chapter 26

✂Diana's pov✂

Sunday started slow. Peaceful.

For about five minutes.

Then my phone buzzed.

Minji: Good morning, gorgeous.

I blinked at my screen.

It was way too early for her to be texting me this sweetly.

And then-before I could even reply-another message came through.

Minji: Did you sleep well? Dream about me?

I let out a breathy laugh.

This woman.

I shifted under my covers, stretching before finally typing back.

Me: You're really texting me like this at 9 AM??

Minji: I wanted to text you at 7, but I thought that might be too desperate.

Me: That's because it is desperate.

Minji: What can I say? I miss you.

I froze.

I reread the message.

Then reread it again.

Miss me?

I barely even had time to process it before my phone buzzed again.

Minji: Too much? Should I take it back?

I smirked.

Me: Nope. No take-backs.

Minji didn't reply for a second.

Then-

Minji: Damn. Caught in 4K.

Minji: I do miss you, though.

And just like that, my stomach flipped.

I exhaled, closing my eyes for a second before replying.

Me: We just saw each other two days ago.

Minji: And that was too long ago.

I actually had to pause before responding, because if I answered too quickly, Minji would definitely clown me for being flustered.

Instead, I took my time stretching, pulling myself out of bed, and checking my notifications.

And, obviously, the group chat was already awake.

Nora: Movie night again today?

Abby: Yes. I demand it.

Chloe: Diana, you down?

I was about to reply when another text from Minji popped up.

Minji: What's the plan today? Should I come steal you away?

I bit my lip, staring at the screen for a second.

Me: I'm hanging out with my friends tonight. Movie night.

Minji: Lame. I'm more fun.

Me: Bold of you to assume.

Minji: I'm incredibly fun.

Minji: Also, I could totally make you have more fun than they can.

I swallowed.

Okay. That sounded-

Nope. Not going there.

Instead, I just sent back a laughing emoji.

Minji didn't even hesitate before replying.

Minji: See? You're already smiling.

And okay. Maybe I was.

Maybe Minji was being too adorable.

And maybe I didn't mind. At all.

It started as a joke.

At least, I thought it was a joke.

But Minji was persistent.

Minji: I could make your Sunday way more fun than a regular movie night.

Me: Oh yeah? What do you have planned?

Minji: Secret.

Me: Suspicious.

Minji: Exciting.

I rolled my eyes, but the tiny smile on my face betrayed me.

I still wasn't planning on ditching movie night. At first.

But then Minji kept texting.

And texting.

And texting.

Minji: Come on, you know you want to.

Minji: I'll pick you up at 6. You don't even have to dress up this time.

Minji: I can hear you thinking about it.

The worst part?

She was right.

I chewed on my lip, staring at my phone.

And then, before I could overthink it, I typed out a reply.

Me: Fine.

Minji's response was instant.

Minji: YESSSSS

I laughed under my breath, shaking my head.

And then I remembered-I still had to tell the group chat.

Ugh.

I switched apps, typing quickly.

Me: Hey, I actually have plans tonight.

Nora: ??????

Abby: EXCUSE ME?

Abby: you have other friends than us?

Chloe: Lmfaoo where tf u going

I hesitated for one second too long.

Nora: WHO ARE U SEEING

Abby: Wait wait wait.

Abby: Is this a DATE???

Me: No.

Nora: That was suspiciously fast.

Chloe: That was suspiciously defensive.

Abby: DIANA WHO IS IT

I sighed.

Yeah, not answering that.

Me: Gotta go. Have fun at movie night!

Then I turned off notifications before they could spam me more.

And, of course, Minji chose that exact moment to text me again.

Minji: What time should I pick you up, princess?

God.

Why did she have to be so-

I didn't even know the word for it.

But I liked it.

A lot.

✂✂✂✂✂✂

At exactly 6 PM, I stood in the hallway, keys in hand, ready to leave.

I took a deep breath before stepping into the living room, where my dad sat on the couch, casually sipping his coffee. His eyes flicked up from his phone the moment he saw me.

I cleared my throat. "I'm heading out. Hanging with my friends tonight."

His lips twitched-way too smug for my liking. "Oh? With Chloe, Abby, and Nora?"

"Yeah..." I said slowly, already feeling like this was a trap.

"Huh." He took another sip of coffee, way too relaxed. "So why did Abby text me earlier asking if you were home?"

My stomach dropped. "She-what?"

"Relax, princess," he chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't care if you're going on a date."

"It's not a date," I said immediately.

He raised a brow. "Mhm."

"It's not!"

"Right." He leaned back, clearly not convinced. "You look nice, by the way."

I narrowed my eyes at him before sighing. "I'm leaving."

"Have fun on your totally-not-a-date," he called after me.

I groaned and walked out before he could say anything else.

Just as I stepped outside, Minji's car pulled up, sleek and expensive, headlights cutting through the dimming evening light. The window rolled down, and there she was-grinning like she had way too much fun driving this car.

"Right on time," she said. "Get in, princess."

And despite everything, despite my dad being way too smug, despite the fact that my friends would lose their minds if they knew-I smiled.

And I got in.

The moment I slid into the passenger seat and closed the door, Minji turned to me with that familiar smirk-but before I could say anything, she reached over and hugged me.

Not just a quick, casual hug.

A real, tight hug, like she actually missed me.

I barely had time to react before she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me against her, the scent of her expensive cologne and something uniquely her surrounding me. She was warm, solid, and despite how composed and put-together she usually looked, she squeezed me like she had been waiting for this moment all day.

"Missed you," she murmured against my shoulder.

My breath hitched.

Oh.

I hesitated for only a second before my arms moved on their own, wrapping around her. "You saw me on Friday," I teased, but my voice was softer than I expected.

"Mhm." She didn't let go immediately. "Still missed you."

I swallowed, my fingers tightening slightly on the fabric of her suit jacket.

Eventually, she pulled back just enough to look at me, her usual confidence still there but softened by something warmer. Her hands lingered, one brushing against my arm before she finally pulled away fully and settled back into the driver's seat.

She cleared her throat, fingers drumming against the steering wheel like she was trying to compose herself. "You look beautiful, by the way."

I rolled my eyes, but my face was definitely warmer than before. "You always say that."

"Because it's always true," she shot back effortlessly, smirking as she started the car.

I bit my lip, watching as she expertly maneuvered out of my driveway, the purr of the engine smooth beneath us.

The ride to her house was like something out of a dream-city lights blurring past, the occasional flicker of headlights illuminating the interior of the car, Minji's hand resting casually on the gear shift like she owned the road.

She was relaxed but focused, one hand on the wheel, the other tapping lightly against her knee in time with the soft music playing through the speakers. I found myself sneaking glances at her-at the sharp cut of her jawline in the dim lighting, the way her eyes flicked to the rearview mirror with quiet confidence.

"You're staring, princess," she murmured without looking away from the road.

I huffed, crossing my arms. "No, I'm not."

She just chuckled, and I could hear the smugness in her voice. "Sure."

I turned to the window, pretending to focus on the city passing by. But when I caught my reflection, I could still see the small smile tugging at my lips.

And the way Minji glanced at me when she thought I wasn't looking?

Yeah.

I saw that too.

The moment Minji pulled into her driveway and parked, she turned off the engine and immediately leaned toward me, resting her head on top of my head dramatically.

"Finally," she sighed, her voice filled with exaggerated relief. "I thought that drive was never going to end. I missed you too much."

I laughed, nudging her. "Minji, it was like a fifteen-minute drive."

"Exactly. Agonizing." She turned her head slightly, her cheek pressed against my shoulder now, and let out another over-the-top sigh. "I suffered."

I rolled my eyes, but my stomach was doing flips. "You're so dramatic."

"Only for you."

She pulled back just enough to look up at me, eyes warm and playful, and before I could react, she reached out and gently poked my cheek with her index finger.

"Boop."

I blinked. "Did you just-"

"Yes." She grinned, unbothered. "And I'll do it again if you keep looking at me like that."

I tried to glare at her, but her stupidly cute expression made it impossible. "Like what?"

"Like you secretly love this."

I huffed, turning toward the door, but she beat me to it, swiftly getting out of the car and rushing to my side before I could even grab the handle.

She opened my door for me, grinning as she held out a hand. "M'lady."

I stared at her. "Minji."

"Diana," she mimicked my tone, wiggling her fingers, waiting for me to take her hand.

I sighed but took it, letting her help me out of the car-even though I absolutely did not need help. But she looked so happy doing it that I didn't complain.

As soon as I was out, she didn't let go.

Instead, she intertwined our fingers and gave my hand a small squeeze before leading me toward the entrance of her massive, expensive house.

"Oh my god," I mumbled, looking up at the place as we walked. "Every time I see your house, it's still ridiculous."

"Hey." She nudged me with her shoulder, grinning. "You say that like it's a bad thing. I happen to love my ridiculous house."

"Of course, you do."

We reached the door, and before she unlocked it, she suddenly turned to me again, still holding my hand.

"By the way," she said, her voice quieter now, but still teasing. "I think I forgot to tell you something important earlier."

I raised a brow. "What?"

Her grip on my hand tightened slightly as she leaned in just a little, close enough that I could feel her breath against my skin.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight."

My stomach flipped.

I opened my mouth-probably to call her out for being ridiculously smooth-but she had already turned back to the door, unlocking it like she hadn't just casually murdered me with that line.

"Come on in, princess," she said over her shoulder. "Welcome back to my ridiculous house."

The moment we stepped inside, Minji didn't waste a second before grabbing my wrist and pulling me further in.

"Shoes off," she said, kicking off her own. "I don't make the rules."

"You do make the rules," I pointed out, slipping out of mine anyway.

"Shhh," she hushed me, taking my hand again and leading me toward the living room. "Now, sit."

She motioned toward the couch, but before I could even think about sitting down normally, she pulled me straight onto her lap.

"Minji-!" I started, trying to move, but she wrapped her arms around my waist and locked me in place.

"Nope," she said simply, resting her chin on my shoulder like this was the most natural thing in the world. "You're not sitting anywhere else."

I let out an exasperated sigh, but my face was already burning. "You are so clingy."

"I told you I missed you," she said, tightening her hold slightly. "Now hush, I'm ordering food."

I tried shifting again, but she just casually adjusted, keeping me right where she wanted me while pulling out her phone with one hand.

"What do you feel like eating, princess?" she asked, scrolling through options.

"I don't know, anything's fine," I muttered, still very much aware of how close we were.

"Nope, not good enough," she said, tapping her fingers against my hip. "Give me a real answer. You deserve only the best."

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the way my stomach flipped at the way she said that. "Something good, then."

"Wow," she deadpanned, tightening her arms again. "Such helpful input. Incredible."

"Shut up," I muttered, feeling my face heat up even more. "Just order whatever you think is good."

She hummed, scrolling a little more. "Fine, but if you don't like it, you're still eating it. No complaints."

I sighed, giving up on arguing, and finally relaxed a little against her.

Big mistake.

Minji immediately noticed and nuzzled against me, practically purring. "See? This isn't so bad, is it?"

"Shut up," I muttered again, face burning.

"No" she said, tapping away at her phone. "I like hearing you get all flustered."

I groaned. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," she said smoothly, placing the order like she hadn't just absolutely wrecked me in under five minutes. "You love this."

I refused to respond, crossing my arms with an exasperated huff.

Minji just chuckled, tightening her hold around my waist again as she set her phone aside.

"Now, we wait," she said, leaning back against the couch with me still securely in her arms. "And in the meantime, you're not going anywhere."

Minji's arms stayed wrapped around me, warm and firm, like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon. I should've expected it at this point-she never let go easily.

"You're way too comfortable like this," I murmured, trying to ignore how her hold on me somehow felt even tighter now.

"And?" she whispered back, resting her forehead against mine, her breath warm against my lips. "You're not exactly moving, princess."

I swallowed, feeling my heart pound. "Maybe I'm just too tired to fight."

"Mmm... lucky me, then." She let one hand slowly trace up my back, light and teasing, while the other rested comfortably on my waist. "Because I really like you right here."

My breath hitched as I felt her fingers press just a little more into my skin. "Minji..."

"What, baby?" she murmured, her lips barely brushing mine now. "You gonna stop me?"

I didn't answer. Couldn't answer.

Because the next second, she tilted her head-and finally, finally closed the space between us.

The kiss was slow, sweet, like she was savoring it.

Like she was savoring me.

Minji hummed softly against my lips, one of her hands slipping into my hair, the other still keeping me pressed against her. "Mmm..." She kissed me again, deeper this time, before pulling back just enough to whisper, "Been wanting to do this all night."

I swallowed hard, gripping onto the front of her blazer. "You're so-"

"Perfect?" she murmured, smiling against my lips before pressing another kiss there. "Yeah, I know."

I huffed a quiet laugh, but it was cut short when she tilted my chin up slightly and kissed me again, softer, slower.

She pulled back just enough to whisper, "You're so beautiful, Diana..." then kissed me again. "I swear, I can't get enough of you."

I felt my face heat up, and I barely had a second to breathe before she kissed me again, like she couldn't stop.

"Minji..." I whispered breathlessly.

"Mmm?" she hummed against my lips, pressing tiny kisses along my jaw now.

"I-the food can arrive any minute..." I managed to say, even as my hands tightened against her blazer.

"Not yet," she murmured, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. "Just a little longer... please."

I hesitated for half a second-then sighed, smiling softly. "Okay..."

Her lips curled into a grin before she leaned in, kissing me again, whispering against my lips, "That's my girl."

Minji's lips barely left mine for more than a second before she was kissing me again, soft and teasing, a quiet hum vibrating in her throat.

"You're smiling," she murmured against my lips, her hands tracing gentle patterns along my back.

"So are you," I whispered back, trying to suppress my laugh.

"Can't help it," she admitted, pressing another lingering kiss to my lips before pulling back just enough to look at me. "You're too cute when you're flustered."

I rolled my eyes but didn't move from my place on her lap. "I'm not flustered."

"Mmm..." She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Sure, princess. Whatever you say."

I let out a dramatic sigh, but Minji only grinned, tightening her arms around me before kissing me again-longer this time, slower.

I felt her smile against my lips when I let out a quiet hum of contentment, my fingers unconsciously curling into the front of her blazer.

"See?" she murmured between kisses. "You like this too much to be annoyed with me."

"Maybe..." I whispered back, matching her grin.

Minji let out a soft laugh, then pressed another kiss to my lips-then my jaw-then my cheek, giggling softly between each one.

I was about to tease her for being so ridiculously affectionate when-

Ding-dong.

The sound of the doorbell startled us both.

I jerked slightly in her hold, blinking. "Who-?"

Minji groaned, letting her head fall back dramatically. "You have got to be kidding me."

I stifled a laugh at her reaction, but she only tightened her grip around me, not letting me move. "Ignore it," she muttered, burying her face against my neck. "They'll go away."

The doorbell rang again.

"Minji-"

"No," she said instantly, arms locked around me like a stubborn child. "You're staying right here."

I laughed now, lightly pushing at her shoulders. "What if it's important?"

"I don't care," she mumbled dramatically, nuzzling into my neck. "Nothing is more important than this."

"Minji, it's the food!"

Minji let out a deep, dramatic sigh, still holding me close. "Fine," she grumbled, pressing one last lingering kiss to my jaw before finally letting me go. "But only because I'm hungry."

I slid off her lap, shaking my head as she reluctantly stood. "You act like you weren't the one who insisted on ordering food in the first place."

"That was before I had something better to do," she shot back with a smirk, running a hand through her slightly tousled hair before heading toward the door.

I crossed my arms, watching as she opened it to reveal the delivery guy standing there, looking mildly unimpressed as he held out the bag of food.

"Minji Collins?"

"That's me," she said, already pulling out her wallet. "Sorry about the wait, I was-" She glanced over her shoulder at me, the corner of her lips twitching. "distracted."

I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks burned at the way she said it.

The delivery guy, completely uninterested in whatever weird tension we had going on, simply nodded. "$38.50."

Minji handed over the cash and took the bag, nodding once as the guy muttered a quick "have a good night" before leaving.

The second the door closed behind her, she turned back to me, holding up the bag triumphantly. "Alright, princess. Dinner is served."

I lifted an eyebrow. "And what exactly did you even order?"

Minji grinned. "Your favorites, of course."

I blinked, taken aback. "You-" I paused, narrowing my eyes at her. "How do you even know what my favorites are?"

She smirked, walking past me toward the kitchen. "I pay attention, sweetheart."

I stood there for a second, watching her disappear into the other room, my heart doing a very inconvenient little flip at how effortlessly smooth she was.

Yeah. I was so doomed.

Minji had set everything up effortlessly, like she'd done this a million times before. The food was placed neatly on the coffee table, drinks within reach, the lights dimmed just enough to make the atmosphere cozy. She sat beside me on the couch, her arm draped lazily over the backrest behind me, her fingers occasionally brushing my shoulder like she wasn't even aware of it.

I picked up my takeout container, opening it to find all of my favorite things. "I still can't believe you remembered all this."

"Of course I did," Minji said with a small smirk, picking up her own food. "I like knowing what makes you happy."

My stomach did that stupid little flip again, and I quickly looked away, pretending to be completely focused on the movie we had just started.

"Carol?" she had asked earlier when I picked it. "Should I be worried about you making me watch a tragic lesbian movie on our second 'date'?"

"I like the story," I had defended. "And the cinematography is pretty."*

"Ah," she had nodded knowingly. "So you just wanted an excuse to stare at Cate Blanchett for two hours."

"Minji-"

"It's okay, baby," she had teased, smirking. "I get it. She's hot."

Now, as the movie played, Minji was half-watching, half-focused on eating, while I did my best to just act normal and not let the warmth of her presence completely distract me.

But then, halfway through, when Carol and Therese had their first truly charged moment-the lingering touch of a hand, the stolen glances-Minji suddenly leaned in closer, voice low. "You know," she murmured, "for a first date, Carol really went all in."

I swallowed my bite of food, glancing at her. "Is this your way of saying my taste in movies is dramatic?"

"No," she grinned, resting her chin in her hand. "I think your taste in movies is hopelessly romantic."

My face burned, and I quickly looked back at the screen. "Shut up."

Minji laughed, completely delighted. "Never."

We kept eating, but as the movie progressed and Carol and Therese finally gave in, Minji's teasing stopped. Her fingers, which had been lazily playing with the edge of my sleeve, stilled. I could feel her watching me, even as I kept my eyes on the screen.

Then, after a moment, she spoke, voice soft. "Do you think you would've been brave enough?"

I frowned slightly, turning to her. "Brave enough for what?"

"For something like that." She nodded at the screen. "Falling for someone when you weren't supposed to. Going after it anyway."

I stared at her, feeling my heart slow down and speed up all at once.

She didn't say it, but I knew what she meant. Us. The thing we were both stepping into, slowly, cautiously, knowing the weight of it.

I swallowed. "I think... I think if you really want something, you find a way to be brave for it."

Minji held my gaze for a moment, then-very gently-reached out and took my hand. Not in a casual way. Not teasing. Just a quiet, deliberate touch, like an answer.

I squeezed her fingers in return.

We didn't say anything else after that. Just sat there, hand in hand, watching Carol and Therese navigate their impossible love, while the quiet, inevitable weight of our story settled in around us.

The movie played on, casting a warm, flickering glow over the dimly lit living room. The rich cinematography of Carol painted everything in soft, muted tones-the blurred cityscapes, the golden lamplight pooling on cold streets, the slow, lingering close-ups that made every glance feel loaded. I could feel Minji's presence beside me, her arm draped lazily over the back of the couch, her fingers occasionally brushing against my shoulder in a way that felt so casual it had to be intentional.

It wasn't just the story that made Carol special-it was the way it unfolded. The way the silences spoke louder than the words. The way Carol Aird, with all her careful composure, unraveled so slowly under Therese Belivet's quiet, unwavering gaze. It was all in the details-the brush of hands over a glove counter, the way Carol's voice softened when she said Therese's name, the way their goodbye at the train station felt like it physically ached.

Minji had been mostly quiet through the first half of the film, eating her food and watching, but when Carol invited Therese on that spontaneous road trip, she finally broke the silence.

"Okay," she said, shifting slightly, "but be so real with me right now. If a rich, elegant woman walked up to you, flirted with you over perfume recommendations, and then asked you to come on a trip with her, would you go?"

I smirked, glancing at her. "Are you asking because you want to know how easy it would be to kidnap me?"

"I'm asking because I need to know if you have any self-preservation instincts."

"I mean..." I shrugged, playing with the hem of my sleeve. "If she had a voice like Cate Blanchett's?"

Minji groaned, pressing a hand over her heart dramatically. "Unbelievable."

I laughed. "You literally dress like you belong in this movie. You can't even judge me."

"I do not-" she started, then looked down at herself-black slacks, button-down shirt, tie still loosened from earlier in the evening. She sighed, shaking her head. "...Okay, maybe I do."

I grinned, looking back at the screen. Carol and Therese sat across from each other in a dimly lit diner, their hands so close on the table it almost hurt to look at. Carol's voice, low and careful, cut through the quiet.

"What a strange girl you are... flung out of space."

Minji exhaled sharply, pointing at the screen. "That's it. That's the line. Game over."

"It really is." I turned to look at her. "If someone said that to you, would you survive?"

"Nope." She took a sip of her drink. "I'd be on the floor. Gone."

I laughed, leaning my head back against the couch. "So dramatic."

"Says the girl who picked this movie for our date," she teased.

I opened my mouth to argue, then paused. She wasn't wrong.

The movie pressed on, the tension growing thicker as Carol and Therese reached Waterloo, snow swirling outside the motel windows, a quiet stillness settling between them. Carol, usually so poised, seemed hesitant-like she was holding herself back, like she wanted but didn't know if she could. And Therese, young and unsure, still reached out.

When the inevitable happened-when Carol leaned in, when they finally, finally kissed-Minji inhaled deeply, like she'd been waiting for it too.

"Jesus," she muttered. "They really earned that kiss."

"Right?" I turned toward her, half-smiling. "Like, it wasn't even about if it would happen-it was about when."

Minji nodded, eyes still on the screen. "It makes everything feel heavier. Like, every touch before this was just... leading up to it."

She glanced at me then, her gaze slow and thoughtful. I swallowed.

The movie continued, and eventually, the weight of the story shifted. The pain crept in-Carol's custody battle, the way society had already decided her love was wrong, the way Therese was left behind, confused and hurting. Minji didn't comment as much then. She just watched, her expression more serious, her fingers still playing absently with the edge of my sleeve.

By the time the final scene arrived-the scene, the one that made the entire film-Minji sat forward slightly, watching as Therese, after everything, finally found Carol again. The way she hesitated before stepping inside the restaurant. The way Carol, with all her elegance and control, still looked nervous when she lifted her eyes.

And then-that moment. The long, aching pause before their eyes met across the crowded room.

Minji exhaled. "Damn."

I smiled, a little breathless myself. "Yeah."

The screen faded to black. The credits rolled. Silence settled over us, warm and thoughtful.

Minji finally leaned back against the couch, exhaling. "Okay, I take it back. This wasn't too dramatic. It was just the right amount of gay suffering."

I laughed, nudging her arm. "Told you."

"Fine, fine." She stretched lazily. "Good choice, baby."

I paused.

Baby.

She had said it so casually. So easily. Like it was normal.

My stomach did a slow, ridiculous flip. I turned away, pretending to be focused on the credits.

Minji, completely unaware of the effect she had, leaned over, pressing her face into my shoulder. "Now that we've cried over fictional lesbians, can I finally hold you properly?"

I rolled my eyes, smiling. "You've been holding me properly, Minji."

"Not enough." She pulled me closer, smirking against my hair. "Never enough."

As the credits rolled and the last notes of the soundtrack faded into the quiet of Minji's living room, I let out a slow breath, sinking deeper into the couch. My heart still felt heavy in my chest, the way it always did after watching Carol, but it was a good kind of heavy-the kind that lingered, that made everything feel softer.

Minji stretched beside me, arms lifting above her head before she turned to look at me, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she smirked.

"So, you gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?"

I blinked at her. "Tell you what?"

She gave me a knowing look. "That this is your favorite movie."

I bit my lip, smiling despite myself. "It is."

She hummed, tilting her head. "I figured. You looked way too emotionally invested the entire time. You barely even bullied me."

I laughed, nudging her with my elbow. "I was busy feeling things."

"And what things were you feeling, baby?"

I ignored the way my stomach flipped at the pet name, pretending I wasn't affected. "A lot. Everything. It's just... it's so good, Minji. Like, I don't think any other movie has made me feel like this before. Every part of it is so careful, so intentional. The way it builds, the way it just lets you feel everything without spelling it out."

Minji watched me as I spoke, and for once, she wasn't smirking or teasing. She just listened.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "It's not even just the story-it's the details. The way Carol's hands shake when she lights a cigarette after being with Therese. The way Therese stares at Carol when she thinks no one's watching. The way every single touch means something."

Minji's eyes softened. "Yeah," she said, voice quieter now. "I get that."

I turned to her, smiling. "And the ending? God, that ending. The way Carol just looks up, and Therese is there-she doesn't even move.."

Minji nodded slowly, a small smile pulling at her lips. "You really love this movie."

"I do," I admitted, my heart feeling too full. "It just-it makes me feel seen in a way I didn't even realize I needed."

Minji didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at me like she was thinking about something. Then, without warning, she reached over and pulled me into her arms, her warmth completely surrounding me.

"You're so cute when you get passionate about things," she murmured into my hair.

I groaned, pushing lightly at her shoulder. "Minji."

"What? I'm appreciating you."

"You're teasing me."

"I can do both."

I sighed, but I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I melted into her.

She held me tighter. "So," she mused, her voice playful again, "if Carol is your favorite movie, does that mean I should start dressing more like a 1950s socialite to impress you?"

I laughed, leaning back to look at her. "You already dress like a fictional lesbian, Minji. You don't need to try any harder."

She grinned. "So you are impressed."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

Minji just chuckled, tucking me closer, like she had no plans of letting me go anytime soon. And honestly? I didn't mind.

As we stayed curled up on the couch, the credits of Carol long gone, Minji shifted beneath me, tilting her head down to look at me with that smirk I knew all too well. Her fingers traced absentminded circles on my back, like she had all the time in the world.

"You know," she mused, voice low and teasing, "for all this cuddling, all this kissing, all this sweet talking-we're not even officially together."

I blinked, then immediately groaned, burying my face into her shoulder. "Oh my God, Minji."

She laughed, the sound vibrating through her chest. "I'm serious, baby. What even are we? Best friends who happen to make out sometimes?"

I lifted my head just enough to glare at her. "That is not what this is, and you know it."

"Do I?" she teased, raising a perfectly arched brow. "Because last time I checked, neither of us actually said we were dating."

I huffed, sitting up properly now, though Minji kept her arms wrapped around my waist, refusing to let me put too much space between us. "We went on dates. We literally kiss. You do this-" I gestured vaguely between us, her hands still holding onto me like I was something precious. "You don't do this with just anyone, Minji."

She grinned, resting her chin on my shoulder. "Yeah, but have you asked me to be your girlfriend?"

I felt my face heat up instantly. "Have you asked me?"

She smirked. "Touché."

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore how warm I felt. "Are you seriously waiting for one of us to make it official? Is that what this is?"

Minji shrugged, leaning in, her lips just barely brushing against my jaw. "I just like hearing you admit you want me."

My breath caught, and I swatted at her arm. "You're so annoying."

She just chuckled, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "And yet, here you are, in my lap, cuddled up in my arms after watching your favorite movie."

I sighed, but I couldn't help the small smile forming at my lips. "You're impossible."

She squeezed me tighter. "So, what I'm hearing is... you do want to be with me officially?"

I groaned again, burying my face in her neck this time. "Minji."

"That wasn't a no."

I huffed against her skin. "You're so lucky you're cute."

"I know," she said smugly. "And that's why you should just say it."

I exhaled, shaking my head. "I'll think about it."

She pulled back, mock-offended. "You'll think about it?"

I laughed at her expression. "Yes. I will think about it."

Minji pouted dramatically, but the teasing glint in her eyes remained. "Fine. But just so you know, I'm gonna keep being sweet and adorable until you have to say yes."

I smiled, letting my fingers trail over her tie, tugging it just slightly. "You already are sweet and adorable."

Minji's smirk faltered just for a second, replaced by something softer, something real. She swallowed, then cleared her throat, her hands tightening on my waist. "Damn it. That's cheating."

I grinned. "Guess you're not the only one who can tease."

She let out a dramatic sigh. "You're so lucky I'm obsessed with you."

I bit my lip, my heart flipping at her words. "Yeah?"

She leaned in, her lips brushing mine, her voice quieter now. "Yeah."

And just like that, I knew that no matter how much I pretended to think about it, I already had my answer.