Lines We Cross

Chapter 24

Winter break felt like a breath of fresh air, a rare chance for YN and Elizabeth to step away from the usual demands and pressures. They'd driven an hour out from New Haven, finding a quiet mall where they could roam freely, tucked away from anyone who might recognize them.

The mall buzzed with holiday shoppers, lights and decorations casting a warm glow over everything. YN found herself drawn to a jewelry store, pausing in front of a display case filled with bracelets and delicate charms. Her eyes landed on a particular piece—a slim silver bracelet with a tiny charm in the shape of an open book. The simple design felt like more than just a piece of jewelry; it held meaning. Elizabeth had first noticed her in class, had seen something in her writing, in her arguments—this tiny charm felt like a symbol of how their connection had started, quiet but significant.

A smile tugged at her lips as she imagined Elizabeth's reaction on Christmas. She slipped the bracelet into her shopping bag, already picturing the way Elizabeth's eyes would light up when she saw it.

As she tucked her purchase away, she glanced across the aisle, catching sight of Elizabeth in the bookstore nearby, browsing through leather-bound journals. Elizabeth was so focused, absorbed in her thoughts as she examined each book, her fingers tracing over the spines. YN couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, seeing her in her element, completely herself.

Just as YN turned to make her way toward Elizabeth, a voice caught her attention.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth Olsen, right?"

Her heart dropped. She looked over to see Professor Malcolm, one of Elizabeth's colleagues from Yale. His tall frame and dark-rimmed glasses made him instantly recognizable, and he looked genuinely pleased to have run into her. Panic surged through YN, but Elizabeth didn't miss a beat, her expression calm and composed as she greeted him with a polite smile.

"Malcolm," Elizabeth replied, her tone light and steady. "Didn't expect to see you here."

YN froze, watching from the corner of her eye as the two professors chatted. She felt the urge to go over, to somehow interrupt, but just as she was about to step forward, Elizabeth shot her a quick glance—a look that spoke volumes, a subtle but unmistakable warning to stay back.

Taking the hint, YN turned, feigning interest in a nearby rack of scarves while listening to the conversation.

"Just picking up a few last-minute things," Malcolm was saying. "Holiday shopping's always a bit hectic, isn't it?"

Elizabeth's smile didn't falter. "Definitely. It's been nice to get a few things done." Her voice was light, polite, expertly casual as she steered the conversation into neutral territory.

YN tried to blend in, occasionally glancing back at the bag containing the bracelet, grounding herself in the thought of what it symbolized. She focused on the small gift, hoping it could keep her calm as the conversation continued behind her.

Eventually, Malcolm seemed ready to leave, giving Elizabeth a friendly nod. "Well, I won't keep you. Have a wonderful holiday, Elizabeth. See you back on campus."

"You too, Malcolm," Elizabeth replied smoothly, her voice unwavering. She waited until he'd turned the corner and disappeared into the crowd before joining YN at the jewelry counter, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

"That was... closer than I'd have liked," she murmured, her voice low.

YN let out a breath, a grin spreading across her face. "Close is an understatement. You handled it like a pro, though."

Elizabeth shrugged, her smirk softening into a smile. "Years of practice," she said sarcastically. Her gaze flicked to the shopping bag in YN's hand, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What did you get?"