𝑴𝒀 𝑯𝑶𝑴𝑶𝑷𝑯𝑶𝑩𝑰𝑪 𝑪𝑬𝑶 (𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵)

8

Lisa returned to Jennie’s office an hour later, finding the CEO immersed in paperwork.  She cleared her throat, a delicate sound in the otherwise quiet space.

Jennie looked up, her brow furrowed. “Ms. Manoban? What is it?”  The question wasn’t unkind, but it lacked warmth.

Lisa grinned, undeterred. “Someone’s frosty again.”

Jennie rolled her eyes, a small, almost imperceptible movement. “Just tell me what you need.”

Lisa decided to cut to the chase.  “It’s just the campaign documents.  One final signature, and we’re all set.” She presented the file. Jennie signed swiftly, her pen a blur across the page.

“Okay,” Jennie said, her tone still clipped.

“Thank you, Miss Kim,” Lisa said, her smile was genuine.  She hesitated.  “Is everything alright? You seem…stressed.”

“I’m fine, Ms. Manoban.” Jennie’s response was immediate, cutting Lisa short.

The latter persisted gently.  “You looked…bothered.  Is there something I can help with?”  The CEO noticed the photographer, relaxed and seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room.

Jennie’s patience snapped.  “No.  You can leave.”

Lisa ignored the dismissal.  “I’m here to listen if you need someone to talk to, Miss Kim.”

Jennie’s voice was sharp, laced with frustration.  “I said I’m fine. Your presence is no longer needed.  Leave my office.”  The finality of her words hung in the air.

" Have you eaten?". Lisa asked her again.

“For Pete’s sake, Manoban, get out!” Jennie’s voice, sharp and brittle, sliced through the air.  “I don’t need you here. We’re not friends, and frankly, I despise you!” The words hung, raw and venomous, in the sudden silence.

Lisa rose  “Jeez. I was just trying to be friendly.”

" I don't want to be your friend so get out!". Jennie yelled.

“Why do you always yell? You know you can talk to me calmly.” Lisa’s voice was quiet, a stark contrast to Jennie’s outburst.

Jennie’s face was flushed, her anger barely contained.  “You’re making my blood boil! I told you to leave, and you were stubborn. What did you expect?”

"You are homo"----- Lisa started to retort, but Jennie cut her off, her voice a strangled whisper.  “Don’t even…finish that sentence.”  The unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air.

" Homophobic hahaha". Said Lisa and she immediately ran out of the office afraid that the feline will do something to her.

Jennie pressed a hand to her chest, trying to still the frantic beat of her heart.

" I hate her I hate her I hate her!".

--------

"Where are we going, Lisa?" Chaeyoung asked, her voice tinged with anticipation. Lisa had promised a night out, a much-needed break for her overworked friend.

Lisa grinned. "There's a new place a few blocks over.  They're making some pretty big claims about their food, so I thought we'd give it a try."

Chaeyoung's eyes widened. "Really? Wow, I can't wait!"  She clapped her hands with childlike enthusiasm.

Lisa chuckled. "You're such a foodie, Chaeng. I have a feeling you're going to love it."

Meanhile...

"So? How is it?" Jisoo asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jennie, savoring a bite. "Not bad."

Jisoo beamed. "See? I told you this place was amazing.  They just opened, but they're already serving up some serious deliciousness." Jennie nodded in agreement, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"Uh, is that Lisa?" Jisoo inquired. Jennie followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow when she noticed Lisa was with someone.

The woman clung to Lisa’s arm, both of them smiling.  A pang of something sharp and unfamiliar—jealousy?—pierced Jennie’s heart.

“Hey Limario!” Jisoo’s voice, loud and cheerful, cut through the restaurant’s gentle hum.  Several heads turned.

“Jisoo!” Jennie hissed, but it was too late. Lisa had already seen them.

The two women approached, but Jennie’s gaze was locked on Lisa, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Time seemed to slow as Lisa walked towards them.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were here,” Lisa said, her voice warm.

Chaeyoung’s grip tightened on Lisa’s arm.  The latter sensed her best friend’s discomfort as she recognized the CEO who had humiliated her weeks ago. Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie all sensed the shift in the atmosphere.

Lisa whisper in Chaeyoung’s ear, “Don’t worry, I’m here.” The words, though soft, sent a jolt through Jennie.

Jisoo, ever the diplomat, stepped forward.  “Well, hello again! I hope you remember me.” Her smile was bright and disarming.

“Y-yes,” Chaeyoung stammered, “Thank you for…for what you did.”

“You’re welcome!” Jisoo’s smile widened. “Why don’t you two join us?  And don’t worry, Chaeyoung, Jennie might look fierce, but Limario and I have your back.” She playfully said.

"I don't like them here." Chaeyoung flinched as Jennie’s voice, though not loud, carried a sharp edge.

Lisa’s gaze softened as she looked at Chaeyoung. “Are you okay?”

Jennie’s jaw tightened.  Lisa, sensing the tension, spoke smoothly.  “Jisoo, Miss Kim, perhaps we should find another table. I wouldn’t want my chipmunk to be uncomfortable, or miss out on her dinner.”  The polite dismissal was firm, leaving no room for argument.

My chipmunk? Jennie said in her mind.

“That would be better, considering my allergy to…well, you know,” Jennie spat, the words laced with venom.

“Jennie!” Jisoo’s sharp exclamation drew several curious glances.

Lisa saw the stark terror etched on Chaeyoung’s face.  She was accustomed to Jennie’s abrasive personality, but Chaeyoung, who had always looked up to the CEO, was clearly devastated by the blatant discrimination.

“Let’s go, Chaeng,” Lisa said quietly, her voice firm. She gave Jisoo a brief nod before leading Chaeyoung away.  Jennie’s clenched fist, resting on the table, was the only visible sign of her simmering fury.  Jisoo noticed.

“You shouldn’t say things like that, Jennie,” Jisoo said, her voice low but laced with reproof. “Did you see how scared Chaeyoung was? She couldn’t even look at you. Lisa told me how much that woman admired you, but all of that vanished when you humiliated her. Try to be a little more considerate. Think about how your words affect others.”

Jisoo sighed, pushing her chair back. “Anyway, I’m full. I’m going.”  She left Jennie sitting alone, the silence heavy with the unspoken consequences of her words.

-------

Lisa glanced towards Jennie and Jisoo’s table.  “They’re gone. Don’t worry,” she murmured, her voice soft.  She heard Chaeyoung exhale, the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. The encounter with the CEO had left its mark; Chaeyoung’s nervousness lingered.

Lisa gently stroked Chaeyoung’s hand.  “It’s okay, Chaeyoung-ah. I’m here.  I promise you, Miss Kim won’t hurt you again.”  A small, hesitant smile finally touched Chaeyoung’s lips.  Lisa’s presence was a comfort, a familiar anchor in the wake of the unsettling encounter.  Since the loss of their parents, Lisa had been Chaeyoung’s protector, despite being the younger one.

“Thank you, Lisa,” Chaeyoung whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “For always looking out for me, even though…even though I should be the one protecting you.”

Lisa squeezed her hand.  “It’s fine. Don’t even think about it. I’m more than happy to look after you, protect you from everyone.  I may have…this condition,” she added, a slight hesitation in her voice, “but I’m stronger than I look.  You see these abs—”

Chaeyoung’s hand shot out, stopping Lisa before she could lift her shirt.

Lisa laughed, the sound light and carefree.  “Just kidding!  But I promise you, as long as I’m here, no one will ever hurt you. I’ll be your protector.”  She playfully poked Chaeyoung’s nose.  Chaeyoung’s eyes welled up, a mixture of relief and affection shining in their depths.