Bitter | JENLISA

Bitter

Lisa wasn't entirely sure what happened back then, but ever since she joined Widewood West, Jennie Kim despised her.

In theory, everything about the dance studio had been a dream. It created a vision for professional development through personal guidance, provided team opportunities with its active participation in showcase events, and developed a sanctuary for the crew members where everyone felt seen and had a sense of belonging.

In reality, WideWood West had a single problem—Jennie Ruby Jane Kim, their self-proclaimed leader.

On Lisa's first day, she was met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each member of the crew extended a friendly greeting, acknowledging her impressive audition. Lisa learned that the crew personally approved every new member, which made her feel honored to be considered a good fit for the team's synergy despite receiving only thirteen out of the fourteen available votes.

It wasn't such a big deal, Lisa had told herself, but in the back of her mind, the thought lingered—who was that single person and where did she lack to lose their approval?

The realization settled in when Jennie Kim strode through the doors of the practice room, her fierce brown eyes burning into Lisa's with a weight of resentment. The room had fallen silent. Jennie's face remained stoic as she assessed Lisa's appearance and passed her by without uttering a single word. Jennie had ignored her for the entirety of the day, throughout which Lisa had foolishly believed that she would eventually warm up to her.

The following day, Lisa had been warned of Jennie's way of being. Deemed their best dancer, she maintained a strict and demanding approach, offering harsh judgments during rehearsals and meticulously critiquing minor errors. Despite her stern attitude, the level of respect they held for her persisted.

However, Lisa couldn't construct a favorable initial opinion about her. Since the day she began showcasing her skills, Jennie held a grudge. Perhaps, Lisa had been too good, leaving no room for the brunette to critique moves Lisa had already polished to perfection. Despite that, Jennie still did. Lisa had continued to hold onto the foolish hope that things would soon change, but the next two years remained the same.

At a certain point, Lisa had wondered whether the crew would be better off without her. What if Jennie had been right all along?

It couldn't have been possible, and Lisa knew Jennie had seen it, too. Their chemistry on stage, that synergy that had pushed Widewood West to the top of the ranks in Korea—it was the single thing that worked well between them.

At the back of the bus, Lisa lulled herself to sleep by the gentle sway of the vehicle, leaning against the chilled window to try and pass the exhausting hours on the way to Dance Camp. The pair of wired earphones that plugged her ears were simply not enough, as she was startled by a scream in her ear.

"Manoban!"

Lisa jumped up from her seat, eyes shut under the weight of her sleep, when she slammed her head into an object that lingered above her. Lisa fell into the neighboring seat, massaging the bump that already formed at the side of her head.

A stream of profanities sounded from the aisle in front of her, and Lisa figured out what had happened before she could open her eyes.

"I knew she was hard-headed, but damn," Lisa mumbled to herself, trying to keep her cool.

"What is your fucking problem?" Jennie furiously shouted.