Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 25

JENNIE'S POV

I calmed myself down before walking into Lisa's house. I sat in the car for a few minutes, wiping away the last traces of my tears, practicing my smile in the mirror so she wouldn't notice.

When I finally felt steady enough, I got out, walked up to her front door, and knocked gently.

Only seconds later, the door swung open, and Lisa immediately threw her arms around me. I froze for a moment, holding back the lump in my throat, then wrapped my arms around her tightly.

I smiled weakly, trying so hard not to let the tears spill again.

I hugged her back, not letting her go, almost as if I was afraid she would disappear if I loosened my grip. With my foot, I nudged the door shut, and in one motion. We set down and she then pulled me into her lap, keeping me close.

"I miss you," she whispered softly against my neck.

"I miss you too," I whispered back, my lips brushing her hair.

She tilted her head up, her eyes heavy with sleepiness. "Hey, can we sleep now?"

I nodded, kissing her forehead gently. "Of course."

We lay down together on the couch, her small body curled against mine. I held her tightly, listening to her breathing slow until she finally drifted into sleep.

I, however, couldn't close my eyes. My mind was running wild, filled with too many thoughts, too many fears, and too many secrets.

I wanted to cry.

I wanted to scream.

But instead, I stayed quiet, brushing my fingers through Lisa's hair and watching the soft smile on her lips even as she slept.

A FEW WEEKS LATER

I still hadn't told Lisa anything about Taehyung. Every day I promised myself I would, but when I looked into her eyes, I just couldn't.

I wasn't ready.

I was terrified of losing her.

That afternoon, we were both in my office. Lisa was at the side desk, working on some papers for me while I typed away on my laptop. It felt peaceful, until there was a sudden knock on the door.

I stood up and opened it, only to find Amanda, Taehyung's mother, standing there. My stomach sank.

Oh no.

She stepped inside without waiting for permission, her eyes immediately scanning the room.

When she saw Lisa, my heart lurched, and I quickly moved in front of her, shielding her from Amanda's gaze.

"Taehyung tried to kill himself last night... again," Amanda said, her voice trembling.

I felt my shoulders slump, my gaze dropping to the floor.

"If he dies, I'm blaming everything on you," she added sharply, her words cutting through me like a knife.

From behind me, Lisa's voice rang out, confused and alarmed.

"What happened? Why is Taehyung killing himself?"

I froze.

"You haven't told her?!" Amanda suddenly screamed, glaring at me.

Lisa stepped forward, her voice low but demanding. "Told me what?" she whispered.

I sighed, feeling my chest cave in.

"Go on, tell her!" Amanda commanded, her voice echoing through the office.

I turned to Lisa, taking a deep breath. "Lisa... this is Amanda. She's Taehyung's mom."

Lisa's eyes widened slightly, but she waited for me to continue.

"Taehyung is going through depression... and he's been trying to commit suicide if I don't go out with him," I finally admitted.

Immediately, I saw tears well up in her eyes.

"How long did you know this?" she asked, her voice breaking.

"About a few weeks," I confessed quietly, guilt heavy in my chest.

"I'm so sorry, Lisa."

But she was already wiping her tears, shaking her head.

"I need some space," she whispered, her voice cracking. She turned and walked out of the office, leaving me standing there with Amanda.

Amanda faced me again, desperation in her eyes. "You need to break up with her or else I lose my Taehyung! My baby boy! My son!" she cried, grabbing my hand as if her grip alone could make me obey.

I nodded weakly. "Ok... I'll do it. I just need to clear this up with Lisa first."

She finally left, and I was alone, standing in the silence of my office.

Hours later, I tried calling Lisa. I texted her, again and again. But she didn't reply.

Panic set in, so I rushed to her house. I parked outside and ran to the door, banging on it desperately.

"LISA! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the quiet street. I pounded harder, but there was no answer.

Finally, defeated, I turned to leave. But before I could take more than a step, the door creaked open. Something tugged at my arm, pulling me inside.

I looked up and saw Lisa standing there, closing the door behind her. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and it broke me all over again.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice sharp but fragile.

"The love of my life," I whispered, my heart aching.

LISA'S POV

"The love of my life," Jennie whispered.

I sniffed, tears still sliding down my face.

"Jennie..." I said, my voice cracking.

"What are you going to do?" I asked, searching her eyes.

Instead of answering, she stepped forward and pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly against her.

"I'm sorry, Lisa," she whispered.

I scoffed, pushing against her chest. "You're believing Taehyung?! He's doing this because he has no other way to get you!" I yelled, anger and pain colliding inside me.

"Lisa, stop! He tried to kill himself, and I can't let someone die because of me!" she screamed back, her voice raw.

"You're choosing Taehyung?" I asked bitterly, scoffing through my tears.

"Sadly... yes." The words shattered me.

"Leave!" I yelled, my voice shaking. I didn't want to see her. I didn't want her to look at me like this. Broken.

"W-What?" she asked, her lips trembling.

"Leave... please," I begged, my tears flowing harder.

She clung to me tighter, her own sobs shaking against my body.

"I can't," she cried.

"Jennie! Please, please!" I begged, pushing at her shoulders until she stumbled back.

She tried to step forward again, but I threw my hand up, stopping her.

"Stop!" I begged, my voice cracking.

She froze, her eyes filling with tears.

I pointed toward the door, my body trembling.

"Go."

Jennie sighed, her hand brushing at her cheeks as she wiped her tears away. She turned slowly, walking toward the door. Before she stepped out, she turned back one last time, our eyes locking.

For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of my sobbing.

And then, without another word, she left.