chapter 27

Minji's pov

As Diana rested against me, her warmth sinking into my skin, I let my head fall back against the couch, exhaling softly. The dim glow from the TV flickered across the room, but I barely noticed it. My focus was entirely on the girl curled up in my lap, her fingers tracing mindless patterns on my arm, her breathing slow and even.

God, I wanted her. Not just like this—not just in stolen kisses and teasing words—but completely. I wanted to call her mine without hesitation, without teasing, without dancing around what we both already knew.

But if I was going to ask, it had to be right.

I tightened my arms around her just slightly, holding her closer as I tried to think. I could ask her right now. I could tilt her chin up, look into those beautiful eyes of hers, and just say the words. But that wasn’t enough. Diana deserved more than that—more than a casual “So, wanna be my girlfriend?” while we cuddled on my couch.

I wanted it to be special.

Something she’d remember. Something that would make her light up.

I glanced down at her, smiling a little as I took in the way she looked in my arms—comfortable, safe, like she belonged there. She shifted slightly, her hand sliding up to my collar, playing with the fabric of my shirt.

"You're thinking about something," she murmured sleepily.

I smirked, running a hand down her back. "What gave it away?"

"You always get quiet when you're overthinking."

I hummed. "Maybe I'm just enjoying the moment."

She peeked up at me, eyes half-lidded, a soft smile on her lips. "You do enjoy teasing me too much."

I chuckled, dipping my head down to press a kiss to her temple. "I can't help it. You're cute when you're flustered."

She huffed but didn’t move away, only snuggling closer.

I sighed, feeling my heart clench in the best way possible. God, I was so gone for her. I didn’t even care that I was acting like a lovesick idiot. I was one.

Now, I just needed to find the perfect way to ask her to be mine.

And knowing myself? I wouldn’t rest until I did.

✂✂✂✂

The weeks that followed seemed to pass in a blur, but in the best way possible. I found myself spending more and more time with Diana, and the more I did, the harder it became to imagine a life without her in it. The days seemed to stretch on endlessly, filled with moments that I knew I’d look back on forever.

It wasn’t just the dates—though those were special. Every time we went out, it felt like a private world we created just for us. There were the little cafes we frequented where Diana would make me laugh with her playful teasing. The walks through the city where we would get lost in conversation about everything and nothing, our hands brushing every so often, making my heart race every time. And then there were those moments at school, those stolen glances across the classroom, where our eyes would meet and she’d give me that mischievous little smile, like we shared a secret that nobody else knew about.

In those little moments, everything felt right.

I couldn’t get enough of her.

As the days went on, I found myself daydreaming about her constantly. I’d be teaching in class, my eyes drifting to the back of the room where Diana sat with her friends, her gaze occasionally flicking up to mine with that same soft smile. I’d catch myself grinning like an idiot, trying to hide it behind my teacher persona, but it was hard. Diana had a way of making everything feel like it was just for us.

We grew closer.

And finally, I had it—the plan.

I had been thinking about it for days, maybe even weeks, playing out the idea in my head until I had it all figured out. I wanted to make this moment perfect, because that was how much she meant to me. No rushing it. No waiting for the “right time” to come—it had to be special. Something that would show her how much she meant to me, how much I was ready to give her, how much I cared.

I’d been planning it for a while, but I didn’t tell anyone. Not even Claudia—who had been an ever-present voice in my ear, helping me work through my feelings. She’d been pushing me to make a move, to not let fear stop me. She even joked a few times that she was tired of hearing about how perfect Diana was, because it was becoming an obsession.

I was fine with that. Diana was worth the obsession.

We had a weekend planned—a little getaway, just the two of us. I was going to take her somewhere private, somewhere we could just be us, without anyone around. And in that moment, I was going to ask her.

The thought of her saying yes made me giddy, but there was also a small, nagging fear. What if it was too soon? What if she wasn’t ready? I couldn’t help but worry. We were already so close, but this would change everything.

But then I’d look at her, and everything would seem clear. This was the right thing to do. She was the right one.

And as I watched her walk toward me across the school courtyard one day, her eyes meeting mine with that familiar spark, I knew—I couldn’t wait any longer. The plan was set. The time was soon.

✂✂✂✂

The weekend finally arrived, and with it came a mix of nerves and excitement that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had planned everything down to the smallest detail, making sure that this moment would be something Diana would never forget. This wasn’t just another date—this was the night I was going to ask her to be mine officially.

I had kept my plan a secret from her, only telling her to pack an overnight bag and that I’d be picking her up at six. She had tried to get more details out of me, but I had only smirked and told her, "Trust me, you’ll love it."

Now, as I stood in my apartment, adjusting my watch and checking over my plans one last time, I felt something I hadn’t in years—pure, unfiltered anticipation.

Claudia had laughed at me over the phone earlier that day. "You’re acting like a teenage boy about to ask his crush out," she had teased. "It’s kind of adorable, but also kind of pathetic."

I had rolled my eyes but didn’t argue—because she was right.

I was nervous.

Not because I didn’t think Diana liked me. I knew she did. But there was something different about making it official. It meant that this thing between us was real, that it wasn’t just stolen moments and secret glances anymore. It meant commitment. It meant that despite the obstacles—our age difference, the fact that I was technically still her teacher—we were choosing each other.

I heard my phone buzz on the counter.

Diana: Okay, I’m ready. When are you picking me up?

Me: I’m leaving now. Be ready, princess.

I smirked at the nickname, knowing it would probably make her roll her eyes. She loved it, though, even if she’d never admit it.

Grabbing my keys, I headed out, slipping into my car. The moment I started driving, my heart started pounding a little harder.

This was it.

This was the night that everything would change.

Or end.

I had spent the last few weeks planning everything down to the smallest detail. If I was going to ask Diana to be mine, I had to do it right—perfectly. And knowing her, there was only one thing that would make it absolutely perfect.

Carol.

She had told me weeks ago, snuggled into my side on the couch, that it was her favorite movie. She had gushed about the cinematography, the slow-burn romance, the way Carol looked at Therese like she was the only person in the world. She had gone on about how every single detail in that film was intentional, how it made her feel something deep in her chest.

So, I made my plan.

A Carol-themed night.

First, I had booked an upscale restaurant with a classic 1950s aesthetic, just like the world of Carol. Dim lighting, deep red leather booths, soft jazz playing in the background. I had even gone as far as to request that we be seated by a window—just like Carol and Therese had been in that one pivotal scene. The scene where everything changed.

And then, the real surprise.

After dinner, I had arranged a private rooftop screening of Carol just for us. The building belonged to a friend, and with a little persuasion, I had gotten them to set it up—string lights, a plush seating area with blankets, a vintage-style projector playing the film against the backdrop of the city skyline. It would be just the two of us, wrapped up together under the stars, watching her favorite movie.

And at the very end—during that final, breathtaking scene where Carol and Therese lock eyes across the room—I would take her hand, look into her eyes just like Carol had, and ask her to be mine.

It was dramatic. Over-the-top. A little ridiculous.

But Diana was worth every second of it.

And now, as I pulled up outside her mansion, my hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual, I could only hope that it would all go as perfectly as I had imagined. Because if Diana loved Carol as much as she claimed to, then tonight… tonight would be unforgettable.

I wanted every little detail to feel intentional, like it was taken straight from Carol itself.

First, my outfit.

Diana was obsessed with Cate Blanchett in that film—she had made it painfully clear how much she loved Carol’s poised elegance, her perfectly tailored outfits, the effortless way she carried herself. So, I made sure to channel that energy. A wool coat, the same shade as Carol’s when she first meets Therese. Underneath, a crisp button-up, a dark vest, and tailored slacks, polished shoes that clicked subtly against the ground when I walked. A silk tie, neatly knotted, just like Carol would wear. I wanted to see the recognition in Diana’s eyes the moment she looked at me, that spark of excitement when she realized what I had done.

But it wasn’t just the outfit.

I had the gloves.

Carol’s signature leather gloves. I had them in my pocket, planning to take them off with slow, deliberate movements—just like Carol did in the department store scene. Would Diana pick up on it? Absolutely. Would it drive her crazy? Even more absolutely.

Then there was the car.

I hadn’t just taken my usual ride tonight. No, I had rented a vintage 1950s car—sleek, elegant, and very Carol-esque. The kind of car you could imagine rolling up to a fancy restaurant in, the kind of car you could imagine Carol flipping her sunglasses up in before giving Therese one of those devastating, lingering glances. When I pulled up outside Diana’s mansion, I wanted her to feel like she had stepped into the movie.

The restaurant was another carefully curated part of the plan.

The menu? Inspired by the 1950s, just like the time period of Carol. I had even arranged for a classic martini to be brought to our table without asking—because that was Carol’s drink of choice, and I knew Diana would pick up on it immediately. The music playing in the background? Soft jazz and orchestral pieces that matched the film’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

And then, the most important touch—the gift.

And then there was the note.

So, I had written my own note.

It was tucked inside a small envelope, waiting in my coat pocket. And when the time was right, I’d slip it across the table."

The words?

"Diana, there are no accidents."

It was dramatic. It was so dramatic.

And I knew Diana would love it.

Diana stepped out of her house, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she approached. She looked good—no, breathtaking. A black mini skirt that hugged her waist just right, sheer tights, and a fitted red sweater that instantly reminded me of Carol. Coincidence? Maybe. But knowing her, probably not.

She walked toward the car, brows furrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in her eyes as she took in the very out-of-character vehicle I had shown up in. Her usual teasing smirk appeared as she ran her fingers along the sleek, polished exterior.

“This isn’t your car,” she stated, tilting her head at me through the rolled-down window.

I simply smiled, my gloved hand resting on the steering wheel. “Is it not?”

Diana narrowed her eyes, scanning me—taking in the wool coat, the way I sat with perfect ease in the driver’s seat, one hand still clad in leather. I could see her brain working, trying to piece it all together.

“You look… different,” she muttered, her gaze lingering on my tie.

I finally moved, slipping off one glove with slow, deliberate precision. Just like Carol in the department store scene. And that’s when I saw it—her lips parting slightly, her breath catching as realization almost dawned. Almost.

But she still wasn’t quite there yet.

I reached for the car door handle, pushing it open smoothly. “Get in, darling.”

Her brows shot up at the pet name. I never used pet names like that. Not so… intentionally.

She hesitated for only a second before stepping in, adjusting her skirt as she settled into the leather seat. The door shut with a satisfying click, and I turned to look at her fully.

Diana’s suspicion deepened. “Okay, seriously—what is this?”

I smiled as I shifted the car into drive.

“You’ll see.”

The drive was filled with stolen glances and the low hum of Easy Living playing through the speakers—another little detail I had planned. Diana kept looking at me, her suspicion only growing as she recognized the song. She knew something was up, but I could tell she was holding back from asking too many questions. Instead, she just sat back, watching me with a mix of curiosity and amusement, her fingers idly tracing patterns on her thigh.

When we finally pulled up to the restaurant, I saw her eyes widen slightly as she took in the place. It wasn’t just any restaurant—it was one styled to resemble an upscale 1950s lounge, the warm glow of vintage sconces illuminating the entrance, golden lettering spelling out its name in an elegant, old-Hollywood font. The entire place had an atmosphere straight out of Carol—intimate, refined, undeniably romantic.

Diana turned to me, her expression unreadable for a moment before a slow, knowing smile spread across her lips.

“You definitely planned something,” she said, tilting her head.

I only smirked, stepping out of the car and walking over to her side to open the door. Offering my hand, I watched as she placed hers in mine, her touch light but lingering.

“Maybe,” I said smoothly.

As she stepped out, she took another look around, her suspicion melting into intrigue. She knew now—this wasn’t just a date. This was something more.

I leaned in just slightly, my voice low. “Shall we?”

Diana’s smile widened, and for the first time all night, I saw it—that unmistakable glint of excitement in her eyes.

She nodded. “Lead the way.”

The evening had already been perfect. The restaurant had been everything I envisioned—dim lighting, the hum of a jazz band in the background, rich red booths, and candlelight flickering between us as Diana watched me with those sharp, knowing eyes. She had caught on quickly, making teasing comments about how much effort I had put into this, but I could tell she was touched. Every little detail—Easy Living playing softly, the old-Hollywood atmosphere, the warm glow of everything around us—was designed to make this feel like her favorite movie come to life.

But the night wasn’t over.

After dinner, I led her up a private staircase, my hand on the small of her back as she kept glancing at me, her curiosity deepening. When we stepped onto the rooftop, her breath hitched just slightly.

A private screening.

The city stretched out beyond us, a sea of twinkling lights, but all that really mattered was the massive screen ahead of us. It was set up with plush seating, warm blankets, and a low table with two glasses of wine waiting. And there, frozen in time, was a still from Carol—Cate Blanchett’s poised, devastating beauty captured on screen, as if waiting for the final act to begin.

Diana turned to me, stunned. “You really did all this?”

I smirked. “You love Carol. I wanted tonight to feel like a dream.”

She stared at me for a long moment before exhaling a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Minji, you—” She stopped herself, biting her lip.

I led her to the couch, pulling a blanket over both of us as the movie started. She leaned into me without hesitation, her head resting against my shoulder as we watched in silence, our fingers entwined beneath the blanket. Every now and then, I would glance down at her, and every single time, my heart clenched.

Because I already knew.

By the time we reached the final scene—the one where Therese looks up, locking eyes with Carol across the crowded restaurant—Diana was fully absorbed in the screen, lips parted slightly, that familiar awe in her gaze.  I reached for her hand, my pulse quickening.

She turned to me, as if sensing something, and I held her gaze.

“Diana,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

She blinked, her expression shifting—something vulnerable flickering behind her sharp, teasing exterior.

I exhaled, steadying myself. “Be mine.Officially, I mean.”

For a moment, she didn’t breathe. Neither did I. The movie continued playing, but in that moment, it didn’t exist. It was just us—our own private scene, our own final act.

Then, she smiled. A slow, radiant thing.

“I already am.”

The moment the words left her lips—I already am—I couldn’t hold back anymore.

I surged forward, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both soft and urgent, my hands cradling her face as if she was something delicate and precious. And maybe she was. Maybe this whole night had been leading to this, to us wrapped up in the glow of the screen, the city sprawling beneath us, and Easy Living playing like it was written just for us.

Diana let out a quiet giggle against my lips, breaking the kiss just enough to whisper, “God, you’re such a romantic,” before pressing her mouth to mine again.

I grinned against her lips, my hands sliding down to her waist, tugging her impossibly closer. “You love it.”

She did. I could feel it in the way she kissed me—playful and deep, like she was drunk on the moment, on us. Every time I pulled back, she chased my lips again, laughing when I dodged at the last second just to tease her.

“Minji,” she huffed, pushing at my chest before looping her arms around my neck again. “Stop playing hard to get. You just asked me to be yours—own up to it.”

I chuckled, pulling her into my lap, the blanket tangling around us as she settled comfortably against me. “You’re so bossy,” I murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to her jaw, enjoying the way she shivered under my touch.

“And you love it,” she threw back, mimicking me.

I did. God, I did.

We must’ve spent half an hour like that—lost in each other, lips brushing, giggles escaping between kisses, our words dissolving into breathless murmurs. The movie had long since ended, the credits rolling in the background, but neither of us cared.

She ran her fingers through my hair, her nails scratching lightly against my scalp, making me hum in contentment. “You’re actually so cute when you’re not trying to be intimidating,” she teased, her lips ghosting over mine.

I scoffed. “I’m always intimidating.”

Diana laughed at that, a full, beautiful laugh, before kissing me again, slow and sweet. “Sure, baby,” she murmured against my lips, her voice dripping with amusement. “Sure.”

I didn’t even care that she was making fun of me. Not when she was mine.

After the rooftop screening, with the city lights flickering around us and the warmth of Diana still pressed against me, I scooped her up into my arms without warning. She let out a small squeal, then immediately broke into giggles, clinging to my shoulders.

"Minji!" she gasped between laughs. "I can walk, you know."

I smirked, adjusting my grip as I carried her effortlessly toward the car. "I know," I said smugly, "but where’s the romance in that?"

She rolled her eyes, but the way she nuzzled against my neck told me she loved it. "You're so dramatic."

"And you love it," I teased, echoing her words from earlier.

By the time we reached the car, she was still giggling, her fingers playing with the lapel of my blazer as I gently set her down. I opened the passenger door for her with a flourish, bowing slightly like I was some 1950s gentleman.

"Your chariot awaits, my lady," I said.

Diana laughed, shaking her head before sliding into the seat. "You are such a dork."

"And yet," I mused, closing the door behind her and walking around to the driver’s side, "you still agreed to be mine."

The drive back was filled with the same giddy energy as before. Diana had her legs tucked up on the seat, her heels discarded, her body turned toward me as she kept stealing glances my way.

"You’re staring," I pointed out, side-eyeing her playfully as I stopped at a red light.

She grinned. "You're just really pretty."

I felt my ears go hot, but I kept my composure. "You're really pretty," I countered.

She hummed, reaching over to trace little circles on my arm. "Yeah, but we already know that."

I let out a loud, dramatic sigh. "And I'm the cocky one?"

Diana just laughed, leaning her head back against the seat, looking at me like I had strung up the stars in the sky. "This was the best date ever," she said softly, her voice almost lost under the hum of the car.

Something warm spread in my chest at that. I reached over at the next stop sign, taking her hand in mine and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Only the best for you," I murmured.

Diana sighed happily, squeezing my hand before looking out the window, a dreamy expression on her face.

The night wasn’t over yet, but I already knew—this was one of those memories that would stay with me forever.

As I pulled up in front of Diana’s house, the soft glow from the windows reminded me that her dad was definitely home. It wasn’t like I forgot, but I also didn’t care enough to let it stop me. Not when Diana was sitting in the passenger seat, still looking at me like I had just given her the world.

I shifted the car into park, resting my arm against the back of her seat as I turned to face her. "So," I said, voice teasing, "how was your totally normal, not at all special night out?"

She giggled, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, so boring," she drawled dramatically. "I mean, this random woman just took me on the most perfect Carol-themed date, asked me to be hers in the most romantic way possible, and then carried me to the car like some kind of movie protagonist—"

"Sounds awful," I cut in, grinning.

"The worst," she agreed, before breaking into another giggle.

I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger against her cheek. "I guess I should make it up to you, then."

Diana’s breath hitched slightly, her lips parting just a little as she looked up at me. "Yeah?"

I leaned in, slow and deliberate, giving her plenty of time to pull away. She didn’t. If anything, she closed the space between us first, meeting me halfway.

The second our lips touched, it was all warmth. Gentle but lingering, a kiss filled with everything I couldn’t put into words yet. Her fingers curled into my blazer, pulling me closer, and I let her. God, I’d let her do whatever she wanted if it meant she stayed this close.

When we finally pulled back, I could still feel the ghost of her lips against mine. She let out a small, happy sigh, her forehead resting against mine.

"You know my dad could be watching, right?" she murmured, though she didn’t seem too concerned.

I smirked. "Then I guess he just saw his daughter being very well taken care of."

Diana snorted, shoving my shoulder lightly. "You are so annoying."

"And yet, you’re still sitting here, looking like you want another kiss," I mused.

She huffed but didn’t deny it. Instead, she just sighed dramatically before finally unbuckling her seatbelt. "I should go before you make me forget how to walk or something."

I grinned, watching as she grabbed her purse. Just before she could open the door, I caught her wrist, pressing one last kiss to her knuckles. "Sleep well, beautiful."

Diana bit her lip, eyes shining. "You too, Minji."

She stepped out, glancing over her shoulder one last time before heading inside. I watched her go, waiting until the door shut behind her before letting out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.