Make It With You

11

Monique*"

"Mom, Dad! Where are you?!" I yelled, running down the stairs while frantically dialing their numbers.

"We're at the pool, honey! Come over here!" the other line answered before I hung up without a second thought.

"Annyeong, Eommawa Appa!" I greeted as I kissed them both on the cheek. "Eomma, Appa, dangsin-ege malhal jung-yohan geos-i issseubnida." (Mom, Dad, I have something important to tell you.) I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what was about to come.

"Munjeneun mueos-ibnikka?" (What's the problem, dear?) Dad asked, concerned.

"Geulsse, naneun nugungaleul joh-ahanda." (Well, I like someone.) I fiddled nervously with my fingers, trying not to sound too awkward.

"Eotteohge munjeibnikka?" (How is that a problem?) Mom crossed her arms, clearly not understanding the issue.

"Cheoeum-eneun sonyeoege kkeulligi ttaemun-ibnida. Duljjae, geunyeoneun Kim Jisoo." (It's because, first, I'm attracted to a girl. Second, she's Kim Jisoo.) I sighed, half embarrassed, half relieved to get it off my chest.

"Ulineun dangsin-i kkul-eul joh-ahaneun salam-eul jiwonhabnida. Ulineun dangsin-i geunyeoleul joh-ahandaneun geos-eul abnida." (We support whoever you like, honey. We know you like her.) Mom hugged me tightly.

"Naega geunyeoleul joh-ahandaneun geol eotteohge al-ass-eo?" (How did you know I liked her?) I raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Minawa Joido uliege hwag-in haess-eunikkayo." (Because we know, and Mina and Zoe confirmed it to us.) Mom burst out laughing, clearly enjoying this more than I was.

"Eotteohge geuleohge nal baesin hal su iss-eoss-eo?" (How could they betray me like that?) I shook my head in mock disbelief.

"Hajiman hoesa-eneun deiteue daehan gyuchig-i issseubnida." (But there's the rule in the company about dating.) I sighed dramatically, trying to be the responsible one for once.

"Dangsin-i gajang meonjeohago sip-eossdeon il-eun geu gyuchig-eul jegeohago wonhaneun salamgwa deiteuleul hal su issdago malhan geos-eul gieokhabnida." (I remember you said that the first thing you wanted to do was remove those rules so they could date whoever they wanted.) Dad and Mom chuckled together.

"Chwisohaedo gwaenchanhseubnikka?" (Is it okay if I revoke those?) I asked cautiously, wanting their approval.

"Kkul joh-ahaneundaelohaseyo. Dangsin-eun CEO ibnida, dangsin-eun dangsin-i wonhaneundaelo hal su issseubnida. Hajiman gyeoljeong-eul naeligi jeon-e du beon ttoneun se beon saeng-gaghaneun geos-eul ij-ji masibsio." (Do as you like, honey. You're the CEO, you can do whatever you want. But remember, think twice or thrice before making any decisions. Got it?) They said, half-seriously, half-playfully.

I nodded, hugging them both. "Gomawoyo eomma, appa! Neoneun choegoya!" (Thanks, Mom and Dad! You're the best!)

---

Later that day, I was in my office, digging through my desk, desperately searching for my laptop. I had a meeting with Blackpink and the presentation was on that laptop. Of course, it had to be missing.

I quickly dialed my assistant. "Nē, Ryujin-chan, doko ni iru no? Watashi no rappu toppu o mita koto ga arimasu ka?" (Hey, Ryujin, where are you? Have you seen my laptop? I think it's missing.)

"Eh, anata wa sukoshi mae ni sore o ataemashita. Hayame ni kaigi no junbi o suru yō ni iwa retanode, koko wa chīsana kaigijitsu ni imasu." (You gave it to me a while ago. You told me to prepare for the meeting early, so I'm in the small conference room. You keep forgetting things, don't you?) Ryujin teased.

"Hey, don't be rude. Arigatō Ryujin shin'ainaru." (Thank you, Ryujin, dear.) I ended the call, blushing a little.

"Who are you calling, dear?" Jisoo's voice suddenly interrupted, making me jump.

"For the love of God, Jisoo! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I pressed my hand to my chest. She just laughed at my reaction, as always. "Why are you here? And alone?" I continued, trying to compose myself.

"Giving you a fright? You're the only person who uses that word," Jisoo chuckled. "Here, I bought you coffee and the others are on their way to the meeting." She handed me the coffee.

"Woah! Jisoo bought me coffee, Jisoo cares for me, Jisoo loves me!" I grinned widely, pulling her into a hug.

"First of all, it's just coffee. Secondly, is that your hand on my-" Jisoo smirked.

"It was an accident!" I said quickly, still hugging her.

"Monique, it's still on my ass," she said, shaking her head, but clearly trying not to laugh.

"Still an accident," I muttered, finally letting go of her. I kissed her cheek and took her hand. "Hoeuie gaja, yeobo." (Let's go to the meeting, honey.) I winked at her.

She blushed furiously, looking at me in shock. But before we entered the conference room, she pulled her hand away, turned to me, and said, "Haeng-un-eul bibnida," (Good luck) before kissing my cheek and stepping inside, leaving me flustered and nervous as hell.

I took a deep breath, composed myself, and walked into the room.

I made my way to my seat, practically skipping, and started singing to myself, Happy times together we've been spending... I wish that every kiss was never-ending... Oh, wouldn't it be nice?

"Well, someone's in a good mood," Jennie remarked.

"Hmmm, you could say that," I winked.

"You're smiling like an idiot, Unnie," Lisa teased. "Share the good news with us," Rosé said eagerly, practically bouncing in her seat.

I just smiled at them all, while Jisoo shook her head, pretending not to notice.

I sat down at my desk and snapped my fingers dramatically. "Ok, ok, sa-eob-eul sijaghabsida." (Let's get down to business, shall we?) I said with a serious poker face.

They all stared at me, wide-eyed.

"You never fail to surprise us," Jisoo muttered under her breath, but I just smirked.