It was the third and final day Jennie waited for Lisa at the entrance of their college. She sat in her car, checking the time impatiently. Just as she was about to honk, Lisa came running, her bag bouncing against her back.
Without hesitation, she opened the passenger door, slid into the seat, and buckled her seatbelt as if it were a daily routine. Before Jennie could say a word to scold her for being late, Lisa greeted her cheerfully,
"Miss Kim!"
Jennie, suppressing a smile, simply nodded and started the car. The silence between them was calm, yet heavy, both aware that this was likely their last drive together. Lisa had recovered, and Jennie’s duty of driving her was officially over.
As Jennie turned the corner onto a quieter road, Lisa spoke, breaking the silence.
"Miss Kim, I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You’ve taken such good care of me, but I don’t think you should waste your time on me anymore. I’m totally fine now."
Jennie gripped the steering wheel tighter, feeling a pang of disappointment. She wanted to argue, to tell Lisa that it wasn’t a waste of time. But Lisa’s words were rooted in fact, and Jennie had no valid counterargument. So instead, she hummed softly in acknowledgment.
The thought of this being their last interaction spurred something in Jennie. A sudden surge of confidence pushed her to speak.
“Lalisa,”
She began hesitantly, her voice softer than usual,
“Do you… want to hang out with me sometime? Maybe we could get to know each other better?”
Lisa turned to her, surprised. Her wide eyes wide, and she asked,
“Huh?”
Watching Lisa’s reaction, Jennie quickly clarified,
“I could take you sightseeing or something. You know, show you around, The real architecture.”
Lisa’s face lit up.
“I’d love to!”
She said enthusiastically, her excitement infectious.
She said with a childlike excitement that made Jennie smile involuntarily.
Jennie chuckled, feeling her earlier nerves melt away.
“Do you want to eat something now? It’s my treat,”
She offered, her tone casual.
But Lisa shook her head, her expression serious.
“No, Miss Kim. You’ve taken care of me so well. Let me treat you this time.”
Jennie’s ears turned red at the firm yet gentle tone Lisa used. She cleared her throat, trying to regain composure.
Jennie 2 Lisa 1.
“How about street food, Lalisa?”
She asked with a small grin.
Lisa hesitated, her brows furrowed.
“I have pocket money with me, so you don’t have to eat street food just for me.”
Jennie laughed softly, amused by Lisa’s concern.
“I want to,”
She replied warmly.
Lisa tilted her head, skeptical.
“But what if it doesn’t suit your health?”
Jennie’s chuckle deepened.
“I eat street food from time to time. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Lisa sighed in defeat.
“Okay, Miss Kim,”
She relented.
Jennie frowned slightly, her tone turning a bit colder.
“You don’t have to be so polite with me anymore, Lisa.”
Lisa blinked, surprised by the sudden shift.
“But you’re my senior. And you’re the most inspiring CEO I know. How could I not be polite?”
Jennie rolled her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line.
“I don’t care about that,”
She said firmly.
“When you treat me like a senior, I don’t like it.”
Lisa’s back straightened at Jennie’s serious tone, a chill running down her spine.
“Okay… Jennie unnie?”
She offered nervously, testing the waters.
Jennie immediately shook her head, her expression sharp.
“No. Don’t call me that.”
Lisa looked a little scared.
“Why not?”
“Because it makes me feel old,”
Jennie said with a huff.
Lisa laughed nervously.
“But there’s a five-year gap between us.”
Jennie’s eye twitched at Lisa’s remark.
“I don’t care about that either,”
She said, her tone bordering on irritation.
“Just call me Jennie.”
Lisa nodded obediently, her lips curling into a small smile.
“Alright. But only if you call me Lisa.”
Jennie’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile.
“Deal.”
As they drove off, the tension melted a little into a quiet warmth, a new chapter in their relationship starting to form.
The car stopped at a bustling street market, colorful food stalls lining the narrow lanes, and the aroma of grilled skewers, spicy tteokbokki, and fried delicacies filled the air. Lisa's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stepped out, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
"This place is amazing,"
Lisa said, her tone brimming with enthusiasm.
Jennie smiled, her heart fluttering at how Lisa seemed so carefree and happy.
"I thought you'd like it. Come on, let's try something."
They walked side by side, stopping at a stall selling spicy rice cakes. Lisa insisted on paying despite Jennie's protests, holding up a bill with a triumphant grin.
"You took care of me for so long, Jennie. This is the least I can do,"
Lisa said, handing over the cash.
Her name from Lisa felt so sexy to Jennie but she toned down her gayness for now.
She crossed her arms. "Fine. But I'm choosing dessert."
Lisa nodded and smiled.
"Deal."
They shared the rice cakes, Lisa occasionally blowing on her skewer to cool it down. Jennie chuckled as Lisa’s eyes widened at the heat.
"Too spicy?"
Jennie asked, offering her a bottle of water.
Lisa nodded furiously, cheeks flushed.
"I don't think I can handle this!"
Jennie laughed softly, her eyes crinkling.
"I thought you liked spicy food."
"I do,"
Lisa said between gulps of water,
"but this is next-level."
As they wandered further, Jennie led Lisa to a stall selling hotteok.
"This is one of my favorites,"
Jennie said, her eyes twinkling.
Lisa took a bite, the warm, sweet pancake melting in her mouth.
"Wow, this is so good! You have great taste, Jennie."
Jennie smirked.
"Of course I do."
Iykyk
They spent the next hour hopping from one stall to another, Lisa seemed at ease a little, her earlier formality melting away.
When they finally returned to Lisa's house, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Jennie leaned against the car door, watching Lisa brush her fingers through her bangs.
"Thank you, Jennie,"
Lisa said earnestly.
"This was... one of the best days I've had in a long time."
Jennie’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Lisa’s voice.
"I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lisa."
They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the market fading into the background.
"Well, I should get going,"
Lisa said reluctantly.
Jennie nodded, stepping closer.
"Take care of yourself, okay? And... let’s hang out again soon."
Lisa blinked in surprise, her cheeks reddening.
"Really?"
Before Lisa could say another word, Jennie leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Lisa froze, eyes wide as Jennie pulled back, her own face tinged pink.
"Bye Lisa,"
Jennie murmured with a small smile, ruffling the bangs Lisa had just adjusted a while ago, and stepped back into her car.
And drive off without looking at Lisa's reaction.
Lisa stood there, hand touching her cheek, a confused expression saying, 'What the hell just happened.'
Then she touched her stomach feeling weird.
Maybe it's just indigestion.
---
The lunchtime rush at Morning Glory was calming, and Rosé leaned back in her chair, savoring the last bite of her meal. The food was incredible—so incredible that she was now calling over a waitress to order a second round. As she glanced at the menu, she struck up a conversation with the waitress.
"Honestly, if this food keeps getting better, I might just have to date the owner to secure a lifetime supply."
Rosé said,
The waitress giggled, but before she could respond, a smooth voice chimed in from behind.
"Dating you? Not bad."
Jisoo chimed in.
Rosé turned sharply to see a woman leaning against the counter, arms crossed, and a smirk plastered across her face. She was clad in a sleek black blazer, her aura exuding confidence, but her playful grin immediately put Rosé on edge.
"Excuse me, but who asked for your opinion?"
The waitress opened her mouth, possibly to diffuse the tension, but Jisoo cut her off.
"I think I do have business with you."
Her signature smirk widened, and Rosé narrowed her eyes.
"The only business I have here is with my plate. Now, I am asking for a recommendation. From the waitress."
Jisoo raised her hands in mock surrender, her smirk not faltering.
"Scary and gorgeous. Noted."
Rosé leaned closer, glaring.
"I know."
The waitress, now beet red, awkwardly talked, muttering something about their special dish. But Jisoo intercepted again.
"Let me save you the trouble. I recommend the special—made with love, just like you deserve."
Rosé scoffed and looked back to the waitress.
"I'll take whatever you recommend. Not her."
Jisoo mimicked being hurt, clutching her chest.
"Ouch. That one stung."
Before Rosé could reply, someone called Jisoo's name from the kitchen. She gave a mock bow.
"Duty calls. But I’ll be back. Don’t miss me too much."
Rosé rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn’t fall out.
Later, after her meal, Rosé approached the counter to pay. She handed her card to the waitress, but before it could reach the register, Jisoo snatched it mid-air.
"You don’t have to pay. It’s on me."
"Give. Me. My. Card."
Jisoo leaned closer, holding the card just out of reach.
"And if I don’t?"
Rosé stepped into Jisoo’s bubble, her voice dropping low.
"Then I’ll beat the crap out of you. And I am true to my words."
Jisoo blinked, momentarily stunned, before recovering with a grin.
"Wow. So you’re that type of girlfriend, huh?"
Rosé growled, snatched her card back, and slammed it on the counter for the payment. As she paid, she threw a pointed glare at Jisoo, who just smiled and waved innocently.
When Rosé stormed out of the restaurant, Jisoo followed.
"Wait!"
Rosé turned, her glare unwavering.
"You said you were true to your words, right?"
Rosé crossed her arms.
"Yeah. So?"
"Well, back inside, you also said you could date the owner for the food."
Rosé raised a brow, confused.
"And?"
Jisoo leaned in, her smirk returning.
"I’m the owner."
For a moment, Rosé stared at her in disbelief, then barked a dry laugh.
"You’re lying."
"Why would I lie about that?"
Jisoo was just staring at her, which made Rosé's confidence falter a little.
"It was just a compliment," Rose stated.
Jisoo sighed and said,
"Let me get straight—which I’m not, by the way—I like you. You’re gorgeous, you’re fiery, and you’ve caught my attention. That’s enough for me to want to know you better."
Rosé blinked.
"What?"
Jisoo grinned.
"I’m asking you out on a date. Let me treat you to a dinner that’s even better than what you just ate."
Rosé stared at her, processing.
"You’re insane."
Jisoo nodded enthusiastically.
"And persistent."
Rosé shook her head, trying to suppress a smile, and asked.
"Why do you want to date a college student?"
"I don't care about statuses."
Jisoo stated immediately.
"Fine."
Jisoo pumped her fist in the air like she’d just won a marathon.
"Yes!"
As they exchanged numbers, Jisoo suddenly leaned in, kissed Rosé’s cheek, and darted away with a loud,
"See you soon, girlfriend!"
Rosé froze, touching her cheek.
"What the hell was that?"
She shook her head, a small smile creeping onto her lips.
"Maybe it’s just indigestion,"
She mumbled, walking away.