Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 24

JENNIE'S POV

It had been a couple of weeks since Rosé confessed her feelings to Lisa. Ever since that day, I had found myself being more protective, and, honestly, a little more jealous, around Lisa.

The thought of anyone trying to take her away from me stirred something I couldn't quite control.

I was sitting alone in my office, papers scattered across my desk. Lisa was at home today, curled up in bed because she was sore from last night.

Just thinking about our night together made me smirk softly to myself. The memory of her warm skin against mine and the way she clung to me still lingered.

I was halfway through typing up a report when my office door suddenly burst open.

Taehyung's mother stumbled inside, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"TAEHYUNG IS IN THE HOSPITAL!" she cried out, her voice trembling.

My heart dropped, my eyes widening. "What happened?" I asked, immediately standing up from my chair.

"H-He tried to kill himself," she sobbed, her hands clutching at the doorframe.

"Why?" I demanded, my voice laced with worry.

"Because you don't want him!" she choked out. "He's been in depression ever since you broke up with him! He's trying to kill himself because you don't love him!"

I froze where I stood, my hands shaking slightly. I never wanted him to feel like this, never.

"What hospital is he in?" I asked, my voice rising with panic.

"The one down the street," she said quickly. Without another word, we rushed out together and headed for the hospital.

When I entered his room, my heart broke. Taehyung lay there, pale and thinner than I remembered, his body seeming so fragile under the hospital sheets.

I had never truly loved Taehyung, not in the way he wanted, but he had been like a brother to me once. Seeing him like this hurt more than I expected.

I walked up to his bedside and he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze finding mine.

I sat next to him and sighed, feeling my throat tighten.

"Taehyung... why?" I whispered.

"There's no point in living if I don't have you," he cried weakly, tears streaming down his face.

"I'm sorry," I said softly, my voice breaking.

"But I can't. I'm dating someone. Maybe we could be friends?" I asked hopefully.

"NO! I WANT YOU!" he shouted hoarsely.

"Maybe I should end my life right here!" He suddenly tried to sit up, his movements erratic.

I immediately reached out and grabbed him, holding him down as the nurses rushed in to calm him.

His mother, Amanda. Grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the room, her own tears falling like rain.

"Please, save my son! You're his only hope! Please, Ms. Kim!" she cried desperately.

And then, to my shock, she fell to her knees right there in the hallway, begging.

"OK! OK! I'll help him!" I blurted out, my own tears stinging my eyes. "I just need time."

She sniffled and nodded, trying to calm herself. "Please, Ms. Kim," she said one last time before she turned and walked away.

I stood there for a moment, frozen, then glanced back at Taehyung's room. Through the small glass window in the door, I could see him lying back down, asleep now.

I finally forced myself to leave, my heart heavy.

I got into my car, my hands trembling on the steering wheel. My phone rang, and when I glanced at the screen, I saw Lisa's name.

I quickly wiped at my eyes, but the tears were still falling, hot and unstoppable. I sniffled and picked up.

"Hello?" I managed, my voice breaking slightly.

"Hi, Nini!! Can you come over? I miss you!" Lisa's sweet voice came through the speaker, her tone playful and full of warmth. Hearing her made my chest ache even more.

More tears fell down my cheeks. "Yeah... anything for you, Lili," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I sniffed and sighed.

"Thank you! But are you okay? You sound like you're crying," she asked, concern lacing her voice.

I forced a small laugh. "No, it's uh... allergies," I chuckled weakly, even giggling a little to sell the lie.

"Okay... I'll see you later! Bye Nini!" she said brightly before hanging up.

I slowly lowered my phone, placing it on the passenger seat. Then I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against the steering wheel.

The moment the line went dead, I broke. Loud, painful sobs tore out of me, my hands gripping the wheel as I cried harder than I had in years.

I had never cried this much before.

I didn't know what to do.

I had to save Taehyung. But I couldn't lose Lisa either.

The weight of it all pressed down on me like a storm, and for the first time, I truly felt lost.