Lisa entered her apartment, leaned against the closed door, and silently squealed into her hands. Jennie's whole house had smelled like her—sweet and refreshing. When Jennie had opened the door, Lisa could see just how exhausted she was and felt sympathy for her. It was definitely a good decision to bring her medicine and food. Smiling to herself, satisfied, Lisa walked inside to make ramen. Hopefully, she wouldn't burn the house down, she thought with a chuckle.
The next morning, Lisa woke up early for her daily run. She loved the fresh morning air—it relaxed her. After her run, she got into the elevator, sweating and panting. She stepped out on the 11th floor, wiping sweat from her brow and drinking water when she heard Jennie's door open. Turning, she saw Jennie, dressed in her uniform, ready for work.
"Good morning, Jennie. How's your back?" Lisa asked.
Jennie turned and took in the sight before her—Lisa, panting, in a sports bra and running shorts, with her jacket unzipped. Jennie's mouth went dry as she watched sweat drip down Lisa's well-defined abs and toned legs.
"Jennie? You're all flushed. Did you catch a fever overnight?" Lisa asked, stepping closer, concerned.
"No!" Jennie blurted out, causing Lisa to stop abruptly, wide-eyed.
"I mean, no, I didn't catch a fever, and I'm much better thanks to the medicine you brought me," Jennie said, regaining her composure.
"You're welcome," Lisa replied, walking backward toward her door. "I gotta go wash this sweat off. See you at work?"
"See you, Lisa."
Still smiling with a toothy grin, Lisa waved as she backed into her apartment, leaving Jennie grinning after her.
Moments after closing the door, Lisa's phone rang. She checked the screen—it was "Chipmunk." A wide smile broke across Lisa's face as she answered.
"CHIPMUNK! How are you? When are you coming to see me? It's already been 24 hours since I moved into my new apartment, and I need your help, Chaeng!" Lisa whined playfully.
"Lisayah! Breathe! I miss you too! I'll be there in an hour. I'm starving, though—let's grab food when I get there, and then we'll deal with furniture from the flea market," Chaeyoung replied.
"Okay, come over—my treat! Hurry up!" Lisa said excitedly before hanging up and jumping into the shower to get ready.
Chaeyoung, or "Chipmunk," was Lisa's best friend, more like a sister. They had been friends since high school. Lisa had moved back to Thailand due to some personal issues that still haunted her, but now she was back in Korea for good and couldn't wait to spend time with Chaeng again.
Sitting on the kitchen island, Lisa was looking through some photos she'd taken when the doorbell rang. Excited, she ran to open the door and found Chaeyoung standing there with her arms spread wide. Without missing a beat, Lisa ran into her arms, hugging her tightly. She had missed her so much. They embraced for a long moment before Chaeyoung pulled away to see tears running down Lisa's cheeks.
"Lisaya, don't cry! You know if you start, I'll start too," Chaeyoung said, laughing softly.
Lisa chuckled through her tears and pulled Chaeyoung in for another hug. Finally, she led her inside, closing the door behind them.
Chaeyoung looked around, taking in the apartment. "Yah, Lisa, this place is beautiful! And the view is stunning!"
"I know, right? I agreed to pay extra just for the view."
"Jinjja? You paid extra?" Chaeyoung asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yah! I can afford it. I already got a job, you know. Plus, my photography gigs will pick up soon once I start advertising."
"You got a job? That's awesome, Lisa!" Chaeyoung said, pulling her into another hug.
Chaeyoung had always been affectionate, loving physical contact. She adored Lisa like a twin sister, and the two had been inseparable during their high school years. She had even visited Lisa in Thailand two years ago. Now that Lisa was back in Korea for good, Chaeyoung couldn't have been happier.
"Let's go get brunch. I'm craving fried chicken and a greasy burger," Chaeyoung said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Lead the way!" Lisa replied.
On their way down in the elevator, Chaeyoung suggested, "Let's go to that place in Hongdae that has the best fried chicken."
"Okay, Chipmunk, whatever you say."
Walking down the street, they chatted and laughed, reminiscing about old times, completely unaware of the stares they were getting from passersby. Both girls were stunning—Lisa had a presence that commanded attention, with a more handsome than beautiful aura, which made people instinctively respect her. Chaeyoung, on the other hand, had a feminine grace. With her long purple-blonde hair and angelic face, she could easily pass for a model. Together, they made a striking pair, drawing attention wherever they went.
They reached the fried chicken place and got seated near a window overlooking the busy streets of Hongdae.
"So, tell me, Lis, where do you work? Have you made any friends yet?" Chaeyoung asked, curiosity in her voice.
"I just had my first day yesterday. It's been okay. The manager's a good guy; he helped me with training and everything. Then there's..."
Before she could finish, the waitress arrived to take their order.
"Hi, what can I get you girls today? Our special today is dakgangjeong. Would you like to try that?" The waitress recited her daily dialogue before looking up—only to lock eyes with Lisa.
"...Jennie!" Lisa finished with a wide grin.
YOU ARE READING
More than Neighbours
FanfictionA fresh start is what I need, Lisa though to herself as she settled herself down on the floor of her newly rented apartment in Seoul, South Korea. With her two part time jobs, college and her precious dog, Jennie had her hands full with no time for...
