Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 32

LISA'S POV

Taehyung

"Hey, babe," Taehyung said as he leaned in and kissed Jennie's cheek casually, like he owned that moment.

I froze, uncomfortable. My stomach twisted, and my chest tightened with a strange mix of jealousy and hurt.

"So uh..." I forced out a small smile, even though it felt fake.

"I'll go now. It was nice seeing you again, Jennie."

Her expression hardened. "Why do you sound like I'm never going to see you again?" she asked seriously, her eyes narrowing at me.

"Because... it is?" I muttered, trying to make it sound like a joke, though my voice cracked.

"No, it's not." She crossed her arms. "We have a business trip to California."

My eyes widened so much I thought they'd pop out of my head.

"WHAT?!" I yelled, my voice echoing.

"Hey guys!" Rosé and Jisoo suddenly appeared out of nowhere, smiling like they hadn't just interrupted the most awkward scene ever.

"Is Lisa coming to that business trip?" Jennie asked, her arms still crossed, her tone sharp like she already knew the answer.

"Yeah, I forgot to tell you that, Lisa," Jisoo said with a laugh, scratching the back of her head.

"When is it?" I asked quickly, my heart pounding.

"Tomorrow," Jisoo replied casually.

I coughed, nearly choking on air.

"Tomorrow?!"

"Plane leaves in the afternoon," Jennie added smoothly, smirking as if she enjoyed watching me panic.

"I can pick you up!" Rosé said cheerfully, turning to me with a bright smile.

"No! I can pick her up!" Jennie snapped out of nowhere, glaring.

"Uh..." I chuckled awkwardly, trying to calm them both down.

"I do need a ride since I don't even know where the airport is, but... there's Uber, right?"

"No, you're riding in my car tomorrow," Jennie declared firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"No! She's going with me!" Rosé shot back instantly.

The tension was ridiculous. My heart was racing, but I had to pick a side.

"Uh... I choose Rosé," I said hesitantly, giving Jennie a weak smile. "Since you have Taehyung."

"That's true," Jisoo chimed in innocently, making the situation worse.

Jennie rolled her eyes dramatically. "Fine!" she groaned, clearly frustrated.

"Anyways, I'm going to head home now." I quickly excused myself and walked toward my car before anything else could explode.

Sliding inside, I shut the door and pressed my forehead against the steering wheel.

The second I got home, I threw myself on my bed and screamed into my pillow.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

I'm going to California with Jennie...

The next day, Rosé arrived bright and early to pick me up. I climbed into her car, still half in disbelief about everything, and we drove to the airport.

To my shock, instead of boarding a normal plane, we entered a private jet. The inside was gorgeous, luxurious seats, soft lighting, everything screaming wealth.

And then I saw her.

Jennie was already sitting there, legs crossed elegantly, reading a book like she was in her own world. Taehyung was right beside her, scrolling through his phone.

My chest tightened again.

I quickly walked to the farthest corner and sat down, plugging in my earphones as fast as I could. Jisoo and Rosé sat across from Jennie and Taehyung, chatting quietly.

I pressed play on my playlist and leaned against the window, closing my eyes to pretend I was asleep.

Hours passed. Two, maybe more. I kept my eyes shut, trying to relax, but then one of my earphones was suddenly tugged out.

My eyes snapped open, and Jennie was right there, smirking at me like she'd been waiting.

"Uh... hi?" I said, pausing the music.

"I'm bored," she pouted, her lips forming the cutest shape.

I frowned. "You can talk to Taehyung, or Jisoo, or Rosé," I whispered back, glancing around nervously.

"They're sleeping," she said, shrugging.

I sighed, defeated. "What do you wanna do then?"

Her smirk widened. "Staring contest. Loser has to pay for dinner."

I hesitated, then smiled. "Okay, I'll play."

I shifted in my seat, facing her completely.

"Three, two, one... go."

Our eyes locked.

At first, it was easy. But the longer I stared into her gaze, the harder it became to breathe. Her eyes were so dark, so full of something I couldn't name.

My chest felt heavy, my pulse racing.

Seconds dragged into what felt like minutes. My eyes began to burn, tears forming at the corners.

"Close your eyes," she whispered, her voice soft but commanding.

"No," I whispered back stubbornly, even as my tears threatened to fall.

A single tear slipped down my cheek.

"Close your eyes," she whispered again, this time lower, more dangerous.

I gave in, squeezing my eyes shut.

Then I felt it.

A warm hand cupped my cheek, gentle but firm. My eyes snapped open in shock.

Jennie was leaning closer, her eyes closed now, her face inches from mine.

My heart skipped a beat.

Is she... is she going to kiss me?