𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄

029

"Nini, you've arri-" Jisoo's words caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the lady in front of her. Tear-stained cheeks, puffy red eyes, messy hair, and dry lips were the only way to describe Jennie in that moment.

With an expressionless face, Jennie placed the groceries on the side counter table shelf. "I've bought the stuff, unnie. Check it out, see if anything is missing."

Jisoo looked at Jennie's face with wide eyes and quickly rushed to her side as Jennie dropped herself onto a chair, leaning against it. "What happened?" Jisoo asked, cupping Jennie's cheeks while sitting on the floor as Jennie remained in the chair.

"Nothing happened, I'm just... just tired," Jennie said, standing up and gently pulling Jisoo's hand away. She headed towards the mansion's exit, while Jisoo looked at her back with worry.

"Nini, look, you're not going anywhere. You're not okay," Jisoo insisted.

"I am. I'm fine, unnie. I am," Jennie replied, repeating her words.

"When you keep repeating your words, it's a sign that you're not fine, Nini," Jisoo said, trying to stop her from going outside. However, Jennie didn't obey and continued on her way.

"At least tell me where you're going?" Jisoo asked, clutching onto her dress nervously.

"To a place where I can find peace," Jennie replied softly, her words barely audible as she stammered. She opened the door of her car.

"When will you be back?" Jisoo shouted once again as Jennie stepped out of the mansion towards her car.

Jisoo stood frozen, her eyes locked on Jennie's car as it slowly disappeared into the distance. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. The weight of worry settled heavy in her chest, her heart aching for her sister.

As the car vanished from sight, Jisoo felt a surge of emotions. She clenched her fists, feeling the frustration and helplessness wash over her. A single tear escaped her eye, tracing a silent path down her cheek.

✮✮✮

The night slowly descended, casting a shadow over the world. Jennie gripped the steering wheel tightly, tears streaming down her face, blurring her vision. She pressed down on the accelerator, the engine roaring as she sped through the empty streets, paying no heed to anything around her.

"I'm Ji-eun Lee, and IU to you,"

"And his girl also."

Her heartache consumed her, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. The wind whipped through her hair, matching the chaos in her mind.

The engine suddenly sputtered and coughed, before coming to a complete stop in front of a dimly lit bar. In frustration, she slammed the door shut with a loud thud, the sound echoing in the stillness of the night.

As she turned around looking at the "SEDUCTION LOUNGE NIGHTCLUB," the name was shining brightly with lights all around. Old men getting lap dance, sluts enjoying their men all night long, the smell of alcohol and the music was all one could describe.

She headed straight for the beer counter. Sitting on a swivel stool, she looked at the bartender and ordered, "Bring me something that will numb oneself." The bartender nodded and went to take the order.

Suddenly a boy approached her and looked her up and down while licking her lips. He sat down in the chair next to her while Jennie never spared him a glance.