Make It With You

17

Weeks had passed since Monique and Jisoo began dating exclusively. Things had been flowing smoothly, with one notable exception: their hectic schedules. The busyness had started to wear on Jisoo, who found herself longing to see Monique more often.

One evening, Monique was driving through the city when something caught her eye. Her favorite person was standing outside the cafe in the Yang building.

I will never get tired of looking at her face, Monique thought to herself, grinning like a fool. She honked her car horn twice, making Jisoo jump in surprise.

Monique chuckled, her playful giggle echoing as she stepped out of the car.

"Jesus!" Jisoo exclaimed, her heart racing from the sudden noise. "That horn was loud."

Monique flashed a charming smile. "Not Jesus. Just me," she teased.

Jisoo spun around, her eyes widening in surprise as Monique stood there, looking at her with that familiar, irresistible smile.

"Hey!" Jisoo blurted out, suddenly tongue-tied. She couldn't find the words. Her mind went blank as she stood there, appreciating the beauty in front of her. I can't believe I'm dating her, she thought, almost in disbelief.

Monique tilted her head, her fingers absentmindedly twirling her car keys. "Wae honja ya? Daleun salamdeul-eun eodi issseubnikka?" (Why are you alone? Where is everyone else?)

"I was about to head home," Jisoo replied, still a bit dazed. "Jennie and Lisa are finishing up their shoot, and Chaeng... she's acting kind of strange. We need to talk to her."

Monique's eyes softened with concern. "Joh-a, ulineun geunyeowa iyagi hal geos-ibnida." (Okay, we'll talk to her.) Her voice was steady, comforting.

Jisoo hesitated, biting her lower lip. "Nalang hanjan hallae? Nae chilyo." (Do you want to have a drink with me? My treat.)

Monique raised an eyebrow, scanning her up and down. "Je jib-e maegjuga iss-eoyo. Wonhasimyeon masil su issnayo? Keulleob-eun jeongmal nae il-i aniya. Jigeum jjeum-imyeon algo iss-eoya hae, Jisu." (I have some beer at my place, we can drink that if you want? The club is really not my thing, you should know that by now, Jisoo.)

Jisoo smiled shyly, her cheeks tinged pink. "I'd love that."

When they arrived at Monique's house, Jisoo was still in awe. How does someone live like this? she wondered. Everything about Monique's place felt like a dream.

"Welcome again to my humble abode. Make yourself at home," Monique said, grinning as she ushered Jisoo inside.

Monique disappeared into her room, only to return moments later in more casual clothes. She tossed Jisoo a hoodie and a pair of shorts.

"Here, change so you won't smell like alcohol afterward," Monique said, her smile playful. "You know where the bathroom is."

Jisoo grinned and went to change. When she returned, she saw Monique had already set out some beers, chips, and a game controller beside her.

"I know you're a gamer like me," Monique teased. "And I ordered chicken-your favorite. We both know we can't cook," she added with a wink.

Jisoo laughed, feeling the warmth of the evening settle in. "Where are your parents and the kids?" she asked casually.

"Oh, they're traveling," Monique explained. "Mom and Dad love spoiling their grandkids."

"And Mina?" Jisoo prodded, her curiosity still piqued.

Monique shrugged nonchalantly. "I have no idea. She's off doing her own thing."

The evening passed in a blur of laughter, playful teasing, and the clinking of beer bottles. They ate, they drank, and they bickered over the game-blaming each other for their losses and calling each other noobs.

After ten bottles of beer, Jisoo was thoroughly drunk, her words slurring as she laid back on the couch, staring at Monique with dreamy eyes.

"You know what, Monique?" Jisoo mumbled, her voice soft and sincere. "This is one of my dream dates. Thank you for fulfilling it."

Before Monique could respond, Jisoo passed out, snoring lightly. Monique smiled fondly, shaking her head.

She carefully lifted Jisoo in her arms, bringing her into her bedroom. She tucked the smaller girl into bed, covering her with a blanket.

Monique stood there for a few moments, gazing down at Jisoo's peaceful face. "Neo goengjanghada. salanghae, Jisu." (You're amazing. I love you, Jisoo.) She whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Jisoo's forehead.

With a contented sigh, Monique left the room, a smile still lingering on her lips. She cleaned up the living room quickly, then headed to the nearest room-the one on the second floor-too lazy to trek up to the fourth floor where Jisoo normally stayed.

"Jeongmal meosjin bam-iya." (What a great night it is.) Monique murmured to herself, settling into her space.

Just as she was about to unwind, her phone rang.

"How's my favorite sister?" Joseph's excited voice filled the line.

Monique rolled her eyes. "I'm your only sister. What do you want, Joseph?"

"I miss you," he said, as if that were the most natural thing in the world.

Monique raised an eyebrow. "If you miss me, come visit. I miss my baby brother too. Mom and Dad do, too."

Joseph was unfazed. "I just saw them. They're in Singapore, and I was there too."

Monique grinned, leaning back into the couch. "Where are you now?" she asked playfully.

"Hmmm, somewhere," Joseph replied, his tone teasing. "Anyway, I heard you're going on a business trip in April. I might join you."

Monique sat up straight, curiosity piqued. "Who told you that?"

"I have my ways," Joseph chuckled. "But more importantly, I want you to meet someone during the trip. She's very special to me, and she's going to be your future sister-in-law."

Monique's jaw dropped. "You what??? Explain yourself right now, Joseph!"

Joseph laughed. "Chill, sis. I met this girl, and I'm falling head over heels for her. She's amazing, beautiful, sweet... everything. I want you to meet her before anyone else does."

Monique's mind raced. "You have a girlfriend? Since when? Is this serious?"

Joseph sounded confident. "Since she said yes, and yes, it's serious. Like dead serious. You're going to love her, sis."

Monique crossed her arms, a skeptical eyebrow raised. "And what if I don't?"

Joseph's tone was lighthearted but firm. "I'll make sure you do. I love you, sis. See you soon, yeah?"

Monique was still in shock. "I guess. I love you too. Bye."

As the call ended, Monique sank back into the couch, her mind whirling. What a night, she thought, her eyelids growing heavy. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts consumed by her brother's unexpected announcement.