The Foolproof Plan

Chapter 20: STILL A STUDENT

Later that evening, I walked Bella to her front door. A part of me wanted to take her hand and bring her to my apartment-- Minda told me to just take charge. I clenched my hands into fists to avoid going into caveman mode and pulling her home with me.

She unlocked her door then turned around to face me. "Uh, do you...I don't know. I mean, would you like to come in for a bit?"

Yes! Yes! I almost cried out.

Instead, I pursed my lips. "You know, this has been a great evening. I wouldn't want to spoil it by taking things too fast. I mean, I did say it was just dinner. I don't want you to think I don't keep my word."

She smiled. "Exactly what a gentleman would say."

I also smiled. "I enjoyed our talk. Thank you for tonight. I promise I don't expect anything except a friendly kiss." I leaned down and pecked her on the cheek. "You can call me whenever you're ready to see me again. I'll wait."

She seemed stunned, but in a good way because her smile returned almost immediately. "Jin, I-I..." She shook her head, at a loss for words. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Bella," I said and was about to turn around when I felt her grab my arm. She pulled me down and kissed my cheek.

Then she whispered in my ear: "Thank you for being a gentleman. I was about to say yes." She moved away from me. "Good night." She hurried into her apartment.

I stared dumbly at her front door. She was about to say yes? To what? I raised my hand halfway to the door before I brought it back down. I promised her it was just a friendly dinner, and I had to keep to my word. I turned and rushed back to my place before I ruined things.

I had just closed the door when my phone buzzed with a text message. It was Minda. I noticed that she had texted me earlier, but I had not glanced at my phone all night. I decided to call her.

"Seokjin, where were you?"

I tossed my car keys on my coffee table and dropped down onto my sofa. "I was out. With Bella."

"You're not with her now?"

"No. We had dinner, and I took her home," I said.

"And that was it? It's only 9:30."

I couldn't stop my smile. "Yeah, but it was a fantastic evening. Dinner was good, but our conversation was, well, it was enlightening. It was more than I'd hoped for. I think everything's going to be fine." I exhaled. "Thanks for everything. It was great to have a woman's perspective, really. You came up with a great plan, but I think I've got it from here."

"Oh. You're welcome, I suppose, but don't you still need me to help you? After all, you're not spending the night with her, so it wasn't exactly a successful date."

"I guess my metric for success has changed," I replied. "We didn't end up in bed, but by my account, it was very successful. She told me loves me, and I think we will be getting back together very soon."

"The fact remains that you're not together yet. And unless you plan to end every date by going home with only your hand for company, our work isn't done. I'll see you tomorrow."

I shrugged and put my phone down. Just a few months ago, I would've agreed with her. A successful date ended in sex, but things had changed. I had changed. Seeing Bella smile and knowing that I was responsible for that smile filled me with happiness and satisfaction. We had the rest of our lives together. I leaned my head back on the sofa cushions and imagined the many nights I would get to hold her in my arms. For now, that was enough.

I wanted to do this right. I hoped Minda would understand.