slumping. You could see the doubt creeping in, the fear that maybe you didn't trust her after all. "I can handle it," she said, but there was a waver in her voice that suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.

Fatima leaned in again, her expression shifting from playful to serious in an instant. "You're not wrong, but don't worry," she said, placing a comforting hand on Sanya's shoulder. "College guys can be a bit... overzealous, but I'll be there to keep them in check. Besides, Sanya's got talent. She should be able to show it off without you worrying."

Sanya looked up at Fatima, and the warmth of her friend's words seemed to fill her with newfound confidence. She nodded, a grateful smile spreading across her lips. "Thanks, Fatima," she murmured, her eyes shining with appreciation. "That makes me feel a lot better."

Fatima winked at you, the playful spark returning to her eyes. "You see?" she said, her voice light and airy. "You're just being a typical nerd, overthinking everything. I'll keep an eye on her, and she'll be fine." She nudged Sanya's side gently. "Besides, I know how to handle those college boys. They're like puppies with too much testosterone."

Sanya giggled, the tension in the room dissipating like mist in the sun. She looked at Fatima admiringly and gratefully, her eyes shining with affection for her friend's support. "You're the best, Fati," she said, leaning in to give her a quick hug.

Fatima grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why don't we go out for tea?" she suggested, glancing at the time on her phone.

You nodded, relieved that the topic of the dance was momentarily forgotten. "That sounds nice," you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

Sanya agreed and ended the call with you, her smile still bright but with a hint of sadness in her eyes. You couldn't shake the feeling that you had disappointed her with your concern. But before you could say anything more, the line went dead, leaving you staring at your phone screen.