13 - Dusk

                                    

                                          
LISA
Dusk had fallen while I sat in low spirits on the pavement, outside the 7-eleven near our dorm. The sky had already grown dark but I continued to sulk, counting only on coffee to cheer me up. The occurrence earlier today still caused fresh hurt each time I recall it.

"Where do you think?" Jisoo answered when I asked where Jennie was.
"Kai fetched her early this morning, probably taking her on a date before she leaves to shoot for Village Survival. Those two need to be more careful. Dispatch is hinting at a new couple reveal and I have a bad feeling about it."
Jisoo frowned when she saw the look on my face. "Don't tell me you have plans with Jennie today but she forgot and left you for Kai again?" 
"It doesn't matter. I need to go to the company to practice anyway." I struggled to appear unaffected as I proceeded to grab my things.
"I'll talk to her. This is not ok. She needs to be told..."
"Don't bother." I cut her off. 
"Lisa..."
"He's her boyfriend."
"He comes first before anyone else." I added bitterly as I left the dorm.

You'd think my mood would've picked up by now, after a vigorous practice I intentionally imposed on myself. Apparently, working out a sweat was not enough. I still had to flush all the bad vibes out with strong coffee.
There's little foot traffic in this particular area and so I wasn't worried about sitting out in the open. I guess it's also one of the few perks of being the least known member of our group here in South Korea. I can roam around freely and rarely get recognized. Our managers don't feel the need to follow me everywhere either. Compared to the other members, they're not as strict with me, which was never a problem since I enjoy these occasional bits of freedom.
I slightly shrugged my blue and red letterman jacket off my shoulders. The night air was chilly but I burn up every time I think of Jennie easily discarding me for a guy she just recently started dating. 
Am I that dispensable to her? How many times was she going to do this to me and how many times was I going to let her?
I took a moment to sip on my coffee, glaring at couples, friends or anyone with a companion happily passing by. Everything's all rainbows and butterflies until one of them drops the other for someone else. My mouth twisted with bitterness at the thought. I've decided, just now, that unlike all these cheery passersby, coffee is all the company I needed.
I inhaled sharply, reaching inside my pocket to silence the phone that had been buzzing non-stop since noon.
42 missed calls and 31 messages. Almost all from Jennie and only a few from Jisoo and our manager. I rolled my eyes and left all of it unread except for Jisoo's. I'm not in the mood to contend with apologies and lame ass excuses.

Jisoonie: Where are you?
Jisoonie: Yah Manobal
Jisoonie: You better answer...

It was just a short while ago when she sent these and I know better not to text her back.

Me: Why?
Jisoonie: Just answer, Limario
Me: Aish. Convenience store near our dorm.
Jisoonie: Oh good. You're near.
What is she up to?
Me: Don't tell anyone and don't wait up for me.
Jisoonie: I already told her. She's on her way.