An Unlikely Love Affair

8 - 21 Questions

IRENE

Lisa's extra cute when she's flustered. The way her brows crease and lips pout. That innocent, defeated expression when she eventually accepts there's no winning against her unnie. Jisoo might have other reasons for teasing her but mine is just that, to see her get adorably flustered.

The two were whispering and nudging each other ever since we arrived up until we settled in the living room. Jisoo's playful demeanor contrasted with Lisa's annoyed one that I was certain the eldest is teasing the youngest again. By the looks of it, whatever Jisoo was on about was sure to be entertaining and it was.

"Red looks good on you." I teased. Lisa has not said a word and was still blushing crimson.

She cupped her cheeks and tapped on them lightly, only making it worse rather than getting rid of the blush.

Much to Lisa's chagrin, Jisoo had to excuse herself to receive a video call from her family. From there on, she neither spoke nor made any attempts to engage with me, probably too embarrassed by Jisoo's lark.

"Do I need to get you drunk so you can relax around me?" I continued to tease. "Last time I was here you were really talkative."

She appeared to be summoning all the courage she can muster before finally facing me. "No alcohol for me tonight, unnie. I can be sober and relaxed around friends. We are friends now, right?"

"Are we? I believe friends know things about each other. I know quite a lot about your members but not much about you."

Her eyes gave away the unease that her seemingly self assured stance was trying to mask. At that, I struggled to suppress a smile. I found it really cute how she was trying to appear cool when she can barely hold my gaze for long.

I raised an eyebrow and added, "And I'm sure you know far less about me, not counting what you've learned online."

She ultimately gave up all pretenses and looked down as if the floor could give her the guts to readily interact with me.

"Well... If you see it that way, unnie..." She fiddled with her fingers as she tried to think of the right words.

"I'd like to get to know you better, if you'd let me." She looked up again, bashfully.

"Because to be honest... I'm most curious about you."

I felt my cheeks flush at her unexpected response but unlike her, it was my personal skill to easily give the impression of being unbothered.

"How about we play 21 questions, then?" I suggested. "I'll go first."

"Wait." She interrupted before I could say more. "On second thought, maybe soju's not a bad idea."

I chortled as she scurried off to the kitchen. Until when will she rely on liquid courage? I must be really intimidating to turn a girl who slays every stage performance and interacts so easily with others into this bundle of nerves.

She came back clutching 2 bottles of soju in one hand, a shot glass and bag of chips in the other. She immediately filled the glass to the brim once she settled back down beside me and took her first shot.

"Whoa. That nervous huh?" My jesting was reciprocated with a sheepish smile.

Not one to be outdone, I grabbed the empty glass and held it out, motioning for her to pour some for me. I can't help but smirk at the astonished look on her face. She probably thought I didn't drink. True enough, if I can avoid it, I don't. However, this can be an exception because this time I wanted to. Surely, she wasn't thinking of drinking the 2 bottles by herself, right?!