Last Friday Night

9. Sober Reality

Oh god...

Chaeyoung closed the door behind her, breathing a sigh of relief. Her heart was still racing, her mind spinning as she tiptoed down the hallway of Jennie's house, hoping to avoid anyone who might still be around. She couldn't deal with any questions-not now.

Her fingers trembled as she dialed Lisa's number, holding the phone to her ear. She needed her best friend right now, more than ever.

"Hello? Chaeyoung?" Lisa's voice was groggy, but it sharpened with concern immediately. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Can you come pick me up?" Chaeyoung whispered, her voice hoarse. "I'm still at Jennie's."

"Jennie's? Wait... you didn't go home last night?" There was a beat of silence on Lisa's end, then a knowing tone crept into her voice.

"Didn't you leave with Jisoo?"

"Just... please, Lisa. I'll explain when you get here."

"Alright, alright. I'll be there in ten."

Chaeyoung hung up, quickly pulling on her clothes and slipping out of the house unnoticed. The bright morning sun stung her eyes as she stepped outside, making her wince. The house was mostly quiet now, just a few stragglers milling about in the backyard by the pool, which was littered with inflatable toys and half-empty cups. Jennie's infamous parties always left behind a mess of chaos and memories, but this one had crossed a line Chaeyoung hadn't been prepared for.

She sat on the curb, wrapping her arms around her knees, waiting for Lisa. Her mind raced back to the night before-dancing with Jisoo, the kiss that had ignited something between them, the way their bodies fit together like it was inevitable.

It didn't feel real. Not yet.

Before she had time to get lost in her thoughts, Lisa's car pulled up, screeching to a halt in front of her. The passenger window rolled down, revealing Lisa's concerned face.

"You look like hell," Lisa said, but there was a softness in her voice.

"Feel like it too," Chaeyoung muttered, getting in the car.

As soon as the door shut, Lisa sped off, glancing over at Chaeyoung every few seconds. "Alright, spill. What happened?"

Chaeyoung exhaled deeply, staring out the window. "I slept with Jisoo."

Lisa nearly swerved off the road. "You what?!"

"I don't even remember how it happened," Chaeyoung admitted, her voice strained. "One minute we were dancing, and the next... we were upstairs. And I kissed her. Then... we hooked up."

Lisa let out a low whistle, her eyes wide. "Chaeyoung, you actually hooked up with Kim Jisoo?"

Chaeyoung groaned, burying her face in her hands. "It sounds so much worse when you say it like that."

"Worse? Girl, that's incredible!" Lisa exclaimed, though she softened her tone when she noticed how distressed Chaeyoung looked. "But seriously, are you okay? What's going on in that head of yours?"

Chaeyoung sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. "I don't know, Lisa. It just... happened. And now I don't know what it means. What if she doesn't remember? Or what if she does, and she regrets it?"

Lisa was quiet for a moment, then reached over to squeeze Chaeyoung's shoulder. "Look, maybe it's not as bad as you're making it out to be. You said she kissed you back, right?"

"Yeah," Chaeyoung mumbled. "But I was drunk, and I don't know what was going through her mind."

"Maybe she likes you back," Lisa suggested with a shrug. "You've had a crush on her for ages. Maybe she feels the same way but just never showed it."

Chaeyoung bit her lip. The idea of Jisoo actually liking her seemed too good to be true. Jisoo, the popular, unattainable Vice President, falling for someone like her? It didn't make sense.

"I guess we'll find out," Chaeyoung said quietly. "Graduation is tomorrow. I'm going to have to face her eventually."

Lisa nodded, her expression softening. "Whatever happens, I've got your back, okay? No matter what."

Chaeyoung smiled faintly, her heart warming at the reassurance. "Thanks, Lisa."

They drove in silence for a while, the city passing by in a blur as Chaeyoung tried to sort through her feelings. The reality of what had happened was starting to sink in, but the weight of the uncertainty lingered, heavy and suffocating. Would things be different with Jisoo now? Would they even be able to talk about what had happened, or would it be brushed under the rug as just another drunken mistake?

Chaeyoung didn't have any answers yet. But she knew one thing for sure-whatever came next, she wasn't facing it alone.