chapter 20

Minji's pov

Over the next few weeks, everything seemed to fall into place in ways I had only dreamed about. The plan I had so carefully crafted to bring Diana closer to me was working perfectly, and I could feel the subtle shift in her emotions, her trust in me deepening with each passing day. Every moment we spent together was an opportunity for me to grow closer to her, to show her that I could be the person she needed, not just the teacher or the figure she had once seen me as.

At first, Diana seemed a little distant, as if she was still carrying the weight of everything that had happened with Abby. But as the days went on, I made it my mission to be there for her in every way possible. I spent more time with her outside of class, staying after school to help her with anything she needed, whether it was schoolwork or simply being a sounding board for her thoughts. I was patient, listening to her without judgment, offering her a shoulder to cry on whenever the emotions from her breakup with Abby resurfaced.

Diana wasn’t the same girl she had been when she first came to me. She was still sweet, still strong and still liked to talk back and purposefully annoy me in class, but I could see the cracks forming—the cracks that Abby had left behind. And I was there to catch her, to show her that there was someone who cared, who saw the real her, beyond the hurt and the pain.

Each time I held her, each time I whispered comforting words in her ear, I could feel her walls coming down, piece by piece. I would brush away her tears, not with pity but with care, letting her know that she was safe with me.

In those quiet moments, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. Everything was going according to plan. Slowly, I was becoming the one she turned to, the one who was always there. It was almost intoxicating, knowing that I was the one she needed now. The way she leaned into my touch, the way she smiled when I said just the right thing—it was like a constant affirmation that my presence in her life was exactly what she needed.

And it wasn’t just the little things that mattered. I made sure to treat her with a tenderness that was beyond anything she had ever experienced before. Whether it was something as simple as a cup of tea after a long day or a quiet conversation when I could tell she needed it most, I showed her a side of me that was nurturing, patient, and understanding.

But it wasn’t just about being her emotional support. There was more to it—something deeper, something that I could feel bubbling beneath the surface whenever I looked at her. The way she would blush when our eyes met, the subtle touches, the way she’d sit just a little closer to me when we were together. I could tell she was beginning to trust me in a way she hadn’t with anyone else. And that trust? It was everything. It was the foundation of what I was building with her.

Of course, there were moments when I had to tread carefully. Diana was still young, still figuring out who she was and what she wanted. But I knew that with patience, with time, she would realize that I was exactly what she needed. I would be the one who understood her, the one who would never let her down.

I made sure to be there for her in ways Abby never could. I would text her to check in, offering words of encouragement when she was feeling low. I would send her messages just to remind her that I was thinking of her. And slowly, I saw the way she began to look at me—longer, softer, with a tenderness that told me all I needed to know.

Everything was working perfectly. She was starting to lean on me more, and each time she did, I felt a little closer to the ultimate goal. I wasn’t just going to be a teacher to her anymore. I was going to be something far more important. And every day, I saw her moving closer to realizing that. She was mine, even if she didn’t know it yet.

As the weeks went by, I could feel it—Diana’s walls were breaking down completely. The more time I spent with her, the more she needed me, and the more I was able to give her. And with each passing day, I could tell that my plan was working.

Soon, very soon, she would realize that I was the one who could give her everything Abby couldn’t. And once that happened, there would be no turning back.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the windows of my office, casting a warm glow on the polished surface of my desk. The day was starting off like any other. I quickly ran through my plans for the chemistry lesson, making sure everything was set for my students. I adjusted my tie, made sure my blouse was neatly pressed, and straightened the black jeans I always wore when I taught.

As I gathered my materials for the class, my thoughts drifted to Diana. I couldn’t help it. She had been on my mind more than usual lately, ever since we’d started spending more time together outside of class. And every time I saw her, I felt a flutter in my chest, a reminder of how much closer we were becoming.

It was only a matter of time before she realized that I was the one who truly understood her, the one who could be there for her in ways no one else could. My plan was working, and today, I could feel it more than ever.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the class, and I took a deep breath, shaking off any lingering thoughts. As I stepped into the classroom, I saw the familiar faces of my students taking their seats, but my attention immediately shifted to Diana.

She walked in with her friends—Nora, Chloe, and Abby—each of them chatting, laughing, seemingly carefree. But I could see it in Diana’s face—the subtle tension behind her smile. The way she glanced around the room, avoiding eye contact with certain people, especially Abby. It was clear that something was different today, but I wasn’t sure what.

I tried not to let it show, but I couldn’t help feeling a small sense of satisfaction. Diana was beginning to pull away from Abby, the connection between them unraveling slowly, like the pieces of a puzzle I had been carefully piecing together. She hadn’t said anything about their breakup, but the signs were there—her body language, the way she moved. It was like she was already starting to realize that she didn’t need Abby the way she thought she did.

"Good morning, everyone," I said, my voice firm and steady as I stood at the front of the room, my eyes lingering on Diana for a moment longer than necessary. She caught my gaze and quickly looked away, but I could see the flicker of something in her eyes—something that wasn’t quite indifference.

"Take your seats, please," I continued, walking to the front of the room to begin the lesson. As I started to go over the material for the day, I could feel the weight of Diana’s presence in the room. Even though she was sitting with her friends, I could sense that she was paying closer attention to me than usual. It wasn’t just the way her eyes followed my every movement, but the way her body subtly leaned in whenever I spoke.

I tried to focus on the lesson, but my thoughts kept wandering back to her. The way she sat there, her posture a little more tense than usual, as if she was trying to make herself small, trying to hide her emotions from the world. But I saw through it. I saw the vulnerability in her, the cracks that were beginning to form. And I knew it wouldn’t be long before she came to me, before she let me in completely.

The lesson continued, but my mind couldn’t fully focus. I kept glancing over at Diana, watching her interact with her friends, noticing how her smile seemed a little more forced today. How she didn’t look at Abby the same way anymore.

And then, for a moment, our eyes met again. This time, she didn’t look away. There was something in her gaze—something I couldn’t quite place, but I felt it deep in my chest. It was like a silent acknowledgment of everything we had been through together, everything we had shared. She was no longer just the student I was here to teach. She was someone I was beginning to care for in a way that was far beyond professional.

I couldn’t help but smile to myself, knowing that this was only the beginning. My plan was falling into place, and soon, Diana would see what I had been trying to show her all along.

✂✂✂✂✂

After school, I quickly gathered my things and walked to my car, the cool afternoon air brushing against my skin as I stepped outside. My mind was still buzzing from the day, thoughts swirling around Diana and how everything was unfolding. I had to talk to someone about it—someone who knew me better than anyone.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Claudia’s number, my thumb hovering over the screen as I waited for her to pick up. It didn’t take long before I heard her familiar voice on the other end.

“Minji? Hey, what’s up?” she asked, sounding a bit distracted at first but quickly shifting to her usual tone when she realized it was me.

“Hey, Claudia,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement I was feeling. “I just wanted to talk to you about something. It’s been... a day, you know?”

She laughed softly, knowing me well enough to understand that something more was going on. “Oh, I know that tone. Spill it. What’s going on?”

I drove through the streets of the city, making my way toward home. The sound of the engine and Claudia’s voice on the other end of the line was grounding, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Diana. I didn’t want to give away too much at first, but I couldn’t help myself. I needed to share the progress I was making.

“I saw Diana today,” I began, trying to sound casual but knowing that I couldn’t hide the excitement in my voice. “And things are... different. I don’t know. There’s this shift between us. She’s starting to notice me. I can feel it.”

Claudia’s response was immediate, her voice filled with amusement. “Minji, are you really telling me that your little plan is working?”

I gripped the steering wheel, my eyes flicking to the rearview mirror as I maneuvered through the streets. “I think so. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but I feel like she’s starting to see me, really see me, not just as her teacher. It’s like she’s pulling away from Abby.”

Claudia didn’t hold back, her tone playful yet full of concern. “So, what? You’re gonna swoop in and take your prize? You’re really going for it?”

I felt a flush of excitement and tension. “I don’t know, it’s complicated. But she’s been through so much with Abby, and now it’s like she’s starting to realize that maybe I’m the one who understands her. The way I’ve been here for her—she can’t ignore that forever, right?”

There was a long pause on the other end, and I could almost picture Claudia thinking carefully before responding. “Minji, I’m not sure if this is a good idea. You know how young she is, and there’s a lot at stake here.”

“I know,” I sighed, my grip on the wheel tightening. “But I just... I want her to know what it’s like to be with someone who actually gets her. Who won’t use her. I care about her, Claudia. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It’s not just some stupid crush.”

Claudia’s voice softened, though there was still a hint of skepticism. “I get it, Minji. But just be careful. You know how messy these things can get. It’s not just about the physical stuff—there are emotions, feelings... boundaries. And you have to make sure you’re not crossing them.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Claudia was right, of course. This wasn’t just a game to me—it was real. “I’ll be careful, I promise. But I think we’re both feeling this. I’m not going to rush anything, but I know what I want.”

Claudia chuckled softly. “You always get what you want, don’t you?”

I smiled despite myself, the familiar warmth of our friendship settling in. “I don’t know about always, but I’m definitely going to try.”

As I drove the last few blocks to my home, I glanced at the street signs, realizing that I’d been so wrapped up in the conversation that I hadn’t even noticed how close I was to my apartment. “I’ve got to go, Claudia. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Alright,” she replied, her voice full of amusement. “Just don’t get yourself into too much trouble. And remember what I said—be careful.”

“I will,” I promised, before hanging up.

I parked my car in the garage, the sound of the engine dying down as I grabbed my things and headed inside. My mind was still on Diana, and I knew that the next few days would be crucial. I was determined to see this through, to make sure she knew what I could offer her, what I could give her. The pieces were falling into place, and I wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—stop me.

I walked through the sleek, modern hallways of my luxurious apartment, my heels clicking against the polished floors as I made my way toward my bedroom. My mind was still racing with everything Claudia and I had talked about. This wasn’t just some passing fancy—it was something real, something I was determined to make happen. And Diana... she was starting to feel it too.

As soon as I reached my room, I tossed my bag onto the bed and pulled my phone out of my purse. I couldn’t help but check Instagram first, my eyes quickly scanning the notifications, then landing on the conversation thread I’d been having with Diana.

I took a deep breath, hesitating for just a moment before typing out my message.

Me: "Hey, Diana. How’s everything going? You good?"

I hit send, knowing I needed to keep it casual but also let her know I was here, just as I had been these past few weeks. She’d been through a lot, and I wanted her to know she had someone who understood.

A few seconds later, the three dots appeared, signaling that she was typing. My heart skipped a beat. Was she going to respond right away? What was she thinking?

Diana: "Hey, Minji. Yeah, everything’s alright. Just... been a lot lately, you know?"

Her message wasn’t exactly reassuring, but I understood. She’d been dealing with so much recently—her relationship with Abby falling apart, the confusion and emotional turmoil that came with it. And, of course, everything with me. I knew she was still processing all of it.

Me: "I know it’s been rough, but I just want you to know I’m here for you. Always."

I hit send, the words coming out more natural than I expected. I didn’t want to push her, but I wanted her to know she had someone in her corner—someone who genuinely cared about her.

A moment passed before she responded. When I saw the message pop up, I couldn’t help but feel a small rush of excitement.

Diana: "Thanks, Minji. I really appreciate that... it’s just hard with everything going on."

I could feel her vulnerability through the screen. It made my chest tighten with a mix of sympathy and something deeper—something I hadn’t quite sorted out yet, but I couldn’t deny it.

Me: "I get it. But you don’t have to face all of this alone. I’ll be here, no matter what happens with Abby or anything else. You deserve to be happy, Diana."

Her reply came quicker this time, as if she was thinking about what I said more seriously.

Diana: "I know, I know. I just... I don’t know what to do right now."

I could feel the weight of her uncertainty. She was stuck in between so many conflicting feelings—about Abby, about me, about everything. It was complicated, but I wasn’t about to back off. Not now. Not when I knew we had something real.

Me: "You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Just take your time. But, just so you know, I’m not going anywhere. You can trust me."

A brief pause. I could feel the tension building between us, but also a sense of relief. This was the opening I needed.

Diana: "I trust you, Minji. It’s just hard to make sense of all of this."

Her words made me smile, a warmth spreading in my chest. I could tell she was finally starting to let her guard down, just a little. And that’s all I needed.

Me: "I understand. And I’ll be patient. But just know that I’m here if you ever need someone to talk to, or... more than that."

It was bold, but I knew it was the right time. The words hung in the air for a moment before Diana’s response came in.

Diana: "You’re... really kind to me, Minji. I don’t deserve that after everything."

I was almost surprised by her self-doubt, but I knew exactly how to handle it.

Me: "You deserve more than kindness, Diana. You deserve someone who truly sees you—everything about you. Don’t doubt that."

There was a long pause after that. I could practically feel her thinking, processing. It was like I was holding my breath, waiting for her to take the next step.

Finally, her message came through.

Diana: "Thank you, Minji. I’m starting to understand a little more now."

I let out a quiet sigh, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with anticipation. Things were starting to fall into place, and I was closer than ever to the outcome I’d been hoping for.

Me: "Take your time, Diana. We’ve got all the time in the world. I’m not going anywhere."

Her response was simple, but it was everything I needed to hear.

Diana: "I think I’m starting to believe you."

And just like that, I knew I had her.

I sat back for a moment, feeling the weight of our conversation settle into my chest. Diana seemed to be letting her guard down, and I was more than ready to keep nurturing that connection.

With a small sigh, I set my phone down and decided to get up. The apartment felt a bit too quiet now, and I needed something to focus on. I started making my way toward the kitchen. I wasn't the best cook, but I could manage a decent meal. Plus, food always had a way of making things feel more comfortable, and I was hoping it would help me relax a bit after everything that had been happening with Diana.

As I pulled ingredients out of the fridge and set them on the counter, I began to think about how things were starting to shift. My plan was going better than I could’ve imagined, and soon enough, Diana would be mine. But I wasn’t going to rush it. I needed to keep things steady, give her space to figure things out on her own, while I was right there waiting for her to realize what we had.

I was halfway through chopping vegetables when my phone buzzed again. I picked it up and saw a text from Claudia.

Claudia: "Hey, I’m coming over. What’s up?"

I smiled to myself. Claudia always knew when I needed her, and tonight, I definitely did. The world outside felt like it was moving too quickly, and I could use her calming presence.

Me: "Just making food. Come on over. It’s been a crazy couple of days."

Claudia: "I’ll be there soon. Hold tight."

I placed the phone down and continued to chop, the rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board helping me focus. It wasn’t long before I heard the familiar sound of keys rattling in the door. She has keys to my apartment.

Claudia stepped into the kitchen, her usual easygoing smile plastered on her face. She was dressed in a casual hoodie and jeans, looking like she’d just gotten off a long day. I couldn't help but feel relieved to see her.

“You cooking?” Claudia asked, her voice playful as she leaned against the doorframe.

“Yeah, trying to keep myself busy,” I replied, focusing on the vegetables. “You’re just in time to help me burn something.”

Claudia chuckled, walking over to the counter. “Let me guess. You’re avoiding thinking about Diana?”

I paused, the knife stilling in my hand for a brief moment. She knew me too well. “Not exactly,” I said softly. “I’m thinking about her, but I’m trying to give her space, you know? I just... I don’t know how much more patience I can have.”

Claudia gave me a knowing look, crossing her arms. “You don’t have to rush it, Minji. You’ve got her right where you want her. Just keep being there for her.”

I nodded, trying to steady my breath. “Yeah. I know. But I can’t help it. I want her to realize what she deserves.”

Claudia’s expression softened as she stepped closer. “She’s going to get there. Just don’t lose yourself in all of this, okay? Don’t lose sight of what you really want.”

I sighed, letting her words sink in. “I’m trying. But it’s not always easy.”

Claudia grabbed a cutting board and started to help me chop some vegetables, making herself comfortable in the kitchen. As we worked together, we talked about everything and nothing at all, the conversation easing my nerves.

Soon enough, the food was ready. We sat down at the table together, eating and chatting, and for a brief moment, I felt like everything was as it should be. But my mind kept drifting back to Diana. Would she text me again tonight? Would she finally take the next step? I could only wait and see, but for now, having Claudia here felt like the support I needed.

As we finished eating, Claudia looked at me with a serious expression. “You know you’ve got to tell her about your feelings one day"

I nodded, setting my fork down. “I know. It’s just... complicated. I don’t want to make things worse.”

Claudia raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never been one to shy away from complications.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little. “Guess you’re right.”

Claudia took a sip of her wine, eyeing me with a knowing look. The glass in her hand swirled, the deep red liquid catching the light from the kitchen. “So, tell me more about Diana. What’s going on between you two? You said you were giving her space, but is that really what you want?”

I took a deep breath, leaning back in my chair. The weight of the conversation was starting to settle in, but I couldn’t deny that I needed to talk about it, to process everything. “It’s complicated. I know I’ve been patient, but I don’t know how much longer I can hold back. Every time I talk to her, there’s this connection, but... she’s still dealing with so much. And I just—” I hesitated, trying to gather my thoughts. “I want her to see that I’m here for her. I want to show her that I can give her what she needs, but she’s been through so much already. It’s hard to figure out how to approach it.”

Claudia nodded, sipping from her wine glass, her gaze softening as she listened. “I get it. You’ve got feelings for her. But you’re not exactly looking for a rebound, and that’s fair. You’re not just anyone. You’re Minji.”

I let out a small, frustrated laugh. “It’s not about that. It’s about her not really knowing what she wants, and I don’t want to push her into something she’s not ready for. But at the same time, I’m not sure how much longer I can just be ‘there.’”

Claudia gave me a sympathetic smile, setting her glass down and leaning forward slightly. “You’re doing what you can. And you’ve got her trust. That’s a big deal. I’m just saying—don’t let it slip away. You deserve to be honest with her. You’re already starting to do that.”

I looked into her eyes, letting her words sink in. “I guess I have to. But it’s hard. She’s been through so much with Abby... I don’t want to make it worse for her.”

Claudia chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Look, Diana deserves the truth, and so do you. Don’t let her get caught up in old mistakes, or worse—people who don’t have her best interests at heart. And you can’t keep carrying the weight of her decisions. It’s not your job to fix everything.”

I sighed, nodding slowly. Claudia was right, as usual. The weight of it all felt so heavy sometimes, and while I wanted to be there for Diana, I couldn’t do it at the cost of losing myself.

Claudia refilled our glasses with more wine, the warm liquid easing my tense muscles. “You’ve been patient, Minji. And it’s clear you care about her. But don’t lose yourself in the process. Give her the space she needs, but don’t forget about what you want too.”

I took a long sip, letting the wine soothe me. “I won’t forget. I just... I don’t want to screw things up with her. I’m just trying to figure out how to move forward.”

Claudia raised her glass. “Just take it one step at a time. You’re already doing everything right. And don’t worry, I’m here for you through all of it.”

We clinked glasses, the sound resonating in the quiet of the room. For a moment, it felt like everything would work out. I was starting to see the possibilities again, starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, Diana and I could make something real out of all the chaos.

As the evening wore on, the conversation continued—about everything and nothing at all—until the wine bottles were empty and the night was deep. But I couldn’t help but keep thinking about Diana, about how I’d see her again soon, and about how I was finally ready to take the next step with her.