THE HAPPIEST GIRL | JENLISA

Chapter 41

Jennie

"Hey." Lisa says after a few moments of comfortable silence. "Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

"Promise you won't say anything." she stresses, with her tone and demeanour becoming serious.

"Scouts honour." I say, sitting up straighter, giving her my undivided attention.

"I haven't told anyone yet, but I did something big." she confesses, awkwardly scratching the back of her neck.

"What did you do?" I ask cautiously, my heart rate accelerating, automatically thinking the worst case scenario.

"It's nothing bad." she's quick to reassure me. "It's just..." she trails off, letting out a puff of air, trying to gather her thoughts on how to break the news to me. "I kind of bought my own place."

"What?" I ask, feeling relieved and shocked at the same time.

"Yeah, I bought my own condo in New York. It's perfect, Jen." she sighs in contentment, with a hint of a smile on her face. "It has the perfect view of the city and overlooks Central Park."

"Lisa, that's amazing! When? How? Why?"

"Slow down!" she chuckles. "I just figured it was time for me to get my own place. I can't stand living in my parents' house anymore, if you can even call it that." she scoffs. "But, anyway, it's been something I've wanted to do for a while now. I didn't tell anyone because I wanted to do this on my own terms. I didn't want anyone's input or opinion, or have anyone try to talk me out of it. I just wanted to find a place that I loved, so I called up my mom's friend who is a realtor and she showed me some places over break. I fell in love with one in particular and signed a few days ago. But you can't tell anyone." she reiterates. "Especially Hyun-suk. I know he's going to be pissed and I have to find a way to break it to him gently."

I nod my head in understanding. "I won't tell a soul." I promise, pretending to seal my lips and throw away the key. "But I'm so happy for you! I'm glad you have a place to call your own."

"Thanks." she smiles big. "Actually." she says, suddenly acting nervous. "I was wondering if you would be willing to decorate it for me? I have no clue on how to decorate, and I really like how nice and homey your place is."

"Really?" I ask, shocked.

"Only if you want to." she says, eyes hopeful.

"I'd love to." I give her a soft smile and she breaks out into a big grin.

"Guess who's back!" someone sings form the doorway.

Lisa and I look over to see none other than Jessi struggling to get her bags through the door. Her flight was delayed due to weather.

"About time." I joke as Lisa and I jump up to help her with her stuff.

When Jessi adds her final touches to Lisa's look, I hop off the corner of the vanity, ready to get this first show back started.

"Ready for the first show back?" I ask as we walk through the backstage halls to get Lisa to the stage.

"I think so." Lisa says, despite the nerves evident in her voice. It still shocks me that after all this time she still gets nervous to do shows.

"You're going to do great." I remind her, comfortingly placing my hand on her arm.

"Thanks, Jen." she smiles, reaching her hand up to grab mine, braiding our fingers together.

It's moments like these when the butterflies erupt in my stomach and I think maybe, just maybe, this isn't a stupid little crush. Maybe she actually likes me back.