Phantom Regret

Chapter Four: Lie

Jennie

I swallowed hard. "Lisa..".

"Baby, who's there?". My boyfriend's voice echoes and comes closer. This is the worst thing to happen. Never did I expect her to show up on my doorstep, or to be here, or to see her face.

Why did she come back?

"It's..". I didn't know what to say.

"Oh, Lisa". My boyfriend grinned and welcomed her, "Come in".

I furrowed my eyebrows. Do they know each other?

How do they know each other?

She seemed awkward a bit but stepped into the apartment. The second she got closer, her scent hit me as it entered my nostrils. Fuck, my life. "Lisa, I'm glad you showed up".

"It's not like I have anywhere else to go". She joked, but behind her words, there were layers of dark shallow meanings.

"Well, you're welcome anytime". Woobin smiled at her as I awkwardly stood there, "So, I'm here to introduce you to my beautiful girlfriend". He wrapped his arms around me, but I was too stunned— too lost as I saw the look on her face.

I couldn't tell.

Was she sad? Hell, I broke her heart.

"Lisa, meet Jennie".

Why did those words hurt?

"And Jennie, meet this stranger who I still find intimidating until now".

Stranger?

Oh, Woobin if you knew who was the woman standing in front of me.

Lisa moved her hand for a handshake and didn't show any emotion, "Nice to see you again". She muttered.

"Again? Have you guys known each other or something?". He looked between us, but I simply shook her hand. Our hands stayed there— we remained there, holding one another in a way that he wouldn't understand. The fire in her eyes, burns me, a hundred times. "Yeah, we were..". She started but never knew how to say it.

"Friends". I answered.

Apathetic lie, to escape a reality that Lisa is trying to find out about. Her eyes are a galaxy of fortune, meanwhile, my words barge on her walls, like bullets.

Hurt flashes through those eyes.

She took a shaky breath and nodded at him, "Really good friends".

"Now I see, well that makes the job easier, you know, I wouldn't have to introduce you to one another or anything". Woobin tried to lighten the mood because the tension was getting too much.

Lisa smiled at him and looked away from me.

But I can't take my eyes off her.

There was something in her, that is like before the brain fires on all cylinders, before stories are born, with ease, as nothing is forced—nothing was ever forced when it came to her. Things change, don't they?

But, the way I feel about her never did.

Of course, I miss the smell of coffee that came out of her mouth, the heat, the steam. The beautiful nectar, of typing, clumsy, grammar atrocious, and the theories that we used to discuss. More time for more words, but less was better.. fewer words to be exchanged have always been better.

There is darkness in her, not giving too much away. I didn't have to say anything to her, she always appreciated my silence in the past.

And so the story goes, resigned by the reunion and to the hours of the moonlight, her light.

"Mind joining us for dinner, Lisa?".

She nodded and rubbed her palms on her jeans. A habit she had whenever she was anxious. I smiled to myself. I'm so foolish. "What is making my girl smile?". Woobin asked and kissed my cheek.

"Nothing much". I shrugged my head, knowing Lisa watched the scene in silence.

"Wanna show Lisa to the guest room?".

"Sure". I bit my bottom lip and motioned for her to follow me.

With her behind my back, it reminded me of how it has always been. Lisa walked behind me, she chased and ran after me, despite how blind I was. But I hide behind my cold texture. It's always easier that way, easier to not be vulnerable.

As soon as we reached the guest room, she closed the door behind us.

Her steps come closer, as I expect her to embrace me. But instead, she pushes and walks past me, while looking around. She admired the pictures and paintings on the wall instead of speaking. Why did I expect her to embrace me?

"You can find clothes inside here". I motioned to the closet, "Also the bathroom is just right in the corner".

"So a boyfriend huh?". Those are her first few words, that were directed at me.

There was also a smile on her face.

I couldn't read her.