Play Along And Win Me Over (JenLisa )

12: [OFFICE]

JENNIE POV

The sound of my pen scratching against paper filled the silence of my office. The pile of documents in front of me seemed endless. Mina, who had placed them on my desk right after I returned from lunch with my friends. Time slipped away unnoticed as I focused on my work.

A soft knock broke my concentration. "Come in," I called out, my eyes still scanning the document in my hands.

"Ms. Kim, I’m heading home now," a familiar voice spoke.

I looked up to see Mina standing by the door, smiling as she sought my permission to leave.

"What time is it?" I asked, stretching my neck.

"It’s 9:00 PM, Ms. Kim," she replied after a quick glance at her watch.

Night already? I hadn't even noticed. Mina must have been waiting for me to finish.

"You can leave now," I told her. She bowed slightly in gratitude before stepping out, closing the door behind her.

I leaned back in my chair, sighing. Mina had been my secretary since I took over as CEO of RJK Corporation. She handled everything flawlessly, never once complaining, even when I wasn’t the easiest to deal with. She even took on some of my work without me asking. She deserved a break. I made a mental note to give her a few days off or maybe even a vacation.

I resumed my work until fatigue settled deep in my bones. Letting out another sigh, I leaned back and massaged my temples before opening my eyes again. My gaze landed on the bouquet of flowers on my desk. Lisa had sent them this morning.

A small smile tugged at my lips. I hadn’t even read the letter that came with them. Reaching for the small envelope tucked between the petals, I unfolded the note.

- Have a great day ❤ - L

A wide smile broke across my face. Simple, yet it made my heart feel so full. I read it again. And again.

"If that smile is because of the letter I gave you with the flowers… I promise to send you new ones every single day to your house," a familiar voice teased, shattering the quiet.

Startled, I turned toward the door, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of Lisa standing there, grinning widely. In one hand, she carried paper bags filled with food; in the other, two smoothies.

I didn't think, I just moved. In a heartbeat, I was on my feet, crossing the room and wrapping my arms tightly around her. I buried my face in her chest, feeling warmth and comfort seep into my tired body. My exhaustion melted away in her presence.

Lisa hesitated before speaking, her voice gentle. "Uh-uhmm… Are you okay, Nini?"

I pulled back slightly, looking up at her. "Nini?"

She blinked, her lips curving into a shy smile. "It just came out of nowhere… but I think it’ll be my nickname for you."

I tilted my head playfully. "Then I’ll call you Lili from now on… because you, Manoban, are being cute right now."

A quiet chuckle escaped me as I pressed my face against her chest again. Lisa’s heartbeat quickened under my touch, and I grinned. I have an effect on you, Manoban.

She cleared her throat, breaking the moment. I quickly stepped back, realizing how close we were.

"I’m sorry," I murmured.

Lisa shook her head, her ears tinged pink. "No, it’s okay… Uhmm, I brought you food." She lifted the bags in her hands. "Mina told me you were still here, and I figured you hadn’t eaten dinner yet."

I felt my heart squeeze at her thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, Lili," I said, helping her set up the food on the coffee table in my office.

"Of course. Now, eat," she encouraged with a small smile.

I eagerly dug in, humming in satisfaction at the first bite. "Oh my gosh, I was starving."

Lisa laughed, watching me with amusement.

"You’re not eating?" I asked, noticing she hadn’t touched anything.

"I already ate earlier," she replied.

I pouted slightly but nodded, focusing on my meal. The fact that she brought this just for me made my heart do little flips.

"You have a lot of work, huh?" Lisa asked, glancing at the documents piled on my desk.

"Yeah, CEO stuff. But I can manage," I said, winking at her.

Lisa giggled, shaking her head.

I studied her face. Even with that smile, her eyes looked tired. "How was your day, by the way?"

Lisa scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. "Well… I got punished today."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Punished?"

She sighed dramatically. "My friends made me work as a barista in the newly opened coffee shop for the whole day. It was my punishment for dating someone without telling them first."

Laughter bubbled out of me. "Your friends are incredible! Hahaha!"

Lisa groaned, shaking her head. "Tell me about it."

We spent the rest of the evening talking about everything, family, friends, random stories. Laughter filled the room, and for the first time in a while, work didn’t feel so suffocating. Lisa took me home afterward, insisting on making sure I got back safely.

As I reached my front door, she suddenly leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against my cheek.

"Goodnight, Nini," she murmured before stepping back.

My heart skipped several beats.

"Goodnight, Lili," I whispered, watching as she walked back to her car.

I entered my house, a dreamy smile on my lips. After doing my night routine, I climbed into bed, my mind still replaying the entire evening.

I can’t wait to be her official girlfriend, I thought before drifting into a peaceful sleep.