chapter 25

Minji's pov

As I watched Diana disappear through the front doors of her mansion, a strange, almost aching warmth settled deep in my chest. I didn’t drive away immediately. Instead, I let my hands rest on the steering wheel, my fingers tightening just slightly as I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The night had been perfect—better than I could have ever planned, better than I had even dared to hope.

I leaned back against the headrest, closing my eyes for a brief moment, replaying everything in my mind. The way Diana looked at me when she first stepped out of her house—stunning, effortless, breathtaking. The way she teased me about this feeling like a date, as if she had no idea how serious I was about her. The laughter we shared, the way she opened up to me so naturally, like she wanted to let me in. And, of course, the kiss. Better hope her dad wasn't awake.

My lips tingled at the memory, and I couldn’t stop the small, almost dazed smile that formed. It had been everything. Slow, gentle at first, but filled with an intensity I hadn’t felt in years. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to feel her like that—to have her so close, to taste the warmth of her breath, to feel her melt into me. And the way she looked at me afterward? It wrecked me in the best way possible.

I sighed, finally forcing myself to shift the car into drive. As much as I wanted to stay in this moment, lost in the memory of her, I had to go home. But as I drove through the dimly lit streets, my mind was still entirely on Diana.

Would she be thinking about me too? Lying in bed, replaying every moment the way I was? Would she touch her lips and smile the way I couldn’t seem to stop doing?

I nearly laughed at myself. Look at me, I thought, shaking my head slightly. Minji Collins, acting like a lovesick teenager. But maybe that’s exactly what I was. Because for the first time in a long time, something felt new, felt exciting—felt right.

By the time I reached my apartment, the reality of the night had fully sunk in. Diana had said yes. To the date. To me. To us. We're not official, but talking stage level —or whatever the teens call it.

As I stepped inside, tossing my keys onto the counter, I let out a slow breath. The city lights flickered through my windows, but nothing shined brighter in my mind than the way Diana had looked at me tonight. Like I was something special. Like I was hers.

I glanced at my phone, my fingers itching to text her. But I didn’t want to push. She had just gotten home—probably talking to her friends, maybe even falling asleep. Still, the urge to hear from her, to know what she was thinking, wouldn’t leave me.

Instead, I poured myself a glass of wine, sitting on the couch, my phone resting beside me. I told myself I wouldn’t be the first to text. But if she did? If she reached out first?

I’d answer in a heartbeat.

I swirled the wine in my glass, staring at the city lights through my floor-to-ceiling windows. The warmth of the alcohol barely registered—I was too lost in my own thoughts.

Tonight had been perfect, but the moment I was alone, the reality of it all started creeping in.

We weren’t official. Not yet.

And, more than that—I was her teacher.

The thought sent a heavy weight settling in my chest. As much as I wanted to bask in the feeling of our first kiss, of the way she looked at me with those bright, teasing eyes, I couldn’t ignore the obvious. There was no simple way to do this, no easy path where we could just be together like any normal couple.

She was eighteen—an adult, legally—but I was still her teacher. Her thirty-five-year-old teacher.

I let out a slow breath, running a hand through my hair. Was I setting myself up for disappointment? For something impossible?

Because as much as Diana made me feel alive, as much as she pulled me in like no one ever had before, I knew this wouldn’t be easy. Not just because of the school, but because of everything. The way people would look at us. The way her friends might react. The way the world never seemed to make things simple for people like us.

And yet—when she kissed me tonight, when she chose to stay in that moment with me, I let myself forget all of it.

Don’t get your hopes up, Minji.

But wasn’t it too late for that? Because despite all my logic, all my reasoning, all the ways I could convince myself this wasn’t practical—my heart had already decided.

I wanted her.

And that was a dangerous thing.

The soft chime of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I had been sitting on my couch, legs stretched out, still nursing the last of my wine. The city outside was quiet, the glow of streetlights painting golden streaks across my living room floor.

I glanced at the screen.

Instagram.

Diana: Hey.

I sat up a little straighter, my heart giving a stupid, ridiculous little kick. She hadn’t texted me since I dropped her off, and I’d told myself not to expect anything. To just let her have space. But now, here she was.

I unlocked my phone immediately, fingers hovering for a moment before I finally typed back.

Me: Hey, sweetheart.

A pause. Then three little dots appeared, vanishing, reappearing. She was hesitating. I leaned back against the couch, letting my head rest on the cushion, waiting.

Diana: I had fun tonight.

I exhaled, a slow, easy smile curling on my lips.

Me: Me too. You looked beautiful.

Another pause. Then:

Diana: You always say that.

Me: Because it’s always true.

I could picture her now, lying on that big, luxurious bed of hers, legs kicked up, maybe twirling her hair as she read my messages. I wondered if she was smiling.

Diana: You’re being extra sweet again.

Me: And you like it.

A minute passed. I stared at my screen, waiting, but nothing came through. Maybe she was thinking. Maybe she was blushing.

Then, finally:

Diana: Maybe.

I let out a quiet chuckle, shaking my head. God, she was adorable.

Me: Get some sleep, darling. I’ll see you Monday.

Diana: You’re really not going to text me all weekend?

I raised a brow, grinning.

Me: I was trying to be good.

Diana: You don’t have to be.

Damn. My fingers tightened around my phone. She really had no idea what she did to me.

Me: Oh, sweetheart. You’re playing a dangerous game.

And this time, she didn’t hesitate.

Diana: Good.

I stared at the screen, running a hand down my face with a smirk. God, she was something else. She had no idea how badly I wanted to push this further, tease her, make her squirm—but I had to be careful.

Me: You really like testing me, huh?

Diana: It’s fun.

Me: For you, maybe.

I leaned back, watching as those three little dots appeared again. I imagined her curled up in bed, probably biting her lip, knowing exactly what she was doing to me.

Diana: You like it too.

Damn it.

Me: I’ll let you believe that.

Diana: You’re such a liar.

Me: And you’re trouble, sweetheart.

Diana: You love it.

I didn’t respond right away. Because yes, I did. Probably too much. And she knew it.

The conversation slowed a bit after that, drifting into easier things—her weekend plans, the movie she was watching in the background, how she had to drag herself out of bed tomorrow. I told her she should sleep. She ignored me.

Eventually, though, she went quiet for a bit, and I figured she was getting tired. I didn’t want to push my luck, so I simply sent:

Me: Sweet dreams, darling.

She hearted the message.

I exhaled, setting my phone down for a moment, rubbing at my temple. I was getting in deep. I already had been, but now… now it was undeniable. And the worst part? I didn’t even care.

After a minute, I grabbed my phone again and scrolled through my contacts until I found Claudia. If anyone could talk some sense into me—or at least listen to me lose my mind—it was her.

I tapped the call button and waited. A few rings, then—

"Well, well, well," Claudia’s voice rang through the speaker, amused. "If it isn’t my favorite mess of a best friend. What’s up, Minji?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I think I’m in trouble."

"Oh, I know you are," she laughed. "Spill. Tell me everything."

I exhaled deeply, pacing my apartment as Claudia hummed expectantly on the other end of the line.

“Alright,” I muttered, rubbing my forehead. “You want the whole thing?”

“Minji.” She sighed dramatically. “You literally called me like it was an emergency. Of course I want the whole thing.”

I groaned, sinking onto my couch. “Okay, fine. So, you remember when I told you I—”

“—asked your student on a date?” Claudia cut in, unimpressed. “Yes, I remember, Minji. That part’s permanently burned into my brain.”

I rolled my eyes. “She’s eighteen.”

“And you’re thirty-five,” she shot back. “But whatever, continue.”

I ignored that and kept going. “Well, after I asked her, she didn’t give me an answer right away. But over the next few days, she started warming up to me more. She—God, Claudia, she’s been so cute. Like, it’s actually unreal.”

Claudia snorted. “Minji Collins gushing? Oh, this is serious.”

I ignored that, too. “She finally said yes, and, I don’t know, something about it just… changed things. I went all out, planned the cutest date I could think of, and she loved it.”

“Of course, she did,” Claudia said. “You always go all in when you want something.”

I smiled faintly. “Yeah, well. She makes it easy.”

Claudia let out a dramatic gasp. “Are you blushing right now? Is my Minji blushing?”

“Oh my God, shut up.”

“No, seriously, who are you?” She laughed. “But go on.”

I rolled my eyes but continued. “The date was amazing. I mean, perfect. She was so… her. Teasing, playful, but also really open. And then, when I was driving her home—”

Claudia gasped again. “Did you kiss her?”

I hesitated, feeling warmth creep up my neck. “…Yes.”

“Minji!”

I groaned, covering my face with my free hand. “It just happened! She looked at me, and I—I couldn’t help myself, okay? And she kissed me back.”

Claudia sighed dreamily. “Well, at least you didn’t get slapped.”

“Very funny,” I muttered. “But then I dropped her off, and now here we are. We’ve been texting all night, and I can’t stop thinking about her.”

Claudia was quiet for a second. Then, more seriously, she said, “Minji. Are you sure about this?”

I swallowed, staring at my ceiling. “I don’t know. She’s not my student forever. But right now… it’s complicated.”

“That’s an understatement,” Claudia muttered. “But, Minji—be careful. If this is more than just a crush, you need to think hard about what you’re doing.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “I know.”

Claudia sighed. “Just don’t let yourself get in too deep without knowing what you’re getting into.”

Too late.

I leaned back against my couch, staring at the ceiling as Claudia’s voice crackled through the speaker. “So, what’s next?” she asked, her tone somewhere between amused and genuinely invested. “I assume you’re already scheming for a second date.”

I exhaled, rubbing my temple. “Obviously. I just don’t know what would top the first one.”

Claudia scoffed. “Minji, it was one date. You don’t have to top anything. You just have to plan something she’ll like.”

I frowned. “I want to top it. I want her to be just as excited as she was last night—hell, even more.”

There was a pause. Then Claudia let out a sharp laugh. “Wow. You’re really in it.”

I groaned. “Claudia—”

“No, no, I love this. Minji Collins, the ice queen of our friend group, has fallen head over heels for an eighteen-year-old.” She cackled. “This is karma. All those times you told me to get a grip? Yeah. Look at you now.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Can we focus?”

“Fine, fine,” she said, still chuckling. “What does Diana like? Other than making you lose your mind.”

I paused. “She likes… attention.”

Claudia snorted. “No shit, Minji.”

I ignored her. “She likes fun, spontaneous things. Fancy is nice, but I think something more casual might be good this time. Something where she can just be herself.”

“Hm.” Claudia hummed. “What about an amusement park? Or a fair, if there’s one happening?”

I considered it. “She’d probably love that. I could win her something, she’d get competitive over the games…” A small smile tugged at my lips. “Yeah. That’s a good idea.”

“Obviously,” Claudia said smugly. “I’m the best.”

I rolled my eyes. “I also want a moment to just… be with her. Somewhere quieter.”

“So, do both. Take her to the fair, let her drag you around, and then end the night somewhere quieter. Maybe a drive to the beach? Rooftop? Something that makes it special.”

I was silent for a moment. Then, softly, I admitted, “That’s actually… perfect.”

Claudia gasped. “Did you just admit that I was right? Somebody write this down.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Don’t get used to it.”

She sighed dramatically. “Minji, my dear, my love—if you don’t make her your girlfriend soon, I will personally haunt you forever.”

I hesitated, the reality of it pressing down on me. “Claudia…”

“Don’t ‘Claudia’ me,” she interrupted. “You’re gone for this girl. Just don’t be a coward about it.”

"Just a second ago you told me to be careful, your opinions change fast." I raise my eyebrow.

She just shrugs. "They change often yes. Anyway, ask her to be your girlfriend!"

I swallowed. “It’s not that simple.”

“It is that simple,” she shot back. “You like her. She obviously likes you. The only thing stopping this from becoming real is you overthinking it.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Maybe she was right. But it was still terrifying.

“Just plan the date,” Claudia said, gentler this time. “And maybe—maybe—let yourself enjoy this without all the complications.”

I nodded, a small smile forming. “Yeah. I will.”

I groaned dramatically. “Claudia.”

She sighed. “Minji.”

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling like it held all the answers. “She’s so—”

“If you say ‘pretty,’ I swear to God, I’m hanging up.”

“—perfect,” I finished, grinning when Claudia groaned.

“Minji, I love you, but please shut up,” she begged. “This is, like, the tenth time this week.”

“I can’t help it,” I whined. “She looked at me today. Like—really looked at me. And I swear, I forgot how to breathe for a second.”

“Wow,” Claudia deadpanned. “A woman you like looked at you. What a moment.”

I ignored her. “And she laughs like—like it’s the best sound in the world. You don’t get it—”

“Oh, I do get it,” she cut in. “Because you won’t stop talking about it. Minji, babe, you’re literally an adult, but you’re acting like a teenage girl with her first crush.”

I groaned, pulling a pillow over my face. “I feel like one.”

“Yeah, no kidding.” She paused, then added, “Should I start writing your wedding vows now, or do you need another week?”

I scoffed. “Claudia.”

“What?” she said, all fake innocence. “I’m just being proactive. You’re so gone for her.”

I hesitated, voice quieter. “Yeah.”

There was a beat of silence, then Claudia sighed. “Minji, be for real—why aren’t you just dating her already?”

I bit my lip. “Because it’s complicated.”

“Oh my god.” Claudia groaned. “You always say that. But what’s actually complicated? You like her. She likes you. That’s, like, the least complicated situation ever.”

I exhaled slowly. “She’s eighteen.”

“And?”

“And I’m not.”

Claudia let out the loudest sigh known to mankind. “Minji. She’s a legal adult. You are not her actual teacher anymore outside of that classroom. And you’re not, like, fifty. You’re thirty-five.”

“That’s still—”

“A seventeen-year gap, yeah, yeah, I know,” she interrupted. “But she’s not some child. You’re both grown. And you’re acting like a lovesick fool about her.”

I groaned. “I am a lovesick fool.”

“Exactly!” she exclaimed. “So just—stop overthinking and let yourself have this.”

I was quiet for a second. Then, reluctantly, I admitted, “I want to.”

“Then do it,” she said simply.

I bit my lip, smiling a little. “She’s just… so much. In the best way.”

Claudia snorted. “You mean she’s got you wrapped around her little finger?”

I huffed. “Absolutely.”

“Pathetic,” she teased.

I laughed. “I know—"

Claudia was already laughing at me before I even finished my sentence.

“Oh my god, Minji. You need to breathe.”

“I am breathing,” I shot back. “I’m just also very—”

“Obsessed?” she supplied.

I huffed. “Involved.”

Claudia snorted. “Yeah, okay. Keep telling yourself that.”

I ignored her. “You don’t understand—the way she talks to me, Claudia. It’s insane. She’s so—” I groaned dramatically. “Effortlessly charming.”

“Oh, I bet she is,” Claudia drawled. “You’re telling me this girl doesn’t have you wrapped around her little manicured finger?”

I sighed dreamily. “She does have nice nails.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“I mean, they’re always painted perfectly. Like, I swear she gets them done weekly.” I paused, then added, “It’s so hot.”

Claudia made a gagging noise. “Minji, please.”

“What?” I said innocently. “I like nice hands.”

“You like her hands,” Claudia corrected.

I hesitated. “Yeah.”

She groaned. “This is worse than I thought.”

I laughed. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.”

I smiled, shaking my head. “I might not be.”

Claudia sighed. “Okay, let’s break it down. You’re obsessed with her hands. What else?”

“Oh my god, everything.” I exhaled, suddenly too overwhelmed to even list it all. “Claudia, I swear, she’s got me completely in her grip.”

“Clearly.”

“She’s just—so much. She teases me like she knows I like it. And her confidence? I die every time she looks at me like that.”

“Like what?”

I hesitated. “Like… like she could ruin me if she wanted.”

Claudia groaned. “Minji, please.”

“I’m just being honest,” I defended. “And the way she smirks, Claudia. She knows what she’s doing.”

“You sound like you’re suffering.”

“I am suffering,” I confirmed. “Happily.”

Claudia burst out laughing. “You’re too far gone. I can’t save you.”

“I don’t want to be saved.”

She sighed dramatically. “Okay, fine. Keep being obsessed with your teenage dream.”

I rolled my eyes. “She’s eighteen.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Claudia said, but I could hear her smirking. “So. You gonna kiss her again?”

I froze. “…What?”

“Oh, please.” She scoffed. “Like you didn’t think about it the second you got home.”

I hesitated. “Maybe.”

Claudia groaned. “Minji, you are pathetic. Absolutely insane"

I just smiled. “I know.”

Claudia’s voice softened, and I knew what was coming before she even said it.

“Minji.”

I exhaled. “Yeah?”

She hesitated. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

My fingers curled slightly around my phone. “Ready for what?”

“To trust someone again.”

I didn’t answer right away. My gaze drifted toward my window, where the city lights stretched endlessly in the distance.

Claudia sighed. “Minji.”

“I do trust her,” I said, but even I could hear the slight hesitation in my voice.

Claudia was quiet for a second. Then, gently, “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”

I did.

I knew exactly what she was asking.

After Ada, after everything that happened, after the way she chewed me up and spat me out, was I really ready to try again? To let someone in? To risk it all again?

I swallowed.

Claudia sighed. “Look, I like Diana, okay? From what you’ve told me, she seems great. But you don’t do casual, Minji. You never have.”

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. “I know.”

“You get attached.”

I knew that, too.

Claudia continued, her voice softer now. “I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

I let out a quiet laugh. “I appreciate it, Claud, but I think I can handle myself.”

She snorted. “Right. That’s why you spent thirty minutes earlier talking about her nails.”

I groaned. “Okay, fine, maybe I’m a little attached.”

“A little?”

“Shut up.”

She laughed but then fell quiet again. “Look, I’m not saying don’t go for it. I want you to be happy. I just…” She sighed. “You were wrecked after Ada, Minji. It took you years to even consider letting someone in again. Just—be sure this is what you want, okay?”

I swallowed, staring down at my lap.

Did I want this?

…Yes.

More than I wanted to admit.

I thought about Diana’s laugh, her teasing smile, the way she leaned into me without even thinking about it. The way she looked at me, sharp and mischievous and curious.

I wanted this.

I just didn’t know if I was ready.

But I wanted to be.

“I’ll be careful,” I said finally.

Claudia sighed, but I could hear the smile in her voice. “Good.”

“…But if she kisses me again, I’m done for. I'll be letting her in."

She groaned. “Minji.”

I laughed. “I’m just being honest.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She sighed dramatically. “God help you.”

I smiled, but deep down, I knew she was right.

I was in way too deep.

Diana's pov

Saturday morning, I woke up with my phone already in my hand.

Which—probably wasn’t a great sign.

My eyes were barely open, my hair a mess, my face smushed into my pillow, but the first thing I did was check my notifications. Like a complete idiot.

I had a few texts from Chloe. Some spam from the group chat. A random Snapchat from Nora. Nothing too exciting.

And then—

Minji.

I swear, my heart jumped.

I sat up so fast I almost dropped my phone on my face.

Minji: Good morning, sleepyhead.

Oh.

Oh, that was so unfair.

I flopped back against my pillows, gripping my phone with both hands like it was oxygen.

I had to play it cool. Obviously.

…Or.

Or I could overthink for ten minutes straight and type out three different responses before deleting them all.

Because what was the right move here?? Good morning :) was too basic. Did you sleep well? felt too soft. Why are you awake so early?? was fine, but what if she thought I was ignoring the ‘sleepyhead’ thing? Because that was cute. That was so cute. And I wasn’t about to let it go unnoticed.

Okay. Breathe. Be normal.

I forced myself to type:

Me: good morning minji

Me: also. sleepyhead???

And then.

I saw the three little dots pop up.

I swear, I stopped breathing.

Minji: Yes, sleepyhead. You.

Minji: I bet you just woke up and checked your phone immediately.

I stared at my screen.

What the hell.

Was she a mind reader now???

Me: ok first of all

Me: that’s crazy

Me: second of all. don’t expose me like this.

I kicked my feet under the blanket.

Like an absolute loser.

Minji: I knew it.

Minji: You’re predictable.

Predictable???

PREDICTABLE????

I sat up again, grabbing my pillow like I needed to punch something.

Me: excuse me????

Me: i am very mysterious and unpredictable actually

Minji took her time responding.

Minji: Sure, sweetheart.

Oh.

Oh, that was so illegal.

I stared at the word sweetheart for a full ten seconds, then threw my pillow across the room.

I was actually going to combust.

I typed out Minji. and then deleted it. Typed out stop. and deleted that too. I couldn’t let her know she was winning.

Me: you are so annoying.

Minji: And yet, here you are.

I flopped back down again, covering my face with both hands.

I needed help.

Professional help.

Because this woman was going to ruin me.

The rest of the day?

A blur.

I tried to act normal. I really did. But how was I supposed to function when Minji had already destroyed me before I even got out of bed??

Everything felt different. Like, brushing my teeth? Different. Getting dressed? Different. Eating breakfast? Oh, definitely different. Because my brain would not shut up. It was just Minji, Minji, Minji on a loop.

I couldn’t even check my phone without feeling like a complete idiot.

At some point, I got a text in the group chat:

Nora:  diana you alive?

Abby: she’s probs still asleep smh

Chloe: no she’s awake i saw her online earlier

Nora: Diana. Explain yourself.

I groaned, throwing my phone onto the bed.

It was like they knew.

Okay, fine. I answered.

Me: im alive chill

Abby: what were u doing then??

Me: …

Me: stuff

Nora: STUFF????

Chloe: ok now i’m suspicious

Abby: right like what is “stuff”

Me: nothing omg

Yeah. That wasn’t suspicious at all.

I managed to escape the interrogation by saying I had to get ready, which technically wasn’t a lie. I did have to get dressed, even if I took way too long just standing in front of my closet, staring at my clothes like an NPC that forgot how to function.

By the time I actually did get ready, I had three missed calls from Chloe.

Because apparently, we were all supposed to meet up.

And apparently, nobody told me.

(Or maybe they did tell me, and I just... wasn’t listening.)

So I rushed out of my house, barely grabbing my bag before I met up with them at the café near campus.

And guess what?

The moment I sat down, Abby stared at me like I had committed a crime.

"Okay," she said, sipping her iced coffee. "Spill."

I blinked. "Spill what?"

Chloe and Nora both crossed their arms.

"You’re acting weird," Nora said. "Like, suspicious weird."

"I’m literally not," I said, taking a sip of my drink.

Abby narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes??"

Chloe squinted at me like she could see into my soul. "Are you hiding something?"

I almost choked.

"No," I said, very convincingly. "Why would I be hiding something?"

All three of them stared at me.

For way too long.

Like they knew.

Like they could smell the guilt on me.

I took another sip of my drink just to do something with my hands.

And then—like the actual dumbass I am—

I got a notification.

From Minji.

My phone vibrated right there on the table.

I didn’t even look at it. I just grabbed it so fast I nearly knocked my drink over.

The three of them watched.

Their eyes narrowed.

"Who was that?" Abby asked.

I forced myself to look normal. Casual. Chill.

"Uh," I said. "No one."

Nora leaned in. "No one?"

"Yep," I said, locking my phone.

Chloe didn’t say anything. But she knew. She knew exactly who it was.

She just smirked, sipping her drink.

Yeah. I was so screwed.

I had barely even locked my phone when it buzzed again.

And because I’m an actual idiot, I instantly checked it.

Big mistake.

Because the second my screen lit up, Chloe saw it.

She didn’t say anything at first. She just gave me this look—a look that said I know exactly what’s going on, and I’m about to be so annoying about it.

Then, in the most casual voice possible, she said, "Minji again?"

I froze.

Nora and Abby were still distracted, talking about something else, but Chloe? Oh, she was watching me like a hawk.

I cleared my throat. "Uh. No."

Chloe raised an eyebrow.

"Right," she said, dragging out the word. "And I’m a nun."

I ignored her, opening Minji’s message.

Minji: Have I mentioned how good you looked last night?

Minji: Because you did. Really, really good.

I bit the inside of my cheek.

Chloe leaned in. "What’s she saying?"

I gave her a look. "Nothing."

Chloe smirked. "Nothing, huh?"

I typed back:

Me: Flirting this early?? Bold of you.

Minji responded almost instantly.

Minji: When it comes to you? I’m always bold.

Oh my god.

I had to actually stop myself from smiling.

Chloe, however, saw everything.

"You’re smiling," she whispered.

"I’m not," I whispered back.

"You so are."

I ignored her, texting Minji again.

Me: You’re really texting me like a teenage girl rn

Minji: I feel like one. Is this what high school crushes are like?

Chloe gasped.

And I immediately turned my phone away.

"Chloe," I whispered. "Shut up."

She grinned. "Did she just call you her crush?"

I buried my face in my hands.

This was so embarrassing.

Meanwhile, Chloe was having the time of her life. "Diana. Diana. You have to let me see more of these texts."

"Absolutely not."

"Oh, come on, please?"

"No."

Chloe pouted, but then my phone buzzed again.

Another message from Minji.

And when I read it, my stomach flipped.

Minji: So, when’s our next date?

I inhaled.

Chloe grabbed my arm.

"You’re blushing," she said.

I was not.

I was absolutely not.

…Okay, maybe I was. But she didn’t need to point it out.

I quickly texted back:

Me: Already thinking about the next one?

Minji: Of course. I meant it when I said I’m serious about you.

Chloe slammed her hands onto the table.

Nora and Abby both jumped.

"Chloe," Nora said. "What the hell??"

Chloe just smiled. "Nothing."

I glared at her.

She winked.

This was going to be a long day.