The Foolproof Plan

Chapter 11: OPERATION LONELY HEART

The fall semester started, and I had not approached Bella again. It had been four weeks of torture to see her from afar. I remembered that she was hoping to graduate after this semester and feared that she might leave my life for good. The thought made me panic.

After the first week of classes, I finally called Minda.

"Hi, Seokjin," she answered within the first ring.

"Hey," I said, feeling awkward. "I, uh, wondered if you still wanted to help me."

"I'll help you with anything you want."

I sighed. "Okay. Are you free for coffee today?"

"If you throw in dinner, I'm free the entire night."

"Okay," I replied. "I'll text you the place and address. Shall we say 7?"

"Perfect. See you then."

That evening I sat nervously at a table, glancing toward the door and wondering if this was even worth it. I turned back and stared at my phone, wondering if I should call this off.

"Hey, there, handsome." Minda smiled at me and sat across the table. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting long." She tossed back her long straight dark hair.

"No," I replied. I placed my phone down on the table. "Would you like a coffee or a drink?"

"Let's start this then," she said. "When you're having dinner with a girl, don't ask her. Just order champagne. It lets her know that she's special."

I raised my eyebrow at her. "Oh, really?" I signaled to the waiter and ordered a bottle of a very good champagne. "How was that?" I asked with a half-smile.

"Good," she replied. "Next step: dinner. Look over the menu then tell me what you are ordering for the both of us."

I felt myself scrunching my face. "But what if you don't like what I order?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "That's not the point. It's the way you order it. Order for yourself then order for me. Then catch my eye and wink at me. It'll make it seem intimate and a little flirty. Try it."

I smiled, but did not feel convinced. However, I had asked for her help, so I guess I could try it.

The dinner went off without a hitch, I suppose, because I took her advice.

"Should I ask you if you'd like dessert?" I asked. "Or should I just order it?"

Minda batted her eyelashes playfully. "I'm sure you know the best dessert is after we leave the restaurant. So, after you pay, take my hand and tell me that it's time for dessert. Then we leave."

After I settled the tab, I helped her out of her chair and walked her out of the restaurant to the parking lot. I accompanied her to her car and opened the driver's side door for her. But before I could turn away, she grabbed my arm.

"Okay, if you drove, then you can go to her place or yours for that promised dessert. I'm sure you know what to do,"she said with a raised eyebrow. "But if you are in separate cars, you definitely do what you just did, which was walking me to my car," Minda said. "Now here's a tip. Wait until I am seated then reach in and buckle my seat belt for me."

I chuckled. "Really? Won't I be in your personal space?"

"Exactly!" she exclaimed and slid into her seat. "The closer, the better."

I shrugged and did as she requested. I was a bit uncomfortable when she put her hand over mine as I clicked it in place.

"Remember to do it slowly," Minda said softly. "As you slide the tongue into the buckle, you want her to think of another sliding motion you'll be doing to her soon."

I laughed. "Right. I get the picture. Not too subtle, but I get it. Thanks, Minda. Drive safely."

She smiled at me. "Goodnight, Seokjin. Until next time."

I nodded at her and turned to walk to my car. I wasn't too sure if there should be a next time because I didn't think any of this would be helpful in getting Bella back. But at least it was entertaining. And it beat sitting home alone and depressed.