Make It With You

27

Second stop, Japan.

The girls decided to stay in one big suite-because, honestly, they all ended up in the same room anyway, just like the time in the Philippines. They were probably more comfortable this way, and it was more fun anyway.

"So, do you have any work for us in Japan, unnie?" Lisa asked, her voice dripping with curiosity.

Monique chuckled, shaking her head. "Nope, not really. Go on and enjoy Japan. I'll be fine."

"And what about you, unnie?" Jisoo asked, pouting dramatically.

Monique shook her finger. "Hey, no pouting. It's illegal, remember?" She laughed. "Don't worry about me, though. I've got some investor meetings, and I'll be checking in with my brother Joseph at the office later."

"Wait, your brother is here?" Rosé asked nervously, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know yet," Monique shrugged. "He's supposed to be here in Japan, but... why?"

"Oh, no reason," Rosé quickly stammered, her face turning slightly red.

Monique eyed her suspiciously but decided not to press it. "Okay, okay, see you guys later!"

The rest of the girls spent the day exploring the historical sights of Japan-Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Kyoto's historic streets, and the Bamboo Forest. They ate their fill of local street foods and snapped hundreds of photos. Meanwhile, Monique was in a meeting with some major investors, making deals that would take Blackpink's future to the next level.

After that, she swung by the Tokyo office to check in with her staff and hopefully track down her elusive brother. The girls went to Mount Fuji to enjoy the cherry blossoms along the lake, snapping even more pictures to send to Monique. Jisoo was particularly diligent, sending Monique a photo at every single stop.

That evening, the group gathered at L'OSIER for dinner-a restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and wine pairings that could make anyone swoon.

"Who picked this place?" Monique asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat down.

"Chaeng," Lisa said nonchalantly, like it was no big deal.

Monique looked at Rosé, her gaze sharp. "Hmm..." She was about to say something when the manager came up to greet her.

"Agassi, yeogiseo mannaseo bangabseubnida." (Miss, it's a pleasure to see you here.)

"Hatake, geunyang nae ileum-eulo buleulago haessjanh-a." (I told you to just call me by my name.)

The girls blinked, exchanging confused looks as they tried to follow the conversation.

"How's your wife and daughter?" Monique asked warmly.

"They're good, Monique. Your brother Joseph is making sure Sarada keeps her grades up, and we really appreciate all the support you've given us-not just to us, but all your employees and their kids." The manager bowed to her, and Monique returned the gesture.

"What can we serve you and your incredibly beautiful guests tonight?" he added, gesturing at the girls, who blushed slightly.

The girls gave their orders, and Monique added with a teasing grin, "Make sure Chaeng and Jisoo don't starve."

Jisoo, still processing the surprise of the interaction, looked up. "Wait, why does the manager know you and your brother?"

"Oh, we own this restaurant," Monique replied casually. "Joseph manages it along with a bunch of hotel chains across Asia and the US."

The girls' jaws dropped. "Nice choice, Chaeng," Monique added with a wink.

Rosé immediately choked on her food. "Are you okay?" Lisa asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Rosé replied, her voice shaky. "Just... you know, food caught in my throat."

"Really?" Monique raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

Rosé gave two thumbs up, forcing a smile. "Totally fine."

Jennie, still digesting the whole "owning a restaurant" bombshell, added, "Wait, where's your brother now? Did you meet him at the office?"

Monique rolled her eyes. "That idiot's in Korea right now. He said we'll catch up during my Europe business trip with the parents and kids." She looked at them apologetically. "Sorry, you guys, but everyone's going to be there."

Rosé choked again. "Why do you keep choking, Chaeng?" Lisa asked with a concerned glance.

"It's nothing, really," Rosé mumbled, trying to cover.

Monique just shook her head, smiling. "Alright, alright. It's gonna be fun. The whole trip. Just trust me." She looked at the group and then added, "Oh, and after this, we're going to Thailand, but before that, Lisa and I have a quick stop in China."

The others blinked in confusion. "Wait, why?" Jennie asked.

Monique grinned. "Do any of you speak Chinese?"

The trio shook their heads. "No."

"Me neither," Monique admitted with a laugh. "But Lisa's fluent, and I'm bringing her along to make sure things go smoothly."

Lisa raised her glass. "I've got you covered."

"And once we meet up in Thailand," Monique continued, "Chaeng and Jisoo, don't forget about your 'special' task, okay?" She said the word "special" with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

The girls exchanged curious glances. "Special task?" Jennie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just an individual activity for Jisoo and Chaeng," Monique explained quickly, shrugging.

Afterward, Monique added, "Then, Lisa and I will meet up with the three of you for the Harper's Bazaar Thailand shoot and interview. After that, we're all going to watch Lisa do her 'special' event."

"Why does everyone have a 'special' job to do?" Jennie asked, crossing her arms.

"Hey, you'll have one too," Monique winked.

Jennie groaned. "Something's going on here."

The group erupted in laughter as Monique clapped her hands. "Alright, alright, enough of the gossip. Time to head back to the hotel. Come on, kids, let's move it!" She laughed as they all stood, making their way out of the restaurant, ready for whatever adventure awaited them next.