A Taste of Tulips [JENLISA]

Tulips 44 [Partners 'til the End]

On the first day of summer in 2022, a particular lieutenant walks out of the briefing room.

"Good morning, Lt. Kim," one officer greeted.

"Morning," she responded with a grin, and she immediately headed to her office. She promptly found herself glued, as the door was somewhat ajar. She peeps in, catching a glimpse of a man's back. She sharpened her wit and spent some time observing, listening, and thinking about the man's purpose or intention inside their office. She took a deep breath before opening the door.

"Sehun, what brought you here?"

The officer flinched, almost spilling the machine-made coffee into his hold. He placed the cup over the table and abruptly pulled a snappy salute.

"Good morning, Lt. Kim. I was just about to get out. I—um, brought commander her coffee. Is she around?" Up close, anyone could see his every nervous fidget.

"Yeah, she's with the captain," replied Jisoo with furrowed brows.

"Uh, I'll get going, Lt. Kim," he said, taking a pivot and going out; however, Lt. Kim followed the retreating man with her vigilant eyes.

She cannot be complacent and ignore the forthcoming upheavals. She needed to be quick-witted and take into account every suspicious individual.

However, what if she proves that there is an anomaly brewing up inside the station? How can she defend both her and her best friend's safety?

If it weren't already crystal clear before now, there can no longer be any doubt. Something is definitely up. And whatever that thing is, it's getting more and more frustrating. She flummoxed against the leather chair, pinching the bridge of her nose, as she felt a bit dizzy from overanalyzing things. Different dreadful scenarios are playing on repeat in her mind.

She was submerging herself in deep thoughts, not even taking notice of another persona watching her. "What's wrong with you?"

The deep yet concerned voice tore her away from her reverie. She lifted her head, shrugging off the weight on her shoulder, and maintained her composure. "Nothing—so, how was the talk with Captain?"

Lisa shrugs her shoulders, crinkling her nose altogether. "Went well; nothing too bothersome."

"Who's handling Federico's murde-?

Jisoo was hindered from talking when Lisa's phone blasted across the four corners of the room, interrupting their talk. She briefly gestured with her phone and pressed the device against her ear.

"Hey,"

"Hi, hon. Miss Ivory just emailed me. The design was ready, and she's hopeful if we can make it out today and check out if we have any alteration or additional design."

She flips her wrist and glances at the analog: "Yeah, sure. I'll be free at 10."

"How about I'll take a different ride and meet you at the shop?"

"Suggestion denied. I'll fetch you, and that's final."

The doctor could only giggle in submission upon the lieutenant's assertion, "Okay, Lieutenant. And, oh, by the way, before I forgot, Mom actually took care of the Spain wedding."

"Hmm—send my deepest gratitude, hon," she said while playing with a pen in her hand.

"Sure. And another thing. Your mom—Auntie called, and they'll be back next month."

Lisa let out a scoff. "I was sort of hurt. They managed to notify you yet forget I exist," she said out of false irritation.

"Stop sulking around, hon; they never forget you. Well, in fact, they're asking about you from time to time." Jennie said between giggles, "See you, hon; take extra care, okay? I love you." She uttered every word softly.