Chapter XVI
J E N N I E
As we drove into the parking lot of the airport, I could feel my heart starting to race. Lisa insisted to bring me on this three days trip, and I felt like I didn't have a choice but to go along with it. I tried to settle my heart, and act as natural as I can be, but all I could think about was Lisa's distant demeanor.
She has been silent all through the ride, and soon as we arrived at the airport she immediately got out of the car without even looking at me. Lisa's friends greeted me with smiles and hugs, they introduced themselves and I felt a pang of nervousness.
"Jennie, it's so great to finally meet you!" Irene's voice bubbled with genuine warmth, and I managed a small smile in return.
"Damn you pokpak! This woman is drop dead gorgoeus!" Jisoo chimed in, wanting to hug me but a guy stopped her using his hand. I didn't noticed him earlier.
"Behave Rabbit" the guy said.
"Shut it Kai." Jisoo said and punched Kai in his abdomen. But this Kai did not even react. He looked at me and nod his head and I did the same, while on my left side, Bambam and Chan were exchanging playful banter, their laughter mixing with the hum of the parking lot.
"Jennie, we've heard a lot about you," Chan said, flashing me a friendly grin. I forced a smile, feeling overwhelmed by the excitement and warmth radiating from Lisa's friends. I was surrounded by their boundless energy. It was so different from the coldness I had been getting from her. And amidst the laughter and playful chatter, my thoughts were consumed by the conflicting emotions swirling inside me.
"Hey, you okay?" Kai asked, his voice soft with concern. My throat felt tight, but I managed a weak nod. I could see Lisa shooting me a quick, unreadable glance.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... not used to this, I guess." I felt like an outsider looking in. I tried to engage in the conversation, but my words felt forced, unnatural.
"No pressure," He said, "Just be yourself." I let out a small, nervous hum, hoping that Kai was right. But deep down, I couldn't shake the fear that I just didn't belong here.
=====
I settled into my seat on the plane, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach. Lisa had switched seats with Kai, leaving me alone beside the window. I clenched my fists to stop my hands from trembling. I knew I shouldn't be affected by her cold treatment, but it still stung. The hum of the plane's engines filled the cabin as we taxied down the runway. I stole a glance at Lisa, who was engrossed in a magazine. I turned my gaze away and looked outside, my heart sinking.
How could I be falling for someone like Lisa, who seemed determined to keep me at arm's length?
"Nervous?" Kai's gentle voice broke through the hum, and I looked up to see concern in his warm brown eyes. He has this tan skin and well toned shoulder.
"Yeah, a little." I murmured, forcing a smile. Kai nodded, but I could tell he didn't entirely believe me. He reached over and patted my head, offering me comfort in his simple touch.
As the plane took off with a roar, I closed my eyes and let out a silent scream. While praying from all the goddess I know, I felt a warm palm over mine and it made my trembling heart at ease.
"You good?" I let out a deep breath and smile at him.
"Yeah, all good. Thank you."
Kai and I exchange small talks from time to time until we reached the airport. After departing from the plane, one of Jisoo's driver pick us up, we aslo took a boat to get to our destination.
As we approached the place, the salty ocean breeze tousled my hair, and my heart raced with a mix of excitement and fear once we landed on the Island. Once we docked, Jisoo led us to our rooms, she said that she bought this resthouse three years ago and turned to be one of their group favorite place.
I quick glance and watched as Lisa strode ahead, her dismissive air making my stomach churn.
"Um, Jisoo, it looks like there's been a mistake," I ventured, trying to keep my voice steady. "Lisa and I seem to have been assigned in the same room." Jisoo glanced at the room assignments and shrugged.
"There is nothing wrong Jendukie, you and Lisa will share the room. Irene and I are taking the right and the three boys will be on the left side. Besides you two will be one in no time, your wedding is just around the corner." I bit my lip, casting a quick glance at Lisa, who didn't even spare me a look. I nod at Jisoo and followed Lisa into the room, feeling like an unwelcome guest in my own temporary abode.
As we entered the room, I was taken aback by the sight of the grand king-sized bed dominating the space. I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. How was I to handle sharing this space with Lisa?
Lisa's cold treatment didn't help ease my nerves either. She didn't even spare me a glance as she strode to the window and gazed out at the stunning island view. Her silence was like a heavy shroud enveloping the room, suffocating any attempt at conversation.
I mustered up the courage to break the unbearable quiet. "Um, Lisa, I... I can take the sofa if you prefer," I suggested tentatively, the words tumbling out of me in a rush.
Her response was a dismissive hum, as she continued to stare out the window. It felt like my heart was being squeezed in a force, the tension in the room was so intense. Desperation clawed at me, and I knew I couldn't bear this frigid atmosphere for long. But as I tried to think of my next move, a quiet small sigh escaped my lips. It was a sound of resignation, the weight of my unpleasant feeling was like a suffocating blanket.
I busied myself unpacking, stealing secret glances at Lisa, who seemed lost in thought. As I finished arranging my belongings, I hesitated for a moment before speaking up.
"Lisa, did I do something wrong?" I asked. Lisa merely grunted in response. I sighed and left the room. I resigned myself to the situation, I can barely breath with her around. Wandering alone in this arrangement would prove to be a challenge.
=====
YOU ARE READING
Uncertainty (JenLisa)
Hayran KurguIn a forced marriage arranged by Jennie's father, Jennie and Lisa enter into an agreement with a time limit - they will be free after a year. Despite their initial agreement, as time goes by, an unexpected bond forms between them. Jennie a fragile...