D.E.B.S (Chaelisa)

23| Plan

Back in black to blend in with shadows in preparation for the break-in at the Hotel Supreme where the ball was being held, Lisa spread out the floor plan of the hotel on the car's hood, the heat nearly scalding her.

"Of course they gotta rent out the most expensive, the most posh place in central L.A," Lisa had sighed as they drove through traffic. They eventually made it a little later than planned and parked at the back of the towering edifice then stepped out to go over last minute-details.

"Okay, what's the plan?" Lisa asked Kook impatiently. "The party's already been going on for an hour, I think Rosie mentioned they have some award ceremony with speeches at some point, but I can't remember when it happens."

"There's security here, here and here," he said pointing as he explained. "We'll infiltrate from the rooftop and take out these set of guards here. Go through these vents, rappel down the elevator shaft, and then bungee-jump down to the dance floor."

"Okay check. What next?"

"Uh..."

He indicated a scribbled sentence in the middle of the plan and Lisa held it up to the light to read properly.

"'Tell her that you love her' , Kook, that's your plan?!" she exclaimed. "That's not a plan!"

"War is easy. Love is hard," he intoned. Lisa pursed her lips but rolled up the floor plan and stuffed it into the bag.

"Fine. If she says yes, I'll get us out of there and we rendezvous here and if the car is compromised, head to the airfield and wait there. If she says no..." Lisa wavered but composed herself again. "Same plan, minus Rosie."

He didn't reply.

"Kook?"

"Lisa, remember a few days ago I mentioned we might have to part in the future?" He smiled, his eyes fond. "I think this is it. You won't need me anymore. You get the girl, and you go and have an adventure, a new life with her. I'll manage. Just stay in touch, okay?"

"But..."

He hugged her and she clutched his back, hiding her face in his shoulder. The weight of his words settled on her and though she would miss him terribly, she understood now that they had outgrown each other.

Kook was right. Though she adored him and loved having him around and he was practically her brother, starting a new life with Chaeyoung while letting go of Kook so he could step out from under her wing and find his own calling in life seemed like the most natural path forward.

She was going to miss his snarky humour, his dubious taste in music, his disastrous fashion style and his caring nature, but it was time to let go.

Neither of them had a penchant for histrionics when it came to affection between them—both knew that their bond ran deep and true. If they truly needed each other again, they'd find a way back.

"I know you think I'd be defenceless and all alone if you're not there. But don't you worry, I can take care of myself just fine, okay? I may not kick much butt like you, but I'll manage, I promise," he chuckled, but his voice was shaky.

Lisa held his face. "I don't think you're defenceless. I know you can take care of yourself. Just lay off the sugar, okay? You won't have me nagging around and next thing you know, you'll be wearing dentures at 25. No girl will want to kiss you."

He scoffed but Lisa wasn't finished yet as she caressed his jaw.

"If...if Rosie says no, you're still free to go. I'll strike out by myself," she told him.

"She won't say no," Kook said confidently. "I'm prepared to bet on it."

"Yeah no, I'm not having you bet on my love life. Speaking of, Yeri might even say yes if you ask her out, though I hope to goodness she teaches you a thing or two about fashion."

He smiled brightly, unperturbed by her jab. "You think she might say yes?"

Lisa grinned and swung her backpack over her shoulder. "Let's find out, shall we?"