Killer's Kiss

Chapter two

Two months later

"Did you see my pink short dress?" Chaeyoung asked urgently, her gaze darting around the chaos of her and Jennie's dorm room. "I cannot find it anywhere."

Tonight, at midnight, Jennie would be hosting a party at her parents' mansion—a perfect venue for all the seniors in college, given its close proximity to campus. It was their final year of university, and Jennie had decided to throw an early celebration to honor the hard work she and her classmates had invested in their studies and future careers.

Chaeyoung, determined to look her best, envisioned herself in the pink dress that perfectly matched her vision for the night. The soft, romantic hue complemented her desired aesthetic—coquettish, confident, and effortlessly elegant. She rummaged frantically through her belongings, frustration mounting with each passing second.

"Nope," Jennie sighed, glancing over the collection of dresses she'd scattered on her bed. She was deep in thought, weighing her options. "You can take one of mine if you want."

Chaeyoung peeked at Jennie's wardrobe, but disappointment quickly followed. The dresses were undeniably stunning, exuding a sultry allure in deep blacks and velvety textures. But they weren't Chaeyoung's style. She preferred soft, clean lines and lighter shades that felt more like her.

"Ugh," Chaeyoung groaned, collapsing onto her bed dramatically. "I'll have to go shopping."

Her eyes swept over the hurricane of clothes she'd created in her search. The room was a battlefield of tossed garments, open drawers, and upturned storage bins. Even her under-bed stash of shoes and high heels had been thoroughly searched, all to no avail.

"I'll come with you," Jennie offered without hesitation, picking up one of the dresses she'd been eyeing. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she held it up. "Oh, I think I'll wear this one."

She turned the dress toward Chaeyoung, who sat up with a deadpan expression. But as her eyes took in the garment, her mood shifted.

"You like?"

The blonde tilted her head, inspecting the masterpiece before her. The dress was exquisite. Its bodice cinched at the waist, sculpting an hourglass figure, while the fabric cascaded smoothly down to the hips before flaring into a subtly playful hem just above the knees. The back dipped daringly low, adorned with crisscrossed straps and delicate lace accents that added a touch of sensuality without overstepping into extravagance.

"It's perfect," Chaeyoung breathed, her voice full of awe. "Where do you find such dresses, girl?"

"You'll see," Jennie replied with a sly wink, causing Chaeyoung to blush. "I'll take you there so we can find something for your sorry ass."

Two hours later, Chaeyoung stood before a massive clothing department store, feeling overwhelmed. The building loomed before her, sleek and imposing in its all-black exterior, exuding an air of exclusivity and wealth. It was more a palace of fashion than a store, with multiple entrances that seemed to promise endless luxury.

"Jennie, I think this is too much," Chaeyoung said nervously, chuckling as she tried to mask her unease. "I'm sure we can find plenty in Walmart for half the price."

"Oh, shut up," Jennie retorted, grabbing her friend's wrist and dragging her inside. A sharply dressed attendant approached them almost immediately, offering each a glass of champagne. "This place is perfect."

"How can I assist you, ladies?" the man asked, his voice smooth and polished, like a tailored suit in sound form.

Jennie gestured at Chaeyoung while scanning the racks. "Something that fits her. Pink, right? And a little classy, if you will."