chapter 18

Diana's pov

I walked into the house, the familiar scent of expensive cologne and polished wood filling the air. My dad was in the living room, sipping on some whiskey and scrolling through his tablet. He looked up when he heard me come in.

"Hey, kiddo," he greeted, setting the tablet down. "How was school?"

I dropped my bag by the staircase, stretching my arms over my head. "The usual. Chemistry, math, biology, lunch, avoiding annoying people, dealing with my friends being nosy"

He raised an eyebrow. "That sounds about right."

I smirked, walking over to ruffle his hair just to mess with him. "I’m gonna head upstairs."

He swatted at my hand, laughing. "Yeah, yeah, go do whatever it is you do up there."

I grabbed my bag and made my way up the sleek, glass-paneled staircase to my room. Huge, modern, and way too nice for a teenager, but hey, perks of having a wealthy dad. Throwing myself onto my massive bed, I pulled out my phone, planning to text Abby or scroll through my group chat—but somehow, my fingers led me somewhere else.

I didn’t even realize what I was doing at first. One second, I was tapping through my notifications, and the next—I was on Minji Collins’ Instagram page.

She had unfollowed me after her little accident last night, but I still remembered the username. And wow, did she have an aesthetic.

Her feed was perfectly curated—classy, minimalistic, but expensive. Pictures of high-end restaurants, luxury travel destinations, expensive wine glasses, and the occasional book or piece of artwork. If I hadn’t known she was a chemistry teacher, I’d think she was some kind of business executive or an influencer.

And then there were the photos of her.

Minji Collins was ridiculously attractive, and she knew it.

There weren’t many pictures of her face—she seemed to prefer mysterious, candid shots. A side profile in a dimly lit bar, her hand resting against her chin. A mirror selfie in a tailored black suit that probably cost more than a normal teachers monthly payment. A shot of her in sunglasses, standing next to her sleek car, looking effortlessly powerful.

I found myself scrolling further, more curious than I should be.

What was her life even like outside of school? Because this was not the Instagram of a normal teacher.

Then I realized what I was doing and immediately locked my phone.

What the hell was I doing?

I groaned, covering my face with a pillow. This woman was my teacher. I shouldn’t even be thinking about her Instagram, let alone stalking it.

Shaking my head, I grabbed my phone again and opened my texts. Maybe Abby would distract me. Because I definitely needed a distraction.

I sighed, ignoring the fact that I had just spent way too long on Minji’s Instagram. Time to focus on something normal. I opened my group chat with Chloe, Nora, and Abby, where they had been sending random memes and talking about their plans for the weekend.

Me: What are you guys even talking about?

Chloe immediately responded.

Chloe: Diana has returned from the dead.

Nora: We were debating whether Abby is a golden retriever girlfriend or a doberman girlfriend.

I smirked, already knowing the answer.

Me: Abby is definitely a doberman girlfriend.

Abby finally chimed in.

Abby: Damn right I am.

Nora: See? I told you.

Chloe: Fine, fine, you win. But she has golden retriever moments when it comes to Diana.

Me: ...True.

Abby: What’s that supposed to mean?

Nora: You’re literally obsessed with her. It’s cute.

Chloe: You act all tough but the second Diana kisses you, you melt.

I laughed at that because it was so true. Abby could act like the confident, dominant one all she wanted, but whenever I showed her a little extra attention, she completely softened.

Abby: Whatever.

Me: Aww, embrassed enough?

Abby: You’re so annoying.

Chloe: Anyway, what were you up to, Diana? You went silent for a while.

I hesitated for a second. No way in hell was I admitting that I had been deep-diving through Minji’s Instagram.

Me: Just got home, talked to my dad, now chilling.

Nora: Ohhh, how’s the rich life treating you?

Me: Incredible, as always.

Chloe: Ugh, let’s have a sleepover at your place again. Your house is too nice not to use.

Me: Maybe this weekend?

Abby: I’m coming even if you say no.

I rolled my eyes but smiled.

Me: Of course you are.

We kept chatting about random things—school, plans for the weekend, and Chloe’s latest crush. It felt nice, normal. A good distraction from my very questionable thoughts earlier.

But even as I joked around with my friends, a small part of my brain kept drifting back to Minji. Why did she even actually follow me in the first place? And why did she unfollow so fast?

I shook my head. Nope. Not thinking about that.

Instead, I focused on my friends, on Abby, and on figuring out what to do this weekend. Because that was what actually mattered.

After a while, the group chat started slowing down, and I found myself staring at my screen, thinking way too much about what I had just done. Why did I even go through Minji’s Instagram like that? I mean, yeah, I was just curious, but it wasn’t like I had any reason to be digging so deep. And yet… I had.

I sighed, biting my lip as I switched chats and clicked on Chloe’s name. If there was anyone I could tell, it was her.

Me: Okay, I did something kinda dumb.

She replied almost immediately.

Chloe: That’s not surprising. What’d you do?

I rolled my eyes but smiled.

Me: I may or may not have spent way too long stalking Ms. Collins’ Instagram.

There was a long pause before she answered.

Chloe: …Diana. WHAT.

Me: I don’t know!!! It just happened??

Chloe: “It just happened” my ass. WHY were you even looking at it that hard??

Me: I was just curious! And then I went down a rabbit hole, okay?

Chloe: Oh my god.

Me: exactly.

Chloe: You were thinking of her.

Me: That is not the point, Chloe.

Chloe: No, the point is WHY you were stalking her like that.

I hesitated for a second, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Why did I do that? It wasn’t like I had a crush on her or anything. I had Abby, and I was happy with Abby. So why did this feel so weird?

Me: I don’t know. I just… wanted to know more about her, I guess?

Chloe: Diana.

Me: What???

Chloe: You don’t just randomly stalk your chemistry teacher’s Instagram unless there’s SOMETHING going on in your head.

Me: I swear, there’s nothing going on. I was just curious.

Chloe: Mhm. Sure.

Me: Chloe.

Chloe: Diana.

I groaned, flopping back onto my bed. She was NOT letting this go.

Me: Look, I already have enough on my plate with Abby. I don’t need this.

Chloe: I never said you liked her, I just think it’s WEIRD that you were that interested.

I sighed.

Me: I know. I don’t even know why I did it. But let’s just pretend this didn’t happen, okay?

Chloe: Oh, absolutely not. I’m keeping this in my memory forever.

I groaned again.

Me: You’re the worst.

Chloe: And yet, you came to ME with this.

She had a point. And I kind of hated that.

After finishing my conversation with Chloe, I tossed my phone beside me, staring at the ceiling. Maybe she had a point. Maybe it was weird that I had spent that much time looking through Minji’s Instagram.

But whatever. It wasn’t that deep.

I turned on my side, grabbing my phone again, telling myself I’d check my messages one last time before putting it away. But before I even realized what I was doing, my fingers moved on their own, tapping back to Instagram, back to the search bar…

And then, there it was. Minji Collins.

I bit my lip. This was stupid.

But my thumb still tapped her profile.

The familiar grid of photos loaded instantly. Expensive cars. Gorgeous outfits. Fancy places. She definitely wasn’t just a teacher. This woman had money, and she knew how to flaunt it.

But that wasn’t what caught my attention this time.

It was her.

One picture in particular made my breath catch. It was a mirror selfie—nothing too crazy—but she looked good. Black suit, undone tie, a slight smirk on her face. Too attractive for a teacher.

I stared at it longer than I should have, then quickly scrolled down, telling myself I wasn’t doing anything weird. Just looking.

There were more—some from vacations, some at high-end restaurants. Some that had me questioning why a high school teacher looked like a damn model.

I exhaled sharply, finally locking my phone and throwing it across the bed.

Okay. This was getting out of hand.

I had Abby. Abby, my amazing, strong, sweet girlfriend.

So why the hell was I laying here, staring at my teacher’s Instagram like some kind of creep?

I groaned, rolling onto my stomach, determined to stop thinking about Minji.

But my resolve barely lasted five minutes before I grabbed my phone again.

Just one more look.

I unlocked my screen, tapped Instagram, and her profile popped up like it was waiting for me.

My thumb hovered over the pictures, debating.

Then I scrolled.

Past the luxury car photos. Past the vacation shots. Right back to that damn mirror selfie.

God. She really did look good.

I stared at it, my finger barely brushing the screen—

And then it happened.

A loud, horrifying “double-tap” animation.

My stomach dropped.

I liked the photo.

My eyes widened in pure panic.

No, no, no.

I immediately unliked it, praying to every possible god that she hadn’t seen it yet.

But what if she had notifications on?

What if she had already seen my name?

I squeezed my eyes shut, gripping my phone like it had betrayed me.

This was bad..

After a while, I had finally calmed down.

My heart wasn’t racing anymore, and I convinced myself that Minji probably didn’t even see the notification. It was fine.

I threw my phone onto my bed and rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling.

But then—

Buzz.

My phone lit up.

I sat up fast, grabbing it like it was about to explode.

A notification from Instagram.

Minji Collins sent you a message.

My stomach flipped.

I hesitated, staring at the screen for a second before slowly opening the chat.

Minji: “Well, well… didn’t think you were the type to stalk your teachers, Diana ;)”

I felt heat rise to my face.

I had two choices:

A) Pretend I didn’t see it.

B) Play it off like it was nothing.

I went with option B.

Me: “In your dreams. That was an accident.”

A few seconds later—

Minji: “Mhm. Sure it was.”

I could practically hear the smirk in her words.

I stared at my screen, trying to think of a good comeback. She was definitely teasing me.

Me: “Don’t flatter yourself, Minji.”

I hesitated for a second after typing her name but sent it anyway.

Minji: “Oh? So now you’re calling me by my first name?”

Shit.

Me: “I just read it on your profile. Don’t get any ideas.”

Minji: “Mhm. You accidentally liked my picture too, right?”

I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn’t see me.

Me: “Exactly. Now stop acting like it meant something.”

Minji: “Didn’t say it did. But you’re being awfully defensive.”

I clenched my jaw. She was enjoying this way too much.

Me: “You’re ridiculous.”

Minji: “And you’re adorable when you’re flustered.”

I froze.

What the hell was I supposed to say to that?

I stared at my screen, my heart skipping a beat as I reread her message.

"And you’re adorable when you’re flustered."

What the hell was I supposed to say to that? I could practically see the smirk on her face, picturing her sitting back in her expensive chair, sipping on some fancy wine, completely enjoying how much she was messing with me.

Me: "You're annoying."

Minji: "Yet, here you are, still texting me."

I scoffed, gripping my phone a little tighter.

Me: "Only because you texted me first."

Minji: "You’re the one who liked my picture first."

I groaned, rolling onto my stomach and burying my face into my pillow for a second before peeking at my screen again.

Me: "That was an accident."

Minji: "Mhm. And now you’re texting me back because…?"

Me: "Because I don’t want you to think I was stalking you or something."

Minji: "Oh, so you weren’t?"

Me: "I wasn’t."

Minji: "Then why were you on my profile?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. She had me there. I wasn’t about to admit that I had somehow ended up there multiple times or that I had scrolled down far enough to see what she looked like before she became a teacher.

Me: "I was curious. That’s all."

Minji: "Curious about me?"

Me: "Don’t push it."

Minji: "Relax, Diana. I think it’s cute."

I swallowed hard, staring at the way my name looked on my screen.

Me: "Whatever."

Minji: "You’re really bad at hiding when you’re flustered, you know that?"

Me: "And you’re really bad at acting professional, you know that?"

Minji: "I can be professional when I need to be."

Me: "Yeah? You’re not doing a great job right now."

Minji: "You don’t seem to mind."

I hesitated again. Did I mind?

I knew this was weird. She was my teacher. This was so not normal. But at the same time, this back-and-forth, this teasing—it felt kind of fun. Like a game I wasn’t used to playing.

Me: "Go grade some papers or something."

Minji: "Already did. Now I have time to bother you."

I sighed, but a tiny smile crept onto my lips.

Me: "Lucky me."

Minji: "Very."

I rolled onto my back, staring up at the ceiling. What the hell was I doing? What the hell was she doing?

And more importantly—why wasn’t I stopping this?

I stared at my phone for a long moment, Minji’s last message sitting there like bait. "Very."

It wasn’t a normal response. Not something a teacher should say to a student. Not something a 35-year-old should be saying to an 18-year-old.

And yet, I wasn’t stopping this.

Me: "You’re a little too confident, don’t you think?"

Minji: "Only when I know I’m right."

Me: "And what exactly are you right about?"

Minji: "That you like talking to me."

I scoffed, even as a small, unwilling smile tugged at my lips.

Me: "I literally just said you’re annoying."

Minji: "Yet you haven’t stopped replying."

Damn it. She had a point.

I shifted on my bed, pulling my blanket tighter around me. The whole situation felt surreal—me, texting my teacher like this. But Minji didn’t sound like a teacher right now. She wasn’t talking about chemistry or assignments. She wasn’t even using her usual, cool, detached tone. This was… different.

Me: "Okay, maybe you’re kind of fun to talk to."

Minji: "I’ll take that as a win."

I rolled my eyes, but my fingers kept moving.

Me: "You probably take wins wherever you can, huh?"

Minji: "Only when it comes to things that matter."

Me: "And this matters?"

Minji: "You tell me."

I hesitated. I hated how easily she flipped things back on me, how she made me feel like I was the one walking into a trap.

Me: "I think you’re the one who should be answering that."

Minji: "Maybe I already have."

What did that even mean?

I stared at the message, my heart doing something weird. I didn’t know how to respond. Didn’t know if I should.

And then—

Minji: "Go to sleep, Diana. You have school tomorrow."

Just like that, she was the teacher again. The line was drawn.

And yet, I couldn’t ignore the way my stomach flipped, the way my fingers hovered over my screen, tempted to keep going.

Me: "Goodnight, Ms. Collins."

Minji: "Goodnight, Diana."

I stared at my screen for a long moment before finally locking my phone.

I knew I should stop this. I knew this was dangerous.

But for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Minji wasn’t planning on stopping either.

I had just turned off my phone, rolling onto my side, trying to will myself to sleep. My mind was still racing from the conversation I’d just had with Minji—Ms. Collins. It was strange. Too strange. I knew this wasn’t normal, but I also knew I wasn’t stopping it.

I sighed, pulling my blanket over my head. Maybe if I just—

Buzz.

I groaned, blindly reaching for my phone. Another message? Maybe it was one of my friends. But when I turned the screen on, my stomach twisted.

Minji Collins: "Can I ask you something?"

I frowned, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. It was past midnight. Why was she still texting me?

Me: "What is it? I was trying to sleep!"

Minji: "It’s about Abby."

I blinked, sitting up slightly. Abby? What did she have to do with this?

Me: "What about her?"

Minji: "Are you sure she’s the right person  for you?"

I stared at the message for a long time, my heart thudding.

Me: "What kind of question is that?"

Minji: "An honest one."

Me: "Why do you care?"

Minji: "Because I don’t like seeing you with someone who doesn’t deserve you."

I felt heat crawl up my neck. What the hell was she saying?

Me: "You don’t even know Abby."

Minji: "I know enough. I see how she is, how she acts. She’s reckless, immature. Have you noticed how she’s always making a scene? How she doesn’t care about rules, even when it could get you in trouble?"

My grip on the phone tightened.

Me: "That’s just how Abby is. She’s not a bad person."

Minji: "I didn’t say she was bad. I said she’s not good for you."

I hesitated. My mind flashed to the times Abby and I had fought recently, to the way she’d gotten into arguments with people at school, to how stubborn she could be.

But that was just Abby. It didn’t mean she was wrong for me.

Me: "You don’t get to decide that."

Minji: "No, but you do. And I want you to actually think about it, Diana. You’re smart. You deserve someone who treats you like you’re precious, not just someone they can claim."

I exhaled sharply, pressing my fingers against my forehead. Why was she doing this?

Me: "What are you trying to say?"

Minji: "I’m saying you deserve more than someone who just wants to show you off."

Me: "You think that’s all Abby does?"

Minji: "Isn’t it? You tell me. Does she actually take care of you, or does she just like that everyone knows you’re hers?"

I swallowed, my stomach twisting. I didn’t want to be thinking about this right now.

Me: "I really like her."

Minji: "liking her doesn’t mean she’s right for you."

I clenched my jaw. I didn’t want to keep talking about this.

Me: "I’m going to sleep."

Minji: "Fine. But don’t ignore what I said."

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around my phone. Then, I locked it, tossing it onto my nightstand before burying my face into my pillow.

I didn’t know what to think.

I didn’t want to think about it.

But Minji’s words wouldn’t leave my head.

I groaned, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling. My phone kept buzzing every two seconds, the bright screen lighting up my dark room.

I had tried—really tried—to ignore it, but my friends were spamming the group chat like their lives depended on it.

I sighed, grabbing my phone and unlocking it.

[Groupchat: "I Love You All But..."]

Nora: "YO WHY DID I JUST SEE SOMEONE WEARING SHORTS IN THIS WEATHER??? IT'S ALSO 1AM?"

Chloe: "Some people don’t fear pneumonia, I guess."

Abby: "LMAOOO some people are just built different."

Nora: "Nah bc I swear their knees were BLUE."

Chloe: "Imagine they just drop dead from hypothermia in the hallway."

Abby: "Natural selection."

I snorted, shaking my head. What even was this conversation?

Me: "Why are y’all awake at 1 AM??"

Nora: "Why are YOU awake at 1 AM??"

Me: "Bc my phone keeps vibrating every 2 seconds. 😐"

Abby: "Damn. Imagine turning off notifications."

Me: "Imagine shutting up."

Abby: "Damn. Abby's hurt. Imagine being rude to your loving, caring, gorgeous girlfriend."

Chloe: " wait 'abby', ‘Loving’ and ‘caring’  in one same sentence? Doesn't sound right"

Abby: "EXCUSE ME?"

Nora: "Yeah idk Abby, you’re kinda violent."

Abby: "When have I ever been violent???"

Chloe: "Remember when that guy tried to talk to Diana about 'hanging out' and you cracked your knuckles like you were about to send him to another dimension?"

Abby: "… Okay but in my defense, he was ugly."

Me: "ABBY WTF."

Abby: "WHAT?? I HAVE HIGH STANDARDS FOR YOU, BABE."

Nora: "So if he was hot, you would’ve let him talk to her?"

Abby: "I mean. No. But at least my eyes wouldn’t have suffered."

Chloe: "You’re a menace."

Abby: "And you love me for it. 😘"

Nora: "Anyways. Y’all ever think about how weird birds are? Like they’re literally just sky rats."

Me: "Wtf are you on."

Chloe: "No bc I actually agree with her. Birds are so shady."

Abby: "What do you mean ‘shady’??? THEY’RE LITERALLY JUST BIRDS."

Nora: "Nah bro, have you ever seen a bird just standing somewhere?? They look like they’re up to something."

Chloe: "EXACTLY. They’re always plotting."

Me: "go to sleep."

Nora: "And let the birds win? NEVER."

Abby: "This is why you don’t have a girlfriend."

Nora: "AND THIS IS WHY YOUR GF BULLIES YOU."

Me: "I don’t bully her."

Chloe: "Eh. Debatable."

Me: "WTF."

Abby: "THANK YOU. THEY DON’T SEE HOW MEAN YOU ARE TO ME."

Nora: "Bc it’s funny."

Abby: "I AM SUFFERING."

Me: "Oh, shut up, you love it."

Abby: "… Okay yeah. But still."

Chloe: "Y’all are so gross, I swear."

Nora: "Fr. This is why I’m single."

Me: "Yeah, totally bc of us and not bc you’re insane."

Nora: "I AM NOT INSANE."

Abby: "Didn’t you throw a shoe at someone’s head bc they annoyed you?"

Nora: "… That was ONE time."

Chloe: "One time too many."

Me: "ANYWAYS. Can y’all shut up now? I actually want to sleep."

Nora: "Skill issue."

Me: "Istg I will block you."

Abby: "She won’t. She loves us too much."

Me: "That’s what you think."

Chloe: "Okay but actually, goodnight. Some of us need beauty sleep."

Nora: "Damn. Guess I don’t need any."

Abby: "Shut up."

Nora: "Nah"

I sighed, shaking my head as I finally put my phone down.

These people were insane.

But I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

I sighed, finally putting my phone down and turning over, determined to get some sleep. The conversation in the group chat had died down, so I figured I could finally rest.

I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply. Peace. Silence. Sleep.

BZZT..BZZT..BZZT

I groaned loudly, blindly grabbing my phone from my nightstand and squinting at the bright screen.

[Groupchat: "I love you all but..."]

Nora: "Okay, but for real, I still can’t believe Diana’s dating Abby."

Chloe: "Right? Like. Of ALL people."

My eyes widened. What the hell?

Me: "Wtf does that mean???"

Nora: "Oh look, the victim has arrived."

Chloe: "Good. Now we can personally tell you how dumb you are."

Me: "EXCUSE ME??"

Abby: "Wait what’s going on why are we bullying my gf."

Nora: "take a guess"

Chloe: "And bc she made the unfortunate choice of dating you."

Abby: "DAMN. OKAY."

Me: "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO."

Nora: "Diana. Babe. Love of my life."

Chloe: "You deserve better."

Abby: "HELLO??? I AM RIGHT HERE."

Me: "Wtf is wrong with Abby."

Nora: "Where do we start."

Chloe: "Well. She’s violent."

Nora: "Overprotective as hell."

Chloe: "Lowkey an animal."

Abby: "I AM LITERALLY READING ALL OF THIS."

Nora: "Oh and possessive. Like, if you even breathe next to another person, she looks like she’s gonna commit murder."

Chloe: "Yeah, Diana, blink twice if you need help."

Me: "SHUT UP SHE’S NOT THAT BAD."

Nora: "Diana. Be real. If someone tried to talk to you right now, what would Abby do?"

Me: "…Okay, yeah, she’d probably throw them into a wall or something."

Abby: "I WOULD NOT."

Chloe: "Lies. You’re literally insane."

Abby: "I just absolutely like my girlfriend. Is that a crime??"

Nora: "Yes."

Chloe: "Life sentence, no parole."

Me: "WHY ARE YOU GUYS LIKE THIS."

Nora: "We’re just looking out for you, babes. You’re young. You’re hot. You have options. Like Ms.Collins..."

Chloe: "Exactly. Like, imagine if you had a tall, hot, intelligent girlfriend instead of Abby."

Me: "She IS tall and hot."

Nora: "And intelligent???"

Me: "…She’s strong."

Abby: "HEY."

Chloe: "Diana. Be real. Does she even help you with homework."

Me: "Well…"

Abby: "WHY ARE WE BRINGING SCHOOL INTO THIS."

Nora: "Bc relationships aren’t just about making out every five seconds. It’s about supporting each other."

Chloe: "Exactly. And let’s be honest, Diana’s the only brain cell in this relationship."

Abby: "DAMN."

Me: "I hate you both."

Nora: "No, you don’t."

Chloe: "You love us."

Me: "I HOPE BOTH OF YOU STEP ON A LEGO."

Abby: "Diana, babe, my love, my world, my everything."

Me: "What.😒"

Abby: "I am literally right here and they’re bullying me in front of you."

Me: "I mean. They’re not wrong about you being a little insane."

Abby: "EXCUSE ME???"

Nora: "SEE, EVEN DIANA AGREES."

Chloe: "Justice."

Abby: "I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS BETRAYAL."

Me: "Oh, shut up, you love it."

Abby: "…Okay yeah, but still."

Nora: "Anyways, Diana, consider your options. If you break up with Abby, we’ll find you someone better."

Me: "I’M NOT BREAKING UP WITH HER WTF."

Chloe: "Okay, okay. But if you ever change your mind…"

Nora: "Just know we’re waiting."

Abby: "OH HELL NO."

Me: "I hate all of you."

Nora: "We love you too, babes. Sleep well. Don’t let your crazy gf suffocate you in your sleep."

Abby: "I SWEAR TO GOD, NORA"

I groaned, slamming my phone down and rubbing my face.

These people were INSANE.

I was never getting any sleep.

Buzz. Buzz.

[Groupchat: "I love you all but..."]

Chloe: "Okay, okay, but hear me out."

Me: "NO. No more. I'm DONE."

Nora: "LMAOOO this one is important tho."

Abby: "I swear to god, if you say some dumb shit again.."

Chloe: "What if Ms. Collins is actually the perfect match for Diana?"

Me: "?????????"

Abby: "EXCUSE ME?????"

Nora: "NO WAIT, SHE LOWKEY HAS A POINT."

Me: "I AM LITERALLY DATING ABBY WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU GUYS."

Chloe: "Okay, but like. Ms. Collins is hot."

Nora: "And smart. And mature. And actually capable of helping Diana with homework."

Abby: "HELLOO????????????"

Me: "WHY ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT HER LIKE SHE’S A VIABLE OPTION."

Nora: "Because we just realized she’s kinda perfect for you."

Chloe: "Like, okay, think about it. She’s literally always looking out for you. She helps you in class. She lets you stay after school with her. She’s sweet. She’s protective. She’s tall, hot, sexy..",

Nora: "She’s kinda giving ‘wifey’ material."

Me: "YOU GUYS ARE INSANE."

Abby: "YOU GUYS NEED TO SHUT THE HELL UP BEFORE I COMMIT A CRIME."

Nora: "Oooo, jealous gf moment."

Chloe: "Abby’s shaking in her big, buff boots."

Abby: "WHY ARE WE EVEN TALKING ABOUT THIS."

Me: "YES. THANK YOU."

Nora: "I mean, Diana has options, babe. We’re just making sure she knows them."

Chloe: "And Ms. Collins is definitely an option."

Abby: "NO, THE HELL SHE IS NOT."

Me: "SHE IS MY TEACHER."

Nora: "And??? She’s also a woman."

Chloe: "And she’s rich."

Nora: "And she literally adores you."

Me: "WHAT???"

Chloe: "Oh, please. You think she lets you stay after class just for fun? That woman is obsessed with you."

Abby: "THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING!"

Me: "SHE IS NOT OBSESSED WITH ME WTF."

Nora: "Babe. You are so blind."

Chloe: "Like, I wouldn’t be surprised if she literally thought about you all the time."

Me: "WHY ARE YOU GUYS DOING THIS TO ME."

Abby: "NO BUT ACTUALLY WTF."

Nora: "Relax, we’re just saying."

Chloe: "Like, just imagine it. You and Ms. Collins. Fancy dates. Expensive gifts. Actual intellectual conversations. No offense, Abby."

Abby: "FULL OFFENSE TAKEN WTF."

Me: "I’M NOT DATING MY TEACHER. END OF DISCUSSION."

Nora: "For now."

Me: "I HATE YOU BOTH."

Chloe: "Love you too, babes."

Abby: "I AM GOING TO LOSE MY MIND."

Me: "GOODNIGHT. I AM DONE."

I turned off my phone and threw it onto my bed, covering my face with my hands.

WHY WERE MY FRIENDS LIKE THIS?

Just as I buried my face into my pillow, my phone rang.

I groaned, already knowing exactly who it was. I grabbed my phone and answered without checking.

“WHAT?”

A low chuckle. “Damn, baby. That’s how you greet your girlfriend now?”

I froze. Abby’s voice was low, teasing— way too smooth for this late at night.

“…Abby?” I hesitated.

“Who else, babe?” She hummed. “You in bed?”

I swallowed. “Obviously.”

“Mmm.” Another chuckle, slower this time. “Wish I was there.”

My face flushed instantly.

“…What is up with you?” I asked, trying to not let my voice waver.

“What do you mean?” she mused. “Can’t a girl call her sexy girlfriend just to talk?”

Sexy girlfriend. Oh my god.

I tried to ignore the way my stomach flipped. “You sound weird.”

Abby laughed. “Weird how?”

I pursed my lips. “…Weird like you’re trying to seduce me through the phone.”

She burst out laughing. “Damn, you figured me out fast.”

I rolled my eyes. “Abby.”

“Diana.”

“What do you want?”

“I want you to tell me why the hell your friends were talking about you and Ms. Collins like that.”

I sighed, rubbing my face. “I don’t know. They’re insane.”

“You’re telling me.” Abby muttered. Then, her voice dropped again. “But seriously, baby. I think we need to remind them that you’re all mine.”

My throat went dry.

I shifted on my bed. “Oh?”

“Mhm.” Her tone was way too smug. “What do you think? Wanna come over?”

My face burned. “…Abby.”

She giggled. “What? Just saying, if you’re not sleeping yet, I could help tire you out.”

My brain short-circuited.

Abby laughed again. “Oh my god, you’re so easy to fluster.”

I huffed, turning onto my side. “You’re impossible.”

“But you like me.”

I rolled my eyes, but my lips curled up a little. “Maybe.”

“No ‘maybe.’ You do.” Abby teased. “And I like you too, pretty girl.”

My heart melted.

I sighed, my voice softer now. “I really like you too, Abs.”

“Mmm.” She hummed in satisfaction.

Abby’s voice was low, teasing, and way too smooth for this late at night.

“So… what are you wearing?”

I almost choked. “ABBY.”

She laughed. “What? I’m just asking.”

I groaned, rolling onto my back. “I’m in pajamas, obviously.”

“Damn. Kinda wish you weren’t.”

I covered my burning face. “You’re impossible.”

“But you still like me.” Abby sang.

“…Maybe.”

“No ‘maybe.’ I know you do.” She sounded so smug.

I sighed, smiling. “You’re so annoying.”

“Mhm. But you like it.”

I could already see her stupid smirk through the phone.

“Anyways,” she hummed, voice dropping a little. “You miss me?”

I hesitated. “I saw you, like, 10 hours ago.”

“And? That’s ten hours too long.”

“…You’re really on something tonight.”

Abby chuckled. “Can’t help it. You’re my baby.”

My stomach flipped.

“Abby.”

“Diana.”

I exhaled sharply. “What do you want?”

A pause. Then—

“You.”

My heart skipped.

“…Abby.”

“What?” She dragged out the word, sounding too entertained. “I’m just being honest.”

I rubbed my face. “You’re a menace.”

“You love it.”

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t.

She laughed again, but her voice was different this time. Lower. “You know… I really wish I was there with you right now.”

I swallowed. “…Yeah?”

“Mhm.”

I stayed quiet.

Then, she said it.

“I wanna do it with you. Like right now. So badly.”

My entire body froze.

“…Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

My heart raced. “Are you—are you serious?”

Abby laughed, but there was something heavier in her tone. “I mean… yeah. We already have once, right? And I know you liked it.”

I felt like my face was on fire. “…Abby.”

“What? You’re telling me you wouldn’t want to again?”

I bit my lip. I didn’t answer.

“…Thought so.” Abby’s voice was way too satisfied. “God, you’re so cute when you get all shy.”

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

I hung up immatiedly, and it took only few minutes for her to call me again.

As soon as I picked up the phone, I knew something was different.

Abby’s voice was lower, slower—thicker with something I couldn’t quite place.

“Hey, baby.”

I swallowed. “…Hey.”

She sighed into the phone, the sound sending a weird shiver down my spine. “God, I miss you.”

I hesitated. “We literally saw each other today. And talked 2 minutes ago"

“I know,” she murmured. “But it’s not the same.”

There was a long pause.

Then—

“Wish I could touch you right now.”

My breath hitched.

“…Abby.”

“Mmm?”

Her voice sounded different. It was almost… hazy. Like she was focused on something else.

“…What are you doing?”

A small chuckle. “Thinking about you.”

“Abby—”

“Thinking about how good you felt.”

My stomach flipped violently.

“Abby—”

“Thinking about how pretty you looked underneath me.”

I covered my face, burning. “Stop it.”

“Why?” Her voice was silky, teasing. “You didn’t seem to mind before.”

I exhaled sharply. “That was different.”

“Was it?”

My entire body was on edge.

Then, I heard it—a sharp, quiet breath.

It was barely anything. But I knew.

My brain short-circuited.

“Oh my God. Abby. Are you—?”

She laughed. Low. “Maybe.”

“ABBY.”

“What? I can’t help it.” Her voice was breathier now, deeper. “Not when I’m thinking about you.”

I pressed the phone harder against my ear, heart racing. “…Abby.”

She sighed again, shakier this time. “Damn. Wish I could hear you say my name like that in person.”

I was going to combust.

“You’re unbelievable.”

“And you love it.”

I swallowed hard, unable to form words.

“…You still thinking about me?” Abby’s voice was barely above a whisper now. “Still thinking about how good I made you feel?”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Oh my God.”

Her soft laughter sent heat straight through me. “That’s what I thought.”

I pulled the blanket over my face.

There was a pause. Then—

“We should do it again like very soon"

My eyes snapped open. She said it AGAIN.

“…What?”

“You heard me.”

I felt like my heart was going to explode.

“…You really want to?”

“Of course I do.” Her voice was darker now. “I want you, Diana.”

I couldn’t breathe.

“…You’re too much.”

“Mhm. But you like it.”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.

“You thinking about it?” Abby whispered. “Thinking about me?”

I rolled onto my stomach, groaning. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “…I have to sleep.”

“Mmm. Sleep well, baby.”

I hung up.

And once again, I couldn’t sleep for a long, long time.

I was still buried under my blankets, trying to cool down from that damn phone call when my phone buzzed again.

At first, I ignored it. I needed to sleep. Abby had already messed with my head enough tonight.

But then it buzzed again.

And again.

With a groan, I reached for my phone, unlocking it without thinking.

And then—

My brain completely shut down.

Abby had sent me a photo.

And not just any photo.

My stomach dropped. My body froze.

Because what I was looking at was way too private to have.

Way too explicit.

Way too Abby.

I sucked in a sharp breath, fingers gripping the phone so hard it might crack.

“Oh my God.”

My face burned. My pulse spiked.

This—this was definitely not for my eyes.

And yet, she had sent it. To me.

My breathing turned uneven. My hands felt weirdly shaky.

I had no idea what to do.

Then—

Another buzz.

A message.

Abby: Like what you see?

My heart stopped.

I threw my phone across the bed and buried my face into my pillow, screaming.

I couldn’t unsee it. I couldn’t even process it. Abby really just sent me that.

And then, just when I thought I might recover—

Abby: all that because of you

My breath hitched.

I didn’t know what to say. I just stared at the screen, my heart pounding like crazy. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but my brain refused to function.

Before I could even think of a response, another message popped up.

Abby: Don’t act shy now, baby. I know you.

I swallowed hard. Oh my God.

Me: Abby wtf

Abby: What?

Me: You know what.

Abby: Mmm, I really don’t. Maybe you should tell me.

My fingers tightened around my phone. Was she seriously doing this right now?

Me: You just sent me a whole PHOTO, Abby.

Abby: Yeah? And?

Me: And?!

Abby: I wanted you to see it.

My breath caught.

Me: Why?

Abby: Because I’m thinking about you. A lot.

My face felt like it was on fire.

Me: Oh my God.

Abby: Don’t act like you’re not thinking about me too.

I froze. Because—yeah. She wasn’t wrong.

I had been thinking about her all night.

But this was different.

This was her pushing the boundaries, teasing me in a way that had my entire body on edge.

And then—

Abby: I bet you look really cute right now, all flustered and shy.

I gritted my teeth, glaring at the screen.

Me: Shut up.

Abby: Make me ;)

I groaned. She was impossible.

Me: You’re actually insane.

Abby: Mmm, but you love it.

Me: I hate you so much.

Abby: You like me, baby. I know you do.

My stomach flipped.

Me: Shut up.

Abby: Say it.

Me: No.

Abby: Say it and maybe I’ll send you something else.

My brain short-circuited.

Me: ABBY WTF

Abby: Oh, so now you don’t want it?

I choked on air.

Me: That’s not what I said—

Abby: Exactly ;)

I groaned into my pillow. She was evil. Actually evil.

Me: Go to sleep, Abby.

Abby: Not until you say it.

I exhaled sharply, staring at the screen for a long moment.

And then, finally—

Me: Fine. I really like you.

Abby: That’s my girl.

And just when I thought the conversation was finally over—

Abby: Now check your phone again.

My heart stopped.

Oh no.