chapter 19

Diana's pov

The past few days had been a blur.

I’d skipped school, ignored most of my texts, and barely left my room. Abby had been blowing up my phone, alternating between playful, flirty messages and concerned check-ins. Nora and Chloe had sent threats to drag me out of my house. Even my dad had started to notice something was up.

I just… needed space.

Everything felt too much.

So I stayed in bed, letting time pass me by.

Then—

Buzz.

I groaned, reaching for my phone, fully expecting another message from Abby.

But when I saw the notification—

My breath hitched.

Minji Collins sent you a message.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I hesitated. Stared at the screen.

Then, finally, I opened it.

Minji: You’ve been gone for a while.

I swallowed. My fingers hovered over the keyboard.

Me: Yeah.

A moment passed.

Then another message.

Minji: Are you okay?

I bit my lip. Something about the way she asked made my chest feel tight.

Me: I don’t know.

Another pause.

Then—

Minji: Want to talk about it?

And just like that—

For the first time in days—

I felt like maybe I could.

I stared at the screen, my vision blurring.

Everything had been too much lately. The fights with Abby, my friends pushing me, the weird tension I couldn’t shake. And now, Ms. Collins was here, checking in. Me and Abby are doing great and few days ago, I enjoyed talking to her, but the same morning, i remember feeling like I can't go to school.

I sniffled, rubbing at my eyes.

Me: I don’t even know what to say.

Minji: Start anywhere.

I hesitated, then started typing.

Me: Everything just feels overwhelming. Abby, my friends, school… I feel like I can’t even think straight.

A pause. Then—

Minji: That’s a lot to carry by yourself.

Something about those words made my chest tighten.

Me: Yeah. I just needed a break. But now I feel like I’m falling behind, and I don’t even know how to deal with everything anymore.

I blinked rapidly, but it didn’t stop the hot tears from gathering in my eyes.

Minji: Hey.

Minji: Are you crying?

I sucked in a breath. What the fuck? Does she have cameras in my room or what?

Me: No.

Minji: Liar.

I let out a weak laugh, but my hands were shaking.

Minji: Where are you?

I wiped my face, hesitating before answering.

Me: Home. In my room.

Minji: Good. Stay there.

Me: What?

Minji: I’m coming over.

My breath hitched.

Me: What?? Minji, you can’t just do that.

Minji: I’ll be there soon.

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding.

She was really coming.

I didn’t even know how to feel about that—

But part of me felt relieved.

I quickly wiped my face, trying to make myself look somewhat normal before heading downstairs. My dad was in the living room, scrolling through his phone with a focused look, probably checking emails. He barely glanced up when I walked in.

"Hey, Dad?" I said, trying to sound casual.

"Hmm?" He finally looked at me, his sharp gaze scanning my face like he could tell something was off.

I forced a small smile. "I’m gonna sleep over at a friend’s place tonight. Just wanted to let you know."

He raised an eyebrow. "Which friend?"

I hesitated for a second. Definitely not Minji. "Uh, Chloe."

That was the safest answer. Chloe had been my best friend forever, and my dad actually knew her.

He nodded slowly. "Alright. Just text me when you get there. And don’t stay up all night doing… whatever it is you girls do."

I let out a breath. "Yeah, of course."

He gave me another look, one that made me feel like he wasn’t totally convinced, but he didn’t push. "Be safe, kid."

I nodded quickly, already backing toward the door. "Will do. See you tomorrow!"

And with that, I grabbed my bag and headed out.

I stepped outside into the cool night air, my arms wrapped around myself as I waited. The street was quiet, the occasional car passing by, but my focus was elsewhere. My heart pounded as I checked my phone, reading Minji’s last message.

"almost there. Stay put."

A few minutes later, sleek black headlights turned the corner, the low hum of an expensive engine filling the air. Minji’s car pulled up smoothly in front of me—a high-end luxury model, something that screamed money and power. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside, but I knew who was behind the wheel.

The door unlocked with a soft click. I hesitated for just a second before opening it and sliding in.

Inside, the leather seats were warm, the air smelled faintly of her perfume—something rich and intoxicating. Minji, sitting in the driver’s seat, was dressed in a dark blouse, her tie slightly loosened like she had just come from work. She glanced at me, her sharp eyes scanning my face before she said anything.

"You’ve been crying," she murmured, voice soft but sure.

I swallowed, suddenly feeling small under her gaze. "I—yeah. Just a little."

She sighed, one hand gripping the steering wheel while the other reached into the back seat. She pulled out a tissue and handed it to me. "Here."

I took it, mumbling, "Thanks," as I dabbed at my face.

Minji didn’t start the car right away. Instead, she leaned back slightly, watching me. "You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to," she said, voice low, soothing. "But if you do… I’m here."

Something about the way she said it made my throat tighten. I looked down at my hands, my fingers twisting the tissue between them. "I just—I just feel like everything’s falling apart."

Minji exhaled slowly, then reached over and, to my surprise, gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Her fingers lingered for a second, warm against my skin. "You’re not alone, Diana," she said, almost like a promise.

I met her gaze, and for a moment, the air between us felt heavy, charged with something unspoken.

Then, without another word, she turned forward, placed both hands on the wheel, and smoothly pulled away from the curb.

We drove into the night, the city lights reflecting against the windshield, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe.

The ride to Minji's house was quiet at first, with only the hum of the car’s engine and the soft music playing in the background. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to slow down—almost like time was suspended. I could hear the faint clicks of her fingers on the steering wheel, a sign that she was lost in thought, maybe thinking about what I had said earlier.

As the car weaved through the city, I tried to focus on the scenery outside, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the mess that I had made of things—everything felt so out of control. Minji must’ve sensed my discomfort because she glanced at me again, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn’t quite place.

"You don’t need to be scared," she said, her voice breaking the silence, low and soothing. "Everything’s going to be okay. You can talk to me, Diana. Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out."

Her words felt like a small anchor in the chaos of my mind. I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.

The city lights began to fade as we left the crowded streets behind, entering a more tranquil area. We drove past manicured lawns and sprawling properties until we reached the grand entrance of Minji's neighborhood. The houses here were massive, each one a testament to wealth and success. The roads were lined with trees, their branches heavy with the glow of streetlights. It felt almost surreal, like I was driving into a different world. My house was similar, but obviously not exactly the same, so it was new.

Finally, Minji’s house came into view. The driveway stretched out, leading up to a magnificent, modern mansion, lit up by tasteful outdoor lighting. It was bigger than I had imagined, with sleek glass windows and a large front door that looked like something out of a magazine.

Minji slowed the car as we approached the front of the house, and she glanced at me, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Welcome to my place," she said quietly, turning off the engine and stepping out of the car.

I followed her, feeling both nervous and oddly comforted by the sense of calm she exuded. The front door opened automatically as we approached, and Minji led me inside.

Her house was just as impressive on the inside. The floors were polished marble, and the walls were adorned with abstract art, giving the place a sleek and modern feel. The lighting was soft, warm, and welcoming—like it was designed to make anyone who stepped inside feel at ease. There was a sense of serenity here, a quiet luxury that contrasted with the chaos I had been feeling.

Minji gestured for me to take a seat on the plush sofa in the living room. She poured herself a glass of wine, then offered one to me. "You look like you could use a drink," she said with a knowing smile.

I nodded, accepting the glass, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to relax, just a little.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened settling between us. Eventually, Minji spoke again.

"Take your time, Diana," she said, her voice soft. "You’re here now. Whatever you want to talk about, I’m listening."

I looked up at her, meeting her gaze. There was no judgment in her eyes, just a quiet understanding, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe. Like, maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t as alone as I thought.

"I… I just don’t know what to do anymore," I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. "Everything with Abby, with my friends... I feel like I'm losing control."

Minji placed her glass down, her attention fully on me now. "It’s okay to feel lost sometimes," she said gently. "You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You’ll figure it out, Diana."

And for the first time in a while, I almost believed her.

I held the wine glass in my hands, staring down at the dark liquid as if it held the answers I so desperately needed. Minji didn’t rush me, didn’t push for me to speak. She just waited, her presence calm and steady, like a lifeline in the storm of my thoughts.

“I just… I don’t even know where to start,” I finally admitted, my voice small, shaky. “Everything feels like it’s falling apart. Abby and I… we were supposed to be happy, but lately, it feels like we’re fighting more than we’re okay. And my friends… I feel like they’re pushing me in directions I don’t even know if I want to go.”

Minji stayed quiet, nodding slowly, giving me space to let the words come out.

“I just feel so… lost,” I whispered, my voice breaking at the end. “Like, no matter what I do, someone’s upset. If I don’t tell my friends what they want to hear, they push and push until I do. Like I love them and they haven't done anything bad, it's just my mood swings. If I try to talk to Abby about how I feel, she just—she doesn’t always listen. And then there’s school, and expectations, and my dad, and—”

I sucked in a sharp breath, my eyes burning.

“I feel like I can’t even think straight anymore.”

Minji placed her glass down on the table and turned to face me fully. “Diana,” she said, her voice so gentle that it almost broke me right then and there. “You don’t have to carry all of this alone.”

I let out a shaky laugh, but it sounded more like a sob. “Then why does it feel like I do?”

That’s when I felt it—the warmth of her arms as she moved closer, pulling me into her. At first, I froze. It had been so long since someone had just… held me. Not in a rushed way, not out of obligation, but just because they wanted to. Minji’s arms were firm but comforting, her hand smoothing over my back in slow, calming motions.

“It’s okay,” she murmured against the top of my head. “You’re allowed to feel this way. You’re allowed to be overwhelmed.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling the faint scent of her perfume—warm vanilla and something deeper, richer. It was grounding in a way I hadn’t expected.

For a moment, I didn’t say anything. I just let myself be held.

After a while, my voice came out small. “I feel like I don’t even know what I want anymore.”

Minji pulled back just enough to look at me, her dark eyes searching mine. “Then let’s figure it out together,” she said, her tone steady, certain. “No pressure, no expectations. Just… you and me. Talking. Whatever you need.”

Something in my chest ached at her words.

I swallowed hard, my throat thick with emotion.

“Okay,” I whispered.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel completely alone.

I stayed curled against Minji’s warmth, my head resting lightly on her shoulder. Her fingers traced slow, soothing circles on my back, and for a moment, I just let myself exist in the silence. It felt safe here, like nothing could touch me, like all the noise in my head had quieted.

But it didn’t last long.

“I like Abby,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I do. But I don’t know anymore.”

Minji’s hand stilled for a second before resuming its comforting motions. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice careful, measured.

I pulled back just enough to look at her. “I mean… she’s great. She’s sweet, she’s fun, she makes me feel wanted, but… we keep fighting. And sometimes, it’s like she doesn’t really listen to me, you know? And when we do talk, I feel like I have to say the right things, like I can’t just… be.”

Minji nodded, her dark eyes focused on me like I was the most important thing in the world. “That’s not how it’s supposed to feel, Diana,” she said softly. “A relationship isn’t supposed to make you feel trapped. It’s not supposed to make you doubt yourself.”

I exhaled, my hands twisting in my lap. “I know that. But it’s not like Abby is bad. She really cares about me. And I care about her, too.”

Minji sighed, tilting her head slightly as she studied me. “Caring about someone isn’t always enough,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “Diana, you deserve to be in a relationship that makes you feel completely secure, where you don’t have to second-guess everything. And from what you’re telling me… it doesn’t sound like that’s what you have with Abby.”

I swallowed hard. “So what are you saying?”

Minji hesitated, just for a second, before her lips parted. “I think you should break up with her.”

I tensed. “Just like that?”

She sighed again, her gaze softening. “Not just like that. But think about it, really think about it. How much of your time with Abby has been spent feeling good versus feeling like this?” She gestured toward me, curled up in her arms, exhausted, unsure.

I didn’t answer right away.

“I just… I don’t know,” I admitted. “What if I regret it?”

Minji smiled, but there was something almost sad about it. “Then you’ll deal with that if it happens. But, Diana, don’t stay in something just because you’re scared of what comes after.”

I felt my heart tighten at her words.

As I sat there, still curled up against Minji, my phone buzzed in my lap. I hesitated before glancing down at the screen, my heart sinking at the sight of a notification from Instagram. Someone had tagged me in a post.

I clicked on it, and the image that loaded made my stomach drop. It was a photo from a party—one I didn’t recognize, one I definitely hadn’t been invited to. The room was packed, dimly lit with neon lights, and at the center of the picture was Abby.

But she wasn’t alone.

Abby was pressed up against someone, a girl I didn’t know, their faces too close, their bodies practically tangled together. The girl’s hand was on Abby’s waist, gripping her in a way that sent nausea curling in my stomach. And then, just below the photo, was the worst part.

A comment: "Damn, Abby wasted no time LMAO."

I felt the blood drain from my face as I scrolled. More comments, more people laughing, joking, saying things like "Told you she was for everyone." and "Well, guess Diana ain't enough for her."

I couldn’t breathe.

My hands trembled as I refreshed the page, hoping—praying—it was some kind of mistake. But there it was. The photo. The comments. And then, another post—this time, a blurry video.

I clicked on it.

Abby was there again, the same girl on her lap this time, her hands running through Abby’s hair, their faces close, too close—

I locked my phone and threw it across the couch. My chest was tight, my throat burning.

Minji must have noticed my change in expression because her hand came to my arm, firm but careful. “Diana?” Her voice was low, serious.

I swallowed hard, trying to hold back the stinging in my eyes. “She—” My voice cracked. I shook my head. “She cheated on me.”

Saying it out loud made it real.

Minji didn’t say anything at first. She just watched me, her jaw tightening slightly. And then, without hesitation, she reached for me, pulling me into her arms.

“Come here,” she murmured, her voice softer now, soothing. I didn’t resist. I let myself fall into her, my body shaking with anger, with hurt, with everything I couldn’t put into words.

Minji held me tight as I broke down, her arms steady and warm around me. I clung to her, my breath shaky, my chest aching. The betrayal burned in my stomach, spreading through my whole body.

“She cheated on me,” I whispered again, as if saying it more would somehow make it easier to process. But it didn’t. It only made it worse.

Minji’s hand ran up and down my back in slow, soothing motions. “Diana,” she said softly, but her voice held an edge of firmness. “You have to break up with her.”

I tensed slightly, but I didn’t move away. My head was still buried in her shoulder, my fingers curled into her shirt.

“She was drunk,” I muttered, barely able to get the words out. “Maybe she didn’t—maybe it didn’t mean anything.”

Minji pulled back just enough to look at me, her dark eyes sharp, unwavering. “Drunk or not, she let another girl sit on her lap, touch her, kiss her,” she said. “She knew what she was doing.”

I swallowed, shaking my head. “But—”

“No,” Minji interrupted, her voice firmer now. “Listen to me, Diana. You deserve better than this. You’re supposed to be with someone who respects you, someone who wouldn’t even think about doing this to you.” She exhaled, her grip tightening on me. “Abby made a choice. And if you let this slide, if you let her come up with some excuse, it’s only going to hurt you more in the end.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks, my hands trembling as I gripped Minji’s arms.

“I like her,” I admitted in a broken whisper. “I really like her.”

Minji’s expression softened, but she didn’t back down. “I know,” she said gently. “But she isn’t supposed to make you feel like this. She isn’t supposed to hurt you.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to believe it.

But deep down, I knew she was right.

My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. It was vibrating non-stop against Minji’s couch, the screen lighting up over and over again with notifications. I hesitated, my fingers shaking as I reached for it. I already knew what it was.

The second I unlocked my phone, my group chat exploded.

Nora: DIANA.

Chloe: OMG. ANSWER.

Nora: PLEASE tell me you saw it.

Chloe: We are going to MURDER HER.

Nora: What the hell was she thinking??

Chloe: Are you okay?!

Nora: Diana. PLEASE SAY SOMETHING.

More messages kept coming in so fast I could barely keep up. My eyes blurred as I tried to read them, my chest tightening.

Chloe: I swear if you try to defend her, I’ll lose my mind.

Nora: There’s no way you’re still considering staying with her, right??

Chloe: Diana, she cheated on you. ON A SCHOOL NIGHT.

Nora: LIKE WHAT EVEN.

I wiped at my face, but my hands were shaking too much. Before I could type a response, another notification popped up.

Abby: Baby, please answer me.

My stomach twisted.

Minji, who had been watching silently beside me, sighed. “Don’t answer her.”

I swallowed hard, staring at Abby’s message. Another one appeared right after.

Abby: It’s not what it looks like. Just please, let me explain.

Abby: I really really like you. Let me explain.

My hands trembled as I hovered over the keyboard, but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do.

More messages flooded the group chat.

Chloe: SHE’S TEXTING YOU, ISN’T SHE?

Nora: OMG. DON’T FALL FOR IT.

Chloe: IF YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT REPLYING...

Nora: WE WILL LITERALLY SHOW UP AT YOUR DOOR AND DELETE HER NUMBER OURSELVES.

I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding. My mind was spinning, my emotions all over the place. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to throw my phone across the room.

Minji reached over, gently taking my phone out of my hands. “You don’t have to deal with this right now,” she murmured. “You need a break.”

I let out a choked laugh, wiping my eyes. “They’re not gonna stop spamming me.”

Minji smirked, tilting my phone so I could see. “Then maybe it’s time to put it on silent.”

I stared at Minji as she casually flipped my phone over, pressing the side button to silence the endless buzzing. My chest still felt tight, my thoughts racing, but the sudden quietness made it easier to breathe.

Minji shifted beside me on the couch, her voice calm but firm. “Diana, you can’t let her manipulate you. She cheated. That’s not something you just forgive.”

I swallowed hard, looking down at my hands. “But… what if she really didn’t mean it? What if she was drunk and it just—”

Minji’s sharp exhale cut me off. “No,” she said, her tone laced with irritation. “Being drunk isn’t an excuse. If she really loved——liked you, she wouldn’t have done it. Simple as that.”

I bit my lip, my vision blurring again. “But I really like her…”

Minji’s jaw tightened. She hesitated, then reached out, placing a warm hand on my knee. “I know,” she said softly.

I clenched my hands into fists, my breathing uneven. “I just… I don’t know what to do.”

Minji’s grip on my knee tightened slightly, grounding me. “You do know,” she murmured. “You just don’t want to admit it.”

I turned my face away, staring at the floor. My phone vibrated again, and despite everything, my fingers twitched toward it.

Minji sighed, pulling it further away from me. “Do you really want to see whatever excuse she’s coming up with?”

I hesitated. I really didn’t. But it still hurt.

Minji shifted closer, her voice low and coaxing. “Let’s just breathe, okay? You don’t have to make a decision right this second.”

I finally looked at her, and for once, she didn’t seem like the intimidating teacher everyone thought she was. She looked… understanding. Patient. Maybe even concerned.

I let out a shaky breath. “I feel so stupid.”

Minji shook her head immediately. “You’re not stupid. You trusted someone who didn’t deserve it. That’s on her, not you.”

Tears welled in my eyes again, and before I could stop myself, I leaned into her, resting my forehead against her shoulder. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she exhaled slowly, her hand sliding up my back in a comforting motion.

For a few minutes, we just sat there in silence. My mind was still a mess, my heart aching, but Minji’s presence was steady, grounding.

Then, in a softer voice, she said, “You know what you have to do, don’t you?”

I closed my eyes, my throat tightening.

Yeah. I did. I just didn’t want to.

I blinked awake slowly, my mind hazy, my body unusually warm. It took me a second to realize why—why the surface beneath me wasn’t my bed, why I felt the slow, steady rise and fall of someone breathing.

Then it hit me.

I was curled up against Minji.

Her arm was draped over me, her fingers resting lightly on my shoulder. I had fallen asleep in her arms.

For a moment, I just stayed still, my heart pounding in my chest. The room was dim, the only light coming from a soft glow in the corner. I could hear the faint ticking of a clock, the quiet hum of the city outside.

And Minji… she hadn’t moved.

Her breathing was deep and even, but as I shifted slightly, her fingers flexed against me. “You’re awake,” she murmured, her voice low and raspy from the quiet.

I swallowed hard, pushing myself up just a little. “I—yeah. I guess I fell asleep.”

Minji gave a soft chuckle, her lips curling at the edges. “Yeah, you did. Three hours, actually.”

I stared at her, feeling my face heat up. “Oh… Sorry.”

She shook her head, her dark eyes warm but unreadable. “Don’t be.”

The way she said it—so calm, so gentle—made my chest tighten. I wasn’t used to this. To someone just… being there.

I sat up a little more, running a hand through my hair. My body still felt heavy from sleep, but my mind was waking up fast. Three hours? My dad probably thought I was still at a friend’s house. My phone was somewhere—maybe still on silent.

“I should… I should check my phone,” I mumbled, not sure why I felt weird saying it.

Minji nodded, but she didn’t move away. “It’s on the table,” she said, nodding toward it. “It was blowing up earlier, but I didn’t check it.”

I hesitated before reaching for it. The screen lit up instantly—dozens of notifications from my friends, Abby, even my dad. My stomach twisted.

Minji was watching me closely. “Are you okay?”

I let out a breath. “I don’t know.”

Minji sat up fully now, her posture still relaxed but her eyes sharp. “Diana…”

I looked at her, feeling suddenly small under her gaze. “I think I have to do it,” I whispered. “Break up with Abby.”

Minji’s expression didn’t change at first, but something flickered in her eyes. “Yeah,” she said softly. “You do.”

I gripped my phone tightly. “Will you… stay with me when I do it?”

Minji’s lips parted slightly, as if she hadn’t expected that. But then, slowly, she nodded. “Of course. Over .. phone?"

"I can't see her. I'll just..text her...she can explain if she really wants to" I mutter, taking a deep breath.

I took another deep breath and unlocked my phone, bracing myself for the flood of messages. The notifications were overwhelming—texts, missed calls, group chat spam—it was all there. My fingers hesitated before opening the group chat first.

Nora: Diana, ANSWER YOUR PHONE RIGHT NOW.

Chloe: Seriously, are you okay? We’re freaking out.

Nora: We saw the post. Abby is a whole mess for that.

Chloe: We love you, but you need to talk to us, please.

I swallowed, my throat dry. They had been spamming for hours. I scrolled up, seeing the panic start right after the party picture was posted.

Nora: Oh my god, no way.

Chloe: WTF.

Nora: Diana, don’t look at Instagram. Seriously. Just don’t.

Chloe: I can’t believe her. What the hell is she thinking??

Then the messages started turning into concern, them realizing I wasn’t responding.

Nora: If you don’t answer in the next ten minutes, I’m calling your dad.

Chloe: Nora, chill—she’s probably just… processing. Right?

Nora: Or she’s crying her eyes out. Abby’s an idiot.

I sighed, my fingers tightening around my phone.

“Anything important?” Minji’s voice was smooth, careful.

I shook my head slightly. “Just my friends. Freaking out.”

Minji gave a small nod, waiting. She wasn’t pushing me, which I appreciated.

I hesitated, then finally opened Abby’s messages.

Abby: Diana, please talk to me.

Abby: I swear it wasn’t like that.

Abby: I don’t even remember much from that night.

Abby: I was drunk. You know I would never..it was a few nights ago, when you were ignoring everybody.

Abby: Baby, please answer.

Abby: I’m going crazy over here.

I closed my eyes for a moment, my stomach twisting. Abby sounded desperate. But it didn’t change the fact that I saw the pictures. That everyone saw them.

Minji must have noticed my expression shift because she leaned in slightly. “It’s her, isn’t it?”

I nodded, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. “She’s begging me to talk to her.”

Minji’s gaze darkened. “And what do you want?”

I exhaled slowly. “I don’t know.”

Minji tilted her head. “Yes, you do.”

I looked at her, my chest tightening. “I just…” I hesitated. “I don’t know how to end things. And everybody saw the pictures!",

Minji’s lips pressed together like she was holding something back. Then, her voice softened. “Then let me help you.”

I swallowed hard, staring down at Abby’s messages. Maybe… Maybe it was time.

I took a deep breath, pushing aside Abby’s messages for now. My fingers hovered over the keyboard before I finally started typing in the group chat.

Me: I’m here.

Within seconds, notifications flooded in.

Nora: OH MY GOD, FINALLY.

Chloe: Diana, we were about to send a search party for you.

Nora: Are you okay?

Chloe: Where are you?

I glanced at Minji, who was still watching me, waiting. My heart was still heavy, my emotions still tangled, but I needed to reassure my friends first.

Me: I’m okay. Just… needed time.

Nora: Time?! You disappeared for HOURS. And we all saw that picture, Diana. What the hell, seriously.

Chloe: She was drunk, but like… that’s not an excuse.

Nora: It really isn’t. I don’t care how wasted someone is, they don’t just cheat if they actually love the person they’re with.

My stomach clenched. I didn’t want to think about that, but their words were right there, impossible to ignore. We didn't love each other yet, and after this? I don't think i will love her.

Me: I don’t know what to do.

Chloe: Do you still love her?

My fingers hesitated over the screen. Love. It felt too big of a word for the mess I was in right now. I wasn’t sure if I was more heartbroken or just… betrayed.

Me: I don’t love her. We aren't that far yet. I really like her.

Nora: Diana, come on. She CHEATED. That’s not something you just look past.

Chloe: We’re not saying you have to decide right now, but… you can’t just pretend it didn’t happen.

I bit my lip, stealing a glance at Minji, who was still watching me with that unreadable expression. When I met her eyes, she raised an eyebrow slightly, like she already knew exactly what my friends were saying.

Me: I just… I need to think.

Nora: Fine. But don’t answer Abby yet. She’s just gonna manipulate you.

I exhaled slowly, staring at their messages. They weren’t wrong. Abby had a way of making me question everything, of making me want to forgive her even when I shouldn’t

Minji finally spoke, her voice low. “They’re telling you not to answer her, aren’t they?”

I nodded.

Minji leaned back against the couch, her gaze steady. “ Smart girls. You should listen to them.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I don’t know if I can.”

Minji’s lips curled into something almost knowing. “Then I guess we’ll have to make sure you can.”

I swallowed, gripping my phone a little tighter. I had no idea what that meant, but something about the way she said it sent a shiver down my spine.

I hesitated before switching to my dad’s messages. My stomach twisted as I read them.

Dad: Still at Chloe’s?

Dad: Let me know when you’re coming home.

Dad: Diana?

I bit my lip. He had no idea what had happened, no clue that I wasn’t actually at Chloe’s, no idea that my entire night had fallen apart. And I wasn’t ready to explain it to him.

Minji’s voice was calm but firm. “Your dad?”

I nodded, still staring at the messages. “He thinks I’m at Chloe’s.”

She hummed, tilting her head slightly. “Are you going to tell him the truth?”

I sighed. “Not right now. I just… I can’t deal with that on top of everything else.”

Minji nodded like she understood, but there was something in her gaze—something knowing, something almost pleased. “Then just tell him you’re staying over.”

I hesitated. “I don’t usually stay over at Chloe’s without telling him first.”

Minji shrugged, leaning in slightly. “Then say you got caught up in something and lost track of time. It’s not a complete lie.”

I swallowed hard, my mind spinning. Technically, that was true. I had lost track of time, just not in the way he’d think. And I wasn’t sure I could deal with my dad’s concern or questions right now.

I quickly typed out a reply.

Me: Yeah, I’m still here. Sorry, we got caught up in something. I’ll come home in the morning.

It took only a few seconds before he responded.

Dad: Alright. Be safe.

I let out a slow breath. At least that was handled.

Minji watched me carefully. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

I nodded, slipping my phone onto the couch beside me. But even with my dad off my back, there was still a weight pressing down on my chest—one I wasn’t sure would go away anytime soon.

Minji shifted a little closer, her voice quieter now. “You should get some rest, Diana.”

I swallowed, suddenly aware of how exhausted I was. But sleep felt impossible. Not with Abby’s betrayal still replaying in my mind. Not with the strange comfort of Minji’s presence.

I turned to her, my voice barely above a whisper. “Can I just… stay here for a while?”

Minji’s lips curved into the softest smile. “Of course you can.”

And for the first time that night, I felt just a little bit safer.

The screen on my phone lit up with Abby’s name, her picture flashing across the display. My heart skipped a beat—anger, confusion, sadness all mixed together. I hesitated for a moment before answering the call.

“Diana,” Abby’s voice came through, soft but with an edge of something desperate. “Hey, can we talk?”

I took a deep breath, gripping the phone a little too tightly. “Talk? You’ve got a lot of nerve calling me after what you did.”

Abby sighed, her voice breaking slightly. “I know… I know I messed up. But I swear, it wasn’t like that. I was drunk, and I didn’t mean for it to happen. Please, just hear me out.”

I could feel the tears welling up again, but I forced myself to stay calm. “How could you, Abby? You promised me, and now I find out you cheated?”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you, Di,” Abby said, her voice cracking now. “I never wanted to hurt you. It was a stupid mistake, and I can’t undo it, but I can apologize. I can beg for your forgiveness, if you’ll let me.”

I felt a wave of nausea hit me, a mix of anger and betrayal. I wanted to scream at her, to hang up and never talk to her again. But something inside me held me back. Maybe it was the fact that I still cared about her, or maybe it was because I didn’t know what else to say.

“I don’t know what to say, Abby,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I don’t know if I can forgive you. You really hurt me.”

There was a long pause on the other end, and then Abby’s voice came again, quieter now. “I get it, Di. I do. And I’m sorry. I just… I don’t want to lose you. Please don’t shut me out.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that. I didn’t know what I wanted anymore. My mind was spinning, torn between my feelings for Abby and the hurt she’d caused. I just hung up.

Just then, a message notification popped up on my screen—Abby’s text. I quickly glanced at it, my heart sinking even further.

Abby: Please, Di. Can we meet up? I need to see you in person and talk this through.

I stared at the screen for a long time, my mind racing. Finally, I typed a quick reply:

Me: I don’t know, Abby. I’m not sure if I’m ready to see you right now.

As I hit send, another call came through. Abby again. I hesitated, looking at the screen. Minji’s presence in the room was a quiet reminder that I wasn’t alone right now. And for the first time, I wondered if I was making the right choice by even considering talking to Abby.

I didn’t answer the call.

As the call from Abby went unanswered, I put the phone down on the table, the tension still hanging in the air. But it wasn’t just the phone call that weighed on me—it was Minji’s sudden change in demeanor. I turned to look at her, and the shift was unmistakable. Her expression had hardened, eyes narrowed in a way I’d never seen before. Not even when somebody talks in class while she's speaking.

For a moment, I almost thought she was going to say something, but she remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. She looked… almost murderous, and I couldn’t understand why.

"Minji?" I asked hesitantly, my voice quiet, unsure of what was happening.

She didn’t respond immediately, just continued to stare at the phone on the table, her fists tightening in her lap. The calm, soothing presence she had earlier had completely evaporated.

"I don’t want you talking to her," Minji finally said, her voice colder than I had ever heard it outside of school. "She doesn’t deserve your attention, Diana. You’re worth so much more than this. She betrayed you."

I was taken aback by the intensity in her words, but at the same time, something inside me almost felt relieved. Minji was offering a kind of protection, a shield from the emotional mess I was tangled in. But her attitude toward Abby caught me off guard.

“Minji, it’s… it’s complicated,” I said, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know what I feel about all of this yet. It’s not that simple.”

Minji shook her head, her eyes flashing with something dark. “It is simple, Diana. She hurt you. She doesn’t deserve your time or your heart. You need to move on. If you keep talking to her, you’re just giving her more power over you.”

Her words stung, but I couldn’t deny the truth in them. Abby had hurt me deeply, and part of me was still tangled in the confusion of it all. But Minji’s certainty was almost… comforting, in a way.

“I don’t know what to do,” I admitted softly, looking down at the table, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

Minji’s expression softened for just a moment, but there was still an edge to it. “You don’t need to figure everything out right now. But I think you need to stop letting Abby have any more of your time. She doesn’t deserve it.”

I looked at her, her words hanging in the air. She had a way of speaking that made everything seem so clear, like she had it all figured out, and I was just… lost.

“You deserve better, Diana,” Minji said quietly, her voice low but firm. “Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not enough. Not Abby, not anyone.”

There was a strange calmness in her words that soothed my racing heart, but there was also an undeniable intensity in her eyes. I couldn’t help but feel like Minji wasn’t just trying to help me move on from Abby—she was trying to make sure I moved on for good.

I felt a little dizzy, overwhelmed by everything. But Minji’s presence, her unwavering support, it felt like the one thing I could rely on right now. And maybe, just maybe, I was ready to let go of Abby—if only to stop the constant turmoil inside me.

I sat there, staring at the glowing screen of my phone, unsure of how to proceed. Minji was still beside me, her presence a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging inside me. But as the minutes passed, I knew what I had to do. The messages from Abby were piling up, each one more desperate than the last. She wanted to talk. She wanted to fix things. But somewhere deep down, I knew it was too late.

I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling slightly as I unlocked the phone. I could feel Minji’s eyes on me, but I knew I needed to handle this on my own. Abby’s name was still shining in my messages, each text a reminder of the love we had shared and the pain we were now facing.

I typed out my response, the words feeling heavy on the screen as I tried to keep my composure.

Me:"We need to talk."

The moment I hit send, I immediately regretted it. What was I doing? Should I even meet with her? Minji was watching me closely, her expression unreadable.

I quickly followed up with a second message:

Abby:"Let’s meet in the park near your place. I'll be there in 30 minutes."

I didn’t wait for Abby’s reply. Instead, I stood up from the couch, feeling like the weight of the world was pressing on my chest. Minji didn’t say anything, but she didn’t have to. Her eyes were filled with understanding, and maybe even a hint of concern. I could feel her gaze on me, and I knew she was silently supporting me, no matter how complicated things had gotten.

“I’ll be fine,” I told her, my voice steadier than I expected. “I just need to do this. I need closure. I'll be back soon"

Minji nodded, her lips slightly pursed, as if she wanted to say more but chose not to. She didn’t need to say anything. I could tell from the way she looked at me that she understood. I was going to meet Abby, and I was going to end this.

When I arrived at the park, the cold air felt sharp against my skin, and I hugged my jacket tighter around me as I approached the bench where Abby was waiting. She was standing there, looking smaller than I remembered, like all the confidence and strength she used to have had drained away. Her eyes scanned the park, nervously glancing around, before locking onto me as I walked closer.

“Diana…” she said, her voice trembling. “You came.”

I didn’t say anything at first. Instead, I just stood there, staring at her, my emotions swirling. The girl I had once been so close to, the girl I had shared everything with, was now a stranger in front of me.

“Abby,” I said softly, my heart breaking with every word. “I don’t know what happened. But I think… I think it’s over.”

Her eyes widened, and I could see the shock wash over her face. She took a step forward, reaching out as if to grab my hand, but I stepped back, shaking my head.

“No,” I said, my voice firm now. “You cheated. You lied. And I… I can’t keep pretending everything is fine. I can’t keep holding on to something that’s broken.”

Abby’s face crumpled, and for a moment, I thought she might cry, but then she took a deep breath and wiped her eyes quickly.

“I’m sorry, Diana. I swear I didn’t mean for it to happen. It was just one night, and I didn’t know what I was doing. Please… please don’t end it like this.”

I shook my head again, my chest tight as the tears threatened to come. I had liked her so much, and now it felt like I was losing everything.

“I don’t want to hear excuses, Abby. I can’t keep being with someone who can’t respect me. I deserve better than that.”

Abby’s eyes were pleading, but the pain in my heart was stronger than the happiness I had once felt. I couldn’t do this anymore.

“I’m sorry, but this is it. It’s over.” My voice cracked slightly, but I held firm, making sure she understood.

For a long moment, Abby stood there, silent and defeated. Then, with a final, broken glance, she turned and walked away, her footsteps heavy and distant.

I stood there, feeling empty, but also a strange sense of relief. It was over. And while the ache in my heart would take time to heal, I knew I had made the right decision.

I walked back to Minji's place, my body cold, but my mind finally at ease. It was time to move on.

After I left the park, my legs felt like they were made of lead. The air seemed colder now, the weight of what had just happened pressing down on me with each step I took. I barely registered the passing cars, or the people walking by. All I could think about was how empty I felt now that it was really over with Abby. The girl who had meant everything to me just moments ago was now a part of my past, and it felt like I was losing a piece of myself with every step.

I needed to see Minji. I needed her presence, even if I wasn’t sure exactly what it was that I needed.

I didn’t speak a word as I walked, but it felt like the world was spinning, everything around me a blur of lights and motion. I finally stood in front of Minji’s house, her expensive, sleek car parked perfectly in the driveway. I stared at her house for a moment, gathering the last bit of composure I had left before walking inside.

The walk to the door felt like it took forever, each step like a heavy burden. When I rang the doorbell, I didn’t even wait for the door to open before I felt the dam inside me break. The tears I’d been holding back, the overwhelming pain of the breakup, everything I had been fighting to keep in—it all came rushing out.

Minji opened the door just as I let out a sob, and her eyes softened immediately. Without a word, she stepped forward, pulling me into her arms. I didn’t resist; I just clung to her as if she was the only thing that could hold me together.

"Shh, it’s okay," Minji whispered, stroking my hair gently. She didn’t ask what had happened or demand explanations. She just let me cry. And for that, I was thankful.

I cried harder than I had in a long time, my chest heaving as I let out all the hurt, the anger, and the sadness I had been bottling up. It felt like the weight of everything had finally caught up with me—the lies, the betrayal, the love I thought was real but turned out to be nothing but a broken promise.

Minji’s arms were steady around me, her embrace soft but firm, like she was trying to anchor me to something solid. I wasn’t sure how long we stood there like that, but eventually, my tears slowed, and I just rested in her arms, feeling utterly exhausted.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Minji asked quietly, still holding me, her voice soothing and calm.

I took a shaky breath, the rawness of the situation still too much to process fully. "I… I don’t know what went wrong. She was everything to me, Minji. And now it’s just… gone."

Minji sighed softly, her fingers gently running through my hair. "It’s okay to hurt," she said, her voice steady. "But you don’t have to carry that weight alone. I’m here for you, Diana. You don’t need to keep this all to yourself."

I nodded, still in her arms, feeling a strange sense of comfort in her presence. I wasn’t sure what was happening between us, but in this moment, I knew I wasn’t alone.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I don’t know what I’d do without you right now."

Minji didn’t say anything in response. She just held me, her warmth radiating through the embrace. And for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to just be. To feel the pain without pretending it wasn’t there. To lean on someone who wasn’t asking anything of me, but simply offering comfort in the midst of my storm.

The tears had stopped for now, but I knew it wasn’t the end of the healing. It was just the beginning. And maybe, just maybe, with Minji by my side, I could start to pick up the pieces.