The Truth About Monsters

Chapter 10: Safe & Sound

Just like the anger between her and Rosie, Kim Jisoo disappeared.

Well, technically only for a week.

A very difficult week for Rosie indeed, especially since she broke off whatever she had with Joy.

Rosie had done everything in her power not to think about the kiss. The searing, hot, angry kiss that had both of them shaking against Rosie's living room furniture. The kiss following their shouting match. The kiss after Jisoo probably saved Rosie's life.

The "I hate you" kiss.

Rosie didn't mean it. She knew, inside her heart of hearts, she really didn't mean it. She was angry, frustrated, and terrified.

But there was no way she could hate Kim Jisoo and kiss her like that. The raw passion, the desire, the way Jisoo's luscious lips quivered, actually quivered, against hers. as if there was so much more she wanted to say.

And now she was gone.

She gave Jennie a notice and simply dropped off the face of the earth, leaving Rosie to deal with the fallout of Doyeon, Jungkook, Jennie's scolding, and Mino's profuse apologies, though she knew he was blameless (except for apparently notifying Jisoo of where they were).

Rosie didn't have the luxury of being a recluse and hiding from the world, burrowing her head into the sand and forgetting her reasons for living.

Rosie had to keep her chin up and carry on. And so she did.

The first day back was tumultuous, at best.

Rosie knew Jisoo wasn't there. She knew because Doyeon was hovering aimlessly around her office door, commenting on everyone and everything.

Rosie also knew because she could hear Jennie sighing from miles away, "No, Ms. Lee, I don't know when she will return. Yes, Ms. Lee, I'm positive. No, Ms. Lee, I cannot advise you to visit her private estate. Yes, Ms. Lee, I'll promptly deliver your message."

Rosie chuckled to herself, despite the situation. It made the day a little more bearable to see Jennie pinch her nose and roll her eyes every two minutes, phone in one hand, the other busy ushering Doyeon out of Jisoo's vacant office.

It almost made up for the confrontation Rosie just knew was coming when Jennie stepped into her office, apologetically shutting the door behind her.

"Good morning, Jen-" Rosie never finished, as Jennie, clad in a black, tight dress, made her way over, taking her Bluetooth earpiece out of her ear for a moment.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Jennie's voice was oozing disapproval.

"Apparently, I wasn't." Rosie mumbled, meeting her gaze wryly. "I'm assuming Jisoo told you."

Jennie nodded, folding her arms. "And what if Mino died?"

Rosie winced. "Well, he didn't, did he?"

Jennie growled. "Gambling with his life is not part of your job here, Park."

Rosie's eyes widened. Why was she so worried about Mino?

"What exactly is my job here, Jennie?" Rosie snapped, feeling suddenly brave. If she could stand up to Jisoo, she could take her second-in-command as well.

"To shut up and do as you're told." Jennie snapped, tossing her long hair over a shoulder. "And stop causing Jisoo such headaches. God knows she has enough on her plate without you," she motioned to Rosie dramatically. "-doing whatever the hell you think you're doing."

Rosie sighed, putting her hands up in defeat. "I know. That's why I signed up to work extra Clinic shifts at the hospital."

Jennie narrowed her eyes. "Without asking?"