IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

34

Jennie's Pov:

As usual, I was buried under an endless workload, my attention fully absorbed by the monitor in front of me. The sound of a couple of knocks on my door pulled me from my trance.

"Excuse me, Ms. Jennie, someone is looking for you," my secretary informed me.

"Is it important? Who is it?" I asked without looking up from my screen.

"The guard says it's a friend of yours, Ms. Kim, and they refuse to give their name to surprise you."

My tongue clicked in annoyance. How could she not know who it was? I waved her off, irritated, and wondered who would disturb me in the middle of work. Reluctantly, I headed for the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor where this mystery person supposedly waited.

When I reached the lobby, my eyes scanned the area, but I saw no one. I was about to turn back to my office when someone grabbed my arm, dragging me aimlessly until we stopped in a dark corner of the parking lot.

"Kai?!" I exclaimed, recognizing the person who had pulled me here so roughly.

"Why can't I reach you? You haven't replied to any of my messages," he said, desperation etched on his face, his forehead creased with worry.

"Why are you here, Kai? Do you want to get in trouble again? And how did you even know I was here?" I demanded, my irritation growing.

"Stop asking such nonsense! I'm asking you why-" he started but was cut off by my abrupt interruption.

"Because I don't want to talk to you," I said, emphasizing each word. Despite the dim lighting, I could see him struggling to restrain himself. Kai was the type who easily lost his patience, but he knew better than to try and scare me.

"Jennie..." he began, his voice softening, his shoulders slumping. He reached out to touch my hand, but I pulled away. "Please, be with me. Divorce her now," he pleaded gently.

I huffed in exasperation. "My God, Kai. After what you've done? You used me with your fucking lies!"

"I love you, Jennie. I did it to get you away from Lisa. This is what you wanted, right? This is what we wanted. So be with me, Jennie... be mine again."

"Yours? When did that ever happen? I've never been yours, Jongin. Do you have any idea what effect this had on Lisa? Do you?" I shouted, poking his chest with my index finger.

"I SAID I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT HER!" he roared, his veins bulging as he raged. I took a deep, stressed breath before continuing. His restrained demeanor was gone, replaced by raw anger.

"Did I ever tell you that? Did I ever say I wanted to leave her? Did I ever say I wanted to be with you?" My voice shook with emotion, pain evident in his eyes.

"B-But you chose me over her, Jennie. You chose me because you love me, right? You love me, and I love you, Jennie Kim!" he exclaimed, gesticulating frantically.

"I did choose you, Kai... but the truth is, I never loved you." His face darkened, and he turned, kicking the tire of his car in frustration. Fear gripped me, but I was determined not to show it. I could sense someone was nearby.

"You're just saying that because you feel guilty! Jennie, you love me! You love me!" he insisted, grabbing my hands tightly. "Leave her and be with me! Leave that useless lesbian!" he yelled, mocking Lisa. I slapped him hard, the sound echoing in the parking lot, leaving his cheek reddened and his expression stunned.

"FORGET WHATEVER WE HAD AND NEVER SHOW YOURSELF AGAIN!" I screamed, fed up and wanting to leave. But he grabbed my arm, making me wince in pain.

"WHY? WHAT DID SHE DO? WHAT DID SHE GIVE YOU?" he shouted, rubbing his nape anxiously. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORCE YOURSELF TO LOVE THAT WOMAN, JENNIE!"

"SHIT!! I'M NOT FORCING MYSELF!" My voice echoed through the parking lot. I felt hot, my eyes filling with tears-not from physical pain, but from sheer anger. I allowed my tears to fall, Kai's stern look fading as he saw me cry. "BECAUSE I LOVE HER EVER SINCE!! AND I REGRET PERCEIVING THE TRUTH WHEN I'VE DONE DESTROYING HER WHOLE." My voice broke with every word. "I'm sorry, Kai... to be honest, I used you too, but it made everything worse." My heart felt like it was about to burst. Finally, I had said it out loud. Kai shook his head, looking at me in disbelief.

"So please, Kai, return what you took from her," I pleaded softly.

"No," he replied firmly.

I nodded, wiping my tears. "Fine, but... if I'd given it to you so easily, I promise I can get it back from you the same way." I assured him, walking away.

I heard a rustling sound behind me, suspecting someone had overheard our conversation. I left Kai, ignoring his repeated calls of my name.

We're done.

Once inside the elevator, I closed my eyes, feeling someone else enter. To hide my puffy eyes, I put on my sunglasses and kept my eyes shut, nerves still on edge from the encounter.

"Which floor are you on?" a familiar voice asked. It couldn't be directed at me since I had already pressed my floor.

"Eight," answered another familiar voice.

"We're all going to the same floor anyway," replied the first, both of them chuckling.

Reluctantly, I opened my eyes to see the two pairs of eyes belonging to my favorite people.

"I'm Mina," one said, offering her hand.

"Irene," the other replied, shaking it.

I wanted to announce my presence but instead let out a tired sigh. Did they know they were visiting the same person? same person.