My Chemistry Tutor

CHAPTER 11

JENNIE'S POV

When I finally wake up, I can't feel Lisa's arms around me anymore. I sit up and notice she's gone, and immediately, a strong wave of emptiness hits me.

My chest feels heavier, and I can't help but feel sad that she left already.

But then, my eyes catch sight of a folded piece of paper resting on the pillow she used. My heart skips a beat as I grab it and begin to read.

How is it that someone can be so adorable when awake and sleeping? I just wanted to say thank you for tutoring me last night. You helped make things much clearer for me. I'm sorry I couldn't be here when you and your parents woke up, but I had to go home to get my work clothes. See you at school.
– Love, Lisa

I can't contain my smile as I read her words. Gosh, this girl gives me so many butterflies. Just a simple note from her feels like sunshine in my hands.

I head downstairs and see my parents already in the kitchen, making pancakes.

"Sweetie, do you and Lisa want some?" my mom asked, her voice cheerful.

"Lisa had to leave early because she has work," I explain, trying not to sound disappointed.

"Aww, that poor girl works so much," Mom replied with sympathy.

"Yeah, I know," I said softly, sadness lingering in my tone.

"Maybe pancakes will cheer you up about your friend. Since we thought she would have breakfast with us, we made too many," Dad added, handing me a plate stacked with fluffy pancakes.

"Maybe you can invite Jisoo over, see if she wants any?" Mom suggested.

I call Jisoo, and she immediately says yes. Before I know it, she's at my house, happily chowing down on pancakes while my family and I watch her in amusement.

"These pancakes are amazing!" Jisoo says in between bites, practically inhaling them.

"Glad you like them, Jisoo," Mom says warmly.

Once Jisoo finishes her plate, we head upstairs to my room.

"Don't get me wrong, I loved the pancakes, but why did your parents make so many?" Jisoo asked curiously.

"It's because my parents wanted to make breakfast for Lisa," I replied casually.

"WHAT? LISA WAS HERE?!" Jisoo shrieked, shaking me like a ragdoll.

"Yeah," I said, pulling her hands off me before I got dizzy.

"What happened? Did you guys... you know... do it?" she asked, plopping down on my bed.

"NO! WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT?!" I yelled, throwing a pillow at her face.

"It was just a question! So why did she stay over then?" Jisoo asked, her curiosity only growing.

"To do homework," I explained simply.

"So, I guess you're getting more comfortable around Lisa. Otherwise, you never would've invited her over to your house," Jisoo teased, smirking.

"Yeah, I guess. I don't know. I just feel like I can trust Lisa... she's different from what I expected," I admitted.

"Hmmm," Jisoo said with that same teasing smirk.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Stop it," I said, throwing another pillow at her.

"Stop with the damn pillows!" Jisoo laughed, shielding herself.

"Then stop smirking!" I glared back at her.

"Fine, fine. So if Lisa stayed over, and your parents made her breakfast, where did she sleep?" Jisoo asked, eyes glinting with mischief.

"In my bed," I replied nonchalantly as I started cleaning my room.

"Oh my GOSH!" Jisoo screamed, jumping onto my bed dramatically.

"Stop it!" I whined.

"You guys slept together?!" Jisoo yelled. "My girl is growing up so fast!"

"Jisoo, I repeat, nothing happened. We slept together with all of our clothes on," I explained firmly.

"Well, that's no fun," she pouted, making me roll my eyes.

"So... you like her a lot, right?" Jisoo asked suddenly, her tone more serious.

"Yeah, who wouldn't? She's amazing. Sure, she's a flirt, but she has a kind heart—"

"Oh my gosh, you are head over heels for her!" Jisoo screamed, cutting me off.

"No, I am not! I admire her, there's a difference," I argued.

"Stop lying, Jennie. You love her," Jisoo teased with a knowing smile.

"No! I don't!" I said defiantly.

"I know you, Jennie. Better than you know yourself. It's okay, we don't need to talk about it now. But when you finally become truthful with yourself, tell me everything," Jisoo said softly, still smiling.

"Shut up, Jisoo. I'm not in love," I scolded her, annoyed.

"She would never like me back," I murmured under my breath, almost hoping she wouldn't hear.

After Jisoo left, I grabbed all my dirty clothes to do laundry. As I tossed everything into the machine, I suddenly realized something one of my shirts was missing.

Wait a minute... what happened to the shirt I let Lisa borrow?

Did she take it? Damn her. I'll have to remember to ask for it back.

As I sat waiting for my laundry to finish, Jisoo's words kept replaying in my head. Could I really be in love with Lisa? No... I can't be. Because if I was, she would only end up breaking my heart.

Lisa is probably thinking about someone else anyway. Or maybe she doesn't want anything serious, not with the way she works herself to death.

So, there's no use in entertaining my feelings for her. Everything she does it's probably just teasing.

Last night, her cuddling me, her whispers, her warmth... it was just teasing. It meant nothing to her.

At least, that's what I keep telling myself.