Make It With You

26

First stop, Philippines.

The group of friends arrived at the airport bright and early around 6 AM, ready to face the day ahead. They breezed through the crowds, heading straight to the waiting cars, acknowledging the sea of flashing cameras in the process.

In no time, they arrived at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel. The girls quickly scattered to their respective rooms to get some rest before diving into the day's adventures. Jisoo and Jennie shared a room, Lisa and Rosé paired up, and Mina and Sana did the same. Monique, of course, would be alone-tied up with work-but knowing the crew, they'd probably all end up in her room by the end of the day.

By 11 AM, the gang gathered in a nearby restaurant for lunch. Excitement buzzed in the air, especially from Rosé and Jisoo, who were already complaining about their starving stomachs.

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Monique asked casually, sipping her drink.

"We're flying to Boracay later, then back tomorrow afternoon before our flight to Japan at night," Jennie replied, checking her phone.

"And you, unnie?" Rosé asked, already expecting the answer.

"Work," Monique sighed, her tone as bored as she could muster.

Sana piped up, "Mina and I will hang back here for about three days, then follow you to either China or Thailand."

Monique nodded, keeping her focus on the conversation, but then her eyes locked on Lisa. "By the way, Lisa, you're coming with me."

Lisa blinked in surprise. "Eh?"

The entire table turned to her.

"Yeah, you're coming with me to meet Penshoppe Philippines. They want you to endorse them. I'll be handling the business stuff, and you'll just sign on the dotted line." Monique grinned.

"Isn't that supposed to be our manager's job?" Jisoo raised an eyebrow.

"Are your managers even here with you?" Monique countered, her smirk wide. "For now, I'll be your manager until this trip ends."

Lisa shrugged, looking at her friends. "I guess it's happening. Off to business with my boss then."

"I'm not going to Boracay without Lisa," Jennie pouted, her arms folded in protest.

"Same here," Rosé chimed in, her tone matching Jennie's.

"I'm happy just staying here with my girlfriend," Jisoo said, squeezing Monique's hand with a loving smile.

Monique sighed dramatically. "Sorry to drag you guys around with all of this. I swear, I'm ruining your vacation plans."

"Unnie, stop that," Rosé interjected with a playful nudge. "We're happy to be here with you! Besides, this hotel has a killer swimming pool and a private bar-let's make the most of it!"

Monique's lips curled into a smile. "Alright, alright, I'm glad you guys are happy to be with me. We'll make it work-vacation with a side of business!"

--

Lisa and Monique finally strolled back to the hotel around 10 PM, both looking like they'd survived an intense but successful day. As they entered Monique's room, they found Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé lounging around, playing UNO and sipping beer, their laughter echoing through the space. Meanwhile, Mina and Sana had already left earlier to catch their flight to Boracay.

"How was it?" Jennie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It went well," Lisa answered, already looking exhausted. "Tired, but worth it."