My Chemistry Tutor

CHAPTER 28

LISA'S POV

I watch the clock as the second hand slowly ticks away, each movement dragging on like torture. I'm desperately waiting for class to end so I can sprint straight to chemistry.

I know, I'm acting like a lovesick puppy, but I can't help it.

I've been by Jennie's side for the past few days, and not being with her right now feels awful, almost unbearable.

I still can't believe how important Jennie has become to me in just a few months. With her, it feels like I can finally stop holding my breath, like I can actually relax.

Everything with her is so light and easy, and I don't constantly feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my back the way I used to.

I'm so deep in my thoughts that I don't even notice the bell ringing, signaling class is over.

I blink, suddenly seeing everyone around me gathering their things. Panicking, I shove all my stuff into my backpack and practically leap from my seat, rushing out of the classroom.

I weave through the crowded hallways as quickly as I can until I reach Mrs. Jeon's class.

The second I step inside, my eyes immediately lock with Jennie's. She's sitting with Jisoo, laughing softly, and when she notices me, her face lights up with the most adorable gummy smile.

Of course, Jisoo notices where Jennie's gaze goes, and she follows it, straight to me. A teasing smirk spreads across her face.

I don't care. I maneuver my way through the desks until I'm standing in front of Jennie. Without hesitation, I drop my bag to the floor and lean down, pressing my lips to hers.

She kisses me back instantly, her hands coming up to gently caress my cheek.

When we finally pull away, I sit down beside her, but I can't stop staring. Her eyes are locked on mine, and I don't want to look away. My hand fumbles blindly for the chair because my gaze refuses to leave hers.

"Fuck, you guys are so in love. I hope to have what you two have one day," Jisoo blurts out suddenly, making me snap back to reality.

Oh shit. I just kissed Jennie in class.

And of course, not even a few seconds pass before Kai, of all people, decides to open his big mouth.

"No, you don't, Jisoo," he sneers. "They're faggots. It's disgusting."

Jennie's smile instantly falls. She looks down at her desk, her shoulders shrinking inward. The sight breaks my heart.

Anger surges inside me, and I whip around to face him. "Listen here, you little shitt—"

"Lisa, that's enough. I will deal with this," Mrs. Jeon's sharp voice cuts me off as she strides down the aisle of desks.

Her face is stern as she points at Kai. "You're in very serious trouble, Kai."

"What? Why me? I didn't do anything! It's their fault, they're the ones kissing. It's bothering me. It's making me uncomfortable," Kai argues, his voice dripping with false innocence.

Mrs. Jeon's tone turns icy. "Well then, if it's so uncomfortable for you, you can get out of my classroom."

"Wait, what?!" Kai stares at her in disbelief.

"You heard me, Kai. Get out of my classroom. Go to the office, the principal will be waiting for you."

"You have got to be kidding me!" he snaps angrily.

"This is no joking matter. Grab your things and leave. Now," Mrs. Jeon demands.

Grumbling, Kai shoves his stuff into his bag and storms toward the door. Before leaving, he throws me a scowl, as if trying to intimidate me.

Mrs. Jeon ignores him, her voice ringing firmly across the room. "I will not tolerate any more homophobic remarks. The next person who says one will face severe consequences." With that, she walks back to the front and begins her lecture.

Wow. Mrs. Jeon is a cool teacher. I'll have to thank her later for standing up for us.

I glance sideways at Jennie and see how visibly upset she still looks.

I reach over and gently take her hand. She hesitates for a moment before finally looking up at me. Her smile is weak, but she intertwines her fingers with mine and faces the front.

I can tell she's not okay. Not really. But I don't want to press her right now. We'll talk later, when it's just the two of us.

The lecture goes on for about forty minutes before Mrs. Jeon lets everyone pack up early. When the bell rings, the class clears out quickly, students eager for their break.

I stay behind while Jennie and Jisoo finish packing up. They'd both been good students and used the time to start their homework, unlike me, who had been scrolling through my phone.

We're just about to head out when Mrs. Jeon stops us.

"I'm very sorry that you two had to endure what happened earlier," she says softly, her eyes full of sincerity.

"It's okay," I reply with a small smile. "As long as we have people like you looking out for us, things will get better."

Mrs. Jeon smiles warmly. "I also have very good news. Lisa, your grades have improved so much since the beginning of the year. As long as you score at least a C on the final, you'll pass. And I'm sure you will with Jennie's help."

She turns to Jennie. "You're a wonderful tutor, Jennie. Although, I'll admit, I didn't expect this tutoring arrangement to end with you two becoming a couple."

We all laugh at that, the tension in the room easing.

"I'm so glad things are turning out so well for the three of you," Mrs. Jeon adds, glancing at Jisoo too. "I know you'll all do great things in life."

We thank her sincerely before finally leaving the classroom.

As we step into the hallway, Jennie slips her hand into mine again, intertwining our fingers. When I look at her, she flashes me a bright smile just like the one she wore before Kai ruined the moment earlier.

My chest warms. I squeeze her hand gently, smiling back at her.

We turn the corner, heading toward the cafeteria, when suddenly someone steps right in front of us, blocking our way.