THEIR STORY (JenLisa)

REKINDLING

The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the cozy shop, blending with soft music and the murmur of conversations. Lisa received a text from her best friend Rosé, asking for a muffin and a matcha latte from their favorite coffee shop. It was pure coincidence that she saw Jennie going in, and Lisa felt a rush of excitement. It had been too long since she last saw Jennie. She had been meaning to talk to her ex-girlfriend but always lost the nerve to hit the call button at the last minute. Maybe this was fate, urging her to finally take action.

Lisa was still attending her therapy sessions, trying to piece together her lost self little by little. But a significant part of her, her connection with Jennie, was still missing for her to fully regain her happiness. It had been nearly six months since she had come to terms with her grief. She knew there were still things she needed to work on, but she felt ready to reconnect with Jennie, even if only as friends.

As Lisa entered the shop, their gazes locked briefly before she noticed Jisoo at the counter with a mischievous grin.

Lisa muttered to herself, "Jisoo's here too? What's going on?" Jisoo was never in this part of the city; when they used to hang out back when Jennie and Lisa are still together, the older Korean always complained about having a perfectly good coffee shop near her street. But Rose, Lisa’s best friend, insisted that this coffee shop served better coffee and pastries.

Deciding to confront the situation, Lisa walked over to Jisoo, who was engrossed in her phone but couldn't hide her mischievous grin.

"Lisa?" Jisoo looked up, feigning innocence.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite ex of my best friend Jennie who broke her heart."

"Good to see you, too Jisoo. Can we skip the drama? What’s, I mean... why are you guys…" Lisa sighed, glancing over at Jennie, who was deep in conversation with her date, Jiwon, a charming girl with a bright smile.

Jisoo teased, "Oh, that? Just Jennie having a date. And look who's here too, spying!"

Lisa blushed, "I'm not spying. I just... happened to be around."

"Sure, sure," Jisoo teased back. "Just like how I'm here for moral support and to make sure the date goes smoothly."

Lisa's curiosity piqued. "Moral support?"

"You know, making sure everything's fine," Jisoo winked.

Lisa peeked over at Jennie and Jiwon, feeling a pang of jealousy.

"Who's Jiwon?" Lisa asked softly.

Jisoo leaned in, "Jennie met her at a gallery few weeks back. She's got Jennie hooked. I think this is their third date?"

Lisa clenched her fists, feeling a mix of emotions.

Jisoo nudged her, "Hey, don't look now, but I think Jennie just saw you."

Lisa's eyes darted towards Jennie and Jiwon, prompting her to duck behind a nearby potted plant. Which was ridiculous because, one, she was pretty sure their eyes had locked earlier, so Jennie knew she was there. Right? And two, the potted plant was only two or three feet tall and thin.

Lisa whispered, "Is she looking?"

Jisoo nodded eagerly, "Yep, trying not to laugh."

"Laugh? Why?" Lisa asked incredulously.

"Because you're hiding like a spy in a rom-com," Jisoo grinned.

Lisa rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile.

"Great," Lisa muttered. "Now what?"
Jisoo thought for a moment, "Let's give them some space. And you... maybe stop lurking like a jealous ex."

"I'm not jealous," Lisa protested.