18ighteen

Jennie's POV

Lisa stirred under the covers, her eyelids fluttering as if caught between sleep and wakefulness. Her face was still pale, her skin glistening with fever sweat, but despite her exhaustion, her lips curled into a small, almost content smile as her gaze settled on me.

I barely breathed.

She looked at me like she was seeing something impossible—something unreal.

Like I was a figment of her imagination.

Then, before I could react, Lisa reached out, her weak arms wrapping around my waist as she pulled me down into her embrace.

My heart skipped.

I gasped softly, my hands instinctively landing on her chest to push myself up, but Lisa's hold tightened.

She nuzzled into my neck, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.

"At least in my dreams... I own you," she whispered against my skin.

A sharp pang hit my chest.

My breath caught, my pulse hammering so loudly in my ears that I could barely think.

I was frozen.

My fingers twitched, unsure whether to push her away or pull her closer.

Lisa...

She was burning up, probably delusional from the fever.

She thought I was just a dream.

But what shook me more was the raw honesty in her voice—the longing, the vulnerability that Lisa never let slip in front of anyone.

And yet, she was holding me like I belonged to her.

Like I had always been hers.

I swallowed hard, my hands still resting on her chest, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

I should move.

I should wake her up and tell her that I was real, that I was here.

But I didn't.

Because in this moment, Lisa was mine too.

Even if it was just a fever dream.

Lisa's breathing grew softer, her body melting further into mine as the fever slowly dragged her into deeper sleep. Even though she was holding me tightly just moments ago, her grip loosened as exhaustion won over.

I stayed there for a while, listening to her steady breaths, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine.

As much as I hated to admit it, being in her arms like this felt... safe. Like I belonged here.

But I couldn't stay.

Lisa needed to eat, and with how weak she was, she wouldn't have the energy to cook for herself.

Carefully, I lifted her arms off me, trying not to wake her as I slowly slid out of bed. Lisa mumbled something incoherent, shifting slightly before settling back into sleep. I hesitated, watching her peaceful expression for a moment before brushing a few damp strands of hair away from her face.

"Rest, Lisa..." I whispered under my breath before quietly stepping out of the room.

As soon as I closed the door, I let out a deep sigh, trying to regain my composure.

This wasn't how things were supposed to be.

I came here to talk, to fix whatever misunderstanding Lisa had about me and Taehyung. But now, seeing her in this state, the only thing I wanted was to take care of her.

I made my way to the kitchen, determined to make her something warm to eat.

But as soon as I stepped into the living room, I was met with a sight I didn't expect.

Jisoo.

Still here.

Comfortably lounging on the couch, flipping through channels like she owned the place.

I stopped in my tracks, narrowing my eyes at her. "You're still here?"

Jisoo barely glanced at me, her eyes still on the TV. "Wow. No 'thank you for taking care of Lisa'? No 'Jisoo, you're such an amazing friend'?" She scoffed. "Rude."

I crossed my arms. "I just thought you had work."

"I took a week off," she said casually, finally looking at me. "Someone had to make sure she didn't die."

That made me pause.

Jisoo may joke around, but there was a seriousness in her tone that made my stomach twist.

Lisa... she really wasn't okay.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I was going to make her soup."

Jisoo smirked. "Wow, Jennie Kim cooking? This I gotta see."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

She chuckled, finally sitting up properly. "Need help?"

I thought about it for a second before shaking my head. "I can handle it."

Jisoo shrugged. "Alright. Just don't burn her kitchen down."

I ignored her as I stepped into the small kitchen, determined to do at least one thing right today.

--

I stared at the damn cooker like it had personally offended me.

It was just a simple appliance, right? Just another piece of technology. I used expensive sound systems, high-end recording software, and even handled luxury car dashboards without a problem. But this?

This stupid thing wouldn't even turn on.

I pressed one button. Nothing. Another one. Still nothing.

I let out a frustrated sigh, already regretting my decision to do this myself. I should've just woken Lisa up and made her cook for herself. But no, I had to be noble. I had to be caring. I had to—

"Do you even know how to cook?"

I snapped my head toward Jisoo, who was perched on the counter like she belonged here, arms crossed and an infuriating smirk on her face.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, I do."

Jisoo raised a brow. "Uh-huh. Then why are you pressing the rice cooker like it's a damn microwave?"

I clenched my jaw. "Do you want to help, or do you just want to sit there and make fun of me?"

Jisoo grinned, swinging her legs. "Oh, I definitely want to make fun of you."

I turned back to the cooker with a deep sigh, determined to figure it out on my own. I grabbed the lid, pulling at it, but it wouldn't budge.

Jisoo hummed behind me. "You have to—"

"I got it," I snapped, refusing to let her finish.

Jisoo made an amused sound but didn't argue.

I tugged harder. Still nothing.

I adjusted my grip, using both hands this time.

Nothing.

Jisoo clicked her tongue. "Yeah, no, you really don't 'got it.'"

I refused to let her win. I yanked at the lid with all my strength—

And nearly fell backward when it finally popped open.

The problem?

The sudden force made me lose my balance, and I would've landed flat on my ass if Jisoo hadn't grabbed my arm at the last second.

She was laughing now. "Holy shit, Jennie, I thought you were about to fight for your life."

I scowled, yanking my arm from her grip. "Shut up."

Jisoo wiped away fake tears, still grinning. "I'm just saying, you fight with more passion against kitchen appliances than you do with PR statements."

I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to the stove, determined to prove her wrong.

This I could handle.

Or at least, I thought I could.

Because the next ten minutes were a complete disaster.

Jisoo told me to peel garlic. Simple, right?

Wrong.

I picked up a clove, staring at it. "Okay... how do I do that?"

Jisoo blinked. "You... peel it?"

I shot her a glare. "I know that, idiot, I mean how?"

Jisoo smirked, clearly enjoying this too much. "You take the skin off, Jennie. It's not rocket science."

I narrowed my eyes and tried.

The skin wouldn't come off.

I dug my nails into it, hoping to scrape it away.

Nothing.

I huffed in frustration, slamming the garlic down. "It's defective."

Jisoo burst out laughing. "Oh my God. You're actually useless."

"Shut up, Jisoo!"

Jisoo wiped at her eyes dramatically. "Wow. Jennie Kim, global superstar, ultimate 'it' girl, brought down by a single clove of garlic."

I groaned, picking up the stupid thing again. "I'll figure it out. Just... don't say anything."

Jisoo hummed but didn't argue.

A few more minutes passed, and after struggling like an idiot, I finally managed to peel the damn garlic.

I turned to Jisoo, triumphant. "There. I did it."

Jisoo clapped slowly, the sarcasm dripping from her every move. "Congratulations. You have the skills of a five-year-old."

I grabbed a dish towel and threw it at her. She dodged it effortlessly, still laughing.

"Just—tell me what to do next," I grumbled.

Jisoo hopped off the counter, finally deciding to be somewhat useful. "Alright, rich girl, let's make Lisa some soup before she dies in her sleep."

I rolled my eyes but followed her instructions.

For Lisa.

I shot Jisoo a glare as I pointed the wooden spoon at her. "You do realize that I'm still your boss, right?"

Jisoo, completely unfazed, crossed her arms and leaned against the counter. "Yeah, yeah, boss lady, whatever helps you sleep at night."

I scowled. "I'm serious, Jisoo. Off-duty or not, you still work for me."

Jisoo smirked. "And yet, here I am, watching you struggle with basic cooking skills. Should I report this to the company? 'Breaking news: Jennie Kim loses a battle against a rice cooker.'"

I groaned, stirring the soup aggressively. "You're insufferable."

Jisoo shrugged. "Child haha"

I ignored her, focusing on the soup. It actually smelled decent—not that I'd ever admit that Jisoo helped.

But of course, she wouldn't let me have a moment of peace.

Jisoo leaned in closer, grinning. "So... Jennie Kim, global superstar, making soup for a certain someone. Should I start planning the wedding?"

I shot her a deadly look. "Shut. Up."

Jisoo gasped dramatically. "Wow, so defensive. It's almost like you care."

I rolled my eyes. "Lisa is sick, and I just happened to be here. That's all."

Jisoo gave me a knowing look. "Mmm-hmm."

I ignored her, turning off the stove and grabbing a bowl. "If you don't stop talking, I'm making you wash the dishes."

Jisoo held up her hands. "Alright, alright. I'll stop. But just so you know..." She smirked, walking toward the living room.

I sighed. "What now?"

Jisoo turned back and winked. "You're totally whipped."

I groaned loudly as she disappeared, her laughter echoing in the apartment.

--

I quietly pushed the door open, stepping into Lisa's dimly lit bedroom. The room smelled faintly of medicine and sweat, a sign that her fever hadn't gone down completely. She was lying on her side, breathing softly, her body curled up under the thin blanket.

I walked closer, setting the tray with the soup and medicine on her nightstand.

"Lisa," I called softly, reaching out to touch her arm. No response.

I sighed, kneeling beside her bed and shaking her lightly. "Lisa, wake up."

She let out a quiet groan, her brows furrowing as she shifted slightly. Her eyes barely opened, unfocused and hazy. "Mm... what?" she murmured, voice hoarse.

"You need to eat something," I said, my tone firm yet gentle. "And take your medicine."

She blinked sluggishly, her gaze finally focusing on me. I could tell she was still half out of it, her fever clearly messing with her awareness.

"What... are you doing here?" she muttered, her voice weak.

I reached for the bowl and held it out to her. "We need to talk."

Lisa let out a slow exhale, shaking her head as she attempted to push herself up. "There's nothing to talk about," she mumbled, though her body betrayed her as she struggled to even sit straight.

"Just eat first," I insisted. "Please."

Lisa sighed, finally relenting. She took the bowl with weak hands, her movements slow and tired. As she lifted the spoon, she paused, glancing at the clock on her wall. Her expression shifted.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"Almost eleven," I answered.

Lisa's eyes widened slightly before she suddenly pushed the bowl back into my hands and tried to get out of bed.

"I have a shift at midnight," she muttered, attempting to stand.

I quickly stood, blocking her. "Lisa, you can't go to work like this."

"I have to," she argued, her voice still hoarse as she rubbed her temple. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not," I shot back. "You have a fever and you look like you can barely stand."

Lisa gritted her teeth, frustration flashing in her eyes. "I need to work, Jennie."

I exhaled, gripping the bowl tighter in my hands before finally saying, "I'll give you fifty thousand dollars by the end of the month. You don't have to go to work."

Lisa's expression hardened instantly. "No."

"Lisa—"

"The deal is over," she said firmly, cutting me off. "I don't need your money."

I clenched my jaw. "You're sick, and you need rest."

"I don't have the luxury of just resting, Jennie." Lisa's voice was calm but cold, and it made something sting in my chest.

I stayed quiet for a moment, watching as she turned away, gripping her side as she slowly sat back on the bed.

I hated this.

I hated seeing her like this.

And I hated that she wouldn't let me help her.

Lisa sat on the bed, her back resting against the headboard, looking exhausted yet stubborn as ever. I clenched my fists at my sides, my frustration boiling over.

"The deal is not over," I snapped, my voice sharp with anger.

Lisa let out a dry, humorless chuckle, shaking her head. "Rule number two," she murmured, her fevered eyes meeting mine. "If one of us gets into a relationship, the deal ends immediately."

I gritted my teeth. "It's not real," I shot back. "It's just PR."

Lisa let out another short laugh, but this one held no amusement. "Right," she muttered, her tone laced with disbelief. "And I'm supposed to just take your word for it?"

My patience snapped.

"I can't believe I even have to explain myself to you," I said, my voice laced with frustration. "You're not even my girlfriend, Lisa, but I'm telling you—it's not real! It's just PR!"

Lisa remained quiet, her fevered gaze searching mine. But there was something in her expression—doubt, hurt, something she was refusing to say out loud.

And I hated it.

I hated that she didn't believe me.

Before I could stop myself, I climbed onto the bed, straddling Lisa's lap, my knees sinking into the mattress on either side of her. Her body tensed beneath me, her breath hitching in surprise, but she didn't push me away.

I grabbed her face gently, forcing her to look at me.

"Please, Lisa," I whispered, my voice desperate. "Believe me."

Lisa's lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

I didn't think.

I didn't hesitate.

I leaned in, closing the distance between us, pressing my lips softly against hers.

Lisa didn't respond at first, too stunned to react. But I didn't pull away. My lips lingered against hers, warm and soft, filled with every ounce of emotion I couldn't put into words.

When I finally broke the kiss, I rested my forehead against hers, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I miss you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Lisa's breath was uneven, her hands gripping the sheets tightly beneath her. She didn't say anything, but I could feel the way her body trembled slightly under mine.

She felt it too.

Even if she didn't want to admit it.

Just as I was about to say something—maybe convince Lisa again, maybe kiss her again—I heard the unmistakable sound of Jisoo's voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

"You guys are aware that Lisa's apartment is tiny, like a shoebox, right?"

My head snapped toward the door, and there was Jisoo, peeking her head in with a shit-eating grin, looking way too entertained for my liking.

"And, oh," she continued, placing a hand over her chest dramatically, "this room isn't even soundproof. I feel like I'm watching a couple argue in a cramped drama set. It's kinda cute, actually. Jennie Kim, the nation's It-girl, sitting on top of some commoner, begging her to believe her."

I shot her the nastiest glare I could muster.

"Jisoo, get out," I said through gritted teeth.

But, of course, she didn't listen. She just grinned wider, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Oh, this is gold," she continued, leaning against the doorframe. "I mean, I always knew there was something weird going on between you two, but this? This is premium entertainment. The great Jennie Kim, superstar, and boss of mine, pleading for Lisa's trust? Damn. I never thought I'd see the day."

Lisa still hadn't said a word. She was just staring at me, her feverish eyes unreadable, lips parted like she was still processing what just happened.

Meanwhile, Jisoo kept going.

"You know, Lisa, you should make her work for it," she mused, crossing her arms. "Make her sing you a song or something. Maybe do a little dance—"

"Jisoo," I snapped, cutting her off, my face heating up. "Get. Out."

"Or what?" she teased, tilting her head. "You'll fire me?"

I pointed toward the door. "That's actually a fantastic idea. You're fired."

Jisoo let out a loud laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, please. We both know you need me."

I huffed, rubbing my temples. "Why are you even still here?"

"Because someone has to make sure Lisa doesn't collapse and die," she said casually. "Which, by the way, she totally looks like she's about to. Should you really be sitting on her like that? She's sick, Jennie. You might crush her tiny body."

Lisa finally spoke, her voice hoarse and quiet.

"I'm not that tiny," she muttered.

Jisoo's grin grew wider. "Oh, so you do talk. I was starting to think Jennie's kiss knocked you into another dimension or something."

Lisa groaned and closed her eyes like she was regretting every life choice that led her to this moment.

I let out a frustrated sigh, climbing off Lisa's lap, my emotions still all over the place. "I hate you, Jisoo," I muttered.

Jisoo smirked. "Nah, you love me. Now, are you done making out, or should I come back later?"

Lisa let out a tired sigh, leaning her head back against the pillow before turning her gaze toward Jisoo.

"Jisoo," she said, her voice hoarse but calm. "Get out. Just for now."

To my surprise, Jisoo actually listened for once. She raised her hands in surrender, still grinning. "Alright, alright. I'll leave you lovebirds to your serious conversation." She wiggled her eyebrows at me before slipping out the door, closing it behind her.

I crossed my arms and turned back to Lisa. "Why did she actually listen to you?"

Lisa just shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

That only made me sulk. I scooted back slightly on the bed, my arms still folded. "Is there something between you two?" I asked, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrayed me.

Lisa blinked at me, then let out a soft chuckle. She shook her head again, this time with amusement.

Now I was fully pouting.

"What's so funny?" I huffed.

Lisa wiped a hand over her face, clearly exhausted but still entertained by my reaction. "Shouldn't I be the one on top here? Why have the roles reversed?" she teased, tilting her head slightly.

I scowled, shoving her shoulder lightly. "Don't change the subject!"

Lisa chuckled again, but then she let out a small wince, probably because she was still in pain. I immediately softened but still gave her a pointed look. "Answer me. Do you and Jisoo have something?"

Lisa groaned like she couldn't believe I was even asking. "Jennie, Jisoo is my best friend. That's it. She's like a sister to me. Even if she had a pussy and I have a dick she'd still be my sister."

I made a face. "Gross. Why would you even say that?"

"You started it by assuming things."

I huffed, looking away, but I felt relieved nonetheless.

Lisa tilted her head slightly, studying me. "What about you and Taehyung?"

I whipped my head back toward her. "We're not a couple. Promise," I said, maybe a little too quickly.

Lisa seemed to think about it for a second, then nodded. "Okay," she said simply.

That's it? Just okay?

I searched her face for any sign of doubt, but she actually seemed to believe me. The tension in my chest eased slightly.

Lisa shifted under the blanket, looking up at me with those tired, feverish eyes. "Jennie..." she murmured.

I swallowed. "Yeah?"

Lisa opened her arms slightly. "Can I get a hug?"

Something in my chest clenched at that. I hesitated for maybe half a second before I moved closer, slipping under the blanket and wrapping my arms around her, pulling her against me carefully.

Lisa sighed against my shoulder, her body warm—too warm from the fever—but she still felt familiar, safe.

I tightened my hold on her. "You're such a pain in the ass, you know that?"

Lisa chuckled softly. "I know."

I closed my eyes, holding her just a little tighter.

Lisa let out a sharp hiss of pain, her entire body tensing beneath me. I immediately pulled back, startled.

"What—"

I looked down and realized my elbow had accidentally nudged her side. Lisa's face was scrunched up in discomfort, her breathing uneven.

Something wasn't right.

Without thinking, I lifted the hem of her shirt, my heart stopping at what I saw.

Bruises. Deep, dark bruises spreading across her stomach and ribcage, some already turning an ugly shade of purple and yellow.

My throat tightened. "Lisa," I breathed out, my fingers hovering over her skin, afraid to touch. "What the hell is this?"

Lisa barely reacted. She just exhaled through her nose, avoiding my gaze.

"Is this why you're sick?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Lisa, what happened?"

Lisa swallowed, then finally looked at me. "I... fell down the stairs."

I blinked.

She was lying.

And not even a good lie.

"You fell down the stairs?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief. "Lisa, be serious."

"I am serious," she said flatly.

I shook my head, clenching my fists. "Don't bullshit me."

Lisa remained quiet, her expression unreadable.

I wanted to push. God, I wanted to push. But I could already see how exhausted she was, her fevered body barely holding itself together. Now wasn't the time to argue.

I swallowed my frustration and let out a slow breath.

"Fine," I muttered. "You don't want to tell me? Whatever."

Lisa's lips parted slightly, like she hadn't expected me to drop it so quickly.

"But," I continued, leveling her with a sharp gaze, "you are going to rest, and you are going to take care of yourself. Got it?"

Lisa hesitated, then nodded weakly.

I sighed and reached for the blanket, pulling it up to cover her properly. My fingers ghosted over her bruised skin one last time before I tucked the fabric around her.

For now, I'd let it go.

But I wasn't stupid.

And I wasn't letting this slide.

I sighed, rubbing my temples as I tried to calm myself down. Lisa was being difficult as always, but I wasn't about to let her go hungry.

"Sit up," I instructed, reaching for the bowl of soup I had painstakingly made. "You need to eat before you take your meds."

Lisa looked at the bowl in my hands, then at me, her brows furrowing. "You made that?"

I frowned. "Yes?"

Lisa's lips twitched, like she was holding back a laugh. "You're telling me you cooked?"

I huffed, thrusting the spoon toward her. "Why is that so hard to believe?"

Lisa eyed the soup suspiciously, then glanced back at me, her feverish face unreadable.

"Did Jisoo make this?" she asked slowly.

My jaw dropped.

"What?! No!"

Lisa smirked weakly. "Then I'm not eating it."

My eye twitched.

I was already exhausted from the whole mess with my company, my PR scandal, and the fact that Lisa had been ignoring me for days. And now, now, she had the audacity to sit there, sick as hell, and doubt my cooking?

I slammed the bowl down on the bedside table, marched out of the room, and grabbed Jisoo by the wrist, dragging her away from the couch.

"What the hell—?" Jisoo yelped as I pulled her into Lisa's tiny bedroom.

Lisa blinked at the sudden intrusion.

"Tell her," I demanded, crossing my arms.

Jisoo stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "Tell her what?"

"Tell her that I cooked the damn soup!"

Jisoo blinked again, then looked at Lisa, then back at me.

Then she burst out laughing.

Lisa, still sick and half-delirious, looked just as amused.

"You're that desperate for validation?" Jisoo teased, wiping a fake tear from the corner of her eye.

"JISOO!"

"Okay, okay!" Jisoo threw her hands up in surrender, still grinning. She turned to Lisa. "She cooked it. I supervised. It was a disaster. But yeah, it's hers."

Lisa hummed, her lips quirking up. "So, it's edible?"

Jisoo shrugged. "Barely."

I smacked Jisoo's arm.

Lisa let out a small chuckle, then finally, finally picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup.

I watched closely, waiting for her reaction.

Lisa swallowed, blinking.

"...It's not bad."

I exhaled dramatically, feeling a ridiculous sense of relief. "Told you."

Lisa took another spoonful. Then another.

And just like that, she finished the entire bowl.

As soon as Lisa put the empty bowl down, I grabbed Jisoo by the arm and started shoving her toward the door.

"Alright, you did your part, now get out."

Jisoo laughed as she stumbled forward, barely catching herself before she face-planted. "Whoa, whoa! So aggressive, Miss Boss."

I rolled my eyes and pushed her the rest of the way, slamming the door shut behind her.

But, of course, Jisoo wasn't done being annoying.

Through the door, her muffled voice rang out: "Lisa can barely breathe, you know! She won't be able to satisfy you for now!"

I felt my entire body go stiff.

Lisa, who had just gotten comfortable in bed, raised an eyebrow at me.

I spun toward the door. "JISOO, SHUT UP!"

Jisoo cackled. "Ooooh, I hit a nerve!"

My face burned. "Go to sleep or something!"

Jisoo hummed as if she were seriously considering it.

Then, in an even louder voice, she added, "Maybe if you ride Lisa instead, then maaaybe she can do something—"

"OH FUKCING MY GOD, I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" I yelled, pounding my fist against the door.

Jisoo's laughter trailed off as she finally walked away, still mumbling something about me being too easy to tease.

I groaned, covering my face. "She is so annoying."

Lisa, however, just smiled, watching me with that amused, tired expression of hers.

She wordlessly opened her arms, silently asking for a hug.

I hesitated for only a second before stepping closer, wrapping my arms around her waist. She was so warm—probably from the fever—but she still smelled like Lisa, that familiar scent I had grown so used to.

Lisa sighed against me, resting her chin on my shoulder. "Don't mind Jisoo," I murmured.

"I don't," Lisa replied, her voice raspy.

Then, before I could say anything else, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against the side of my neck.

I sucked in a breath, my hold on her tightening.

Lisa exhaled deeply, as if finally allowing herself to relax for the first time in a long while.

And for the first time in days, I felt at ease, too.

---

Awe... No intense feeling for now lol

You guys aware I can double or triple update in a day right? But I don't, cause if I do that it'll make my chapters shorter... I prefer dropping once or twice a day but its a long ass one.