Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 31

LISA'S POV

I was walking around the party, and honestly... it was so boring. People were dancing, drinking, laughing, and networking like their lives depended on it, but nothing about it felt fun.

My feet were starting to ache badly from the heels I was wearing, every step making me regret my shoe choice.

Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I slipped away from the crowd and wandered into a little hallway where no one else was. It was quiet, almost peaceful compared to the loud music and chatter outside.

I slid down against the wall and sat on the floor, slipping off my heels with a sigh of relief. My toes were throbbing, and my ankles felt stiff.

After a few moments, I tried standing again, hoping the pain had gone away. But as soon as I put weight on my feet, I winced and quickly sat back down, leaning my head against the wall with another sigh.

"Guess I'll just wait here until my feet get better," I muttered to myself.

"What are you doing?" a voice suddenly asked in front of me.

My head snapped up, and my eyes widened when I saw the same mysterious woman in the mask standing there.

"My feet hurt from these heels," I explained quickly, feeling a little embarrassed.

She let out a soft sigh, almost amused. "So you're just sitting here alone?"

I nodded sheepishly.

Without another word, she sat down right beside me, close enough for our shoulders to almost touch.

She just... stared at me.

"What?" I asked nervously, raising a brow.

"Nothing," she said smoothly, but her eyes didn't move away.

"Oh." I looked down at my hands, suddenly shy.

After a moment of silence, I chuckled awkwardly. "What's your name?"

"I'd rather not say," she replied, her tone mysterious.

I tilted my head at her. "Then why are you sitting here with me?"

She shrugged casually. "I don't know. The party's kinda lame."

I couldn't help but smile and nod. "Yeah... it really is."

Minutes passed in silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Still, it was getting late, and I knew I had to head home.

I slowly stood up, testing my feet again, but immediately flinched in pain.

"Where are you trying to go?" she asked, her gaze sharp on me.

"I'm leaving. It's getting late," I said softly and started walking, though I stumbled with every step.

I heard her footsteps behind me until she suddenly moved in front of me, blocking my way.

I froze.

And then, she reached up, removed her mask, and revealed her face.

My heart stopped.

"J-Jennie?!" I gasped, completely frozen in place.

"Hi," she giggled lightly, her smile making my knees weak.

"Your feet still hurt," she said knowingly, tilting her head.

"Yeah," I sighed, admitting defeat.

Without warning, she turned around and kneeled down right in front of me.

"Uh, what are you doing?" I asked, blinking in shock.

"Get on my back. I'll walk you to your car," she said calmly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

I laughed nervously. "Oh, I'm good! I can walk now," I fake-giggled, trying to wave her off.

Her voice dropped serious. "Lisa."

I swallowed hard. "Fine..."

Wrapping my arms around her neck, I carefully climbed onto her back. She gripped my legs securely and began walking, slow and steady, her steps firm.

"Thanks," I whispered softly against her ear.

"No problem," she replied with a small smile I could almost feel.

By the time we reached the parking lot, my heart was racing faster than it ever had before.

"Is this your car?" she asked, glancing at the black sedan in front of us.

I nodded quickly.

She gently lowered me down onto the ground, making sure I could stand. She didn't let go of my hand though.

Instead, she looked straight at me, her fingers tightening slightly around mine.

"Thanks," I smiled shyly, my chest aching in the best and worst way.

She didn't smile back this time. Instead, she stared into my eyes with an expression so raw it made my throat dry.

"Lisa," she whispered softly, almost trembling.

"Y-Yeah?" I whispered back, my voice small.

And then, before I could process it, she pulled me into her arms, hugging me tightly as if she was afraid I'd vanish.

"It's been so long," she cried against my shoulder, her body shaking.

"I thought I would never see you again... Lili." I froze, the familiar nickname making my chest tighten painfully.

Slowly, I pulled away, my eyes widening when I saw the tears streaming down her face.

"Why are you crying?" I asked, my own voice trembling.

But before she could answer.

"Jennie!" a voice called out, sharp and loud.

I turned around immediately, and my entire body went cold.

My eyes widened.

It was Taehyung.