chapter 21

Diana's pov

I lay sprawled on my bed, phone in hand, as the group chat buzzed nonstop. The soft glow from my screen lit up my room, the only other light coming from the cityscape outside my window. It was late, but that never stopped my friends from talking about the most random things imaginable.

Nora: "Okay but tell me why I just saw a cat that looks exactly like Chloe???"

Chloe: "Excuse me?????"

Nora: "I’m serious. This cat had your exact expression. Grumpy but in a hot way."

Me: "That’s the weirdest compliment ever😭"

Chloe: "I hate you, actually."

Nora: "Love you too, babe <3"

I laughed quietly to myself, shaking my head. Some things never changed.

It had been a few weeks since everything that happened with Abby. At first, things were messy—Nora and Chloe had been furious with her for what she did, barely even acknowledging her in the hallways. But last week, Abby finally accepted the truth and apologized. A real, genuine apology. I could tell it wasn’t easy for her, but she did it. She didn’t try to justify her actions or make excuses; she just owned up to it. And eventually, we all forgave her.

Now, things felt... better. We weren’t the same as before, obviously. There was a line between us now that wasn’t there before. We weren’t hanging out alone after school or texting each other late into the night. But we could be in the same room without tension, and we could still joke around like we used to. I don't think we'll get back together, but at least I feel much better now thanks to my friends and Ms.Collins.

Abby: "I swear, you guys talk about the most random things."

Me: "You literally encourage it tho"

Abby: "Okay yeah but still."

I smirked at my phone, rolling onto my side. Abby was still Abby. Tall, strong, confident—sometimes to a fault. But there was something a little softer about her now, like she was trying not to mess up again. It wasn’t like before, though. The way we used to be, the way she used to look at me. That was gone. And maybe that was for the best.

Nora: "ANYWAY, back to the actual conversation we were having before I got distracted by Chloe’s cat twin—Diana, how are you feeling these days?"

Me: "I’m good. Actually good."

I stared at the message for a second before sending it. And for the first time in a while, I actually meant it.

Chloe: "Good?? Like actually good? Or ‘I’m saying I’m good so you guys don’t worry’ good?"

Me: "No, like actually good. I mean, I’m not jumping around with joy or anything, but I don’t feel like curling into a ball and dying anymore, so that’s progress, right?"

Nora: "I’ll take it. As long as you’re not secretly suffering in silence."

Abby: "We all know Diana’s dramatic ass could never suffer in silence."

Me: "Excuse me?????"

Abby: "You know I’m right. You literally send 50 texts in a row when you’re upset."

Me: "That’s called expressing my emotions, Abigail.🙄"

Chloe: "Damn, full name. She’s mad mad."

Nora: "She’s right though, Di. You do text like an unhinged poet when you’re sad."

Me: "I feel so attacked right now.🖕🏼"

Abby: "Don’t worry, it’s one of your best qualities."

Me: "You’re so fake. Weren’t you just making fun of me?? You can't really do that NOW..."

Abby: "I’m complex."

Nora: "You’re a menace."

Chloe: "I second that."

I smiled, shaking my head. It was nice, having this. Just mindless banter, no pressure, no drama. Even with Abby in the chat, it didn’t feel weird anymore.

The conversation drifted into different topics—Chloe complaining about an essay she was supposed to finish, Nora talking about a new band she was obsessed with, Abby making fun of both of them the entire time.

Then, out of nowhere—

Nora: "Okay but real talk... are you seeing anyone, Di?"

I blinked at my screen.

Me: "What?? It's been few WEEKS."

Chloe: "You heard her."

Abby: "Yeah, spill. You’ve been spending a lot of time alone after school... or so you claim."

Me: "Oh my god, I’m not secretly dating anyone. Y’all are insane."

Nora: "But what if you were? Who would it be? Who’s your type??"

Me: "Why are you interrogating me right now??"

Chloe: "We need answers."

Abby: "Just humor them, Di. Who do you find hot?"

I sighed dramatically, staring at the ceiling.

Me: "I mean... I don’t know?? Someone attractive. Someone interesting. Someone who actually cares about me, y’know?"

Nora: "So basically, NOT someone who cheats at parties.😬"

Abby: "OKAY DAMN, I GET IT."

Chloe: "LMAO"

Me: "Nora please, let’s not start this again."

Nora: "Fine fine. But seriously, no one’s caught your eye?"

I hesitated for half a second.

Minji crossed my mind for a moment, but I immediately shook the thought away. That was ridiculous. She was just… there for me. That’s all.

Me: "Nope. Completely single. No secret lovers, sorry to disappoint."

Abby: "I don’t believe you."

Chloe: "Same."

Nora: "We’ll get the truth out of you eventually."

I rolled my eyes, letting them go off on their little conspiracy theories. I wasn’t lying. I really wasn’t. But even as we kept texting about random nonsense, my thoughts drifted.

Minji had been there for me a lot lately. And when I thought about what I wanted in a person—someone who cared, someone interesting—well… she kind of fit that.

I shook my head. No. That was insane.

…Right?

Just as I was about to type another message in the group chat, my phone buzzed with a different notification.

Minji Collins sent you a message.

I stared at it for a second before clicking.

Minji: "Hey, haven’t heard from you today. Everything alright?"

I hesitated, then started typing.

Me: "Yeah, just talking with my friends. You?"

Minji: "Just got home. It’s been a long day."

Me: "I feel that."

Minji: "Did you eat?"

I smiled a little. She always asked that.

Me: "Yeah, don’t worry. What about you?"

Minji: "Not yet. Thinking of making something. Or just drinking coffee and calling it a meal."

Me: "Minji, that’s not a meal😭"

Minji: "It is if you believe hard enough."

I rolled my eyes but felt warm inside.

Me: "Go eat real food."

Minji: "You’re bossy."

Me: "And you’re bad at taking care of yourself."

She sent a laughing emoji, and for some reason, I found myself staring at my screen a little longer than necessary.

Then my phone buzzed again.

Nora: "HELLO?? WHERE DID YOU GO??"

Chloe: "She literally vanished mid-convo."

Abby: "Diana, are you ALIVE??"

Oh, God.

I quickly went back to the group chat.

Me: "Relax, I’m here😭😭 I was just texting someone."

Nora: "WHO."

Chloe: "WHO."

Abby: "WHO."

I sighed.

Me: "Calm down omg."

Nora: "No. Who are you texting that made you ignore us??"

Chloe: "Yeah, what’s more important than us???"

I glanced at Minji’s chat for half a second before typing.

Me: "No one important."

But somehow, as I sent it, I didn’t quite believe it myself.

Abby: "Diana’s hiding something."

Nora: "She is. 100%."

Chloe: "Spill."

I sighed, shaking my head as I typed.

Me: "I’m not hiding anything, Y’all are just dramatic."

Nora: "Says the most dramatic person I know."

Chloe: "I second that."

Abby: "Third that."

I rolled my eyes.

Me: "ANYWAY, what were we even talking about before you guys freaked out?"

Chloe: "We were discussing important matters."

Me: "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Nora: "Whether or not I should wear a skirt tomorrow."

Abby: "A skirt would be hot, go for it."

Chloe: "I agree. 10/10 would hype you up."

Me: "I feel like this was just an excuse to get compliments😒"

Nora: "Maybe."

I laughed a little, feeling relaxed again. This was nice.

Abby: "Okay but real talk, what’s the plan for Friday? Are we hanging out?"

Chloe: "We should. We haven’t had a real group hang in forever."

Nora: "Facts. Diana, what’s your schedule?"

Me: "I’m free after school."

Abby: "Sick. Movie night at Diana’s?"

Me: "Why is it always at my place😭"

Chloe: "Because your place is fancy and your kitchen is magical."

Nora: "And your couch is superior."

Abby: "And your bed is even better, can say from experience, I know it like the back of my hand😉"

I paused for a second at that last text.

Nora: "Abby…💀"

Chloe: "Bro."

Abby: "What? I was just stating facts🤷🏼‍♀️"

I felt my face heat up a little but rolled my eyes and kept typing.

Me: "ANYWAY. Fine. Movie night at mine."

Nora: "Hell yeah."

Chloe: "We should get snacks too. Full sleepover vibes."

Abby: "Agreed. I’ll bring popcorn."

Me: "If it’s the weird flavored one again, I’m kicking you out."

Abby: "Wow. So rude."

Nora: "This is why we bully you, Diana."

I laughed, shaking my head. This was what I needed—just my friends, no drama, no stress. Just us.

✂✂✂✂✂

The next morning, school felt normal—almost too normal. I walked through the doors, spotting Nora and Chloe near my locker, deep in conversation.

"Here comes the princess," Nora said dramatically when she saw me, flipping her hair.

Chloe smirked. "You’re late."

I rolled my eyes. "It’s literally 7:58, relax."

Abby appeared out of nowhere, slinging an arm over my shoulder like we were still dating. "You know, if you ever need a personal alarm clock, I volunteer."

I gave her a side-eye. "Yeah, I’ll pass."

"Harsh," she muttered, but she was grinning.

"Are we still on for tonight?" Chloe asked, leaning against the lockers.

"Yeah, yeah," I said, twisting in my locker combination. "But if Abby brings that nasty caramel cheddar popcorn again, she’s out."

Abby gasped. "The slander! You’re just not cultured."

"I don’t want my popcorn to taste like it has an identity crisis."

Nora laughed. "She’s got a point."

The bell rang, signaling the first class of the day.

"Ugh, chemistry first thing in the morning," Chloe groaned. "God hates me."

I ignored the way my stomach twisted slightly at the mention of chemistry. Not because I hated it—because of Minji. I hadn’t talked to her since last night, and after our conversation, things felt… weird. She hadn’t even acknowledged me when I walked into school.

"You good?" Abby asked, nudging me as we all walked to class.

"Yeah, just tired," I lied.

But the truth was, I could already feel Minji’s gaze on me before I even stepped into the room.

As the final bell for chemistry rang, signaling the end of class, students began packing up their things and filing out of the room. I was just about to leave when I heard Minji’s voice—firm but not loud.

“Diana, stay for a moment.”

I paused, exchanging a quick look with Chloe, who raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it. Abby, who had been standing next to me, gave me a confused glance before walking out with the others.

Once the room was empty, Minji leaned back against her desk, arms crossed over her chest. She looked… irritated.

“I noticed Abby has been close to you again today,” she said, watching me carefully.

I blinked. “Yeah, I mean… we’re still friends. You know that.”

Minji tilted her head, as if studying me, her dark eyes sharp. “Are you sure that’s all?”

I frowned. “Yes. We’re definitely only friends. She knows that too.”

For a moment, she didn’t say anything. Her gaze flickered to the door, as if she was still picturing Abby standing beside me. Then, slowly, her shoulders relaxed, but there was still something in her expression—something almost possessive.

“I just don’t want you making a mistake,” she finally said, her voice softer now. “Not after everything she did.”

I exhaled. “Minji, I promise. There’s nothing going on.”

She studied me for another moment, as if deciding whether or not to believe me. Then, finally, she nodded.

“All right,” she said. “You can go.”

I turned to leave, but just before I reached the door, she spoke again.

“And Diana?”

I glanced back.

“If she ever tries anything… you know I’m here for you, right?”

There was something about the way she said it that made my stomach twist—not in a bad way, but in a way I didn’t quite understand.

“…Yeah. I know,” I said before walking out.

I walked out of the classroom, my mind still half-stuck on my conversation with Minji. There was something about the way she spoke—about how she seemed almost… mad about Abby being close to me. But it wasn’t my problem to figure out, so I shook it off and made my way toward my friends, who were waiting by my locker.

Chloe noticed me first. “What did Ms. Collins want?” she asked, her voice casual but curious.

“She was just—” I hesitated, glancing toward Abby, who was standing next to Nora, looking at her phone. “—asking about class stuff.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes slightly, like she didn’t buy it, but she didn’t press. Instead, Nora perked up.

“Anyway! Are we still on for movie night at your place?”

I nodded, finally letting myself relax. “Of course.”

“Good, because I already picked out, like, ten movies,” she grinned.

“Oh god,” Abby groaned. “Let me guess—horror?”

Nora gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “How dare you? I am a well-rounded movie enjoyer!”

Chloe smirked. “So, horror?”

“…Yes.”

I laughed. “We can watch whatever. My dad won’t be home, so we can be as loud as we want.”

“Perfect.” Nora clapped her hands. “I’ll bring snacks. Chloe’s in charge of drinks. Abby, you bringing a blanket this time, or are you stealing mine again?”

Abby raised her hands in defense. “Hey, I was cold, and your blanket looked cozy. That’s on you.”

“You were cold because you refused to bring one because you thought Diana would give you hers but she didn't!"

The two of them started bickering, and I just shook my head, smiling. For the first time in a while, things felt normal. Even with Abby.

Chloe nudged me. “You okay?” she asked in a quieter voice, so the others wouldn’t hear.

I glanced at her, then at Abby and Nora arguing like usual, then back at her. “Yeah,” I said, meaning it. “I think I am.”

Abby finally gave up arguing and threw an arm around Nora’s shoulder. “Fine, fine. I’ll bring a blanket. But if it’s not as soft as yours, I’m stealing yours anyway.”

Nora groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“I’m charming,” Abby corrected, flashing that signature cocky grin.

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Right. Anyway, we need to figure out what food we’re getting. Diana, you have stuff at home, or are we ordering?”

“I have some stuff, but we can order if we want,” I said.

Abby smirked. “Are you finally gonna let me pick?”

“No,” we all said in unison.

She gasped dramatically. “You guys are so mean to me.”

Nora patted her arm. “We’re just looking out for our health, babe. Last time you picked, you ordered enough greasy food to feed a football team.”

“Yeah, and it was amazing.”

Chloe cut in, “We’re getting pizza. No arguments.”

Abby sighed, defeated. “Fine.” But then she turned to me, grinning. “Are we at least gonna cuddle tonight? You know I’m the best at it.”

I gave her a look, though I couldn’t help but laugh a little. “We are not having this conversation again.”

“Come on, Di, you know I’m right.” She bumped my shoulder playfully. “I’m your favorite ex.”

I scoffed. “You’re my only ex who I still talk with”

“Exactly,” she said smugly.

Chloe groaned. “Please stop flirting with Diana. We just got past the drama.”

Abby smirked at her. “I can’t help it. She’s cute.”

Nora smacked Abby’s arm. “Okay, lover girl, let’s go before you start writing poetry.”

Abby winked at me before finally stepping away. “See you tonight, Di.”

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself, while Chloe shook her head. “She is… something.”

Nora sighed. “She really is.”

I just laughed. “Yeah. She really is.”

✂✂✂✂✂✂

After school, I made my way through the crowded hallways, weaving past students as they hurried to their lockers or out the doors. My heart was still light from laughing with my friends, but there was a little excitement bubbling under the surface as I approached Minji’s classroom.

I hesitated for a second outside the door before stepping in. She was at her desk, focused on her laptop, her black-rimmed glasses perched on her nose. She looked up the second she noticed me, her expression softening.

“Diana,” she said, setting her pen down. “Did you need something?”

I leaned against the desk in front of hers. “Just came to let you know I won’t be staying after today. My friends and I are having a movie night at my place.”

Minji’s lips pressed together briefly, as if she was trying to suppress a reaction. “Movie night?”

“Yeah, we planned it earlier,” I said. “We’re just gonna eat junk food and watch whatever dumb movies we agree on.”

She tilted her head, watching me closely. “Is Abby going?”

I sighed, already expecting that question. “Yeah, but it’s not like that. We’re just friends.”

Minji leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. “You’re sure?”

I frowned. “Yes, I’m sure. You don’t have to worry about it.”

She was quiet for a moment, her fingers tapping against her arm. Then, finally, she exhaled through her nose and nodded. “Alright. Have fun, then.”

I smiled. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I turned to leave, but I could feel her eyes on me the entire way out.

That evening, my place was full of laughter and chaos as my friends piled in, bringing snacks, blankets, and way too much energy. Chloe and Nora had taken over the couch, already bickering about what movie we should watch, while Abby—being Abby—was digging through my fridge like she lived here.

“Diana, why do you have, like, ten different types of sparkling water but no real food?” Abby called out.

“Because I like options,” I shot back, tossing a pillow at her.

She caught it easily and grinned. “Yeah? Well, I like Doritos, and I don’t see any here.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “We’re literally surrounded by snacks. Stop being dramatic.”

Abby dramatically collapsed onto the couch between her and Nora, making them both groan. “Fine. But if I starve, it’s on Diana.”

I laughed and sat down, pulling a blanket over myself. “Just pick a movie already.”

Eventually, we settled on a mix of horror and comedy—something scary enough to make us jump but dumb enough that we wouldn’t actually be traumatized. The first movie started, and within ten minutes, Chloe was clutching a pillow, Nora was complaining about the characters making stupid decisions, and Abby was sitting way too comfortably next to me, her arm lazily draped over the back of the couch.

When a jump scare hit, Chloe yelped and grabbed my arm, making everyone laugh. Abby smirked. “Wow, Chloe, I didn’t take you for the scaredy-cat type.”

“Says the one who literally almost fell off the couch last time we watched a horror movie,” Nora shot back.

Abby scoffed. “That was one time.”

The night went on like that—snacks being thrown, jokes being made, and me just feeling happy to be with them. For the first time in a while, everything felt normal. No drama, no stress. Just us.

At some point, around the second movie, Abby leaned in a little closer and whispered, “Hey.”

I turned my head. “What?”

She gave me a lazy grin. “You having fun?”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “Obviously.”

“Good,” she said, still looking at me for a second too long before turning back to the movie.

I didn’t think too much of it. Abby was just like that—flirty, playful, a little too comfortable with me even though we were just friends now. But it was fine.

By the time the last movie ended, half of us were dozing off, and the other half were too full of sugar and caffeine to even think about sleeping. It was a mess, but it was our kind of mess.

The living room was a mess of blankets, empty snack bags, and my sleeping friends. Chloe had completely knocked out, curled up against the armrest of the couch. Nora was half-buried under a blanket, her face smushed against a pillow.

Abby, on the other hand, was very much awake.

I sat back, sighing as I stared at the ceiling. “Well, that was a night.”

Abby stretched, her shirt riding up slightly before she lazily let her arms drop. “Yeah. You tired?”

I shrugged. “Not really.”

She smirked. “Me neither.”

For a moment, we just sat there in the dim glow of the TV, the only sounds being the occasional shifting of our sleeping friends and the quiet hum of the city outside. It felt… weird. Not bad, just different.

Abby turned her head toward me, watching me in that way she always did when she had something on her mind. “You know,” she started, her voice softer now, “it’s kind of crazy how things worked out.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

She tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes scanning my face like she was debating something. “I mean, we’re still here. Still us. Even after everything. Even if we're just friends now."

I swallowed. “Yeah. I guess we are.”

She smirked again, but there was something more behind it this time. Something a little less playful. “I don’t think I ever told you this, but I really thought I lost you after… you know.”

I looked down at my hands, unsure what to say. “It was hard,” I admitted. “But I didn’t want to lose you either.”

Abby nodded slowly, her fingers tapping against the armrest next to her. “You sure you don’t hate me? Even a little?”

I snorted. “If I hated you, I wouldn’t have let you eat my snacks all night. I DID hate you for a while though."

That made her laugh—a quiet, real laugh that felt like how things used to be. “Fair point.”

We fell into silence again, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was just… there. Heavy in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge.

Then, Abby shifted, leaning her head back against the couch but turning toward me slightly. “You ever think about us?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I froze. “What?”

She chuckled, but it wasn’t teasing. “I mean… do you ever wonder what would’ve happened if things were different?”

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. “Abby…”

She hummed. “I know, I know. Just asking.”

I turned to look at her, and for a second, I swore she looked almost… sad. But before I could say anything, she smirked again and nudged me with her foot. “Relax. I’m not trying to start anything.”

I rolled my eyes. “Good.”

She grinned, but I could tell she wasn’t fully letting it go.

The night stretched on, and even though I was exhausted, I couldn’t bring myself to close my eyes. Not when Abby was still watching me like that.

Abby leaned her head back against the couch, exhaling softly. The room was quiet except for the occasional shifting of our sleeping friends. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.

I pulled my blanket up around my shoulders, staring at the TV’s dim glow. “You should get some sleep,” I muttered.

She snorted. “You first.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think I can.”

Abby turned her head toward me again, her eyes scanning my face. “What’s on your mind?”

I hesitated. “Nothing.”

She gave me a look. “Liar.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m just thinking about everything.”

She hummed. “Everything?”

I sighed, shifting slightly. “Yeah. You, me. The past. The fact that we somehow ended up here, still friends, still… us.”

Abby didn’t say anything at first. Then, after a moment, she reached over and poked my knee. “You ever think about what would’ve happened if we never broke up?”

I tensed slightly but forced myself to stay calm. “I don’t know,” I admitted. “Maybe we would’ve made it work. Or maybe we would’ve crashed and burned harder.”

She chuckled. “Yeah… probably.”

Another pause. This one longer.

Then, her voice softened. “Do you miss me?”

I turned my head, caught off guard. “What?”

She gave me a small, lazy smile. “You heard me.”

I swallowed, looking away. “I miss how things were. When it was good.”

Abby nodded slowly. “Yeah. Me too.”

We sat there for a while, neither of us saying anything.

Then, without warning, she shifted closer, her arm brushing against mine. “I know we’re just friends now,” she murmured, her voice lower. “But I still care about you, you know?”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I know.”

Abby studied me for a second, then smirked. “You know, if you ever change your mind…My arms are always...like, you know, free..."

I laughed under my breath. “Abby.”

“I’m just saying,” she teased, her voice light but her eyes serious. “You’re kinda hard to get over.”

I shook my head, but I couldn’t fight the small smile on my lips. “Go to sleep, Abby.”

She grinned, finally leaning back. “Fine, fine. But don’t act like I’m wrong.”

I rolled my eyes, but as I sat there, feeling the warmth of her presence next to me, I realized I wasn’t as annoyed as I should’ve been.

Maybe because, deep down, a part of me knew she wasn’t entirely wrong. I still liked Abby too, obviously, but I don't think we'll get back together because I finally can breathe again around her normally. And that's enough for me.

Abby eventually dozed off, her head tilting slightly to the side. Her breathing evened out, soft and steady. I glanced at her for a moment before turning back to the TV, though I wasn’t really watching anymore. My mind was too restless.

I reached for my phone, scrolling absentmindedly through my notifications. That’s when I saw it—another message from Minji.

Minji: Still awake?

I hesitated before replying.

Me: Yeah, barely.

Minji: Thought so. I had a feeling you wouldn’t sleep early.

Me: How come?

Minji: Because you’re always up late, overthinking things.

I blinked at the screen. She wasn’t exactly wrong, but how did she know that?

Me: Stalking me or something?

Minji: Maybe.

I felt a shiver run down my spine—not out of fear, but from something else entirely.

Me: That’s not creepy at all.

Minji: You love the attention.

I stared at the message for a moment, my heart doing something weird in my chest.

Me: Who said that?

Minji: I did. And I’m right.

I bit my lip, glancing around the room. Everyone was asleep. It was just me, my phone, and the feeling that Minji was getting under my skin more than I wanted to admit.

Me: You’re very confident.

Minji: I don’t need to guess when I already know.

I exhaled slowly, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Before I could type anything else, another message popped up.

Minji: Is Abby still there?

I glanced at the girl next to me, still sound asleep.

Me: Yeah. She fell asleep a while ago.

Minji: Of course she did. She doesn’t have as much on her mind as you.

Something about that message made my stomach twist. It wasn’t a lie.

Me: What’s that supposed to mean?

Minji: Nothing. Just that I know you. More than you think.

I swallowed. This conversation was starting to feel like a game, but I wasn’t sure if I was winning or losing.

Me: That’s a bold claim.

Minji: I don’t make claims I can’t back up.

Me: Alright then, prove it.

Minji: I already have.

Me: When?

Minji: Every time I tell you something about yourself, and you realize I’m right.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smirk that formed on my lips.

Me: That’s not proof, that’s just confidence.

Minji: Confidence comes from knowing things. And I know you, Diana.

The way she said my name in text made something stir inside me. I shifted slightly on the couch, careful not to wake Abby.

Me: If you know me so well, what am I thinking right now?

Minji: You want to say this conversation is weird, but you also don’t want it to stop.

I bit my lip.

Me: Lucky guess.

Minji: I don’t believe in luck.

Me: Then what do you believe in?

Minji: Strategy.

Me: What does that even mean?

Minji: It means I don’t act on impulse. I think things through. I learn. I wait.

I frowned slightly, rereading her words.

Me: So, you’re saying talking to me is part of some plan?

A pause that's a little bit too long.

Minji: You’re overthinking again.

Me: How am I supposed to take that, though?

Minji: Take it however you want. Just don’t pretend you don’t like it.

I swallowed, feeling my heartbeat quicken just a little.

Me: Oh god.🙄

Minji: I don't believe in god either.

Me: What do you believe in if not god?

Minji: I believe in Minji.😉

Me: You’re really full of yourself.

Minji: And yet, here you are, still talking to me.

Me: Maybe I just don’t want to sleep.

Minji: Or maybe you like the attention.

Me: You keep saying that.

Minji: Because it’s true.

Me: And what if I said I don’t?

Minji: Then I’d say you’re lying.

I let out a breath, shaking my head. This was starting to feel like a game, but I wasn’t sure what the stakes were.

Me: You sure talk like someone who knows everything.

Minji: Not everything. Just you.

Me: That’s a lot to claim.

Minji: And yet, you’re not disagreeing.

I didn’t answer right away, staring at the message on my screen. She was playing with me. Or maybe she wasn’t. Maybe this was just how she was.

Me: Shouldn’t you be sleeping?

Minji: Shouldn’t you?

Me: I don’t feel like it.

Minji: Then keep talking to me.

Me: You want me to?

Minji: I wouldn’t be texting you if I didn’t.

I licked my lips, feeling something shift in the air—even though she wasn’t here, even though it was just words on a screen.

Me: You’re kinda intense.

Minji: And you like it.

I took a deep breath, glancing at Abby for a second before typing.

Me: Maybe.

Minji: Finally, some honesty.

Me: Don’t get used to it.

Minji: Too late.

I shook my head, but I didn’t stop texting. Even though I probably should have.

Me: You’re awfully smug for someone texting a student in the middle of the night.

Minji: You say that like I don’t have complete control over the situation.

Me: That’s a weird way to put it.

Minji: Is it?

Me: Yes??

Minji: And yet, you’re still talking to me.

Me: You keep pointing that out like it means something.

Minji: It does. You could ignore me. You could block me. You don’t.

I stared at my screen for a second, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. I hated how she always had an answer, always seemed a step ahead.

Me: Maybe I’m just bored.

Minji: Maybe.

Me: Or maybe I just like winning arguments.

Minji: Then you should stop texting me, because you’re not going to win.

Me: That’s what you think.

Minji: No, that’s what I know.

Me: You don’t know everything.

Minji: I know enough.

Me: About what?

Minji: About you.

Me: And what do you know?

Minji: That you like when people pay attention to you. That you like being wanted. That you like feeling special.

Me: That’s not exactly a secret.

Minji: No, but the way you try to pretend it doesn’t matter? That is.

I shifted on the couch, suddenly feeling a little too warm.

Me: You really love to get in my head, huh?

Minji: I don’t have to try.

Me: Cocky.

Minji: Honest.

Me: That’s debatable.

Minji: If you say so.

Me: I do.

Minji: And yet, you’re still here.

I exhaled sharply.

Me: What do you want from me?

Minji: Maybe I just enjoy our conversations.

Me: Or maybe you like the control.

Minji: Does it bother you?

Me: No.

Minji: Liar.

Me: …

Minji: See?

Me: Shut up.

Minji: Make me.

My breath caught for a second, fingers tightening around my phone.

Me: You’re impossible.

Minji: And yet, here we are.

I let out a frustrated sigh, but my heart was racing just a little.

Me: I should go to sleep.

Minji: Then go.

Me: You don’t sound very convincing.

Minji: Maybe I don’t want you to go.

I bit my lip.

Me: Why not?

Minji: Because I like talking to you.

I swallowed, staring at the words for a long moment before typing back.

Me: Fine. I’ll stay a little longer.

Minji: Good girl.😉

My face burned, and I quickly locked my phone, pressing it against my chest. What the hell was that supposed to mean? I took a deep breath before unlocking it again.

Me: Don’t say stuff like that.

Minji: Why not?

Me: Because.

Minji: Because it makes you feel something?

Me: No.

Minji: Liar.

I squeezed my eyes shut for a second before sighing.

Me: I really hate you sometimes.

Minji: No, you don’t.

Me: …definitely.

Minji: Lies.

I groaned, tossing my head back against the couch.

Me: I’m actually going to sleep now.

Minji: If you say so.

Me: Goodnight, Minji.

Minji: Sweet dreams, Diana.

I exhaled slowly, staring at my screen until it dimmed, my heart still beating a little too fast.

I locked my phone and turned my head, exhaling slowly, trying to calm down after that conversation. But just as I shifted my gaze, my breath caught in my throat.

Abby was awake.

Not just shifting-in-her-sleep awake. No, her eyes were open, and she was looking right at me.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. My heart slammed against my ribs as I tried to figure out how long she had been awake, how much she had seen.

"Jesus, Abby," I whispered, placing a hand over my chest. "You scared the hell out of me."

She blinked lazily, her voice groggy. "Why are you acting guilty?"

Guilty. My stomach twisted. "I'm not acting guilty."

"You’re holding your phone like it’s gonna explode." Abby’s eyes flickered down to where my fingers were still wrapped tightly around the device. "Who were you texting?"

My mouth opened slightly, brain scrambling for an answer. "Just… a friend."

Abby narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "At this hour?"

I forced a casual shrug. "You guys were asleep. I got bored."

She hummed, still looking at me like she didn’t quite believe me. Then, she sat up, stretching. "Damn. How long was I out?"

I clung to the subject change like a lifeline. "A while. You missed a lot of nonsense on the tv"

Abby yawned, rubbing her eyes. "It's always nonsense."

"True."

She side-eyed me. "So who was it?"

I frowned. "Who was what?"

"The ‘friend’ you were texting."

My grip on my phone tightened slightly. "Why do you care?"

Abby smirked, leaning back on her hands. "Because you look like you just got caught doing something bad."

I rolled my eyes, forcing a laugh. "You're imagining things."

Abby didn’t seem convinced, but she let it go, probably too tired to press further. "Whatever. But if you’re texting some secret lover, I wanna know."

My stomach twisted again, and I quickly shoved my phone under the blanket. "Go back to sleep, Abby. If I had a secret lover, I wouldn't let you flirt with me"

She snickered. "Fine, fine. But I’m onto you, Diana."

I forced out a laugh, but my heart was still racing.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of someone rummaging through my kitchen. My eyes blinked open slowly, my body still heavy with sleep. The living room was a mess—blankets thrown everywhere, empty snack bags scattered across the floor.

Abby was still asleep beside me, one arm thrown over her face, breathing deeply. Across from us, Nora was half-curled into a ball.

I stretched, yawning as I sat up. My phone was still under my pillow, right where I had hidden it last night. The memory of my conversation with Minji flashed through my mind, making my stomach flip. I shook it off and carefully slipped out from under the blankets, stepping over my sleeping friends as I made my way toward the kitchen.

The culprit behind the noise was, unsurprisingly, Chloe. She stood by the fridge, hair a mess, stealing my orange juice straight from the carton.

She noticed me and grinned. "Morning, sleepyhead."

I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"

"Almost ten," she said, setting the juice down. "Nora’s gonna be pissed when she wakes up and realizes she missed her morning skincare routine."

I snorted, leaning against the counter. "She can survive one day."

Chloe wiggled her eyebrows. "Sooo, anything interesting happened after we all knocked out?"

I stiffened for a split second before playing it off. "Not really. Abby woke up for a bit, we talked, then she passed out again."

She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly not convinced. "Uh-huh."

Before she could question me further, there was a loud groan from the living room.

"Why the hell am I on the floor?" Nora’s voice was muffled.

Chloe and I exchanged looks before bursting into laughter.

Abby’s groggy voice followed. "Because you got demoted."

"Demoted my ass," Nora grumbled, sitting up and stretching. "You guys let me sleep on the floor like I’m a stray cat."

I walked back into the living room, arms crossed. "You’re dramatic."

"I deserve better," she huffed, glaring at us.

Chloe leaned against the doorframe. "Okay, princess, next time, we’ll roll out a red carpet for you."

Nora flipped her off before looking at me. "So. Breakfast?"

I sighed, knowing I was about to be bullied into making pancakes. "Fine, fine. But somebody better help."

The morning went on like that—joking, complaining about how tired we were, arguing over who got the last of the orange juice.

And for a little while, I didn’t think about my phone, about Minji, or about the texts I had hidden away.

By the time we got to school, the buzz of morning chatter and laughter had already started to settle in. We all headed toward the entrance together, dodging a few stray students on their way to class. The hallways were crowded, but the atmosphere was familiar, almost comforting in a way.

"Chemistry first," Nora grumbled, looking at the schedule on her phone. "I swear, it's the last thing I want to deal with right now."

"Same," I sighed, glancing at Abby, who gave me a quiet smile. She was back to being herself—playful, but with a hint of seriousness in her eyes. It made me wonder if she was still thinking about last night or if we were just moving on from everything.

We walked into the chemistry classroom together, where Ms. Collins—Minji—was already setting up the desks, preparing for the lesson. I couldn't help but notice how she looked at me when I walked in, her eyes soft, almost searching.

As we found our seats, I realized that the weird tension from the other day had dissipated. I felt... normal. Just another student in a room full of classmates.

Nora sat down next to me, flipping through her textbook. "This is gonna be a disaster," she muttered. "I can already feel it."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're being dramatic."

"Not as dramatic as you, though," she shot back, nudging me with her elbow. "What was all that about last night with Abby?"

I froze for a second before rolling my eyes. "Nora, can we not talk about it here?"

She raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But you're not getting away that easily."

Before I could respond, Ms. Collins walked up to the front of the class, clapping her hands to grab everyone's attention.

"Alright, settle down," she said with a cold expression. "Today, we’re going to be working on some group experiments, so please get into pairs."

The class shuffled around a bit as people picked their partners. Abby turned to me, and without saying a word, we naturally ended up paired together. The comfort of it felt easy, almost like nothing had changed.

"Looks like we’re partners," Abby whispered, giving me a small grin.

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual.

Ms. Collins handed out lab sheets, her eyes lingering on me for just a moment longer than necessary. I couldn't help but notice the slight smile tugging at her lips, but I quickly focused on Abby, trying not to let my thoughts wander.

The experiment was simple enough, but for some reason, I kept getting distracted. Every time I looked up, I caught Minji’s gaze on me. She was always so composed, yet something about the way she looked at me made me feel like I was the only person in the room.

Abby noticed me zoning out. "Hey, you okay?" she asked quietly, her voice just loud enough for me to hear over the classroom noise.

I blinked, snapping back to reality. "Yeah, I’m fine."

But even as I said it, I wasn’t entirely sure I was.

About halfway through class, as I was jotting down notes from our experiment, I heard Minji clear her throat.

"Diana," she said, her voice firm but low. "Can you come here for a second?"

I glanced at Abby, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing. There was a weird tension in the way Minji spoke, like she was holding something back. I hesitated for a moment before setting my pencil down and following her to the front of the class.

Minji led me toward the supply closet near her desk, just far enough that no one would overhear. The door wasn’t fully closed behind us, but it was enough to make the moment feel private.

She turned to face me, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "I saw you and Abby," she started, her voice low but intense.

I blinked. "What?"

Minji’s jaw tightened. "In the hallway this morning. She was standing too close to you again. Touching your arm. Whispering in your ear." Her tone was controlled, but I could see something burning underneath it—something dangerously close to anger.

I sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "Minji, we’re just friends. You have asked me this many times already."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she took a step closer, so close that I could feel the warmth of her presence. "Are you?"

"Yes," I said firmly, but my voice wavered.

Minji reached out, her fingers ghosting over my wrist before trailing up my arm. It was such a small touch, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

"You deserve better," she murmured, her voice dropping into something softer, more coaxing. "You know that, don’t you?"

I swallowed hard. "Abby and I are over. You know that."

"Then why is she always near you?" Minji’s fingers barely pressed against my skin now, like she was testing how much I’d let her get away with. "Why does she still look at you like she owns you?"

I didn’t know how to answer that. Abby was my friend—yes, we had history, but that was over.

Minji exhaled sharply through her nose, and her hand finally dropped away, but she didn’t step back. If anything, she leaned in just a fraction more, her dark eyes locked onto mine.

"I’m just looking out for you," she said, almost too gently. "I don’t want to see you get hurt again."

There was something possessive in the way she said it, something that made my heart stutter in a way I wasn’t sure I was ready to acknowledge.

"Go back to your seat, Diana," she finally said, her voice still laced with something heavy. "We'll talk later."

I nodded, barely able to think straight as I turned and walked back to Abby, who was watching me closely.

"What was that about?" Abby asked the second I sat down.

"Nothing," I muttered, but even I didn’t believe it.