Chilly

8. Does Her Love Feel Just The Same?

Lisa's P.O.V.

"Who are you closest with, in your group?" Mina asks, her eyes peeking through her long eyelashes. We're walking down the park, digesting the steak we ate for dinner. The first thing I noticed about her was that she was shorter than me. Pictures on the internet don't do her justice, she is much more beautiful in person.

She's wearing a beige coat over a black sweater and tight jeans. I don't know if it's possible, but she looks more gorgeous every time I look at her. But no spark. Nothing. No attraction. Maybe it's because I just met her.

I hum. "Hm, I can't choose," I reply, dragging my feet on the brick path. "My unnies are really nice, I can't choose from the three of them. How about you?"

The Japanese smiles shyly. "It's either Chaeyoung or Momo. I don't know, I'm just really comfortable around the two of them, like I can say anything and they wouldn't judge at all."

I nod, smiling at her. So far, the night hasn't been awkward, which is a good sign. I wonder if Jennie already knows I'm out. They weren't home when I left.

We stop at a bench and decide to take a seat. There's an arm's length of distance between us, but it's understandable, since it's the first time we hung out without her members.

"How's your schedule been lately?" I think everyone in the entertainment industry can relate to this topic.

Mina sighs and shakes her head. "Me and the girls have just had our vacation, but once we got back, we were bombarded with the preperations for our comeback," she says. "It's really tiring, but when is our life never tiring, right?"

I purse my lips. The untold truth of the K-Pop Industry. There's been countless cases of forced diet, overworking, the lack of vacation, and many more. Idols have starved themselves to look more appealing to the audience. We sacrifice sleep to train for comebacks, and we leave our families  just so that we could pursue our dream.

It's hard, but it's worth it. It's worth seeing the smiles on people's faces whenever our faces pop up on the screen. Messages from people like you've made me happy again or you've inspired me can really make my day. It's nice knowing that I'm not just someone who sings and dances, I'm also someone who has the platform to empower people.

"Yeah, it sucks. We'll be heading to Thailand in a few weeks, the second country in our tour," I mumble, breathing heavily. "From there, we'll be jumping from country to country, until our last show in Australia, which is still in April."

The Japanese bites her bottom lip. "That's rough. Will you be okay?" She asks, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I almost jerk away, remembering Jennie, who always used to do that whenever she felt like I was about to cry. Damn it, focus Lisa! Tonight is about getting to know Mina.

I blink fast. "Uh... y-yeah, I think so," I stutter, suddenly feeling very sheepish. "I think I can handle a few months of travelling around."

Mina giggles. "You're very cute, you know that?"

I blush. "I-I... thank you," I mumble, looking down at my shoes. "Sorry, I'm just not used to being complimented."

"Well, with me, you better get used to it." I meet her gaze, and she winks at me. Holy shit, the tables have turned. Now, I'm the shy one.

I rub my hands together, to make them warmer. "Anyways..."

The TWICE member smiles at me warmly, and it makes me smile too. I like seeing people happy. "Are you single?"

I blink, taken aback by surprise, but I don't let it show on my face. "Yes I am," I reply.

"Hm. That's good." Although she says it clearly, her eyes are full of shyness, which makes it absolutely adorable.