Brighter Than My Porch Light

Within Perfumed Walls

Irene's POV

"I'm sorry I'm late," Seulgi gasps as she tries to catch her breath. As she takes off her green jacket, I notice her perfume.

"Oh, I like your scent," I said, smiling brightly.

"Haha, of course, it's your gift," she replied, pouting her lips, and rolling her eyes playfully.

I was enraptured by how proudly she used my gifts.

"Do you wear it every day?"

"Yes."

"Do you tell everyone I gave it to you?" I asked with a glowing smile.

"Are we here to talk about my perfume... or are we going to talk about your Jennie?" she replied, lacking enthusiasm.

Seulgi seems stressed out. She's been working on this film for ages.

I'm considered a workaholic actress, and she's the carefree director, but with her panda eyebags and disoriented mindset lately, I think Seulgi is trying to race me to be the most workaholic person in this industry.

This job is my bread and butter. I'm grateful for my never-ending deals, movies, and commercials, but it's starting to drain my soul out. I'm glad Jennie makes my days lighter and brighter. She's like my rainbow after the storm.

Oh yes, Jennie!

"Okay, grumpy kid, so..." I snapped back to reality.

"I don't know how to make it up with Jennie. Like, the only person who used to give me sanity is now driving me insane," I continued and sighed heavily, preparing to rap out my heartache.

"I'm losing my mind. She's out now with Lisa. I feel jealous, but I love Lisa. But every time Jennie and I fight, Lisa is... just always present. And Jennie has another vacation trip. I cannot stop her. I cannot accompany her either. And guess what? She has a world tour in a few months, and I should be supportive--"

"Okay..." She flashed her palm at me to pause, eyes squinting and lower lip biting.

"That's a lot of information in just one minute. Let me get my drink first." I'm not even finished ranting, and she got up.

Settled in her chair, she sipped twice. She looks like she's contemplating and about to rap back.

"Look, you gotta pull yourself together. Jennie has no problem whenever you run to me. Why does it matter if she's out with Lisa? She's her friend," she said calmly.

"She's also OUR friend," she said while showing her palms upward. Her emphasis on "our" made me realize how ridiculous I sound, but something doesn't sit well with me.

I answered in a low voice, staring at my cup, thumbs stroking the rim.

"I just... I just thought I should be her wall. The only person she should talk about this to. Our relationship problems should be our business."

"Then why are you here, pouring your heart out to me? Aren't you supposed to fix this with her?" She straightforwardly explained.

I didn't answer that simple question. I looked away and stared at the shop's bright window, trying to compartmentalize my brain.

But to answer the question, it's because Seulgi is not just a friend; she's the melody of my tough days. Her presence comforts me.

When I pour my heart out to her, it unloads from my chest.

"It's not her fault you can't take a break from work. Let her have her trips. And aren't you proud of the world tour? Out of all people, you should be the one to understand. You're aware of this lifestyle and industry. You guys have been dating for 2 years now, and you don't know how to make it up with your girlfriend? You... don't... know??"

She rapped back, harshly, a simultaneously polite and jarring way to school me.

"I feel like we should be in a bar instead of a coffee shop haha," Seulgi teased my heartaches out loud, her cheeks raised and eyes twinkling with laughter.

Typical friends. Those friendships where they insult you to your face but love you wholeheartedly. Yes, Seulgi would gladly throw me into the fire but would rush me to the hospital and pay for the fees.

Seulgi wanted to drive me home, but we both brought our cars. Besides, she needs to go back to her grueling movie shoot that I know nothing about because she won't spill any details.