IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

27

Jisoo's POV:

"Ouch! Bambam, watch where you're stepping!" Seulgi hissed through gritted teeth as Bambam carelessly trod on her foot, causing her to wince in pain.

"I'm sorry, Seulgi, I didn't see it there," Bambam apologized hastily, darting behind me as Seulgi raised her fist threateningly.

"Could you both please just calm down?" I intervened for what felt like the umpteenth time, attempting to suppress their incessant bickering before it escalated further.

Glancing over at Lisa, who remained slumped over her desk in a deep sleep, it was evident she had succumbed to exhaustion amidst her work on the computer.

Seulgi's grip faltered made her drink slipped from her hand receiving a death glare from us, the loud thud echoing through the room and jolting Lisa awake from her unintended nap.

"Guys? How long have you been standing there?" Lisa yawned groggily, rubbing her eyes in a manner reminiscent of a child awakening.

"Just a moment ago," Bambam remarked, while Lisa let out a tired yawn, dragging her fingers across the keyboard before diving back into typing.

"Lisa, come on, stop for a second... We brought some food," Seulgi called out, seeing her gaze fixed on the monitor and seemed entirely engrossed.

"Pranpiya!" Bambam's voice raised a notch in frustration when Lisa failed to respond.

"I'll be there in a minute," Lisa replied, her fingers flying across the keyboard with increasing speed. Eventually, she paused her work and made her way over to where we were gathered.

"We've got Gamjatang here, Lisa," Seulgi announced cheerfully, taking the food out from the paper bag. Lisa offered a forced smile, replying, "Smells good," as she tried to summon enthusiasm.

Observing her closely, I've become keenly aware of the changes she's undergone recently. The laughter that once flowed freely from her lips is now a rarity, and her smiles seem to lack the genuine warmth that used to light up her eyes.

"Pranpiya, you really should take a break," Bambam remarked gently, passing the food over to Lisa.

"I'm fine, Bam," Lisa responded with a hint of lethargy. It struck me as unusual; she typically fended off Bambam with her characteristic wit and sass.

"If you're up for it, we could go on vacation," Seulgi suggested, her voice tinged with anticipation. Lisa couldn't help but release a chuckle.

"Unfortunately, there's a lot that needs to be taken care of here at the company, so I don't have time for any vacation plans," Lisa replied, smilingly rejecting the idea.

"But Lisa, your 'wife' is a CEO just like you. Let her take care of things for a change. I'm not saying she should take on the responsibilities of being your wife; that's too much to ask for. What I mean is, don't shoulder the entire responsibility alone," Seulgi interjected unexpectedly, her words carrying a surprising depth of empathy. Given the situation, it was evident that they harbored a strong disdain for Jennie.

Lisa remained silent, her focus shifting to her food as she processed Seulgi's words.

Sensing Lisa's discomfort, Bambam quickly changed the subject, steering the conversation towards lighter topics. As we continued to bond, I couldn't help but notice a subtle lightness in Lisa's demeanor, a glimmer of laughter returning to her eyes for a quick moment.

Seulgi's phone rang with an urgent call from her bar, prompting her to hastily make her way there, While   Bambam also bid his goodbye saying him and Sana have a  date.

Leaving Lisa and me in the office, Lisa returned to her desk, her attention fully absorbed in her work as her fingers danced across the keyboard, her brow furrowing in concentration while i settled onto the couch, content to observe what she's doing.

Just a moment after, "I think I'll head out," I announced quietly, feeling like I was only serving as a distraction. With that decision made, I came near her for a hug.

"Are you sure, unnie?" Lisa asked, staring up at me with a hint of apology in her voice. "I'm sorry I can't come with you today." I reassured her with a thumbs-up gesture before pulling her into a brief hug, expressing my understanding, then made my way out of her office.

As I walked past Jennie's office, I caught sight of her silhouette, her gaze fixed on the window. Despite my initial hesitation, I eventually decided knocked on her door, and her voice called out, "Come in," prompting me to enter.

"Need me to sign something again?" she asked without turning around, still fixated on the view outside.

"Divorce paper, i think?" I replied, sensing a hint of familiarity in my voice as she swiftly turned to meet my gaze.

"U-unnie...Why are you here?" she stammered, clearly taken aback by my unexpected visit.

I shrugged "I'm not entirely sure myself," I admitted honestly. Jennie gestured for me to take a seat across from her desk, inviting me into her space.

I held her gaze for a moment, sensing the weight of her emotions. She let out a heavy sigh and met my eyes.

"Unnie, you can say whatever you need to. Call me stupid, a devil, a liar, a cheater, or anything else... I'll accept it all," she said, her voice tinged with resignation.

I paused, collecting my thoughts before responding. Despite my efforts to remain composed, I couldn't predict how long it would last in this situation.

"Remember our last conversation?" I began, my tone measured as I continued "I urged you to let her go. Why didn't you heed that advice?" I questioned, watching as her gaze fell, head bowing in shame. "Out of all the people, why does it have to be you, Jennie? Why did your actions have to be the ones to make Lisa like this?" Jisoo's words were heavy with accusations, and Jennie's remorse was palpable in the air.

There are countless words swirling within me, yet I find myself unable to articulate them, restrained by an invisible barrier.

What's holding you back, Jennie?

I'm your friend, and I know you well.

I know you love Lisa. I've seen it, felt it—I've always known.

But look at the mess you've made. Instead of facing it head-on, you've chosen to brush it aside, pushing it deep in your mind until it erupts, destroying everything in its path.

I did my utmost to give you the space to figure it out for yourself, but you let your anger overshadowed your love for her.

"You keep destroying her, Jennie. Please, stop tormenting Lisa... Have you even noticed the changes in her? Do you hear her sobbing every night? Because I did. The night she stayed over at my place, her pain filled my room, Her tears stained my pillow, and the weight of her sorrow lingered in my blankets. I want to help her, but I don't know how... because even Lisa herself doesn't know."

I could feel my nails digging into my knee, struggling to contain my emotions. My vision blurred with tears of anger as Jennie's own tears started to fall.

Yes, Jennie, you've done all of this to Lisa.

"She just chose to love you..."

A bitter exhale escaped my lips as I rose from my seat, haunted by fleeting glimpses of Lisa's fragile state. The pain she endured felt palpable, a weight heavy on my heart. I turned away, ready to leave.

"Jisoo!" Jennie's voice pierced the silence, halting my steps. I pivoted to find her walking near me, tears streaking her cheeks as she frantically wiped them away. She reached out and clasped both of my hands in hers.

"I know I've been cruel, but I'm desperate to make things right. Our marriage... and Lisa... I'll do everything," she pleaded, her eyes searching mine for understanding as i withdrew my hands coldly.

Her plea tugged at my emotions, but I couldn't afford to let sympathy cloud what I'm currently feeling. Without a word, I turned my back on her, leaving her behind.

I don't know if I can trust you, Jennie.

I don't know anymore.