Meet Me When I'm Asleep

Chapter 30 - Uncomfortable

Jennie's POV

"I'm really sorry for shouting at you. I didn't mean it."

"It's okay, Lisa. That's literally the twentieth time you've apologized."

Lisa and I were lying flat on our backs on her living room floor as we talked about her story. I couldn't help but think about how she kissed my forehead earlier in the water. I wanted to kiss her so bad, but I guess the nerves took over me. I should save that for later when I'm feeling quite daring.

On our way back to her apartment, Lisa kept saying sorry to me nonstop.

We had to blow-dry her car seats after since we were soaking wet when we got in the car. Even while doing that, all that came out of Lisa's mouth was, "Oh god, I'm so sorry Jennie."

She was too adorable. She offered to buy us dinner for takeout to makeup for her sudden outburst. I told her she didn't have to, but she kept insisting until it drove me crazy.

"I just feel bad because you might think I'm an asshole now," she quietly replied.

"You're far from that. It was partially my fault too."

"Don't ever say that."

"Okay, Lisa," I shook my head and laughed.

Lisa pushed herself up from the floor and laid on her stomach, plopping her elbows in front of her while resting her chin on her palm. "I don't know how I'm supposed to write my story now when I'd rather go out with you all the time."

Hearing her say that was like hearing the gates of heaven open.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to keep my job now since I'd rather hang out with you everyday," I admitted with a chuckle.

"Why don't we just work together. Well I'll publish it and you'll help me with it. You'll be the perfect partner for me, Jennie," she cheekily grinned. "What do you say?"

Oh god, it's like she was asking me to marry her in business terms.

A part of me felt that maybe Lisa was just using me to help her get the work done. I was already helping her with the story itself, and now she wants me to help with her condition. I tried my best to shove the negative thoughts out of my head since Lisa didn't seem like the type of person who would do that to anyone. At least I hope not.

"Well, okay, so how are we going to do this?" she casually asked.

I kept silent for a while as I tried to think of ways to work things out. All of a sudden, a solution popped in my head. "Hmmmm, I'm not sure if this will work but I can try talking to my boss to letting me work at home. Some of the people under her team does that, so maybe she'll let me. The workload will lessen, but it's pretty much doable since my work mostly consists of emails and calls, things I can do at home or any coffee shop. The pay will lessen a bit too, but it will give me more time to work with you. What do you think?"

Lisa stared at me for a while, before lowering her head to the floor while letting out a groan. "Shit, I'm sorry."

"Huh?" I frowned. "Sorry for what?"

"I'm sorry for pressuring you," she said as her cheeks turned red. "I'm being a complete ass by forcing you to do something against your will. This is something that you should decide on your own."

I chuckled softly as I sat up to face her. "Oh, Lisa. You've apologized to me too much already today. You can save some for tomorrow."

"I'm being serious though."

"Look, how about this," I proposed. "Let's leave it at that for now, see how things go with the story from here onwards, and then if the situation calls for it, I'll talk to my boss."

She was about to object when I placed my hand over her lips. "Nope. Don't say I don't have to. I want to, and it will happen in time. Hopefully very soon."

I couldn't pretend not to feel the spark between us as my hands touched her soft lips. She gradually took my hand from her lips and held it close to her cheek.

"Why are you here, Jennie?" she softly asked.

"W-what do you mean?" Just the intensity of her stare was enough to make me lose my senses.

"You..." she murmured as she gently kissed my hand. "It feels like you were heaven sent. It's almost as if we were destined to meet."

"Lisa..." I swallowed hard, feeling completely captivated by her touch and her sweet words. I didn't know what to say. I just found myself getting lost in the wonder of her beautiful brown eyes.

All of a sudden, my phone that was beside me on the floor started to ring really loud. Crap! Why must our heart-melting moments always get interrupted? I was already contemplating on ignoring the call when I saw Taemin' name blinking on the screen. We haven't had a decent conversation since the day Kai left. This had to be something important.

"Um, I'm sorry. I have to get this," I stammered as I got up on my feet. I grabbed my phone and slid the lock-screen to answer.

Lisa looked confused but shrugged and let me take the call anyway.

"Jennie!" Taemin' voice blared from the other line.

"Tae!!" I exclaimed, feeling quite happy to hear his voice again after a long time. "How are you?"

"Great, actually! I'd ask how you are but this is more important."

"What's going on?

"So did you happen to get an invitation from...uh...Kai? For his exhibit in New York?"

"Yeah. Did you?"

"I did yesterday. So are you going?"

"I don't know. Flights to New York are quite pricey this time especially if we book them last minute."

"Pricey?" he repeated, sounding puzzled. "You did check the back of the card, right?"

"There's something at the back?"

"Yeah, it's like some sort of voucher with a code that you have to enter online so you can redeem your two free plane tickets."

"Wait, what? So he's actually sponsoring our flights?"

"Yep. Plus hotel accomodations. You have no idea how big Kai is in New York now, Jennie. He can actually sponsor expensive shit like that now. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Wow," I breathed. "I'm not even surprised. I mean, he's really good."

"Alright so here's the thing. I originally thought of bringing my girlfriend Yoona, but she had already booked a flight to see her parents that weekend. And then I thought of taking my mum, but she tends to have anxiety when going on planes so that was a no. And then I thought of bringing , ugh, well you get the point. I have no one to bring. So if you want to bring two instead of just one, let me know."

"You're being serious? You're giving away your other free ticket?"

"Dead serious. Hey, it'll be fun right? We can all go together. What's the name of that best friends of yours whom I always see you hanging out with? Maybe they'd like to come. You just need one more."

"Didn't know you'd always see me with them," I commented.

"Yeah, well I do. So who are you taking? We only have two days to claim the tickets before they become void."

"Well, yeah my friends would be a good choice..." I paused. I can't bring Lisa if i bring Seulgi and Irene.

I glanced towards Lisa who was intently watching me as I spoke on the phone with Taemin.

"Listen, Taemin," I cleared my throat. "I already know who to take with me, but I'm going to need your help with this because it might complicate things, alright?"

"Uh, okay?"

"Hold on," I said, before putting the call on hold. I looked back at Lisa, who was smiling at me like as if she was already expecting what I was going to say.

"Are you up for an adventure in New York next weekend?" I grinned.

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