chapter 28

Diana's pov

As soon as I stepped inside and shut the door behind me, I let out a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding. My heart was still racing, my lips still tingling from Minji’s kiss. I pressed my fingers to them, biting back a stupid grin.

Thank god my dad didn’t see that.

I peeked around the corner into the living room—empty. The faint sound of the TV hummed from his office upstairs, meaning I was in the clear.

Slipping off my shoes, I practically floated to my bedroom, shutting the door softly behind me before collapsing onto my bed. My face was burning, my mind replaying everything that had happened tonight on a loop.

The Carol-themed date. The rooftop screening. Minji asking me to be hers in the most Minji way possible.

And then that kiss.

God.

Then, suddenly, my room door opened and Chole walked in without a word.

"Hello to you too??" I raised an eyebrow

"Long time no see." She simply says, sitting on my couch.

I groaned, rolling onto my stomach and burying my face into my pillow. I felt like a teenager—which, okay, technically I was, but that wasn’t the point. I had never felt this… giddy before. I had kissed people before. I’d had relationships before. But this?

This was different.

I turned onto my back, staring at the ceiling, my phone still clutched in my hand. I wanted to text her. Right now. Immediately.

But what was I supposed to say? Hey, remember five minutes ago when you kissed me and I almost passed out?

I groaned again, pressing my phone against my forehead. The second I did, my screen lit up.

Minji: Sweet dreams, beautiful. I had the best night with you. ❤️

My stomach flipped. I barely hesitated before replying.

Me: Me too. Like… actually perfect.

A message bubble popped up almost immediately, and I barely had time to breathe before her next text came in.

Minji: That’s because you were there.

Oh.

I bit my lip, my whole face heating up. She was so annoying. And I was so, so screwed.

I stared at Minji’s text, my heart doing this stupid little fluttery thing in my chest. That’s because you were there.

God, she was impossible. Impossible and smooth and so good at making me feel like the most special person in the entire world.

I rolled onto my side, typing quickly.

Me: You really don’t hold back, huh?

Minji: Why would I? It’s the truth.

I hesitated for a second before smirking to myself, fingers moving fast over the keyboard.

Me: You’re so whipped for me, it’s insane.

Minji: And you’re not?

My breath caught for a second. Damn it. She had me there.

Me: …I didn’t say that.

Minji: Mhm. Sure.

I could see her smug little face through the screen, and I had to fight the urge to scream into my pillow.

Me: Go to sleep.

Minji: Make me.

I huffed, a laugh slipping out before I could stop it. She was such a menace.

Me: I’ll stop answering, that’ll make you sleep.

Minji: That’s cruel. I miss you already.

I stared at the text for way too long, my stomach doing somersaults. I shouldn’t have been blushing this hard over something so simple. It wasn’t like we hadn’t been together literally ten minutes ago. But Minji had a way of making everything feel so intense, like I was the only person she had eyes for.

I bit my lip before typing.

Me: I miss you too.

It took her exactly one second to respond.

Minji: Oh?

Me: Shut up.

Minji: No, no, I like this. Say it again.

I groaned, burying my face in my pillow before responding.

Me: I take it back.

Minji: Too late. I’m already blushing.

Me: YOU DON’T BLUSH.

Minji: For you? Maybe I do.

I actually squeaked at that, kicking my legs against my mattress. She was the worst. The absolute worst.

Me: STOP BEING SMOOTH FOR ONE SECOND.

Minji: I literally can’t. It’s in my nature.

I sighed dramatically before typing.

Me: I hate you.

Minji: You love me.

I froze.

My heart skipped a beat, fingers hovering over my screen. She was joking. Obviously. But my stupid brain decided to short-circuit anyway, my entire body warming up.

I had no idea what to say.

Apparently, Minji noticed my lack of response, because she sent another text.

Minji: Too soon? Don't worry. I was just joking.😏

I let out a breath, laughing a little. She’s such a flirt, it’s insane.

Me: Go to sleep before you say something else unhinged.

Minji: Fiiine. But only because you told me to.

Me: Wow, you actually listen to me? That’s new.

Minji: I’ll always listen to you.

I swallowed hard, staring at her message, warmth blooming in my chest.

This woman was dangerous.

Me: Goodnight, Minji.

Minji: Sweet dreams, my love. ❤️

I set my phone down on my chest, exhaling sharply.

The moment I put my phone down, it vibrated aggressively against my chest.

I groaned, rolling onto my side and picking it up.

Nora: HELLO???

Abby: Where the hell have you been??

Nora: Right. Where. Have. You. Been.

Abby: She’s been ignoring us all night 😤

Nora: FR why wasn't your location not at home? What were you doing??

I sat up so fast my blanket nearly fell off the bed. Shit.

I had completely forgotten about my location tracking being on.

Me: Damn, y’all stalk me fr.

Abby: Duh. Answer the question.

Nora: Are you on a secret date or something 👀

Abby: LMAO imagine if she is.

Nora: “My friends could NEVER know who I’m actually with…”

Abby: “They would NEVER understand…”

Nora: Diana, blink twice if you’re in danger.

Me: I hate all of you.

Abby: That’s not an answer 😭

Nora: Chloe, you're silent..do YOU know what she’s doing?

I whipped my head towards Chloe, who was lying on my couch, scrolling on her phone. She side-eyed me as she saw the text.

I shot her a glare. Don’t you dare.

She smirked, typing.

Chloe: Who knows 😏

My jaw dropped.

Me: CHLOE.

Abby: OH HELL NO CHLOE KNOWS SOMETHING.

Nora: SPILL RIGHT NOW.

Chloe: Maybe she was on a date, maybe she was not.

Abby: Nah nah nah, that’s not fair. Tell us RIGHT NOW.

Me: Chloe. You promised.

She looked at me, her smirk widening. “Relax, I’m just messing with them.”

Chloe: Fine, fine. She was not on a date. Relax.

Nora: …I don’t believe you.

Abby: She’s lying. She has to be.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. These idiots weren’t going to let this go.

Me: I was NOT on a date. Can y’all shut up now 😭

Abby: You’re SO suspicious rn.

Nora: She is. She’s being all defensive and weird.

Abby: Lemme guess, you were at a “friend’s” place?

Me: Yeah.

Abby: Mhm. Suuuuure.

Nora: Fine. But just know… we’re watching you.

Me: Y’all need a hobby.

Nora: Your secret won’t last forever 😌

I rolled my eyes, locking my phone before tossing it onto the bed.

Chloe was grinning at me. “They’re so onto you.”

I sighed, flopping back against my pillows. “Yeah, no thanks to you.”

She just laughed. “Better be careful, Diana. Secrets don’t stay secret forever.”

I smacked her with a pillow.

I sighed, gripping my blanket as I sat up on my bed. Chloe was still lounging on the couch, scrolling on her phone like she had all the time in the world.

I had to tell her. I wanted to tell her. She was my best friend—my real best friend, the one person I knew I could trust with literally anything.

"Okay." I took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something."

Chloe raised a brow but didn't look away from her phone. "Oh? Are you finally confessing your crimes?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm serious, Chloe."

That got her attention. She sat up, putting her phone down. "Okay, okay. Spill."

I hesitated, gripping the edge of my blanket. "You already know I went on a date with Minji."

Her expression turned smug. "Yeah, duh. You were so obvious about it."

I ignored that. "What you don’t know is… we’ve been spending a lot more time together since then. Like—a lot more."

Chloe leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."

I exhaled slowly. "She took me on another date today. And…" I swallowed, my heart speeding up. "She asked me to be her girlfriend."

Chloe's eyes widened. "What."

I nodded.

Her mouth fell open for a second before she smacked my arm. "AND YOU'RE JUST NOW TELLING ME?!"

"Ow, Chloe!" I rubbed my arm. "I needed a second to process it myself!"

She shook her head like I was ridiculous. "Okay, wait, wait, wait. So you're telling me that not only have you been secretly hanging out with Minji since the first date, but now you're also dating her?"

"...Yeah."

She gaped at me, then threw her head back and laughed.

I frowned. "Why are you laughing?"

Chloe wiped her eyes, still giggling. "Because, Diana. This is insane. You're literally dating our chemistry teacher. Do you hear yourself?"

I groaned, covering my face. "I know it’s crazy, okay? But, like… she makes me happy."

Chloe quieted, watching me.

I lowered my hands. "I don't know, Chloe. She's just—she's sweet, and caring, and she's been treating me so special this whole time. And I—I really like her." My voice softened. "A lot."

Chloe exhaled, shaking her head. "Damn."

I sighed, fiddling with my blanket. "Yeah."

She stared at me for a long moment before nodding. "Okay."

I looked at her. "Okay?"

"Yeah." She shrugged. "I mean, it's insane. And complicated. And honestly, so risky. But, like—if she makes you happy? And you really like her?" She met my eyes. "Then I support you."

Warmth spread through my chest.

I smiled. "Thanks, Chloe."

She smirked. "Of course. But just know, if she ever hurts you—"

"You'll kill her?" I guessed.

"Obviously." She leaned back against the couch. "Now. Tell me everything."

I laughed, already knowing we were going to be up all night.

Chloe was already sprawled out on my bed, propped up on her elbows like she was settling in for a full investigation. I sat cross-legged beside her, hugging a pillow to my chest, my mind still spinning from everything I had just admitted.

“So,” Chloe drawled, giving me a knowing look. “Minji, huh?”

I sighed dramatically, flopping backward onto the bed. “Yes, Minji.”

Chloe grinned. “Your chemistry teacher.”

I groaned into my pillow. “Do you have to say it like that?”

She shrugged. “I mean, it’s a fact. And an insane one, at that.”

I sat up again, looking at her. “But, Chloe, she’s so different outside of school. Like—you wouldn’t even recognize her.”

Chloe raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

I paused, trying to find the words. “You know how she is at school, right? All serious, collected, kinda intimidating?”

“Yeah, obviously.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “She walks around like she owns the place.”

“Exactly,” I said. “But when it’s just me and her? She’s so different. She’s soft. Like—she gets all cute and clingy, and she smiles so much. She gets excited over stupid things and texts me nonstop like a literal teenager.”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “Minji? Ms. Collins?”

I nodded. “Swear to God.”

Chloe let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “I don’t believe it.”

“I didn’t either at first,” I admitted. “But she’s so sweet to me, Chloe. Like, the way she looks at me, the way she talks to me… it’s not like some casual fling to her. She cares.”

Chloe hummed, tapping her fingers against the bed. “Okay, but like… she’s still your teacher, Diana. I get that she’s different outside of school, but you’re gonna have to deal with her inside school, too.”

I sighed. “I know. And trust me, it’s weird. Like, when she looks at me in class, it’s so obvious that something’s different. She tries to act normal, but I see it. And whenever I look at her, I just keep thinking about how last night she had me in her lap, being all soft and clingy.”

Chloe groaned. “Ugh, stop, I’m getting secondhand embarrassment for you.”

I laughed. “I can’t help it!”

She eyed me for a moment before smirking. “So, tell me. Who’s the clingier one? You or her?”

I rolled my eyes. “Her. Easily.”

Chloe’s jaw dropped. “No way.”

“Yes way.” I grinned. “She literally wouldn’t let go of me when I was leaving last week. She kept kissing me and whining about how she didn’t want to drop me off.”

Chloe stared at me like I had just spoken a different language. “Ms. Collins. Minji did that?”

I nodded, amused at her reaction. “Yup.”

Chloe let out a disbelieving laugh. “What the fuck?”

I laughed with her, shaking my head. “I know!”

Chloe took a deep breath, sitting up straighter. “Okay, so let me get this straight. The same Minji Collins who lectures people in class like she’s some strict, untouchable figure… is also the same Minji Collins who clings to you and texts you nonstop and doesn’t want to let you go?”

I nodded again.

Chloe stared at me for a moment before collapsing back onto the bed. “Diana, this is insane.”

I grinned, laying down beside her. “Yeah… but I kinda love it.”

Chloe had made herself very comfortable on my bed, sprawled out like she owned the place, one of my pillows clutched to her chest. I was sitting beside her, phone in hand, texting Minji while pretending Chloe wasn’t watching my every move like a hawk.

But she was watching.

“Diana.”

I ignored her, tapping out a response to Minji’s latest text.

“Diana.”

I sighed, glancing at her. “What?”

Chloe tilted her head toward my phone. “You’re smiling.”

I rolled my eyes. “So?”

“So,” she smirked, “you only smile like that when it’s her.”

I huffed, going back to my phone, but Chloe just scooted closer, peering over my shoulder.

Minji: You better not be ignoring me for your little group chat again. I demand attention.

Me: I literally texted you 0.2 seconds late. Calm down.

Minji: No. You belong to me now. Attention is my right.

I snorted. Chloe gasped.

“Oh my God,” she whispered dramatically. “Ms. Collins is whipped.”

I tried to nudge her away, but she just leaned in closer, fully invested now.

Me: Possessive much??

Minji: Yes. Any other questions?

I was grinning at my phone, and I knew Chloe noticed, but I couldn’t help it.

“Diana,” Chloe said again, dragging out my name.

I didn’t look at her. “What?”

“She’s, like… obsessed with you,” she teased.

“She is not—”

Chloe pointed at my phone. “She literally just said you belong to her. That’s, like, stage five clinger energy.”

I groaned. “She’s joking, Chloe.”

Chloe snatched my phone before I could stop her. “Let’s see.”

“Chloe!” I lunged for it, but she rolled onto her stomach, holding my phone out of reach.

“Hmm…” she hummed, scrolling through my texts. “Wow. She really does text like a teenager.”

“Give it back!” I tried to grab it, but she wiggled away, grinning like a menace.

“Oh my God,” she laughed. “She sent you a selfie?”

I froze. “Wait, what?”

Chloe turned the screen toward me. Sure enough, there was Minji, slightly disheveled, lying on what looked like her couch, wearing an oversized sweater, her hair messy and slightly curled at the ends. The text below it read:

Minji: I’m sleepy. Cheer me up.

I snatched my phone back, heart skipping a beat. Minji never sent selfies.

Chloe whistled. “Wow. Ms. Collins in casual clothes? She’s kinda hot.”

I smacked her arm. “Don’t say that!”

Chloe cackled. “Oh, you can think it, but I can’t say it?”

I ignored her, my fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Me: That’s illegal. You can’t just drop a selfie like that out of nowhere.

Minji: I absolutely can. What are you gonna do about it?

Me: …Maybe I won’t reply.

Minji: If you ignore me, I’ll die.

Chloe read over my shoulder again. “Wow. She’s dramatic.”

I shook my head, biting back a smile. “You have no idea.”

Chloe smirked. “You love it.”

I buried my face in my hands. “…Maybe.”

Chloe laughed. “You’re so gone for her.”

I sighed, looking back at my phone. Yeah. I kinda was.

Minji was killing me.

Like, actually, genuinely ruining my life.

I stared at my phone, trying to process the absolute audacity of the woman. She had just sent another selfie—her third one tonight, which was already unheard of—but this one? This one was criminal.

Her black hair was slightly tousled, falling over one side of her face like she knew exactly what she was doing. The infamous Bayonetta glasses perched on her nose, the sleek frames making her look like she was about to give a very thorough lecture on why I should completely lose my mind over her. And the worst part? The absolute final nail in the coffin?

The way her hand—her veiny, ridiculously unfair, elegant hand—was in the frame, resting casually against her cheek, long fingers curled just enough to show off the tendons, the sharp lines of her knuckles.

I needed help.

I needed air.

I needed God.

And I don't even believe in God.

Minji: What? No response?

I clenched my phone like it had personally wronged me.

Me: You’re doing this on purpose.

Minji: :)

I groaned. Out loud.

Chloe, who was still beside me, looked over with raised brows. “Now what?”

I flipped my phone to show her the picture, because I needed someone else to suffer with me.

Her eyes widened. “…Okay, yeah. I get it now.”

I dropped back onto my bed, exhaling sharply. “She’s actually evil.”

Chloe nodded, still staring at the screen. “That is some serious hot teacher material. Like, I’d fail chemistry on purpose if my teacher looked like that.”

I snatched my phone back. “Stop. She IS your teacher too!"

Chloe cackled, but I ignored her, going back to my texts.

Me: This feels illegal.

Minji: I am your teacher.

Me: STOP.

She sent another picture—this time, her smirking, tilting her head just enough to let her hair fall into her eyes.

Minji: Make me.

I sat up so fast Chloe flinched.

“Nope,” I said, standing up. “I can’t do this.”

Chloe laughed. “Oh my God, you’re so down bad.”

I wasn’t even going to argue. Because she was right.

I should not have done this.

Like, truly, genuinely, I should have kept this picture buried in the depths of my camera roll, never to be seen by human eyes again. But, of course, Chloe had been running her mouth about Minji’s selfie, and in my absolute moment of weakness, I had to one-up her.

So I did.

I opened my gallery, scrolled past way too many texts and random screenshots, and landed on the picture.

The one from a few weeks ago.

Me—on her lap.

Minji had been wearing a suit that night. Black, tailored to perfection, the crisp fabric hugging her broad shoulders, the black button-up underneath barely hiding the fact that she owned the entire room. The tie? Loosened just enough. Her hair was neatly styled, her black-rimmed glasses perched perfectly on her nose, giving her that ridiculous mix of polished professor and absolute menace.

And me?

Mini skirt. Heels. A tiny top that was barely covering anything.

My legs had been draped over hers, heels dangling off my feet, my body facing her—like I belonged there. Like she had pulled me into her lap and owned the fact that I was sitting there. One of her hands had been on my thigh, gripping just enough to drive me crazy, while the other had held the phone, capturing the two of us in that exact moment.

The worst part? The look she was giving me in the picture.

That slow-burning, smoldering, you’re-mine-and-you-know-it kind of look.

I turned my phone around so Chloe could see.

Silence.

Just pure, dead silence.

I glanced up to check if she was still breathing.

Chloe was staring at the screen like she had just been hit by a truck. Her mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again.

“…Diana,” she finally managed, voice barely above a whisper. “What the fuck.”

I grinned, enjoying her absolute breakdown. “Told you.”

Chloe grabbed the phone from my hands, staring at the picture with wide, almost fearful eyes. “You—You’re telling me this was a few weeks ago? When you guys weren't even official yet?"

I shrugged, leaning back on my bed, acting casual like my entire soul wasn’t on fire. “Yeah.”

She let out a breath. “You’re so done for.”

I stretched out my legs, smirking. “I know.”

Chloe finally tore her gaze away from the picture, looking at me like I had committed a crime. “And you’re just casually texting her like this? Like she’s not the hottest person alive?”

I laughed, taking my phone back. “It’s dangerous texting her, actually.”

Chloe shook her head in disbelief. “No, dangerous is the fact that you got that picture and you’re still sane.”

I glanced at the photo one more time before locking my phone, trying not to combust. “Barely.”

I'm not sure why I keep doing this to myself.

But there I was, phone in hand, about to open the gallery again. Chloe, of course, was still wide-eyed, hovering next to me, her curiosity as sharp as ever.

"Seriously?" she asked. "You have another one?"

I glanced at her, trying to hold back a grin. "One more. I promise."

Chloe was way too invested in this, her eyes gleaming with a mix of shock and excitement. She knew what was coming. And, as much as I tried to act nonchalant, I could already feel the heat creeping up my neck.

With one last deep breath, I tapped on the picture.

It was... well, it was a picture I could never, ever forget.

I stared at the screen for a second, swallowing hard.

This time, I was just slightly bent over—my back arched.My skirt, dangerously short, had ridden up just enough to reveal too much, and I could feel the weight of Minji’s presence behind me, her hand gripping my hip, pulling me closer.

She had all of me.

The way her hand was positioned—just perfectly on my waist—felt almost possessive, but also incredibly intimate. Her rings glinted in the dim light of the room, shining as if they were part of the entire scene, each one making her hand look even more commanding.

And Minji's expression?

Fuck.

Her eyes were focused solely on me, sharp and intense, but not in an angry way—in a way that made me feel like I was the only thing in the room. Like I was the only thing that mattered.

And the fact that she had taken this photo?

I couldn’t even begin to explain what that did to me. How it made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just a random, messy fling.

“Are you actually showing me this?” Chloe said, a bit of disbelief in her voice, her eyes still glued to the screen. “I—I can’t even…”

“Yup,” I replied, a little smirk tugging at my lips. "This is Minji’s work."

Chloe shook her head. “You’re so lucky. I can’t even… wait, wait.” She grabbed my phone and zoomed in on Minji’s hand. “Those hands. You can see every vein on her fingers.”

I shrugged, trying not to look too pleased with myself. “Yeah, I guess I was a little distracted.”

Chloe muttered under her breath, staring at the photo like it held the answers to every universe. “And you’re still sane. I wouldn’t be able to function if I were you.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s honestly a miracle.”

But deep down? I knew it wasn’t just the photos that were getting to me. It was her. Every touch, every look, every subtle move she made—everything she did to make me feel like I belonged with her.

And that... I couldn’t shake that feeling.

Chloe had been persistent. Maybe even too persistent. She wouldn’t stop bugging me about seeing just one more of Minji's pictures—one more picture.

At first, I resisted. I wasn’t about to just hand over something so personal. But Chloe was relentless. Her smirk, the mischievous gleam in her eyes, was impossible to ignore.

"Come on, Di. I know you have more. You're not fooling anyone." Chloe leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "I’m dying to see what else you've got."

I rolled my eyes, trying to look nonchalant. “No way, Chloe. You already saw too much. I’m not giving you any more ammunition.”

But Chloe wasn’t having it. She crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair, as though preparing for battle. “You’re holding out on me,” she accused. “Come on, Di. I’ve seen enough to know there’s gotta be more. Just one more! One, you know, the kind of photo that’s… well, you know. Too much for normal people to handle."

I hesitated, staring at my phone, feeling the pressure. Chloe’s teasing was starting to wear me down. The way she was watching me, her eyes practically begging—how could I resist?

"Fine," I said, giving in with a sigh. "But just one." I unlocked my phone, navigating to the album where I'd stored the pictures. My heart raced as I hovered over the photo I was about to reveal.

I glanced up at Chloe, who was practically bouncing in her seat now. She grinned, hands clasped together like she was about to watch the best drama unfold.

"Here goes," I muttered under my breath. I tapped the picture.

It was one of the questionable ones she’d taken during that night, when we were alone at Minji's place. The photo was of me standing with my back to the camera, dressed in nothing but a black lace bra and a loose, oversized shirt Minji had lent me, my legs crossed in a provocative way. The lighting made it feel intimate, almost like it was stolen.

I hesitated for a second, but Chloe's impatient huff snapped me out of my doubts. "Let me see!"

I handed her the phone with a deep breath, trying to act casual as Chloe eagerly swiped through. She gasped.

"Oh my god." Her voice was almost a whisper, as if she was afraid someone else would overhear. “You look incredible.” She stared at the screen in awe. “And Minji? The woman knows how to take a picture, doesn't she?”

I nodded but didn’t say anything. A slight blush crept up my neck, and I tried to hide it by glancing away. But Chloe wasn’t letting this go.

“Tell me you’re not losing your mind right now,” she teased, flicking her eyes back and forth between the screen and me. “I can’t even begin to describe how insane this is. Like, you two are just…” She paused dramatically. “I mean, you are living the dream. I have never seen someone so whipped for another person. This is some movie-level stuff, Di. Honestly, I'm low-key jealous."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "You’re impossible," I muttered. “It’s not like that. And—"

Chloe was still grinning, her fingers hovering over the photo as if she couldn't get enough of it. “Yeah, yeah, but admit it: you love the attention. You're practically glowing." She raised her eyebrow knowingly, the teasing glint never leaving her eyes.

"Stop it," I said, though I was trying not to smile. "You're not even making sense anymore."

“I’m making perfect sense,” Chloe shot back, finally lowering the phone to look at me. “I just wanna make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Minji? She's a lot, Di. And I mean that in the best way. But if you’re serious about this... you have to really be ready for the kind of ride she’ll take you on.”

I felt a little punch in the gut at her words. It wasn’t the first time Chloe had said something like this. She was right—Minji was intense, everything I’d never expected, but everything I also wanted.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” I said, my voice steady, despite the butterflies in my stomach. “It’s just… different with her. I feel safe, like I’m being seen in ways I’ve never been before.”

Chloe gave me a knowing look, like she could see right through me. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”

And even though she had a million more comments to make, I just smiled softly. I wasn’t sure how everything was going to turn out—what Minji and I were building together—but for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be.

"So, one more" Chole snaps like it's any of her business.

I hesitated for a moment, but Chloe's expectant gaze was enough to make me give in. She’d been pushing for another photo, one that would make her eyes widen in shock, the kind that would get her to finally stop teasing me for the day. And honestly, I wasn’t sure how long I could hold out.

I scrolled through my photos, finally landing on the one that made my heart beat faster just thinking about it. This one was a little more daring, a lot more intimate. Minji had taken it that night—one of those stolen moments that seemed to freeze time. The picture was of me on Minji’s lap, perched comfortably as I leaned back against her chest. The warmth of her body pressed against mine, the way her hands were resting against my thighs, and the way she was holding me, just close enough to make me feel safe but also electric with the closeness of it all.

Minji’s suit—her black, tailored suit, crisp and powerful—was such a stark contrast to how soft and delicate the moment felt. The way the suit fit her made me want to just—well, I couldn’t even think about it for too long.

"Here," I said, feeling my breath catch in my throat. I handed Chloe my phone, feeling a little flutter in my stomach.

She grabbed it eagerly, eyes scanning the photo before her lips parted in shock. "Holy—" she began, but I quickly swatted at her hand, trying to hide my smile.

“Stop it,” I said, though it was clear I was only half-serious.

Chloe’s mouth dropped open. "Di. I can’t—" She bit her lip, glancing from the phone to me. "This is—" She shook her head, staring at me as if I were some kind of mystery.

“I know,” I muttered, trying to act nonchalant, but my heart was racing. The way I was looking at Minji—there was something about it that felt different than anything I’d ever experienced before.

Chloe finally shook her head and laughed, holding the phone out toward me. “I swear, Di, you and Minji are basically living a dream. Like, seriously, this is fire. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be so—so... attached.” She grinned mischievously. “It’s like you’re both in your own little world.”

“Yeah, well,” I said, glancing at the picture again, “We kind of are.” I felt a warmth spread through me at the thought. It wasn’t just the physical closeness in the picture, but the deeper connection between Minji and me. I wasn’t sure if Chloe truly understood just how much it meant to me.

“Don’t think you’re fooling me, Di,” Chloe said, her tone light but full of that knowing edge. “I see the way you look at her. And, um, she’s definitely got that look in her eyes, too.” She raised her eyebrows as if she were seeing some grand love story unfold before her eyes. "Do you even realize how much of a power couple you two would make?"

I rolled my eyes at her. “You’re ridiculous.” But I couldn’t help the smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Chloe wasn’t wrong. Minji and I did have something special. It wasn’t just the way she held me or the pictures we took, it was something deeper.

Chloe continued to stare at me with that same gleam in her eye. “I mean, you’ve been spending a lot of time together, Di. You’re practically attached at the hip.” She paused for a moment, then added with a sly grin, “And I know you’re thinking about how things are going to go next. It’s obvious. You guys are dating now!"

My cheeks flushed, and I quickly swiped the phone from her hand, not able to hide the way my heart was racing at the thought of what was next for me and Minji.

Chloe, sensing the shift in my mood, softened a little. “Just make sure you're doing what you want, Di. No rush, okay?” She gave me a look that felt both knowing and reassuring. "Whatever happens with Minji—it's on your terms."

I nodded, my fingers curling around the phone in my hand. “I know,” I whispered, though part of me still wasn’t sure where all this would lead.

But in that moment, with Chloe looking at me like I was some kind of character in a romance story, I didn’t need to have all the answers. All I knew was that I was here, right now, with Minji, and that was more than enough for me.