IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

31

Third Person's POV

Irene had invited all of Lisa's friends over to her house, longing for the warmth of their company. Lisa was the first to arrive. Excusing herself, Irene went to the kitchen to fetch a special treat she had prepared. A few minutes later, she returned carrying a tray laden with food.

"Hmm, it's good," Lisa remarked after taking her first bite. "And tender," she added, making Irene smile.

"Thanks, I cooked it well," Irene responded proudly. "It's difficult to soften monkey brain, though," she joked, watching as Lisa's expression froze mid-chew.

"You serious?" Lisa asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Irene nodded confidently, barely holding back a laugh. Lisa, easily believing her friend, felt her stomach churn. Desperate not to appear rude, she struggled to restrain herself from gagging, her eyes watering with the effort. Irene, unable to contain her amusement, burst into boisterous laughter, clapping her hands at Lisa's reaction.

"Ya! I'm just kidding," Irene said, finally withdrawing her prank.

Lisa exhaled in relief, managing to swallow her food. She laughed at herself, shaking her head in disbelief for falling for Irene's prank.

"Finally..." Irene said, her voice softening. "A genuine smile. You're not forcing it anymore, Lisa."

"You did that on purpose?" Lisa asked, still smiling as Irene nodded and grinned in return.

"Well, I'm not happy thinking I ate one of my ancestors," Lisa retorted, making Irene laugh again.

"My bad, I forgot you're one of them," Irene joked dramatically.

They were still laughing when the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of more friends. Irene sprinted to the door, greeting Jisoo and Seulgi with warm hugs.

"Gosh! I miss you both," she said, releasing them. They were about to step inside when Bambam's voice rang out from afar.

"Wait for me!" he shouted, running toward them.

"Noona, hi!" he greeted, his nostrils flaring as he caught his breath, making Jisoo and Seulgi laugh.

"Ya! The horse is kicking again," Seulgi mocked.

"Okay... Let's get in, guys," Irene quickly intervened, seeing Bambam inching closer to Seulgi, clearly planning some form of revenge.

Inside, they found Lisa sitting on the couch, waving. "Pranpiya, early, huh?" Bambam smirked as Lisa shrugged.

"So, you guys already hanging out without us?" Seulgi said, a hint of jealousy in her tone. Bambam caught on immediately, giving her a skeptical look.

"Is it such a big deal?" he asked.

"Huh? N-No, I was just—" Seulgi tried to defend herself, but it only made her sound more in denial.

"She's an hour earlier than you guys," Irene interjected, taking a seat next to Lisa and entertaining them while waiting for the others.

Soon after, Irene set the table, proudly placing down all the dishes she had cooked herself.

"It's good. Really, really good," Seulgi praised, munching on the Galbi. Irene smiled at her.

Bambam, observing Seulgi's actions, scoffed when he saw her ears turn red after Irene smiled at her. "Something's fishy with that bear," he whispered, thinking it was to himself.

"Hmm?" Jisoo responded, assuming he was talking to her.

"Uh, I said it tastes so good," Bambam quickly covered.