IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

18

Jisoo's POV:

"Hey, how's it going?" I inquired anxiously, turning to Bambam for any update.

"Her phone's been off for a while now," he replied, his shoulders slumping with worry as he sank into the couch.

"Yeah," Seulgi chimed in, her tone mirroring Bambam's exhaustion as she settled beside him.

We dialed her number incessantly, but each call went unanswered. Despite scouring the places she might have gone, there was still no sign of Lisa.

"Oh, damn! There's one place we forgot to check!" Bambam exclaimed, realization dawning on him as he glanced at Seulgi.

"The cemetery," I echoed, a surge of panic gripping me at the thought. How could we have overlooked such an obvious place? I cursed myself inwardly.

Before we even reached the car, Lisa's fragile state revealed itself as I opened the door. Tears had left soft stains on her cheeks, her smile, failed to reach her eyes. It was a hollow, unlike the genuine smiles we were usually seeing.

"Hi. Did I make you all worried? I'm sorry," she murmured, leaning against the door in an attempt to appear composed, to reassure us that everything was fine.

But we knew better. No, Lisa, that's not what you need, I thought to myself as I opened my arms wide, silently beckoning her for comfort.

But there was no movement from her, just a stillness that spoke volumes of her inner turmoil. Without hesitation, I enveloped her in a tight embrace, feeling the weight of her sorrow as her tears soaked into my shirt. Bambam approached us, followed by Seulgi, offering silent support as they gently tapped her shoulder.

Lisa's body trembled in my arms, each shudder a testament to the pain she was enduring. And as her sobs resonated through the air, I knew that whatever she was going through, she didn't have to face it alone.

"Cry it out, Lisa," I whispered softly, gently urging her to release the pent-up emotions weighing heavily on her.

Never before had I witnessed her in such a vulnerable state since her mother's passing. Leading her over to the couch, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast from her usual bubbly demeanor. Her once lively, doll-like eyes were now swollen and red, mirroring the depth of her anguish.

This wasn't the Lisa we knew - the vibrant soul who lit up every room she entered.

As she finally began to relax, her breathing slowing to a steady rhythm, I made a conscious decision to remain silent. She needed this moment, a reprieve from the overwhelming pain engulfing her heart, if only for tonight.

Guiding her gently to my room, I carefully tucked her into the warmth of the blankets, hoping to provide even the slightest comfort amidst her turmoil.

Just then, my phone rang, and glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was Jennie. Rejecting the call, I swiftly composed a message to her:

'Stop calling. She's with us.'

You're my best friend, Jennie," I sighed heavily, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "You and Lisa are like sisters to me. But out of everyone I know, it was you who brought Lisa to this awful state.My heart ached for Lisa. She didn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve Jennie.

I had pleaded with her to let Lisa go, to release her from this torment. Yet instead, she seemed determined to break Lisa's heart even further.

Glancing over at Lisa, now sleeping peacefully, I couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness washing over me.

"How is she?" Bambam's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"She's asleep now," I replied quietly, watching as he nodded before retreating to the couch.

"I feel sorry for her," Seulgi remarked, a beer can in hand - her go-to stress reliever.

"I failed to protect her shop," Bambam admitted, his voice heavy with guilt as he grabbed a beer for himself.

"Stop saying that, Bam. We need to be strong for her," I insisted.

I wished desperately for the night to stretch on, giving Lisa ample time to regain her strength. We kept vigil by her side.

At 4:00 am, I found myself still awake, my senses on high alert for any sign of distress from Lisa. The sound of her sobs echoed through the living room, a heartbreaking symphony that pierced through the silence. Unbeknownst to me, tears had begun to stream down my own cheeks, until Bambam's gentle touch on my back brought me back to reality. Seulgi's gaze bore into me, a silent acknowledgment of our shared pain.

By 5:30 am, Lisa's sobs had ceased, replaced by the peacefulness of sleep. Peeking from the door, I watched over her.

Lisa...Your unnie is here, as are Bambam and Seulgi. We're all here for you.

Stop destroying yourself

Let her go

Set yourself free.