READY FOR LOVE | JENLISA

Chapter 9

Lisa

"No problem, I have some reading to do for our English class, anyway. It's hot out there today so I'll just wait for you in the library and read while I wait. Text me when you're finished and I'll meet you." Jennie says.

"Shit, I forgot about that..." I mumble, referring to the assigned reading for our English class. I stand from my chair and grab my backpack, slinging it over my shoulder, waiting for Jennie to finish packing up her things.

While waiting I feel someone sneak up behind me, a hand landing on my shoulder as a body presses up against my side.

"You're going to the party tonight, right, Lisa?" Somi purrs in my ear, her hand on my shoulder sliding down my back and slipping into the back pocket of my jeans, squeezing.

I jump, awkwardly clearing my throat. I feel uncomfortable with Somi being this assertive while Jennie's eyes are on me. And I can sense the rising tension radiating off Jennie from witnessing Somi's bold actions.

"Uh, yeah, I might swing by for a bit." I reply, recoiling.

Somi grins triumphantly. "Perfect, I'll see you there." she says before standing on her tippy toes, planting a kiss to the corner of my mouth, taking me by surprise.

Anger and embarrassment bubble inside my chest as I watch her walk away, clearly pleased with herself, like an animal that's just marked its territory.

"Awkward." Rosé sings in a hushed tone as she, Jennie, and rat boy stand from their seats and shrug on their backpacks.

Jennie flashes her friend a warning look before we all file out of the room. We walk down the halls of the science building, and my mind goes haywire trying to think of something to say to clear the obvious tension still lingering.

Do I apologise?

But what do I apologise for? I did nothing wrong.

Do I not say anything at all?

"See you guys later." Rosé says as we descend the stairs to the first floor, rat boy following her down the hallway towards more classrooms as Jennie and I both head for the exit. I make sure to grab the door for her.

"Thank you." she says softly, and we both walk in silence, some awkward tension still lingering.

"You sure you don't want to come tonight?" I ask, stuffing my hands in the front pockets of my jeans.

She shakes her head. "No, thanks."

"Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow in class?" I confirm, and I detect the uncharacteristic tone of insecurity in my voice.

She gives me a soft smile, any lingering tension dissipating. "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't forget to read those poems."

"Yes, ma'am."