Jennie stayed at Jisoo's house, settling into the guest room. Every morning before heading to the office, Jisoo prepared breakfast for Jennie, just like she had for the past few days. Alongside the meal, she left a note reminding Jennie to eat, take care of herself, and call her if anything happened.
After that night, Jennie slowly started opening up to Jisoo. She laughed more, talked more, and seemed lighter. One evening, Jisoo took Jennie out shopping for clothes and essentials.
Inside a boutique, Jennie hesitated while holding a simple but elegant dress.
"Do you like it?" Jisoo asked, tilting her head.
Jennie nodded slowly. "But... you've already done so much for me. I don't want to burden you."
Jisoo scoffed and took the dress from her hands, giving it in to the sales assistant. "You're not a burden, Jennie. You deserve nice things."
Jennie bit her lip, emotions swelling in her chest. She had never experienced kindness like this before.
As they walked through the mall, Jennie found herself genuinely happy, a feeling she had never truly known. But deep inside, guilt gnawed at her. Jisoo had done so much, and she felt undeserving of it all.
At the office, Lisa confronted Jisoo. "What is it about this girl, Jisoo? Why are you so determined to take care of her?"
Jisoo exhaled, staring out of her office window. "I don't know, Lisa. But I feel like she's someone important in my life. I need to protect her. I want her to be happy."
Lisa exchanged glances with Seulgi, who had just walked in with a folder.
"I got the full report on Jennie," Seulgi said, placing it on Jisoo's desk. "She's been through a lot."
Jisoo didn't even hesitate before responding, "Thanks, Seulgi. This just makes me want to take care of her even more."
Lisa smirked, leaning forward. "Do you like her?"
Jisoo stiffened before shrugging. "I just... want to take care of her, that's all."
Lisa and Seulgi exchanged knowing looks but said nothing.
Later, Jisoo sighed. "Jennie keeps saying she feels guilty about staying here. She wants to leave, find a job, and stop burdening me."
Seulgi thought for a moment before suggesting, "Then give her a job. Make her your PA."
Lisa's eyes lit up. "That's actually a great idea. This way, she stays with you, and she won't feel like she's taking advantage of you."
Jisoo mulled it over. It was a perfect plan.
---
That evening, when Jisoo returned home, she panicked when she didn't see Jennie anywhere. She quickly checked the CCTV and saw Jennie leaving. Just as she was about to rush out to find her, the front door opened, revealing Jennie carrying bags of groceries.
"Eh? Hi, Jis—" Jennie barely got the words out before Jisoo pulled her into a tight hug.
Jisoo's voice was shaky as she spoke. "I was so scared something happened to you."
Jennie was startled but soon softened. "I-I'm sorry... I just went out to buy ingredients to cook for you."
Jisoo pulled away slightly, looking at her. "Next time, tell me before you go anywhere."
Jennie nodded, feeling touched. For the first time, someone truly cared about her.
That night, Jennie cooked a full Korean meal, including kimchi fried rice and different chicken dishes. The smell was amazing. When Jisoo tasted it, she was blown away.
