Chapter 15
"Oh, wow! Lisa finally updated her Instagram!" Chahee choked on her drink while sitting in one of the high chairs in front of the bar.
She was taking a rest after she and Jiyeon were distributing the bottles of wine and brandy in the shelf behind the counter for the night.
It was another Saturday night. Another weekend to pull through. Another night for gigs, music and booze inside the Orange.
"Another artistic display of photography genius by our Lalisa?" Jiyeon asked. She was rearranging some of the bottles of Bailey's and gin according to sizes and colors because Jiyeon was OC about arranging things neatly.
"Maybe. I still haven't seen the picture yet, though," Chahee said while still browsing on her phone, "But knowing Lisa, she would never post anything bland and ordinary on her Insta--oh, wait! Who's this?" Chahee asked curiously while staring at her phone's screen.
"Who?" Jiyeon asked and left the shelf hastily. There was something in Chahee's voice that spelled trouble.
She stood in front of Chahee, the bar counter was between them, and grabbed Chahee's phone.
"Who's the girl?" Jiyeon asked while staring at Chahee's phone screen.
"I don't know. But she looks familiar," Chahee said. "I think I've seen her before."
"Whatever happens, do not tell Chaeyoung about this," Jiyeon said. She looked worried and concerned.
"Tell me what, guys?" Chaeyoung butted in. "God, it's so cold outside!" she shivered.
She just arrived at the Orange. Her guitar bag was strapped on her back, while her everyday bag was hanging on her right shoulder. She was carrying a box of donuts and a cup of smoking hot coffee on her hands. Her cheeks were flushed and puffy and her nose was a little red due to the cold weather outside.
"Nothing!" Chahee and Jiyeon answered in unison.
Chahee quickly snatched her mobile phone from Jiyeon's grasp and slid it inside the pocket of her coat. They exchanged meaningful looks, Jiyeon and her.
"Donuts and coffee, huh? Is that what you're having for dinner, Chaeng-ssi?" Chahee asked, diverting Chaeyoung's attention.
Chaeyoung laughed and placed the cup of coffee and the box of donuts on the countertop. She then took off her oversized benie and carelessly ran her fingers through her red mane.
"No. A-yeon still owes me dinner. She lost a bet last night," Chaeyoung answered. "So, what were you two talking about before I came in?"
"Oh, you know, nothing important. Jiyeon and I are just talking about the weather," Chahee answered, gritting her teeth. She have never lied in front of Chaeyoung before. It left a nasty taste on her mouth, the lying thing, Chahee realized.
"Oh, yeah? I heard my name, though?" Chaeyoung insisted but never looked suspicious. Instead, she was smiling. As if she was coaxing the two women to involve her, whatever Jiyeon and Chahee were up to.
And that's what her crew loved most about Chaeyoung. She was always sweet, positive and never suspicious. She always leave rooms for doubt for anyone on any and every situations.
"We were worried about you, Chaeyoung-ssi. We know you hate this kind of weather," Jiyeon replied.
"I see," Chaeyoung muttered, nodding. "Thank you, guys. But I should be fine. Don't worry too much about me."
"Is, uhm, Lisa coming over tonight?" Jiyeon asked all of a sudden, earning a sharp gasp from Chahee.
Chahee gave Jiyeon a murderous look. Good thing Chaeyoung was now busy munching on her donuts that she did not notice the silent exchange of meaningful looks between her two friends.
