Spectrum of Red. [LISRENE]

17

The evening had started lighthearted and casual. Jisoo had invited Red Velvet to the condo for a relaxing Saturday night, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits.

Jennie, who was also there, introduced herself as the deputy assistant commissioner, which immediately caught Yeri’s attention.

"That’s so cool!"

Yeri exclaimed, eyes wide with admiration.

"I mean, you get to catch bad guys and everything!"

Jennie laughed softly.

"It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, but yeah, it’s a pretty intense job."

Meanwhile, in the living room, Lisa sat beside Jennie, who was unusually clingy that evening. Jennie’s arm casually brushed Lisa's, and she leaned in a little closer as they shared a conversation; it was a pure sisterly bond.

It was nothing out of the ordinary, but Jisoo, ever the tease, noticed and couldn’t resist commenting.

"Aww, look at the lovebirds!"

Jisoo teased, earning a mock glare from Lisa but a soft laugh from Jennie.

Wendy, sitting across from them, turned to Lisa and asked,

“Lisa, are you gay?”

Lisa blinked, the question catching her off guard. She hesitated, eyes flickering to Jennie for a split second before she responded with a faint, unsure smile.

“I’m not sure, to be honest.”

Irene, who had been quietly observing the whole scene from her spot across the room, felt a sharp pang of jealousy twist in her chest.

Jennie was beautiful—no, she was perfect. The way she leaned into Lisa, the way she effortlessly connected with her, it stung. Irene tried to suppress the irrational surge of possessiveness.

Lisa isn’t yours, she reminded herself. Lisa’s free to be with whoever she wants... even if that person is Jennie.

But the idea of Jennie invading Lisa’s personal space felt unbearable.

Because if Irene were honest with herself, Lisa’s personal space was her personal space too.

Hehe,

The tall, slightly awkward, but incredibly kind stranger she had met at the grocery store had managed to completely unravel her.

Lisa was strong—strong enough to protect the woman she loved—and Irene had been foolish enough to let herself imagine she could be that woman.

But Jennie... Jennie seemed like a perfect match for her. She was charismatic and sexy and commanded respect in a way that made Irene feel small in comparison.

The room felt suffocating.

“I need to take a call,”

Irene suddenly said, rising from the couch. She didn’t look at anyone as she quickly made her way to the balcony, her heart pounding in her chest as she stepped out into the cool night air. She didn’t have a call to take—she just needed to breathe, needed a moment to escape the gnawing ache inside her.

Inside, the group exchanged glances.

Joy, always perceptive, was the first to speak.

“Did anyone else notice Irene acting weird?”

Seulgi nodded slowly.

“Yeah… she’s been kind of distracted. I caught her smiling for nothing.”