chapter 22

Diana's pov

After a long day, be the final bell rang, I packed up my things quickly, eager to meet up with my friends. But just as I stepped out of the classroom, a familiar voice stopped me.

"Diana," Minji called, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I turned around, watching as she leaned casually against her desk, arms crossed. The other students filtered out, but Minji's sharp gaze stayed on me.

"Can you stay for a moment?" she asked, but it wasn’t really a question.

I hesitated, glancing at the door. My friends were probably waiting for me, but something in Minji’s expression made it impossible to say no.

"...Sure," I said, stepping back inside.

She waited until the last student was gone before moving closer. "I want you to come over tonight."

I blinked. "To your place?"

Minji smirked slightly, tilting her head. "Where else?"

I swallowed, shifting on my feet. "Why?"

She sighed, walking to her desk and leaning against it. "You’ve been stressed, haven’t you?" Her voice was softer now, almost coaxing. "I think you need a break. And I’d like to spend some time with you... without distractions."

Something about the way she said it sent a shiver through me.

"I—" I started, but she cut me off.

"You trust me, don’t you?"

The way she said it made it impossible to answer anything but yes.

"...Yeah," I admitted.

"Then let me take care of you," Minji said, her lips curving into the faintest smile. "Just for tonight."

I bit my lip, my heart pounding in a way I couldn’t quite understand.

"Okay," I finally said.

As soon as I left the classroom, I spotted my friends waiting near my locker. Abby was leaning against the wall, scrolling through her phone, while Nora was mid-sentence about something random. Chloe, as usual, noticed me first.

"There you are," she said. "What took so long?"

I hesitated, glancing at Abby and Nora. I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell everyone about Minji inviting me over. It wasn’t like it was a big deal… right?

"Ms. Collins just wanted to talk to me about class stuff," I said casually, opening my locker.

Nora groaned. "She’s always got something to say to you."

Abby smirked. "Maybe you’re just her favorite."

I forced a laugh, grabbing my books. "Yeah, right."

Chloe narrowed her eyes at me. She always saw through me. I met her gaze for a second before looking away.

"I need to grab something..." Chloe suddenly said, tilting her head toward the parking lot. "Diana, come with?"

I knew exactly what she was doing. "Sure."

Once we were outside, away from the others, Chloe turned to me. "Alright, spill."

I sighed, leaning against wall. "Ms. Collins asked me to come over tonight."

Chloe’s eyebrows shot up. "Like… just you?"

"Yeah."

She stared at me for a long moment before crossing her arms. "And you said yes?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "I mean, she said I’ve been stressed, and she just wants me to have a break or whatever."

Chloe gave me a knowing look. "And you believe that’s all it is?"

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "I don’t know, Chlo. She just—she has this way of talking that makes it hard to say no."

Chloe sighed. "Yeah, no kidding." She tapped her fingers against her arm. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I don’t know," I admitted. "But I trust her."

Chloe exhaled. "Alright. Just… keep me updated, okay? If anything feels off, text me."

I nodded. "I will."

She didn’t look convinced, but she dropped it. "Come on, let’s get back before they get suspicious."

As we walked back inside, my stomach twisted. I wasn’t sure what tonight would bring, but there was no turning back now.

✂✂✂✂✂✂

As soon as I stepped into my house, I kicked off my shoes and let out a deep breath. Today had been… a lot. Between Minji pulling me aside mid-class, Chloe giving me that all-knowing look, and the way Abby kept glancing at me during lunch, my brain was completely fried.

I had barely set my bag down when my phone started buzzing like crazy.

Groupchat – “i love you all but...”

Nora: DIANA.

Abby: Finally, you’re home? Took you long enough.

Nora: Where did you and Chloe sneak off to earlier?? You were being suspicious.

Chloe: None of your business.

Abby: Ohhh, so it’s something you don’t want us to know? That makes me want to know even more.

Nora: SPILL.

Me: Y’all are literally insane. I was just talking to Chloe, relax.

Abby: About what?

Me: Life.

Nora: Boring.

Abby: Suspicious.

Chloe: None of your business.

Nora: I hate you both.

Abby: So what’s everyone doing tonight? I’m bored.

Nora: Same, and we still don’t know what Diana and Chloe were talking about.

Me: Y’all are so dramatic.

Abby: And?? That’s what makes us fun.

Nora: Exactly.

Chloe: Whatever.

I smiled a little at my screen, shaking my head. Despite everything, talking to them always made me feel normal.

Me: Anyway, I’m gonna eat and then chill.

Nora: BORING.

Abby: What are you eating?

Me: Idk, whatever my dad had the chef make.

Abby: Must be nice to be rich.

Nora: Fr, imagine just casually saying “whatever my dad’s chef made.”

Me: Stop making me sound like an entitled brat.

Abby: Too late.

Chloe: She is a brat, though.

Nora: And spoiled!

Me: I hate it here.

Abby: You love it.

Nora: She does.

I rolled my eyes, but my smile stayed. As I walked to the kitchen to grab some food, my phone buzzed again.

Minji.

I swallowed, my heart picking up. I hadn’t even told the groupchat about going to her place tonight. And honestly, I didn’t plan to.

Instagram DM

Minji: I'll pick you up at 8. Wear something comfortable.

Me: Comfortable?

Minji: Yes. You’ll see why.

Me: You’re being vague again.

Minji: And you’ll just have to wait.

I sighed, staring at my phone for a second. Comfortable? What did that even mean? Was this some kind of test? I shook my head, deciding not to overthink it. I was already going. There was no backing out now.

Just as I put my phone down, it buzzed again—this time from the group chat.

Nora: DIANA.

Abby: Are we hanging out tonight or what?

Nora: Yeah, you kinda owe us.

Me: I owe you nothing!🙄

Abby: Yes, you do. You and Chloe ran off earlier, and now you’re being all secretive.

Nora: Sooo let’s hang out.

Me: I actually can’t tonight.

Nora: LIES.

Abby: What could you possibly be doing?

Me: I have to do something.

Crap. Think, Diana. Think.

Me: I have to help my dad with… stuff.

Nora: STUFF??

Abby: Oh wow, what a convincing excuse.

Me: Shut up.

Nora: Seriously, what’s the real reason?

I hesitated, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard.

Luckily, Chloe came to the rescue.

Chloe: She’s literally telling the truth. She’s helping her dad with something business-related. That's what we were talking about earlier.

Nora: Ugh, fine.

Abby: Boring.

Me: Cry about it??

Abby: I will.

Nora: So Chloe, are you free?

Chloe: Yeah, but not yet.

Nora: WHAT IS THIS. WHY IS EVERYONE BUSY.

Abby: Tragic.

I exhaled in relief. Thank God for Chloe. If I had kept talking, I probably would’ve said something incredibly dumb, and they would’ve definitely caught on.

Now, all I had to do was figure out what the hell “comfortable” meant before 8 PM.

I tossed my phone onto my bed and let out a deep breath. Comfortable. That’s all Minji had said. I had no clue what that actually meant.

I shook my head, deciding not to overthink it. Instead, I grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom. A hot shower sounded like exactly what I needed right now.

As soon as the warm water hit my skin, I sighed in relief. The stress of the day slowly melted away as I washed my hair, letting the scent of my favorite shampoo surround me. My mind wandered to Minji. I still didn’t know what tonight was about. She hadn’t given me a single clue. It was frustrating. But at the same time… exciting?

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

After rinsing off, I wrapped a towel around myself and stepped out into my room, my hair dripping onto my shoulders. I checked the time—7:30 PM. Minji would be here soon.

I walked over to my closet, pulling the doors open. Comfortable. I needed something comfortable. I went for a simple oversized sweater and a pair of leggings. It wasn’t fancy, but it was cozy, and if Minji was planning anything formal, that was on her for not being more specific.

After getting dressed, I ran a brush through my damp hair, letting it air-dry naturally. My reflection in the mirror looked… normal. Maybe even a little too normal. But whatever. I wasn’t about to stress over this.

Just as I grabbed my phone, a notification popped up.

Minji: I’m outside.

I took a deep breath. Here we go.

I grabbed my phone and slid it into my pocket, taking one last glance at myself in the mirror before heading out of my room. As I walked downstairs, I saw my dad sitting in the living room, his laptop open, probably finishing up some work.

"I'm heading out," I said, keeping my voice casual.

He glanced up from his screen. "To Chloe’s?"

I nodded, already slipping on my shoes. "Yeah. Probably just gonna hang out and maybe watch a movie or something."

He gave me a small smile. "Alright. Don’t stay out too late."

"I won’t," I assured him, grabbing my bag. "Bye, Dad."

"Bye, kiddo." He was already looking back at his laptop as I walked out the door.

The night air was crisp, and I took a deep breath as I stepped outside. My heart was beating just a little too fast, but I ignored it. I scanned the street, and there it was—Minji’s sleek, expensive car parked near the curb.

I walked toward it, my fingers twitching slightly. When I reached the passenger door, I hesitated for just a second before pulling it open and sliding inside.

The scent of leather and something distinctly Minji filled the car. She looked at me, her dark eyes scanning me for a moment before she smirked.

"Comfortable," she noted, her voice smooth.

I rolled my eyes. "You were ridiculously vague."

She chuckled, shifting gears. "I know."

And with that, we drove off into the night.

The car ride was quiet for a moment, just the low hum of the engine and the soft music playing through the speakers. I shifted in my seat, glancing at Minji, who looked effortlessly relaxed as she drove, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually near the gear shift.

"So," I said, breaking the silence. "What exactly are we doing tonight?"

Minji smirked, not taking her eyes off the road. "Why? Nervous?"

I scoffed. "No. Just curious."

She hummed, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. "I just thought you could use a break. Away from your friends, from school, from her."

I didn’t have to ask who she meant. I exhaled through my nose, looking out the window as the city lights blurred past us. "Abby and I are fine now," I muttered.

Minji let out a low chuckle. "Sure you are."

I turned back to her, frowning slightly. "We are."

She finally glanced at me, her dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. "If you say so."

I wanted to push further, but something about the way she said it made my stomach flip—like she knew something I didn’t. Instead of arguing, I changed the subject. "So, how was your day?"

Minji smirked again, her lips curling as if she knew exactly what I was doing. But she played along. "Uneventful. Chemistry class was...interesting, as always."

I groaned. "God, don’t remind me."

She laughed softly. "What? You don’t like my class?"

"I like it," I admitted. "But today was just—"

"Frustrating?" she finished for me, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed. "Yeah. Something like that."

She tapped her fingers on the wheel again, glancing at me briefly. "You seemed...distracted."

I swallowed, shrugging. "I was just thinking about stuff."

Minji’s smirk softened, and for a moment, she didn’t say anything. Then, she reached over and turned the music down just a little. "You know, you don’t always have to pretend you’re fine, Diana."

Her voice was lower now, more serious. It caught me off guard, and I hesitated before responding. "I’m not pretending," I said quietly.

Minji didn’t push. She just nodded, like she understood something I didn’t.

The rest of the ride was mostly silent after that, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that felt...easy, even with everything going on in my head.

When we finally pulled up to her place—her ridiculous, expensive, modern house—I exhaled.

"Here we are," she murmured, shifting the car into park.

I looked at her, suddenly feeling a little unsure about all of this.

She tilted her head, watching me. "You coming?"

I swallowed and nodded. "Yeah."

And with that, I stepped out of the car.

Minji led me inside, and the moment I stepped through the door, I realized she had planned something. The house smelled different—something warm, like vanilla and cinnamon, mixing with the faintest trace of expensive perfume. The lights were dimmed just enough to make everything feel softer, more intimate.

I turned to her, narrowing my eyes. "Okay...what is this?"

Minji smirked, slipping off her coat and tossing it onto the sleek, modern couch. "What? Can’t I just have a nice atmosphere in my own home?"

I crossed my arms. "Minji."

She chuckled, walking past me toward the kitchen. "Relax. I just thought you deserved something special tonight."

I followed her, my curiosity outweighing my skepticism. When I stepped into the dining area, my eyes widened. The table was already set—nothing too extravagant, but there were candles, a bottle of wine (that I knew I wasn’t old enough for), and two plates of food that looked way better than anything I could make myself.

"You cooked?" I asked, stunned.

Minji smirked, leaning against the counter with an infuriatingly smug expression. "I can cook, you know."

"Okay, but why?" I asked, still trying to piece everything together.

She tilted her head, watching me with those dark, knowing eyes. "Because you’ve been through a lot. And because you deserve something nice. No stress, no drama—just this."

I swallowed, feeling warmth creep up my neck. It was one thing to deal with Minji when she was being her usual teasing, overconfident self—but this? This was different. This was...dangerous.

I cleared my throat, trying to shake off whatever weird feeling was creeping into my chest. "Well...thank you," I said, sitting down hesitantly.

Minji poured herself a glass of wine, then poured water into mine, smirking at my unimpressed expression. "What? I’m not about to get arrested for giving you alcohol."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.

The dinner itself was surprisingly nice. We talked—really talked. Not just about school or Abby or whatever ridiculous thing was happening in the group chat. We talked about random things. Movies we liked. Places we wanted to visit. I found out Minji had been to Paris twice and casually spoke French, which made me glare at her for not mentioning it before.

"Oh, don’t look at me like that," she teased, taking another sip of her wine. "It never came up."

"That’s such a you thing to say," I muttered.

She smirked. "And what does that mean?"

"That you’re sneaky."

Minji’s smirk deepened, and she leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "You have figured me out, haven’t you?"

I scoffed, but I didn’t look away.

After dinner, we moved to the couch, and somehow, I ended up wrapped in the softest blanket I’d ever touched. Minji sat beside me, close enough that I could smell her perfume—something expensive, something that made my head spin a little.

"Feeling better?" she asked quietly.

I nodded, sinking into the cushions. "...Yeah."

She didn’t say anything else. She just watched me, her expression unreadable.

And for the first time in weeks, I felt...at peace.

I should’ve been questioning everything, but I didn’t.

Not yet.

I smirked, adjusting the blanket around me as I glanced at Minji. The dim lighting, the candles from dinner still flickering in the background, the expensive wine she’d been drinking—it was all way too perfect.

"So," I said casually, tilting my head at her. "This kinda feels like a date."

Minji didn’t even flinch.

Instead, she slowly turned her head toward me, her dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my stomach flip. And then—she smirked.

"Oh?" she murmured, leaning in slightly. "Does it?"

I blinked, suddenly realizing my mistake.

Minji wasn’t like my friends—she wasn’t like Chole or Nora. She didn’t get flustered or stutter when teased. If anything, she thrived on it.

I opened my mouth to backtrack, but it was too late.

Minji set her glass down, then shifted closer, her knee brushing against mine. "Tell me, Diana," she mused, voice dripping with amusement. "Do you want this to be a date?"

My throat went dry.

"N-no," I said quickly, my voice coming out weaker than I wanted. "I was just saying—"

Minji hummed, her smirk deepening. "Mmm. Because you do look awfully comfortable right now."

I immediately sat up straighter, clearing my throat. "You gave me this blanket," I muttered.

Minji chuckled, her gaze never leaving mine. "Mhm."

I exhaled, suddenly regretting ever opening my mouth. Why did I say that? I should’ve known Minji would flip it on me.

"Relax," she finally said, leaning back against the couch again. "I’m just messing with you."

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it off like my heart wasn’t racing. "Yeah, yeah. You think you’re so funny."

Minji just smirked, taking another sip of her wine. "I know I am."

I huffed, looking away—mostly so she wouldn’t see how warm my face felt.

Lesson learned: Never tease Minji unless I was prepared to lose.

The night unfolded like something out of a movie—way too perfect for comfort, but somehow I couldn't bring myself to care. Minji’s charm had a way of drawing me in, making everything feel easy and natural. We talked about everything—school, our lives, random little details that I hadn’t thought to share with anyone else. It was one of those moments where I didn’t need to force conversation, and that felt… weirdly refreshing.

We spent hours just talking, laughing over random inside jokes, and at one point, Minji made us both another round of drinks. The wine made everything feel a little softer, a little less intense. Still, there was a part of me that couldn’t shake the tension. Every time Minji looked at me, my heart skipped. It was like she knew exactly what she was doing.

At one point, when the conversation slowed, I found myself studying Minji a little closer—her calm, poised nature contrasting with the warmth of the dimly lit room. The fact that I was spending so much time with her felt so… different.

"You never told me how old you actually are," I said, trying to sound casual, but there was a hint of curiosity in my voice.

Minji raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip from her glass before she responded, a playful smile curling her lips. “How old do you think I am?”

I shrugged, playing along, but honestly, I had no idea. She could be anywhere from a few years older than me to significantly older. The way she carried herself and her confidence made her seem like she could have been my age or double it.

"I don't know," I muttered, glancing at her. "You're definitely not a high schooler, that’s for sure."

Minji chuckled, sitting back, clearly enjoying my uncertainty. “I’m 35,” she said casually.

I blinked. "Wait, really?"

She nodded, unbothered. "I know, I don't exactly look it, right?"

I laughed, trying not to make things weird. "I mean, I guess not. You look younger than that."

Her smile softened. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Diana. Like, 29 max."

I flushed a little, but I quickly recovered. We both laughed, the ease of the conversation settling in again.

Then, something in the back of my mind clicked, and I suddenly found myself asking, "So, you’re saying I could… stay over tonight?" It slipped out without thinking, and I immediately regretted it. But Minji didn’t seem surprised at all.

She didn’t hesitate. “If you want to, of course,” she said, her tone low and soothing. “There’s no rush. You can stay here as long as you like.”

For a second, I was struck by the offer, unsure how to react. I hadn't planned on staying, but there was something about the idea of just being there, in her space, that felt… right. My mind raced, but my body was already making the decision for me.

"Yeah," I said slowly, giving her a hesitant smile. "I think I will stay."

Minji gave a knowing look, like she had already predicted this outcome. "Good. I’m glad."

There was a sense of finality in her words, but also something warmer, almost protective. She stood, offering me her hand. “Come on, I’ll show you to the guest room. It’s comfortable. You can crash there for the night.”

I nodded, standing up to follow her. The whole thing still felt surreal—spending time with Minji, being around her like this, as if I had slipped into a new version of reality. But I didn’t mind. Maybe this was what I needed after everything that had happened with Abby and the fallout. I needed to just be… somewhere else, for a while.

And so, I stayed. That night, everything felt different.

The guest room was exactly what I expected—cozy, with soft lighting and a huge bed that looked way too comfortable. Minji had led me inside and made sure I was settled, before she sat down beside me. The conversation came easily, much like it had earlier in the evening. There was something about her that made everything feel safe, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could let my guard down.

We sat in silence for a moment, the room quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside. I was trying to collect my thoughts, unsure of how to approach what I really wanted to talk about. But Minji was patient, waiting for me to speak, and I could feel the weight of her presence beside me, supportive but not overwhelming.

“So, are you really okay?” she asked gently, her voice soft but sincere.

I hesitated, not sure how to answer. My mind was still buzzing from everything that had happened over the past few days—Abby, the break-up, the way she still acts like we're a couple sometimes, and now this whole new dynamic with Minji. It was a lot to process.

“I think so,” I said quietly, shifting a little on the bed to face her. “I mean, I’m trying to be. But there’s a lot going on in my head right now, and I’m not really sure where to start.”

Minji nodded, her eyes soft and understanding. “It’s okay. You don’t have to have all the answers right now.”

I appreciated her reassurance, but there was something about the calm way she spoke that made me feel like I could talk without feeling judged. I took a deep breath and began.

“I guess it’s just… after everything with Abby, I don’t know what to think anymore,” I admitted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “I don’t know if I made the right choice breaking up with her. And sometimes, I miss her. But then other times, I feel like I made the right decision, you know? Like maybe we were never meant to be more than what we were.”

Minji listened intently, her eyes never leaving mine, as if she was truly hearing me. She didn’t interrupt, just let me speak, and that alone made me feel heard in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I get it,” she said softly. “It’s hard to know what’s right when emotions are involved. But sometimes, breaking up isn’t about what you lose—it’s about what you gain. You can’t know what’s best for you until you’ve given yourself the space to figure it out.”

Her words hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. It was like she understood exactly what I was feeling. I didn’t know why, but in that moment, I felt comfortable enough to continue.

“I just don’t want to keep making mistakes, you know?” I continued. “I don’t want to keep messing things up with the people I care about. But then I think, what if I’m just scared? What if I’m too scared to let myself trust again, or to really be with someone?”

Minji was quiet for a moment, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the bedspread. “Trust is a big thing,” she said after a while, her tone thoughtful. “And it’s something you have to give yourself first before you can give it to anyone else. Maybe that’s something you need to focus on before worrying about what comes next.”

I looked at her, the depth in her eyes making me pause. There was a quiet wisdom to her, something I couldn’t ignore.

“You’ve been through a lot, Diana,” Minji said gently. “And it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. You’re not alone in this. You’re allowed to take your time and heal.”

I nodded, feeling the weight in my chest begin to lift a little. For the first time in a while, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could take a step back and breathe without feeling like I had to solve everything all at once.

Minji’s presence was soothing in a way I hadn’t expected. She wasn’t pushing me to do anything. She wasn’t rushing me to make decisions. She was just there, allowing me the space to figure things out on my own terms.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” I said quietly, almost to myself. “But maybe I’m starting to figure it out.”

Minji smiled softly, her hand resting on mine. “That’s all anyone can ask for. Just take it one day at a time.”

And in that moment, I realized that maybe I didn’t need to have all the answers. Maybe I didn’t need to rush everything. The night stretched on, and we talked more, about small things, silly things, and serious things. But the more we talked, the more I felt like I was understanding myself—and Minji—a little better.

As we lay there, the weight of the conversation between us seemed to settle comfortably in the room, like the quiet presence of an understanding friend. Minji was still holding my hand, her fingers lightly brushing against mine, and I could tell she was deep in thought. Her usual calm and collected demeanor seemed a little more vulnerable tonight, something I hadn't seen from her before.

“I get where you’re coming from,” Minji said, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "I’ve been through a lot too. In fact, it’s why I understand the whole trusting thing, Diana."

I looked at her, surprised by the shift in her tone. Minji had always been the one with the answers, the one who seemed so composed, and it was unusual for her to show any signs of uncertainty. It made me want to listen even more intently.

She let out a slow breath before continuing, her gaze turning to the ceiling as if she were searching for the right words. "There was someone before... someone I thought I could trust with everything. I thought we had a future together, you know? But in the end, it was just... a lie."

I didn’t say anything at first. I simply stayed quiet, letting her speak, feeling her pain in the silence between us.

“I’d given everything to that relationship, everything I had. I thought they were the one, but turns out, they weren’t. They left when things got tough, and it crushed me. But the worst part wasn’t even that. It was realizing that I’d ignored all the signs because I was so desperate to be loved." She paused, her fingers tightening around mine slightly. "When it ended, I felt like I didn’t even know who I was anymore. I had to rebuild myself from the ground up.”

Minji’s vulnerability took me by surprise. She’d always been so confident, so sure of herself, and hearing her speak about her own heartbreak in such a raw, open way made me realize just how human she really was. She wasn’t some distant, unattainable figure. She had her own scars, just like I did.

“But I got through it,” Minji added, looking at me with a small, bittersweet smile. “It wasn’t easy, and it took time, but eventually, I learned that I couldn’t rely on someone else to complete me. I had to learn to stand on my own two feet again, to trust myself before I could trust anyone else.”

Her words struck a chord deep within me. I understood exactly what she meant, even though it was a hard lesson to learn. Trust, love, and healing—they weren’t easy things to navigate. And hearing Minji open up about her own experiences made me feel less alone in mine.

“I guess,” she continued softly, “sometimes it’s easier to put up walls around yourself than to let someone in again. But it’s also the hardest thing to do—letting yourself open up, especially when you’ve been hurt.”

I could see the weariness in her eyes, a depth to her that I hadn’t noticed before. And I felt like, for the first time, I was seeing Minji for who she really was—someone who had been through the same kind of heartbreak and confusion that I had. Someone who knew the pain of trying to move on and still wondering if they could trust again.

I squeezed her hand gently, trying to find the right words. “Thank you for telling me that, Minji. I... I never knew.”

She smiled, a soft, sincere expression that made my heart warm in a way I didn’t expect. “It’s okay. I trust you, Diana. And maybe that’s the first step, right?”

We both sat in silence for a moment, letting her words hang in the air between us. There was a sense of peace that had settled over the room—like the weight of the past was being shared, understood, and slowly released.

I thought about her words, about my own struggles with trust, and how it was okay to take the time I needed to heal. Maybe Minji was right. Maybe I didn’t have to rush things.

After a while, Minji shifted, leaning back on the bed, still close but giving me space to process everything she’d just shared.

“You don’t have to have all the answers either,” Minji added, her voice gentle. “You are still figuring things out. But just remember, you’re not alone in this.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Whatever the future held, at least I knew I had someone by my side who understood what it felt like to be broken and to rebuild from the pieces.

The conversation slowly shifted to lighter topics, and I felt the atmosphere between us lighten in a way that felt so much more comfortable. Minji, always the composed one, seemed to relax further as we started talking about the things that made us laugh instead of the heavy things that weighed on our minds.

“So,” Minji started, her voice suddenly playful, “what kind of music do you like, Diana? I feel like I’m learning more about your deepest secrets tonight.”

I smiled, leaning back against the bed, my hands resting on the pillow beneath me. “Well, I’m pretty open to everything. I listen to all kinds of stuff, honestly. But if I had to pick something, I’d say I’m a sucker for old-school rock. You know, the classics. The kind of music that’s perfect for driving down the coast in the summer. I also like Billie Eilish, The smiths, stuff like that.."

Minji laughed, the sound light and airy, making me feel more at ease. “Old-school rock, huh? I didn’t take you for a classic rock kind of person. You don’t strike me as the ‘heavy metal’ type.”

I rolled my eyes, chuckling. “No, no heavy metal for me. But I do love the energy in songs like that. It’s just… freeing, you know? What about you? What’s your go-to music?”

Minji thought for a moment, her lips curling into a smile as she answered, “I’m more of a jazz person, honestly. It’s soothing, but it’s also got this… edge to it. And it’s perfect for when I need to unwind after a long day. It’s like a mix of calm and chaos, if that makes sense. I enjoy Lana Del Rey as well."

I nodded, intrigued. “I never would’ve pegged you for a jazz fan. But now that I think about it, it kind of suits you. You’re this balance of control and spontaneity.”

She raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “You think so? Well, I guess I have my moments of unpredictability.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I can see that.”

Our conversation continued, moving from music to other things. We talked about our favorite foods, the things that made us laugh, and even the little quirks that made us unique. I learned that Minji was a huge fan of sushi and that she’d never been able to finish a bowl of ramen without slurping too loudly, which she found both embarrassing and endearing. I told her about my obsession with anything sweet, and how my friends often joked that I’d eat an entire cake by myself if I was left alone with it for long enough.

“What about dislikes?” I asked after a moment, curious to see what she wasn’t so fond of.

Minji made a face, as if she were trying to think of the worst thing she could say. “I absolutely can’t stand pickles. I don’t care how many people tell me they’re an essential part of a burger—they ruin it for me.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I’m with you on that one. Pickles are just… wrong.”

“And don’t even get me started on spiders,” she added with a dramatic shudder. “I’m not afraid of many things, but that? I’ll scream if I see one in my space.”

I chuckled, thinking about how her fierce, confident exterior seemed to vanish in the face of something so small. “I get that. I’m not a fan either.”

We continued to share more about what we liked and didn’t like, finding ourselves laughing at the similarities and differences that made us who we were. It felt natural, like two people who had known each other for much longer than a few months, but at the same time, there was an excitement in getting to know each other more with every conversation.

After a while, I leaned over slightly to glance at Minji. “I’m surprised we’re still talking about food and spiders. I expected this to be, like, the deep and philosophical conversation about life and love.”

Minji grinned. “Well, life and love are important, but sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from all the serious stuff. We don’t always have to dive into the deep stuff. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter, too.”

Her words made me smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of comfort in her presence. It was nice to talk about these small, silly things, especially after the emotional rollercoaster I had been on lately. It made me feel lighter, like I could just exist in the moment without worrying about anything else.

“Fair enough,” I said, settling back into the pillows, feeling at ease. “But, just so you know, we’re definitely talking about life and love next time.”

Minji raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh? Is that so?”

“Yeah,” I said, grinning. “And I’ll have you know, I’m a sucker for deep conversations.”

Minji smiled softly. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of those. But for tonight, let’s just enjoy the easy stuff.”

And as we continued chatting into the night, it felt like the weight of everything I’d been carrying had finally lifted, if only for a while. The simplicity of sharing laughs, stories, and small moments with Minji made me realize how much I had been craving connection—not just with her, but with someone who truly understood me.

And in that moment, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t known in a long time.

As Minji and I continued talking, I suddenly heard my phone buzz repeatedly, interrupting our conversation. At first, I tried to ignore it, but the constant notifications from the group chat kept coming in, so I reached for my phone, half-expecting it to be something important.

I opened the chat and was immediately flooded with messages from Abby, Chole, and Nora.

Abby: "OMG, Diana, look at us! The ultimate sleepover squad!!!"

There was a picture attached, showing Abby, Chole, and Nora in matching pajama sets, laughing and having a good time on the couch. In the background, you could see a pile of snacks, a few blankets, and a TV remote, as if they had been in the middle of a movie marathon.

Nora: "I can’t believe you actually showed up, Abby 😭 We thought you ghosted us. But THIS is fun!!"

Chole: "I’m having way too much fun, we should all do this more often!!"

Abby: "Wait, I gotta send the one with the ice cream!!"

Another picture popped up, this time showing Abby holding a giant bowl of ice cream, a huge spoon in her hand, and her face smeared with some of it. The three of them were playfully arguing over who got the first scoop, and I couldn’t help but smile at the carefree energy in the photos.

The messages kept coming as they chatted back and forth:

Abby: "Diana, you should’ve come! We need a fourth person for the pillow fort, honestly. Chole is getting too competitive for the blankets."

Chole: "I am NOT competitive, Abby. You just steal the best blankets every time!"

Nora: "Guys, guess what? We should totally come over to YOUR place next time, Diana, since you’re literally a millionaire or something."

Me: "a millionaire? Not dramatic at all..."

I looked over at Minji, who seemed to catch the sudden shift in my mood, as my eyes lingered on the screen, reading their messages. It felt like they were having fun without me, and I wasn't jealous, just glad that they're not asking me about what I'm doing right now.

Me: "I’m glad you’re all having fun, but yeah, not gonna lie, I’m kinda just chilling rn."

Abby: "Aww, you’re no fun"

Chole: "Is your..dad making you do work, Diana?"

Nora: "or maybe you're on a DATE? EXPLAIN YOUR LOCATION, whose house is that?"

I could feel Minji’s gaze shift towards me, a hint of a smirk on her lips as she waited for me to reply, her eyes amused by the group chat's antics. It felt like a strange contrast, with the chaotic fun of my friends and the calm but intimate atmosphere Minji had created tonight.

I quickly typed a response:

Me: "No date. And no, no, Chole. No work.. I’m just... chilling."

Abby: "I call BULLSHIT on that, Diana. You’re probably having way more fun than we are. Fine, we’ll just cry into our ice cream, I guess."

Nora: "LMAO, Abby, get over it. You’re the one who kept dragging us to the store for all those snacks."

Chole: "I’d still love to come over to YOUR place next time though"

The conversation was still lighthearted, and I couldn’t help but laugh a little at their playful teasing. Even though I wasn’t there with them, their energy and the jokes made me feel connected, as if I would be there.

I set my phone down for a moment, leaning back into Minji as I continued to chat with her, letting the warmth of the night and the growing comfort between us distract me from the chaos of the group chat for a little while.

As I continued talking with Minji, I couldn’t help but notice the group chat was blowing up again. My phone vibrated in my hand, and I glanced at the screen. Abby, Chole, and Nora were all spamming it, completely oblivious to the fact that I wasn’t where I’d told them I’d be.

Nora: "Diana, girl, where you at?? 🧐 I thought you were at home?"

Abby: "Yeah, I just checked your location and you’re like... nowhere near your place?? 🙄 What are you up to? You’re keeping secrets or something?"

Chole: "Don’t even start, Abby'

Nora: "Omg, Diana! You’re not still hiding in your room, are you? Come out and playyyy!"

I let the messages pile up for a second, trying to think of an excuse. I didn’t want to tell them where I actually was, especially not since I was with Minji. They wouldn’t understand. They didn't know I spent time with Ms. Collins outside of school, and I had no intention of letting them find out just yet. Minji and I had a special connection, but if my friends found out about us, it would complicate everything.

So, I quickly typed back, trying to keep it casual:

Me: "Nah, just went out for a little bit... nothing crazy lol"

Abby: "Mmm, sounds suspicious.. You’re keeping something from us, I can feel it. Spill"

Nora: "yeah, why are you acting all mysterious today? We need details, girl!! 🔥"

Nora: "Is it a secret hangout with someone?? 😏"

I paused for a moment, looking at the screen. I couldn’t lie too much, but I also didn’t want to reveal that I was with Minji. I’d only told Chole about it, and she promised she wouldn’t say anything. I trusted her. Still, it was weird to know they were all so curious.

Me: "Nah, I just needed a break from everything, that’s all. Don’t overthink it "

Nora: "Girl, you’re so annoying. I swear, just tell us! We won’t judge 🥱"

Abby: "I bet she’s out there living her best life while we’re stuck in here 😩"

Nora: "Can’t blame her though. Do your thing, Diana! We’ll catch up soon."

They didn’t push further, but I could tell they were still curious. It was kind of funny, honestly, but I knew I had to be careful about what I said. If they ever found out I was hanging out with Minji... well, that would be a whole new mess to deal with.

I set my phone down again, leaning back on the bed and glancing at Minji. I was glad she was here with me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was balancing two worlds—one with my friends, and one with Minji—and I wasn’t sure how long I could keep them separate.

I leaned back against the bed, trying to focus on the conversation I was having with Minji. It felt strange being in this space, with her in her home, yet it also felt oddly comfortable. The air between us had shifted, and everything felt... different now. Less guarded, more real.

Minji glanced at me with a soft smile, clearly not phased by my phone lighting up with all the messages from my friends. She seemed calm, but there was something in her eyes that made me feel like she was curious, maybe even a little concerned about what was going on back home, with Abby and everything else.

"You good?" she asked, her voice steady as she poured herself another drink from the wine bottle we’d opened earlier.

"Yeah, just my friends being nosy again," I muttered, tapping my phone to silence the constant pinging. "They're just... a lot."

Minji chuckled softly, setting her glass down on the table before turning to me. "I get it. I can’t imagine being in your shoes right now. Your friends, Abby... everything must feel a bit overwhelming."

I shrugged, leaning back, trying to seem less affected than I really was. "It’s just weird, you know? They don’t know about us... about me being here, talking to you, and I don’t want them to think... anything. They wouldn't get it."

She leaned closer, her gaze intense but warm. "I’m not asking you to tell them, Diana. You don’t have to. I just want you to know that you don’t have to be alone with all of this. You can talk to me about anything, whenever you want."

I didn’t respond immediately, my mind racing. I had told Minji about Abby and how complicated things had gotten, about how I still cared for her, but I didn’t know if I could handle more of the drama. But being here, with Minji—suddenly it felt different. It felt easier.

"I don’t know what I want right now," I admitted softly, my voice catching slightly. "Like... I broke up with Abby, but I feel like I’m still stuck in this weird space where I don’t know what I should do next."

Minji's expression softened, her hand gently resting on mine. "You don’t need to have all the answers right now, Diana. It’s okay to not know what you want. What matters is that you’re doing what feels right for you."

Her touch was comforting, and I found myself relaxing into it, the tension of the past few days starting to melt away.

"Sometimes I think I just need someone who gets me," I continued, feeling the weight of everything lift slightly off my shoulders as I opened up. "Like, someone who really sees me for who I am... not just what people expect me to be."

Minji's eyes softened as she listened. "I get that. You deserve someone who sees all of you, the real you, without all the noise from everyone else. Don’t settle for anything less than that."

I felt a strange comfort in her words, like she truly understood me—something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

"Do you ever feel like you're just waiting for something to happen?" I asked her quietly. "Like... just waiting for your life to finally make sense?"

Minji gave me a small smile, her gaze distant for a moment. "I think we all do that. We wait for the right moment, the perfect person, the perfect circumstances. But the truth is, sometimes we just need to take a leap. Stop waiting for it to come to us."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and I realized how much I needed this—someone who could talk to me like this, someone who actually listened and helped me work through everything, even if it was just by being here.

"I think... I think I’m ready for a change," I said finally, my voice steady, more sure than I had been in days. "A real change. Not just running away from things, but actually facing them."

Minji smiled, her hand gently squeezing mine. "Whatever you choose, Diana, you’re not alone. You’ve got me, and I’m here for you"

There was no rush, no pressure. Just the sense that, with Minji, I didn’t have to carry all this on my own. She was here.