I don't know why, but a part of me feared that I was going to lose her even before I had her. My mind couldn't rest, and I kept on hoping she was going to call me concerning her cooking classes. But the day had almost gone by and she still hadn't called me. I knew if she didn't call me back, I didn't really have any reason to be close to her, and it was some kind of signal that she didn't really want to be around me. I was scared, and hoping.

It was evening and class was over. Inoma and I had returned to our room, and were both simply keeping each other busy with our phones. I had been clicking on different apps, trying to keep my mind off Fareedah so I don't end up messaging her for no reason. As I went round, I kind of ended up in my class group chat. They were doing some sort of anonymous message thingy. People were using it as an opportunity to saying their minds about people they disliked, or even as deep as hate. Some people used it as a means to talk about their fantasies about someone in the class, while some used it as a means to confess their undying love. For some, it was some sort of means for seeking help and assistance on things they needed help and assistance with. I had only opened the class group chat when a picture had dropped from the anonymous website, someone had taken a screenshot. The message read 'I am attracted to my close friend, but I don't know how to tell him. I know this sounds like a normal thing, but we are both guys and I need help. Am I okay? Or should I seek therapy? I have been told people like me are an abomination, but I don't know what to do with all these overpowering emotions'.

My lips spread into a gentle smile when I read it. I wanted to reply him, but my class group chat was somewhere I avoided speaking on. The group had gone silent for a while, before someone finally replied. Her name was Hannah. Her message read, 'I advise you see someone. Specifically a religious head. What is happening to you isn't normal and is a spirit. You are no longer okay and have been possessed by something. I am not an expert in this, but I assure you, you need help and should get it as soon as possible before it intensifies'.

I felt my blood turn cold as I read her message. I could have sworn it was me she was talking to. My being attracted to Fareedah is something no matter how I got scared and uncomfortable talking to people about it, I have never really sat to think deep about it. It simply felt so right, so I didn't battle it. But as I read her message, she seemed like she was making a lot of sense.

I was about to off my phone and start thinking about my life, when Inoma message dropped in the class group chat. 'Abeg shut up', her message had said. I smiled a bit as I looked up at her, but she was busy typing a message that she didn't notice my reaction.

Inoma 🧡

If you don't know well about something, it is best to keep shut and let those who do know speak. And if you haven't fully gotten to understand the LGBT+ community, then keep shut and let those who know about it speak and grant help. It is not all opinions that are for you spill out, some should be kept to you.

+234********10 - Hannah

I did not lie or say anything wrong. I was only saying the bitter truth.

Inoma 🧡

There is no bitter truth. You sound like a very thoughtless person who isn't happy with their lives.

From the use of 'their' I could tell Inoma didn't know the person and didn't want to assume their gender. She said it was something she had learnt online, and couldn't bring herself to stop doing it anymore.

+234********10 - Hannah

Do not speak to me like you know me.

Inoma 🧡

And do not speak to them like you know them. They are a stranger who is seeking advice, but instead you abuse them. Is that what your 'religious' sector is teaching you?

+234********10 - Hannah

Why is the religious in quote?

Come, aren't you Inoma the girl that walks like she owns the class. See, mind yourself oh. I wouldn't accept nonsense from you.

Inoma 🧡

See a counselor or therapist.

+234********10 - Hannah

Warn yourself.

+234**********37 - Adam

Abeg shut up.

+234********10 - Hannah

Don't talk to me like that.

+234**********37 - Adam

SHUT UP! Go and cry. Just shut up and leave this group chat. If there is information person will tell you.

Inoma 🧡

There is nothing wrong with you, Anonymous. See, no one can control who they end up being attracted to. If it turns out to be someone of the same gender, then it is. There is no law to this thing. No one can really help who their heart decide to beat for. I do not know who you are or who your friend is, but I would advise you be conscious and mind how you thread with this new discovery. We live in a dangerous place. But I wish you happiness, I hope you find a solution soon.

+234********90 - Edna

Notice him. He could also be into you, you never know. So, be very cautious, but do not fear maybe try coming out to him or something. But again, be very careful. Like, I think Inoma had said, we live in a dangerous place. I wish you the best.

Class Rep

IMPORTANT!!!

PLEASE, THIS IS TO WARN THAT NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO BE MEAN AND SAY HEARTLESS THINGS TO PEOPLE IN NEED. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WELL ABOUT SOMETHING, WE BEG YOU STAY SILENT AND LET THOSE WHO KNOW SPEAK. LASTLY, EVERYONE IS ACCEPTED AND LOVED HERE. BE WHO YOU ARE.

The class group chat silent for a while, before someone sent a message that wasn't related to the person's anonymous question, and thing took off from there. I might not have been the person who asked the anonymous question, but seeing people be supportive and understanding in the group chat, made me feel so happy and love. I smiled widely and in satisfaction as I leaned in and hugged Inoma.

"What is your problem?" she had asked, her voice muffled by my cloth.

I shook my head before I replied, "I am just happy you are my best friend."

Inoma chuckled before she returned the hug. "Whatever," she had replied with a smile, causing me to smile also.