When Hearts Find Home

CHAPTER 5: THE CONFESSION AND THE LIE

Two months flew by in a blur of shared study sessions, late-night texts, and growling camaraderie. Lisa and Jennie became almost inseparable, their bond deepening with each passing day. It wasn't long before Jisoo and Rosie, too, found themselves drawn to each other's company, often leaving Lisa and Jennie alone to talk.

"Wow, it's like we're double-dating now," Rosie joked one evening, making Jennie blush furiously.

Lisa just laughed, but the comment lingered in her mind. Did it really look like they were dating? More importantly, did Jennie feel the same way she did?

Lisa struggled with these questions for weeks, her thoughts consumed by the possibility that Jennie might actually like her. She remembered the way Jennie's eyes would linger on her face when she was speaking, or how she'd lean in close when they were discussing something personal. But then the doubts would creep in. Why would she like me? Lisa thought. I'm nothing special.

But despite her insecurities, Lisa couldn't deny what she was feeling any longer. With Jisoo's encouragement and her own heart urging her forward, she decided to take a leap of faith.

It was a quiet evening, and the two of them were sitting at a small café near the review center, sipping on hot chocolate after a long day of studying.

"Jennie," Lisa began, her voice trembling slightly.

Jennie looked up, her gaze softening as she noticed the nervousness in Lisa's eyes. "Yes, Lisa?" she asked gently.

"I... I have something to tell you," Lisa continued, fiddling with the edge of her cup. "I... like you. A lot."

Jennie's heart skipped a beat. She'd been anticipating this moment for weeks, knowing that Lisa would eventually say something. But now that it was happening, she felt a strange pang of guilt twisting in her chest.

I can't do this, Jennie thought, panic rising. I'm not supposed to actually like her.

But Nancy's threats loomed large in her mind. She couldn't back out now, not when Lisa was looking at her with such vulnerability and hope.

"I like you too, Lisa," Jennie said softly, forcing herself to smile even though it felt like a lie — because it was a lie, or at least, that's what she kept telling herself.

Lisa's eyes widened in shock. "R-Really?" she stuttered, barely able to believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, really," Jennie repeated, reaching out to take Lisa's hand. "I've like you for a while now."

The joy that lit up Lisa's face was almost too painful for Jennie to bear. But she pushed through, telling herself that it was just a game, a temporary thing. Soon, it would be over, and Lisa would move on. At least that's what she hoped.

And just like that, they became girlfriends. Days turned into weeks, and Jennie found herself sinking deeper into a relationship that was supposed to be fake, but felt more real with each passing day. Lisa's kindness, her laughter, her genuine admiration — it all worked its way into Jennie's heart, making her question everything.

One month before the board exam, Jennie knew she couldn't keep this up any longer. She needed to put an end to it before it destroyed them both.

__________

One afternoon, Jennie waited until Lisa and Jisoo left the review center before approaching Nancy. Mina was there too, standing beside Nancy with her usual smug expression.

"We need to stop this," Jennie said firmly, crossing her arms as she faced Nancy. "I can't keep doing this to Lisa."

Nancy raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this. "Oh? And why not? This was going so well."

"Because I'm falling for her, Nancy," Jennie admitted, her voice breaking slightly. "This was never supposed to happen, but it did. I can't hurt her anymore."

Nancy expression darkened. "You can't just back out now. We had a deal."

"It's not worth it," Jennie insisted. "I'm done."

But Nancy wasn't having it. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "If you think you can just walk away, you're wrong, Jennie. If you don't keep playing along, I'll make sure everyone knows what happened in Jeju last summer."

Jennie flinched, the fear coursing through her once again. "Please, Nancy... I can't keep lying to her."

"Too bad," Nancy snapped. "You're going to finish what we started, or else."

Unknown to them, Lisa and Jisoo, who had returned to grab something they'd forgotten, stood just a few feet away, hidden behind the corner of the hallway. They exchanged stunned glances, Lisa's heart shattering as Nancy's words sank in.

This was all just a game? Lisa thought, her chest tightening with pain. Jennie never liked me?

Jisoo grabbed Lisa's arm, her eyes full of concern. "Lisa, let's go. You don't need to hear this."

But Lisa couldn't move. She felt frozen in place, unable to process what was happening. Jennie's voice, pleading and desperate, echoed in her ears, and all the joy and warmth she'd felt over the past months crumbled into dust.

Everything had been a lie.