Halfway Home - A Chaelisa Story

Past

I had been avoiding Lisa the past few days- almost two weeks. I didn't answer her calls or texts. Chaeyoung knew me better than I thought and just kept to herself during our classes and time together while working on our project. If it wasn't for her help we wouldn't be close to be halfway done.

She didn't try to make me go see the dance team practice after she asked about Lisa and I just shook my head. She didn't push it and I was thankful for that.

Jennie tried, she really did. And I tried too but I was back to where I started all those months ago. Back to being closed off, being afraid. And I hated it, but I couldn't stop.

I was walking to the dorm when I heard someone running behind me, I turned around to an excited Jisoo hugging me. I hugged her back tightly. I'd miss her.

"Rosie posie, where have you been?" She said as she stepped back with a smile. "Oh you know... philosophy has been a pain in the ass. Just busy, I guess. How about you? The play is around the corner." I said.

She scratched her head "It is! But I can't wait, will you be going to the premiere? I already gave Lisa your tickets..." My face fell. "Or maybe I can give one to you?" She asked with a confused look.

"It's okay, Soo. I think Jennie has a spare, Joy will be visiting her parents that weekend and won't be able to make it." She nodded.

"Look... I hate to ask but, is everything okay with you and Lisa?" She said.

I sighed "I would like to think everything is fine. At least on her end... I- I haven't been feeling good. This hasn't happened in a long time but it's got nothing to do with her- or you. Anyone but me. I hope you can understand that."

She nodded with a solemn look in her eyes "I get it. Just know that you're not alone okay? You have us to catch you if you fall. I may not know exactly what's going on but I care about you, so... if you ever want to talk- or just hang out in silence, hit me up. Alright?" She said squeezing my hand.

I couldn't help but to inhale shakily as I tried to fight back the tears from falling and nodded "Thank you, Jisoo. It means a lot to me. I'll see you around, yeah?" She smiled and pulled me in for a hug before we said our goodbyes.

I was soon in my room making the final tweaks to a paper I had to present on monday when Jennie knocked on my door "It's open!" She peeked through with curious eyes. "How's it going? Almost done?" She asked. I nodded with a smile.

"Yeah, I can't believe the semester is almost halfway done. I can't wait to not have that 7 am class, ugh." I puffed. Jennie sat next to me and pat my head, running her hand through my hair "I thought you liked the subject and Professor Bae?" She said "Weren't you ranting about how it wasn't fair that she was super hot and intelligent?" I laughed.

"She is super hot and intelligent but why did the uni have to schedule a class with her so early?" We both laughed "Jen, I was meaning to ask... did Joy return the play ticket to you? And if so, can I use it?" I asked. Jennie stopped smiling and frowned.

"Didn't Jisoo gave your and Lisa's ticket to Lisa?" She said. "Uh, she did... but I-" Jennie stopped me mid sentence. "Rosie, Lisa didn't do anything wrong. I understand that you hate that a new friend saw you being vulnerable but you need to let yourself be seen by people who love and support you, okay?" She hugged me by my shoulders. "I would give you Joy's ticket if that made you feel better but she took it with her, I'm sorry." I nodded and shook my head.

"You're right Jen, I should text Lisa and just go together... I should probably explain what happened to Lisa, she must think I'm crazy or something..." I said bitterly.

"I don't think so but if I were her, I would be worried about you and if I did something wrong." Jennie explained with a kind expression. I nodded. Lisa doesn't deserve this.

Jennie left to take a shower and go to the final play rehearsal and I decided to just face the bull by the horns.

Rosé: hey stranger

Lisa: hi

Rosé: sorry for going MIA

Lisa: it's cool

I sighed... she must be really mad at me.

Rosé: i was wondering if you know Soo's favorite flower?

Lisa: uh, I guess lily of the valley... why? R u tryin to date her?

If you only knew...

Rosé: I meant to bring flowers to Jen and Soo, to wish them a successful run of the play

Lisa: oh...

Lisa: why didn't I think of that?

Lisa: I just thought about buying her dinner

I giggled, of course food would be a great gift for Jisoo as well.

Rosé: I think she'd like that

I waited for a few minutes but didn't get a response from Lisa. Had I said something wrong?

Then another message popped up.

Lisa: sorry, I'm in the dance studio

Lisa: she'll ditch me as her bff for you if you get her flowers

Rosé: I don't think so, and don't worry about it... i'm finishing a paper

Lisa: cool

Rosé: are we still going together to the play? It's okay if you don't want to, I understand

I threw my phone to the other side of the bed not wanting to see Lisa's response... she'll probably take long to answer or not answer at all-

Suddenly my phone's screen lit up and I crawled to my phone. Kneeling on my bed I breathed out and unlocked it.

Lisa: I had hoped we would

Lisa: I have your ticket, see you half an hour before it starts? I can pick you up at your dorm

Lisa: only if you want

I exhaled and typed my response. Maybe not everything is lost.

Rosé: yeah, I'd like that. See you on saturday

Maybe my friendship with Lisa can be salvaged. I have to make it work. I have to settle being her friend and I could handle that. I rather that than not having her in my life at all. I should start letting go of the past.

Author's note: Sorry for disappearing again for a bit! I know this is a short chapter but I'll make it up to you on the next one. I've been feeling a bit more inspired these days.

Have you heard Rosé's single album yet? I loved it.