An Unlikely Love Affair

9 - Dazed

LISA

Was I just imagining things or did that really happen?

I was lying in bed, still quite drunk and dumbfounded. I stared at the ceiling as images of Irene leaning closer kept replaying in my head.

I unconsciously touched my lips at the thought, remembering the way her fingers felt. Hers were softer and more delicate than mine. Her touch, gentle and wary.

From what I recall, my mind went blank and my body froze in place. I could only stare at her perfect face, holding my breath as she closed the distance between us. Her scent mixed with the smell of alcohol was more intoxicating than consuming the alcohol itself; and watching her up close and seemingly entranced, set something ablaze inside of me.

I wasn't able to fully process what happened until now. It was hard to, with Rosie and Jisoo around being chaotic.

We had a small celebration since Rosie was set to record her first song for her solo. Irene stayed to celebrate with us, even joking that she won't leak the information to her members. She was more comfortable with us now, even without Jennie here. Talking louder, laughing harder. I like seeing this side of her, even if it might be in part, due to the alcohol in her system.

If she was in any way bothered by what transpired, she was doing a better job at hiding it. I, on the other hand, kept drifting in and out of my thoughts. Jisoo called me out multiple times for being spaced out while Rosie pretended to scold me for drinking without 'adult' supervision.

"Yah. You know you get drunk easily. Do you want to embarrass yourself in front of Irene unnie? Ask one of us adults to join you next time to keep you from ruining Blackpink's image." She chuckled.

Little did Rosie know that if she hadn't arrived the exact moment she did, another 'blunder' would've been made because honestly, I would let Irene take things wherever she wants to take it. In which case, I can't assure that I'll be able to respond wisely.

It was my first time seeing her loosen up like that. She always appeared to be so impenetrable. I have to say, this version of Irene is incredibly sexy - not that she wasn't already.

The way she looks when she combs through and ruffles up her hair; the way her brows knit after taking a shot; the way she unconsciously sticks her tongue out to wet her lips; the way she subtly smiles or bursts into laughter when she's being playful. Anyone would be smitten by her.

Then again, it seemed like she wasn't thinking about it in the least. I guess it was nothing. Maybe I was getting ahead of myself. Maybe she wasn't even going to do what it looked like she was about to do. One thing's certain though, her effect on me is profound and impossible to ignore.

I snapped out of it when my phone beeped once again, for the hundredth time. I looked to check already knowing who it was.

Jennie has been persistently calling and texting. I was determined to ignore her but ended up  reading her latest message.

Nini: Lisayah, can you come get me? I made a mistake. It's an emergency. Please

I didn't even bother reading her other messages for context. I immediately jumped off my bed, a number of different horrible scenarios running through my head.

Did Kai do something to her? Did they get caught? Was she in trouble?

Head still spinning from standing abruptly, I grabbed my hoodie, put on shoes and rushed out the door. I called her as I fumbled through my wallet, checking if I had enough cash for a taxi. I didn't want to risk driving since I was still a bit buzzed.

"Where are you?" My voice strained with worry.

"I'm here." She answered, weirdly sounding like she was in the same room as I am.

I stopped in my tracks, light headed and heart still racing. I looked over my shoulder and lo and behold, leaning against the door frame leading to the kitchen is Jennie Kim.

"What the fuck, Jennie!" I exclaimed, exasperated.

"Your shoes don't match." She smiled gingerly as she approached me.

I didn't even check to see if it was true. I just leaned against the wall, winded. I was beyond annoyed - more at myself than her.

At times I resent myself for readily dropping anything for Jennie, always willing to be at her disposal. I remember Jisoo telling me it's not healthy to let anyone have that effect on me. Perhaps that's the reason why she keeps pushing me towards other people, to loosen the hold Jennie has but nothing works because that's just how I am with her. I can't help it.

Jennie was now standing right in front of me with a reluctant and remorseful smile. She's wearing that look she uses when she either wants you to do her bidding or knows she's in the wrong.

"That was not funny. Why would you do that?" I said annoyed.

"How else would I get you to talk to me? You locked your door and have been ignoring me all day."

"Well, you've given me good reason to ignore you and no reason for me to talk to you." I said bitterly, deciding to leave her to make my way back to my room.

She wrapped her arms around my waist just when I passed her, giving me a back hug. "I'm sorry, Lisayah."

Oh no. I can feel my resolve melting already.

"I know you're upset with me and you have every reason to be. I knew I made a mistake as soon as I sent that message but I can't contact you anymore after that."

"So it's my fault now?" I scoffed. "Let me go, Jennie."

"No. It's my fault." She tightened her embrace. "I shouldn't have stood you up like that and I'm really sorry. Tell me how I can make it up to you."

I sighed and turned to face her. She was pouting, looking deliberately sad. How can anyone resist this mandu?

"Stop acting cute. It's not gonna work on me this time."

She continued to pout. "Please don't be mad anymore." Her plea was muffled as she nestled her head against my shoulder.

"Aish. You always do this." I breathed out softly.

"Fine. Buy me ice cream sandwich. A whole box of it." I said in a serious but relenting tone.

"That's all?" She raised her head and looked at me wide eyed.

"I'll buy boxes of ice cream sandwiches in every flavor and every brand for you." She said, flashing her gummy smile.

"Let's buy it together after my last stage at Inkigayo and before I leave to film for Village Survival. That's this Sunday." She looked at me hopefully. "Please say yes. It's been a while since the two of us hung out."

"I have dance practice with Kiel on Sunday but ok, we'll go."

"It's a date then." She hugged me once more and longer than the last. I just let her as she seemed to be taking her time.

"You reek of alcohol, Lisayah." Jennie finally looked up at me with her nose scrunched up comically.

"For someone who gets drunk easily, you drink too much." She tutted and then kissed me on the cheek before going to play with Kuma.

A date. I always expect the best when it comes to Jennie. I just hope this time I won't get burned.