IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

58

Lisa's POV

I was pulled from the embrace of a comforting dream by a gentle hand caressing my cheek, its warmth seeping into my groggy consciousness. Blinking against the darkness, I struggled to make out the figure beside me.

"Hi," the soft voice whispered, continuing to stroke my cheek. "Jennie?" I murmured, my voice thick with sleep. She didn't reply, instead brushing a few strands of hair away from my face with tender care.

"It's just a dream," I reminded myself, but her presence felt so real.

"I miss you so much," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Even in my dream state, I felt my heart race; the ache of missing her flooded my senses. "Is your heart getting better? It's been a month, Lili, and I'm scared." She lifted my hand, pressing a warm kiss to my palm. "I'm scared that you'll leave me soon... I can't bear it, Lili. Please, don't."

Her touch was so vivid, so achingly real. I wanted to embrace her, to assure her that I wouldn't leave, but uncertainty held me back. I was scared too.

"Go back to sleep, Lili," she urged gently, leaning down to kiss my forehead. I closed my eyes at the warmth of her lips, drifting back into a deep sleep once more.

---

When I woke, a strange joy lingered in my heart. My eyes instinctively sought my hand, half-expecting to still feel the ghost of her kiss. I stretched and made my way out of the room, drawn by the tantalizing scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. There, I found Jisoo bustling about.

"You're awake! Good morning!" she greeted me cheerfully, already dressed for work.

"Good morning, Unnie," I replied, touched by her effort. "You really didn't have to do all this."

"What are you talking about?"

"All this food," I gestured towards the table laden with dishes. "Why cook so much? I can't possibly eat it all."

Jisoo looked puzzled for a moment before explaining, "Do you really think I could cook like that? Lisa, the paperwork at the company drains all my energy. Honestly, coffee is enough for me."

"Then who cooked?" I pressed, curious.

"You really want to know?" Jisoo hesitated, sensing my tension. "It was Jennie... Jennie cooked."

"J-Jennie?" I stammered, incredulous.

"Yes, Lisa, Jennie cooked. I was as shocked as you are. I saw her earlier; at first, I thought she was a ghost, but I've never encountered a ghost that can cook," Jisoo recounted with a hint of humor.

I couldn't fully grasp the reality of it. Was this still part of my dream? To check, I gave myself a sharp slap across the face, instantly regretting it as my cheek stung and my face felt numb. Jisoo gasped in shock, her concern evident.

"Are you crazy?! What's wrong with you?!" she scolded, her voice sharp enough to make me wince.

"My apologies, Unnie," I mumbled, shaken. "I just needed to make sure I wasn't dreaming."

"You should've pinched yourself like a normal person," Jisoo muttered, annoyed. "Anyway, sit down and eat. I have to go."

"Unnie, aren't you joining me?" I asked tentatively.

She hesitated before relenting and sitting beside me at the table.

As we ate, I couldn't ignore the pounding of my heart. Each bite of the food, carefully prepared by Jennie, filled me with a strange mix of comfort and confusion. Jennie knew me so well—my favorite colors, foods, even my preferred perfume. I caught my reflection in the glass table and was stunned to see myself smiling widely.

Jisoo noticed too, smiling as she observed me. I quickly schooled my expression, returning to a more neutral demeanor. But the dream from last night lingered in my mind. Was it truly just a dream, or had it actually happened?

Jisoo's ringtone broke through my thoughts, and she hurriedly excused herself to take the call in the living room.

Minutes passed, and I heard her hurried footsteps returning. She looked panicked.

"Lisa, we have to go now! Something's happened!" Jisoo exclaimed urgently.

"What? Why?" I asked, alarmed.

"Seulgi... She's been in an accident," Jisoo explained breathlessly.

Without hesitation, I grabbed her hand and rushed her out to her car.