I see Josh sitting on the grass, and Chase gives me a little nudge, reminding me that he could be my secret admirer. I still don’t believe that, but I take an extra moment to look at him today. He’s wearing a sleeveless white basketball jersey with Young, Gifted and Black written in cursive lettering across the front. He’s tall and skinny, showcasing the unthreatening boy-next-door vibe that attracted me to him in the first place. I’m not convinced he’s my secret admirer, though. There’s never really been any romantic chemistry between us. He’s cute. Exceptionally so, in fact. But we’re friends. I don’t think we were ever meant to be anything more than that, and I don’t think he does either.

He spots us and gives a little wave. If there’s one thing I love about being queer at Oakbrook, it’s this unspoken alliance between us. We’re all here for each other, even if it’s just in these small gestures. All of us except for Rhys, that is. He’s too preoccupied with fitting in with the elite.

Owen waves too. He’s Josh’s straight best friend, and the two of them are inseparable. They’re about the same height, but Owen is built bigger. He’s a little clumsy, but keeps an infectiously positive attitude about everything. His gentle demeanour is the perfect complement to his soft Irish accent. He’s a nice guy, and he makes me feel comfortable in that I know I can talk about anything in his presence. I don’t need to mask or dilute my conversations around him just because he’s straight. It’s easy to see why he and Josh are close. I don’t remember when they first became friends. It feels like they’ve always been besties – and it wouldn’t surprise me if they stay that way forever. One friendship that’s destined to last well beyond their school days.

We head through the huge wooden doors at the front of the building, the ornate frame intricately carved with the school’s motto: Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum. It’s Latin for Repetition is the Mother of Learning. I always thought that was stupid. You learn by doing new things, not the same thing over and over.