Undercover Affection

chapter 9

The next day, Lisa sat on a park bench, fidgeting with a half-empty bag of chips. She had arrived earlier than usual for her meet-up with Jennie, which was weird because Lisa was never early for *anything.* Her philosophy on time had always been flexible—show up when you’re ready, preferably with snacks.

But today? Today felt different.

Why was she so nervous? This wasn’t a date—it was just another mission hangout. Totally normal, completely professional. She was going to make Jennie laugh, maybe do something ridiculous, and then casually get closer to taking down Jennie’s father, the mafia lord.

That’s all this was. Right?

Lisa stuffed another chip into her mouth, shaking her head. "Nope, nope, nope. Don’t go there, Lisa. You’re an undercover agent. You can’t afford to catch feelings. Feelings are inconvenient. Feelings ruin everything."

As if on cue, Jennie appeared, walking toward her with that same unbothered, elegant stride that made Lisa’s brain short-circuit every time. Today, Jennie wore a simple black coat and sunglasses, like she was ready to star in some high-fashion spy movie. Lisa, on the other hand, looked like she was about to attend a slumber party—baggy hoodie, sneakers, and her usual messy ponytail. The contrast was *stark.*

“Ah, there she is!” Lisa stood up, grinning. “Miss Stoic Ms Ice Queen, looking fabulous as always. Meanwhile, I’m over here dressed like a lost college student.”

Jennie smiled faintly, pushing her sunglasses up into her hair. “You’re early. That’s new.”

Lisa gave her a dramatic bow. “I know, I know. It’s weird for me too. But I thought I’d switch things up today—be the ‘responsible, on-time friend’ for once.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow. “Friend?”

Lisa froze mid-bag-of-chips. "Oh boy, did I say *friend?* I meant, uh... *person I constantly bother with my nonsense.* You know, that kind of friend."

Jennie smirked. “Right.”

Lisa, suddenly feeling the need to change the subject, shoved the bag of chips toward Jennie. “Want one? They’re scientifically proven to improve mood by 150 percent. It’s basically therapy in a snack.”

Jennie looked at the chips skeptically but eventually took one. “Therapy in a snack?”

“Yup,” Lisa said, sitting back down on the bench. “You’re looking at the most well-adjusted person on the planet, thanks to these bad boys.”

Jennie smiled slightly but didn’t reply, and they sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, munching on chips and watching the park’s casual chaos. Kids were running around, dogs were barking at absolutely nothing, and somewhere in the distance, an ice cream truck was playing a song that sounded like it had been stuck on repeat for a decade.

“So,” Jennie said finally, breaking the silence. “What’s the plan today?”

Lisa glanced sideways at Jennie, trying to come up with something fast. "Think, Lisa, think!" She could suggest a normal, chill activity, like coffee or window shopping, but... that wasn’t her style. No, she needed something absurd. Something Jennie would never see coming.

Suddenly, it hit her.

“Mini golf!” Lisa blurted out, her face lighting up like she’d just discovered fire. “We’re going mini golfing.”

Jennie blinked. “Mini golf?”

“Yup,” Lisa said, jumping up. “Nothing says ‘bonding experience’ like a game that involves brightly colored balls, tiny clubs, and questionable plastic windmills.”