There was a Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted show happening in the central area of the state, it was not so far from where I lived and I had convinced Yemi to follow me and it seems everyone in school was attending too.

So on the Saturday it was happening, my dad had given me approval and Yemi had appeared without his car, I wanted him to know what it felt like in a train.

"I don't fancy train rides, too much people, this would be my first and probably last"He rubbed his palm together. He was dressed in a simple denim jacket and white trouser.

"It will be fun trust me" I took his hand and we boarded the train and located our seats.

"I heard Burna Boy would be coming" Yemi told me.

"Lies, Burna boy is kinda too big for this show no offense, I don't mean any disrespect. But honestly, you know I don't get why African countries are always competing with each other"I said and relaxed better on my chair.

" But this show was organized my two countries"Yemi noted.

" I'm not even talking about the show, you and. I know that Nigeria and Ghana are always competing in everything down to even jollof rice, crazy if you ask me"

" But it's just a healthy competition"

"Tell that to some people and it's always Nigeria vs other African countries, have you seen Western countries dissing each other on social media? "I asked him.

" You are beginning to sound like you are about to start a revolution"Yemi teased.

" I wish I could you know but this country especially is messed up,the old people keep blaming the young and the young people are more focused on arguing about Davido and Wizkid,when it comes to politics,we all go mute"I sighed.

" To avoid getting killed"Yemi whispered.

The train was moving at an incredible speed and Yemi was checking his phone. I scanned through the faces of other passengers, the older ones were just relaxed on their seats,most of them having creases and wrinkles probably due to worry,I wish I could read their mind.

I typed in my password and clicked on the orange app, Wattpad,I hardly read books again due to my schedules,I was currently reading a Nigerian book.

I stuck my eye phones and listened to Vibration by Fireboy. My jam.

We soon got to our destination and it seemed the whole country was in attendance.

"God, such a huge crowd" Yemi exclaimed as he took my hand and navigated among the throng of people made up of mainly young adults and teenagers. I was wearing a white gown and my jacket I hand just in case it got cold at night.

Kidi was already on stage,he was a Ghanaian musican that came into limlight with the release of his first single,Odo. I liked his smallish frame,he reminded of Wizkid.

"There is a stand for food,we could buy some food and drinks" I barely heard Yemi due to the noise.

He pulled me  along and oh well,the food on display looked quite appetizing,we bought a plate of Nigerian jollof and Ghana jollof.

"So which do you think is better?" Yemi asked me as he gulped the can of soda,I watched his Adam apple as they bobbled.

"Ghanaian jollof" I admitted. It was was so tasty and damn that spicy feeling.

"Unpatriotic girl,their jollof has nothing on this one" He boasted and I only snarled. So I was unpatriotic cos I aired my opinion, typical!

I looked at the upcoming musician on stage,he had chains all over him and his dressing screamed razz.

"I don't know the connection between upcoming artiste and chains, like they all have a fetish for it" I chuckled.

" I thought I was the only one who noticed,their bling bling is too much abeg"He laughed.

" Ever performed?"I asked. The dim lights didn't allow me make out his full face.

"Yeah,school cultural dance, everyone wanted to be on the crew,I got picked and on graduation day,I forgot all my steps and everything. I was super embarrassed, last time I ever did that stuff" he laughed at his own memory and I joined in.

We both went quiet again.

"What are your plans after high school?"I asked him .

" Finally made up my mind to become an aeronutic engineer but my dad is flying me out of the country, according to him, Nigerian curriculum is more of theory than practicals"

" I'm proud of you,you are lucky" I told him. I was proud that he had finally found a career path.

" So you wouldn't pursue your dancing career, you'd just attend university, become a doctor,it sounds boring"

" I know but maybe I could combine both you know" I tried to convince myself.

" Maybe, medical school is stressful"Yemi added.

" But I trust you so much Kcee,you are strong and talented and whatever you do,just know I gat your back" he told me as he squeezed my palm. I gave him a small smile in appercetion.

His phone chirmed immediatly and he read whatever message he got.

"Just got a message from Giwa, she's coming here" He told me.

" Giwa huh?" I had a teasing smile.

"Look just shut up, Giwa is an awesome girl,so stop thinking rubbish"He was trying hard not to smile.

Giwa appeared in sight but she didn't come alone,she came with Snr Ayo.

I didn't even know notice when Giwa dragged Yemi away and I was left with Snr Ayo. He was wearing a white hoodie with crazy jeans. He looked so innocent and his eyes looked tired too.

"Good evening Snr Ayo" I greeted him.

"Hey. You look drop dead gorgeous" He complimented me and I felt my insides burning up at once.

" Thank you and you also look good" I said in return. Up close I noticed how his lips were curled up in a smirk,the birthmark close to his eyes.

"Just good?I'm hurt" He feigned anger and I laughed. His laughter sounded beautiful like calm waters.

"But honestly,you look like someone who would never be caught dead listening to afro pop"he told me.

" So there's a particular face for people that enjoy afropop?" I asked him and hugged myself.

" Yeah, kinda. There are some people that just give you vibes and hints that they hate afropop,I know it's weird but is true"He explained.

" I never knew, anyway I enjoy afropop, African musicians are making us proud so why not?"I slumped my shoulders.

" Yeah,I'm proud of them"

Lolo by Omah Lay was blasting from the loud speakers and Snr Ayo and I were distracted by the scene of  a girl hurling insults at a guy for unknown reasons.

"Funny people. Tell me more about yourself though,who really are you?"He asked,his eyes boring holes into mine.

" I'm Kelechi, aspiring dancer and medical doctor,I enjoy baking, reading and writing and more importantly dancing,a sucker for music and I suck at sports"I chuckled at the last part.

" You didn't add your age?"He reminded me.

"A lady never reveals her age"

"Girls sha" Ayo laughed and swiped his phone open

" Can I get your digits?" Ayo waved his phone and I smiled,the cutest boy in my school was asking for my digits?oh well,I'm definitely on cloud nine.

His phone was the latest Samsung and I noticed the way he gazed at me as I typed away.

"Wanna dance?" He offered.

"Sure" I replied.

****

It was already 10:00pm but the trains were operational 24/7 so Yemi and I got a seat,the train was filled with lots of people,majorly those returning from the show.

The show was fun and having Snr Ayo by myself made it much better.

My eyes darted round the train and I saw a woman ordering her son to stand up and then asking her daughter to sit in his place. The boy looked tired and hungry and he had a big bag on his head.

"I think men are cheated" I turned to Yemi.

"Why would you say that? "He asked quietly.

" No one ever stands up for guys, sometimes it feels as though guys are no longer humans. They are always expected to bottle up their emotions because boys aren't supposed to cry,that mantra is stupid I swear, aren't guys also humans?"I ranted.

" Babe, you can't changing anything about it,I thought you were a feminist"

" Feminism is already established,I'm a feminist cos I believe women should be given opportunity to function in our world but I also believe in fairness."

" You'd make a good politician"Yemi clapped for me.

" You always joke with everything. Chicken" I swatted his head.

" Ouch,too violent"He yelped.

"So you and Guess, what's up?" I winked at him and he tried to stop smiling.

" I think I like her" He confessed.

"Shut up, confused child,I know you like her"

" Whatever,did you Snr Ayo ask you out or something?"He asked, Yemi had met Snr Ayo and I dancing like a couple.

"No na" I laughed nervously "We barely know each other"

"I had fun today anyway"Yemi had a satisfied grin on his face.

" Same here,I don't say this to a friend but thanks for being a friend"I told him and he smiled warmly at me. The nigga was shy like hell.

I relaxed better on my seat, inserted my earphones and listened to Away by Oxlade.

***
What's your favorite song?