Make It With You

19

*Monique*

"What's up, Ryujin? Is unnie there?" Lisa asked, her mouth full of burger and fries, looking casual but ready for mischief.

"Yeah, she's inside. Probably singing Crazy for You by Madonna again," Ryujin replied with a grin.

"Madonna song?" Lisa raised her eyebrows, a little puzzled.

"Yep, she's been into it lately. Has her in a good mood too," Ryujin answered, clearly entertained by Monique's new habit.

"I'm crazy for you, touch me once and you'll know-"

"Are you having a concert here or what?" Lisa interrupted with a laugh, raising her eyebrows in mock surprise.

My face turned red, and I quickly turned away. I hadn't realized Ryujin hadn't warned me Lisa was about to walk in. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.

"What are you doing here, Lisa?" I asked, sitting up straighter at my desk.

"Is that how you greet me, unnie?" Lisa laughed. "By the way, the three losers are on their way here. I brought you a burger and fries!"

"Is there a meeting I forgot about?" I asked, fixing some paperwork before washing my hands and sitting down next to her.

"A meeting for my brilliant idea!" Lisa beamed with excitement, practically bouncing in her seat.

I grabbed the burger, ready to ask her more questions when the door opened and in came Rosé, Jennie, and Jisoo, each holding a box of pizza, chicken, and cake.

"CEO Yang!" They all shouted in unison. I rolled my eyes, already knowing they were up to something.

"Is it just me, or is something new about you today?" Rosé said, snapping her fingers like she was searching for the right word. "You look... amazing. No, wait-"

"Incredible?" Jennie chimed in, completing Rosé's thought.

"Yes! That's the word!" Rosé pointed at Jennie, satisfied.

"You look stunning, Monique. How are you?" Jisoo asked, her signature smirk spreading across her face.

"Blooming, right? She looks in love," Lisa teased, clearly remembering my impromptu Madonna performance.

I laughed. "What's wrong with me singing Crazy for You?"

"Really?" They all said in unison, eyes wide and completely unimpressed by my defense.

"Hey, I'm just in a really good mood," I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool. The laughter from my friends was infectious though. Just as I was about to ask them something, my phone beeped.

Dad: Do you know about your brother's girlfriend? Talk to him during your business trip.

I sighed, rubbing my temples as I read the message. Lost in my thoughts for a moment, Jisoo snapped me out of it. "You spaced out, Monique. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that," I deadpanned, not wanting to explain it further.

"What's bothering you?" Jennie asked, noticing my distracted mood.

"My brother, Joseph," I muttered. "He suddenly wants to come with me on my business trip, saying he has this wonderful girlfriend he wants me to meet. He's telling me he's going to marry her. Now, dad's asking me about it, and wants me to talk to him about it... Anyway, forget it. Where were we again?"

"It seems like everyone's joining your trip," Jennie commented, glancing at the others.

Speaking of the trip, I shifted gears. "Do you want to hear my brilliant idea? That's why I gathered you all here," Lisa said excitedly.

"Okay, let's hear it," I motioned for her to continue, curious despite myself.

"I was thinking... we should celebrate Nini, Chaeng, and my birthday on the trip. It's going to be so much fun! Brilliant, right?" Lisa beamed, practically bouncing in her seat.

Everyone agreed except Rosé, who was still glued to her phone, tapping away with a concentrated expression.

"Rosé!" Jennie called, but no response.

"Hey, Roseanne Park!" Jisoo interjected, trying to get her attention.

"Hmm?" Rosé replied, still not looking up.

"Park Chaeyoung!!" Lisa yelled, louder this time.

"What? What did I miss?" Rosé finally looked up, confused.

"Forget it. You'll agree to it anyway," Lisa muttered, clearly already done with her.

"Do you mind if I ask you something, Rosé?" I asked, crossing my arms as I turned to her.

"Go on, unnie," she said, shrugging as if it was no big deal.

"Why are you always on your phone? Who are you talking to?" I pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"No one," she replied quickly, her voice almost too casual.

The girls exchanged skeptical glances, but I kept my questioning gaze on her.

"Are you sure?" I asked again, my tone soft but firm. "It's fine if you're seeing someone. I won't interfere with your personal life, as your boss. I'm just... concerned."

Jisoo added, "Remember, we're here to support you no matter what."

Rosé fidgeted with her phone nervously, her eyes darting from one face to the next. "Guys, I need to tell you something."

"This is going to be a long night," Lisa muttered, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"What?" we all asked in unison, now intrigued.

"Beers, chips, chicken, and a lot of food at Monique unnie's place," Lisa said, clapping her hands like a child who just won a prize.

"YES!" Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé all cheered in unison, clearly excited about the prospect of more food and drinks.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Okay, okay. Let's go."

Before we left the office, Lisa clung to my side, her voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear.

"Unnie, I have to tell you something and I need your advice," Lisa said, her face suddenly serious.

I looked at her, concerned, but she winked and added, "Don't worry, unnie. It's not that bad."

I nodded, but before I could say anything, I noticed Jennie and Jisoo giving us the look-a deadly glare. Lisa, unfazed, kept holding on to me like her life depended on it. I gave Jennie and Jisoo an apologetic smile and scratched the back of my head, while Rosé shook her head knowingly.

"Why is everyone wanting to say something?" I muttered to myself as we made our way out.

This was going to be an interesting night, I could already tell.