Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 8

LISA'S POV

I was hugging Jennie right now, my arms wrapped tightly around her neck. My face was buried against her shoulder, tears slipping down my cheeks uncontrollably.

But she didn't do anything not at first. She just stood there, frozen, not holding me back.

I sobbed quietly, my chest heaving with every shaky breath, and then finally she spoke.

"What happened, Lili??" Jennie asked, her voice laced with worry, softer than usual.

I shook my head quickly, unable to speak, my throat tight with fear. I could hear her sigh, long and heavy, like she was holding back frustration and concern all at once.

Then a sharp, angry voice cut through the air.

"What's going on here?!"

I flinched and looked up, my eyes widening. Taehyung was standing a few feet away, his face twisted with rage.

Immediately, I pulled away from Jennie, embarrassed and caught off guard. But before I could take another step, Jennie's arms suddenly wrapped around my waist.

This time she held me firmly, pulling me against her like she wasn't going to let go.

"Nothing. I'm gonna go home now," Jennie said flatly, her tone cold and dismissive as she tugged me toward her car.

I glanced behind me one last time. The mysterious man was nowhere to be found, but Taehyung... oh, he looked furious, his fists clenched at his sides as he watched us leave.

Once Jennie and I were in the car, silence filled the space. The air was heavy, my breathing uneven.

"Tell me everything," Jennie said coldly, her voice sharp, though I could hear the underlying worry beneath it.

My hands trembled in my lap. "I was walking home until I felt someone behind me. I walked faster, but then I realized he was walking faster too. The next thing I know, I got thrown into the wall and he began choking me. I... I kicked him and I ran... into you." I explained nervously, my words stumbling over each other.

Jennie's knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel. Her jaw tightened. "I shouldn't have left you alone. I knew it. Plus, I told you this would happen." She mumbled through clenched teeth, her voice low and filled with regret.

The drive continued in silence, but the tension lingered. I could feel her anger, not at me, but at herself.

We arrived at my house a little while later. It wasn't anything fancy, far from it, actually. My house wasn't average in the way people usually mean. It was small, a little run down, the paint peeling on the edges. My parents were never around to fix it anyway.

They were always traveling, chasing different jobs across the country, trying desperately to give me something better even though money was always tight.

Right now, they were working at a restaurant in another city, so the house was empty. Quiet. Lonely.

Jennie parked the car, and together we walked up to the front door. The cold air stung my skin, and for a moment I wished she would stay longer.

"Thanks for the ride," I said with a small smile.

She only nodded, her eyes still filled with a seriousness that made my chest tighten.

"Bye," I said softly as I turned toward the door, reaching for the knob.

But before I could open it, Jennie's hand slammed against the door, pinning me there. I gasped, turning to face her. She was so close, her face just inches from mine.

"I don't wanna leave you alone," she whispered, her fingertips brushing gently against my cheek.

Her touch was soft, hesitant, but her eyes... her eyes were intense.

"It's fine," I said with a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the mood. But my laugh sounded weak, trembling because of how close she was.

Her expression darkened. "Last time you said that, you got choked. You almost died." Her voice was stern, sharp with frustration.

"Yeah, but this is my house. I'll lock the door. Promise," I said firmly, trying to reassure her.

She studied me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine, before finally stepping back. Jennie gave a stiff nod and walked slowly back to her car.

Before driving off, she looked at me one last time, her face unreadable. Then she was gone.

The house was as silent as always. Too silent. My parents had left on another trip last night, so it was just me. I changed out of my clothes, washed up, and settled into bed.

The glow from the TV flickered across the room as I decided to watch some movies, it was Friday night, after all. Maybe I could distract myself.

Hours passed.

When I checked the clock again, it was already 3:30 a.m., and I was still wide awake. My eyes were heavy, but my mind refused to rest.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated beside me. My heart skipped as I reached for it. A new message lit up my screen. From Jennie.

I smiled instantly, my chest warming.

I have a meeting tomorrow and you're coming with me. I'll pick you up at 3:00 pm. By the way, dress nicely.

I typed back quickly, my thumbs moving before I could even think.

Ok. Now go to sleep or else you'll be tired during the meeting.

A second later, she replied.

You go to sleep, Lili.

Can't. Watching my favorite movie.

Her response came just as fast.

Wow! So important.

I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt, staring at the screen for a few more seconds. Jennie wasn't always this soft, but when she was... it made my heart race.

Finally, I sighed and set my phone down to charge. I needed to sleep before she got mad at me for staying up so late.

With her words lingering in my mind, I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.