Lines We Cross

Chapter 22

The drive back from Elizabeth's was quieter than YN had expected. She could still feel the warmth of Elizabeth's arms around her, the soft murmur of her voice as they said goodbye. But the comfort of the morning seemed to fade as she approached her house. She parked and made her way inside, the coolness of her home a stark contrast to the warmth she'd just left.

As YN entered, she found Maya and Nina sprawled across the couch, both engrossed in their phones, mugs of tea steaming in front of them. They looked up as she came in, and Maya broke into a wide grin.

"Look who finally decided to come home," Maya said, raising an eyebrow. "How's the party queen?"

YN chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. "Yeah... about that. I'm sorry, you guys. I know I've been all over the place lately."

Nina shrugged, a grin spreading across her face. "Hey, we knew you were dealing with things. But it was wild seeing you go from party pro to full-on chaos mode."

"Tell me about it," YN replied, shaking her head. "I just needed... something to get out of my head."

Maya nudged her gently, eyes bright with curiosity. "So, are you going to tell us more about... Professor Olsen?"

YN felt her cheeks redden, and she let out a groan. "Are you two ever going to let this go?"

"Not a chance," Maya replied with a laugh. "So, spill. We want details. All the juicy ones."

YN chuckled, shaking her head. "You guys really don't hold back, do you?"

"Not when it comes to our best friend's secret relationship with her professor!" Nina replied, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Seriously, how did this even start? Was it a 'locked eyes across the classroom' type thing, or what?"

YN sighed, leaning back and casting a thoughtful look at her friends. "Well, it didn't happen overnight," she admitted. "I mean, at first, it was just... me noticing her. She's intense, you know? Like, she's got this whole 'I'm-in-control' vibe going on. I couldn't look away."

Maya laughed. "Of course. You're a sucker for the powerful, confident type."

YN smirked. "Apparently, I am. But she wasn't just... a crush or anything. We'd get into these debates after class, during office hours, just the two of us. And she would challenge me every time, but it just made me want to keep coming back."

"So that's how she reeled you in?" Nina teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And then what? You just... kissed her one day?"

YN shook her head, laughing. "I wish it were that simple. No, we kept things professional for the longest time. I think we were both afraid of the risk, you know? It was like this constant push and pull. But one day, I don't know... I just couldn't take it anymore."

Maya's eyes widened, leaning closer. "You kissed her first, didn't you?"

YN's cheeks warmed, and she nodded, grinning. "Yeah, I did. She was giving me that look, and I just... couldn't help it."

Nina let out a low whistle. "Damn, YN. I didn't know you had it in you."

"Oh, you don't know half of it," YN said with a smirk. "It's been... well, intense, to say the least."

Maya looked at her, a mixture of awe and concern in her eyes. "And... are you happy? I mean, with her?"

YN paused, her expression softening. "Yeah, I think I am. She gets me in a way that no one else does. It's like... she doesn't expect me to be the 'Sterling' everyone else sees. She just sees me."

Nina sighed, her expression almost dreamy. "Alright, I can't lie. That's actually kind of beautiful. But aren't you worried? I mean, if anyone found out..."