LIVING

chapter 6

Efe knocked on tobi's door, her mind racing with questions. What happened the other day at AJ's house? Why did Tobi storm out, looking so upset?

Tobi opened the door, his expression guarded. "Hey, efe. What's up?"

Efe hesitated, unsure how to approach the subject. "I was wondering what happened at AJ's house the other day. You seemed really upset."

Tobi's eyes narrowed. "Why are you asking? Did AJ say something to you?"

efe shook her head. "No, he didn't. But I know something's going on. we are best friends Tobi, and I've never seen you  like that before."

Tobi sighed, stepping aside to let Efe in. "It's just...  I felt really stressed that day.

"lies"

Efe's eyes locked onto Tobi's, her voice firm but gentle. "Tobi, I know something is going on

Tobi's eyes darted around the room, avoiding Efe's gaze. "It was nothing, Efe. Just a misunderstanding."

Efe's expression turned skeptical. "A misunderstanding? Tobi, I know you too well. You don't get angry like that over nothing. What's going on between you and AJ?"

Tobi's shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched. "Efe, drop it, okay? It's none of your business."

Efe's eyes narrowed. "None of my business? Tobi, we're best friends. I know when something's bothering you. And I know AJ's involved. Is he... is he treating you badly or something?"

Tobi's laugh was harsh, bitter. "Treating me badly? No, Efe. It's not like that at all."

Efe's eyes searched Tobi's face, trying to read between the lines. And then, it hit her - the way Tobi's eyes softened when he talked about AJ, the way his voice dropped to a whisper... It was the way Efe felt when she talked about AJ too.

A realization dawned on her, making her  eyes wild,

is something going on between you and AJ, efe asked,
I felt my face heat up as Efe's words hung in the air. "Tobi, are you... in love with AJ?" I tried to laugh it off, but it came out forced, unnatural. "What? No, Efe, don't be ridiculous."

But Efe's eyes saw right through me. She took a step closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Tobi, I know you. I know when you're hiding something. And I can see it in your eyes - you have feelings for AJ."

I tried to defend myself, but my words tangled in my throat. I couldn't deny it, not when Efe's eyes sparkled with knowing. "Efe, it's not like that," I stammered, but my voice trailed off.

Efe's expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tobi, it's okay. I won't judge you. But you have to be honest with me. Do you have feelings for AJ?"

I felt my resolve crumble, my secrets spilling out like sand between my fingers. I couldn't meet Efe's gaze, my eyes dropping to the floor. "Efe, I... I don't know what to say."

Efe's hand on my shoulder was warm, comforting. "Tobi, it's okay. Just tell me the truth."

I took a deep breath, my heart still racing from the admission. "Efe, AJ and I... we've been seeing each other. I couldn't tell you  because... because I was scared."

Efe's expression was soft, understanding. "Scared of what, Tobi?"

I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper. "Scared of losing you. I know not many people accept... this. Being gay, I mean. And I didn't want to risk our friendship."

Efe's eyes filled with tears, her voice filled with emotion. "Tobi, our friendship is stronger than that. I love you, no matter what. And I'm happy for you and AJ."