21wentyone

Jennie's POV

"No," I muttered, pushing Lisa's hand away from me.

Lisa pouted but didn't budge, her body still hovering over mine like she had nowhere else to be. "Why not?"

"Because I said so." I shifted on the couch, trying to create some distance between us, but Lisa was stubborn.

Lisa's grin was absolutely infuriating.

"You're so tense, princess." Her voice was low, teasing, like she knew exactly what she was doing.

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the warmth of her body pressing against mine. "Relax your hormones, Lisa."

Lisa let out a low chuckle, her eyes dark with something unreadable. "I would—but you make it really hard."

I froze when she shifted even closer, her breath hot against my skin.

Lisa tilted her head slightly, watching me like a predator playing with its prey. "You know, you taste really good."

My throat went dry.

"Lisa—"

"Like, I swear I can still feel you on my tongue," she mused, her voice smooth and slow, like she was savoring the memory.

I inhaled sharply. "Shut up."

Lisa smirked, clearly enjoying the effect she had on me. "What? I'm just being honest." She licked her lips, her eyes dragging down my body before meeting mine again. "You're so fucking sexy, Jennie. You have no idea."

I hated how my stomach flipped at that. Hated how my skin prickled with heat.

Lisa groaned, like she was actually frustrated. "How the hell am I supposed to not think about you all the time?"

I clenched my jaw, determined not to react. "Lisa—"

"The way you move, the way you sound, the way you look at me when I'm making you feel good..." She buried her face in the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply before letting out a quiet hum. "God, I love your scent. It drives me insane."

My fingers twitched, wanting to push her away but also... wanting to pull her closer.

Lisa leaned back slightly, her lips hovering just above my jawline. "You drive me crazy, Jennie."

I exhaled sharply. "And you're annoying."

Lisa only grinned, her hands resting comfortably on my waist, thumbs stroking absentmindedly. "Yeah? Then why do you keep calling me over?"

I opened my mouth.

Then closed it.

Because I didn't have an answer. Or at least, not one I was willing to admit.

I sighed, already regretting inviting her over. Lisa was sprawled out on my couch, looking completely at ease, like she belonged there. Like she belonged with me.

I hated how natural it felt.

"It's still a no," I said, arms crossed.

Lisa blinked at me, tilting her head like I'd just told her the sky was green. "No to what?"

I gave her a look. "No sex."

Lisa barely held in a laugh. "I didn't even ask—"

"I know where this was going," I cut her off, rolling my eyes. "And the answer is no. I have my period, and it's disgusting."

That was when she lost it.

Lisa threw her head back and laughed so hard her whole body shook.

I frowned, feeling my face heat up. "What the hell is so funny?"

She wiped at the corner of her eye, still grinning. "You. You're funny."

I huffed. "I'm serious."

"I know," she said, still chuckling. "That's what makes it so cute."

I opened my mouth to argue, but she suddenly leaned in closer, her gaze locking onto mine, her voice softer.

"But I wasn't kidding, Jennie."

I swallowed. "About what?"

Lisa smiled, but this time it wasn't playful—it was something else. Something that made my chest feel too tight.

"You taste amazing," she said, just like that. "And I really, really can't get enough of you."

I hated the way my breath hitched. The way my stomach flipped. The way my body reacted before my brain could remind it that this wasn't supposed to happen.

Lisa must've noticed, because she suddenly flicked my forehead lightly.

I winced. "What the—"

"I was teasing," she said, smirking. "Well, half-teasing."

I scowled, rubbing my forehead. "Could've fooled me."

Her smirk faded a little, and she leaned back against the couch, tilting her head. "You know I'd never do anything you don't want, right?"

I stared at her.

Lisa held my gaze, serious now. "I respect you, Jennie. All of you. If you say no, then it's no. Always."

I didn't know what to say to that.

I wasn't used to people treating me like... this.

Before I could think too much about it, she grinned again, nudging me lightly. "Besides, I'm not some desperate perv who can't control herself."

I scoffed, trying to mask whatever weird feeling was twisting inside me. "Debatable."

Lisa laughed, reaching for my hand and squeezing it like it was the easiest thing in the world. Like she didn't even have to think about it.

"Still," she said, tilting her head at me. "I'm glad you invited me over."

I looked at our hands.

Then at her.

I sighed.

"Yeah," I muttered. "Me too."

Lisa leaned back against the couch, stretching her legs out like she owned the place. "So," she started, tilting her head at me. "What's it like?"

I frowned. "What's what like?"

She smirked. "Being Jennie Kim."

I rolled my eyes. "You see me all the time. What do you mean?"

Lisa shrugged. "I mean, what's it like being rich, famous, and able to buy literally whatever you want?" She gave me a teasing look. "Must be nice, huh?"

I exhaled, thinking about it. No one ever really asked me that. People just assumed.

"It's..." I hesitated. "It's not as glamorous as you think."

Lisa raised a brow. "Yeah, right. You live in a penthouse bigger than most people's houses. You wear clothes that probably cost more than my whole life." She scoffed playfully. "Come on, princess, just admit it's amazing."

I huffed. "Okay, some parts are. But it's not all perfect."

Lisa hummed, watching me. "Like what?"

I hesitated again, but Lisa wasn't mocking me anymore. She was genuinely curious.

I sighed. "Like how I can't go anywhere without people following me. Or how every little thing I do ends up in the news. How I can't even breathe wrong without people assuming something about me."

Lisa's expression softened. "That sounds exhausting."

"It is." I rubbed my temples. "Sometimes, I just want to be normal, you know? Just... go out and exist without thinking about what people will say."

Lisa was quiet for a second before she grinned. "So, what you're saying is... you wanna be me?"

I scoffed. "I don't wanna be broke."

Lisa gasped, clutching her chest like I had stabbed her. "Wow. You really just said that."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm kidding, idiot."

Lisa nudged me lightly. "I don't know... that felt personal."

I smirked. "Maybe a little."

Lisa chuckled, then leaned her head back against the couch, looking up at the ceiling. "Still, I can't imagine having that kind of life."

I looked at her. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "Like, having everything at your fingertips. No struggles. No worrying about what you're gonna eat tomorrow. Just... having everything."

I frowned. "Lisa..."

She smiled at me, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Not that I'm complaining. I mean, I get by."

I bit my lip. I wanted to say something, but what was I supposed to say? I'm sorry you had to struggle while I never had to worry about money in my life?

Lisa must've sensed what I was thinking because she suddenly nudged me again. "Hey, don't get all soft on me now."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not."

She grinned. "Good. 'Cause I kinda like that you're a spoiled brat."

I smacked her arm, making her laugh.

"Shut up," I muttered.

Lisa just smiled at me, something softer in her gaze. "For what it's worth... I think you handle it well."

I didn't say anything, but something about her words settled in my chest.

For some reason, hearing that from her meant more than it should.

I leaned back against the couch, watching Lisa with quiet curiosity. She had always been a mystery to me—this person who showed up out of nowhere, making herself comfortable in my life, in my space, in my thoughts.

Maybe that's why, before I could stop myself, I asked, "What about your family?"

Lisa turned to me, blinking as if the question had caught her off guard. Then, with a small tilt of her head, she repeated, "Family?" She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "I have none."

The casual way she said it made something in my chest tighten.

"But," she continued, smiling slightly, "I have friends. Jisoo, Seulgi... then Irene." She turned to me, her smile growing. "And now you."

I didn't know why, but the way she said that—like she was proud to add me to her small circle—made my stomach twist.

Still, I wasn't satisfied.

"What happened to your parents?" I asked, my voice quieter this time.

Lisa didn't even hesitate. "They're gone."

That single word felt heavier than anything I had heard all day.

She leaned back, stretching her arms as if she hadn't just said something that could shatter a person. "My dad died when I was seven. My mom... she passed away five years ago."

I felt my throat tighten.

She had no one.

And yet, she sat here, smiling like it was just another fact of life. Like it wasn't supposed to hurt.

I clenched my hands into fists. "You were alone this whole time?"

Lisa tilted her head, looking at me like I had just asked her the most obvious question in the world. "Not alone alone. I had people around."

"That's not the same."

Lisa just chuckled. "It is what it is, princess."

I hated the way she brushed it off.

I bit my lip, gripping the fabric of my sweatpants.

I wanted to tell her she deserved more. That she didn't have to go through all of this alone. But Lisa was Lisa. She carried her pain like it was nothing, like it was just another thing she had learned to live with.

Instead of saying any of that, I stared at her, trying to figure out how she could be so okay when everything about this was not okay.

Lisa must have noticed my expression because she laughed, nudging me playfully. "What? You gonna adopt me now?"

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Shut up."

She grinned. "Hey, it wouldn't be so bad. I'd make a great pet. Low maintenance, good for cuddles, eats whatever you give me—"

I shot her a glare, but it didn't stop her from laughing.

"Come on," she said, softer this time. "Don't look so serious. I'm fine, Jennie."

But she wasn't. And I hated that I didn't know how to fix it.

I frowned, watching Lisa as she absentmindedly played with the hem of her hoodie. My mind was still stuck on what she had told me earlier—about her parents, about being alone. It didn't sit right with me.

Maybe that's why I found myself asking, "Then why are you working so many jobs?"

Lisa turned to me, her expression unreadable.

I crossed my arms. "If you don't have anyone to support, why do you look like you're barely getting by?"

For a second, she didn't say anything. Then, with a small chuckle, she leaned back against the couch, stretching her arms behind her head.

"Life's tough, princess."

That was all she said.

Like that explained everything.

I narrowed my eyes. "That's not an answer."

Lisa smirked. "It is."

I wanted to push her, to demand a real explanation. But Lisa had this way of dodging questions, of making everything seem like it was fine when it clearly wasn't.

And it frustrated me.

I stared at her, trying to figure her out, but she just gave me that same easy smile—the one that never quite reached her eyes.

I hated that smile.

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

Lisa laughed. "And yet, you still keep me around."

I rolled my eyes. "Unfortunately."

She grinned, completely unbothered.

But I wasn't done.

I didn't know why it bothered me so much—maybe it was because I had everything. Money, fame, a life most people could only dream of. And yet, here was Lisa, working like crazy, struggling, and acting like it was just the way things were supposed to be.

It didn't make sense.

And for some reason, I needed to understand.

And then I suddenly remembered something.

Lisa had agreed to my deal before—the one where, if I wanted her by my side for no reason, she had to comply.

I turned to her, crossing my arms. "You remember our deal, right?"

Lisa blinked, looking confused. "Uh... yeah?"

"Then from now on, you're my bodyguard."

Lisa sat up straighter, eyebrows furrowing. "What?"

"You heard me," I said, completely serious.

Lisa let out a laugh, clearly thinking I was joking. "Okay, princess. What do you mean by that?"

"I mean you'll be by my side 24/7."

Lisa's laughter faded, and she looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Jennie... I have a job."

I shrugged. "And you have this job, too. In fact, I'm paying you way more than your crappy jobs."

Lisa opened her mouth, then closed it. She seemed to process what I was saying, her lips pressing into a thin line. "So, you're saying I'll just... follow you around all day?"

I nodded.

She squinted at me. "Like, all the time?"

"Exactly."

Lisa leaned back, exhaling sharply as she ran a hand through her hair. "Okay... do I get a day off?"

"Of course," I said, rolling my eyes. "Once a week. Or sometimes on weekends."

Lisa sighed, rubbing her temples. "This is crazy."

"But you agreed."

Lisa groaned, shaking her head. "I hate that you're right."

I smirked. "So, it's a deal?"

Lisa hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "...Yeah, okay."

Good.

Now she had no excuse to disappear on me.

Lisa sighed, still looking at me like I was insane. "Alright, when do I start?"

I smiled innocently. "Effectively tomorrow."

Lisa let out a groan, throwing her head back against the couch. "Of course. Should've seen that coming."

"You should've," I teased, leaning back as well.

Lisa turned her head to look at me, eyes narrowing. "And what exactly does this bodyguard job entail? Am I supposed to wear a suit and earpiece now? Do I call you 'Ma'am'?"

I scoffed. "Just be by my side. Make sure no one messes with me."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Jennie, you have actual bodyguards. Like, real ones."

I shrugged. "Yeah, but they don't sleep in my bed."

Lisa choked on her own breath, coughing as she sat up straight. "Whoa—wait, what?"

I smirked. "Relax, I'm joking."

Lisa gave me a flat look. "You better be. You almost gave me a heart attack."

I just laughed. "Come on, Lisa. You've been doing this for free. I'm just making it official."

Lisa sighed dramatically. "I really should've charged you from the beginning."

"Too late," I said smugly.

Lisa shook her head, but I could tell she wasn't really mad. If anything, I knew she secretly liked the idea of being around me all the time.

She just wouldn't admit it.

I picked up my phone and dialed Allison's number. She answered on the second ring.

"Jennie? What's up?"

"I'm introducing a new bodyguard tomorrow," I said casually.

There was a brief silence before Allison responded, "We don't need a new bodyguard."

"I need one," I corrected.

"You already have security—"

"I know, Allison, but this is different. I'm helping a friend."

She sighed. "Jennie, I understand that you want to help people, but we can't just hire someone because you feel bad for them—"

"I'm not hiring just anyone," I cut her off. "It's Lisa. The one who stepped in as my assistant in Japan."

Another pause. Then—"That girl?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, that girl."

Allison exhaled loudly. "Jennie, I don't know what kind of arrangement you have with her, but this isn't how things work—"

"I don't care how things work," I said firmly. "Lisa is going to be my bodyguard. I'm not asking. I'm telling you."

There was a long pause before she finally gave in. "Fine. But don't blame me when the team freaks out."

"They'll deal with it," I said simply.

"You're impossible."

I smirked. "I know."

I hung up before she could argue any further.

Lisa, who had been sitting beside me the whole time, raised an eyebrow. "Damn, I think I'd be scared to say no to you too."

I turned to her with a satisfied smile. "Good. Then you'll show up tomorrow without complaints."

Lisa groaned. "What have I gotten myself into?"

I just laughed.

Lisa stretched her arms and stood up from the couch. "Alright, princess, I need to go. If I'm gonna be your bodyguard, I should at least look presentable tomorrow."

I frowned. I didn't want her to leave. I had gotten used to her being here, filling the space with her presence. But as much as I wanted to tell her to stay, she was right. She needed rest.

I sighed. "Fine. But be at the OA office by seven tomorrow. Wait in the lobby, and Allison will meet you there."

Lisa grinned. "Yes, ma'am. Seven sharp. Wouldn't want to keep my boss waiting."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile forming on my lips. She always found a way to make things sound ridiculous.

She grabbed her jacket and walked toward the door, but before she could step out, she turned around, leaning against the frame. "You sure you don't want me to stay? I mean, I can't do anything about your period, but I could—"

"Lisa!" I threw a pillow at her, and she laughed, dodging it with ease.

"Alright, alright. I'm leaving. Sweet dreams, princess."

I watched as she disappeared down the hall, the warmth of her lingering even after she was gone.

--

Lisa Pov

I shoved my hands deep into my pockets as I walked down the dimly lit streets, my breath visible in the cold night air. Taking the train would've been faster, but I needed this time to think. Two hours of walking was nothing compared to the mess inside my head.

How the hell was I supposed to juggle everything?

Jennie wanted me by her side 24/7 as her so-called bodyguard, but I still had my training. Not that training even mattered anymore. I let out a short, dry laugh, shaking my head at my own stupidity.

I didn't stand a chance in that fight. Everyone in the underground already knew it. The bastard they were making me fight had killed over thirty people in the ring. Thirty. And I was just some girl trying to pay off a debt that had grown so out of control, I stopped counting the numbers a long time ago.

There was no getting out of this.

Not unless I won.

But even if I trained harder than I ever had, it wouldn't change the fact that I was just a street fighter, not a monster like him. He was bigger, stronger, and ruthless. He had no mercy. If I stepped into that ring, I was as good as dead.

So what the hell was I doing playing bodyguard to a billionaire?

I scoffed, kicking a small rock on the pavement. Jennie had no idea what kind of life I lived outside of her world. She saw the bruises, the exhaustion, the weight I carried—but she never asked. Maybe she was doesn't care.

And maybe I was glad she never asked.

Because what would I even tell her? That I was walking toward my own grave? That this little arrangement of ours wouldn't even last long because, in a few weeks, I'd either be lying in a hospital bed or in a damn coffin?

I sighed, stopping for a moment to look up at the dark sky.

"Life's a joke, isn't it?" I muttered to myself.

I thought about Seulgi, how she warned me over and over again not to go through with this. But what choice did I have? If I ran, they'd find me. If I didn't fight, they'd kill me anyway. And if I lost? Well... that was already obvious.

But then there was Jennie.

She looked at me like I was someone, like I was worth something. And I hated how much I wanted to believe it.

I sighed again and started walking.

Tomorrow, I'd stand by her side like she asked.

But for how long?

As I walked, my mind suddenly snapped back to the $50,000 sitting in myhand .

I had been so caught up in everything that I hadn't even thought about it.

Fifty thousand dollars.

It wasn't enough to clear my debt, but it was enough to try something.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket, my fingers tightening around it before I dialed the number. The line rang a few times before a deep, gravelly voice answered.

"What do you want, Manoban?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I want to negotiate."

There was a pause, then a low chuckle. "Negotiate? Do I look like a bank to you?"

I clenched my jaw. "I'll pay back the original amount. The 100k I owed you in the first place. I'll make it 500k in the next six months. But after that, I'm done. I'm not fighting anymore."

The line went silent.

Then the laughter came. Loud, mocking, cruel.

"Oh, that's funny. You think you can just walk away?"

I gritted my teeth. "I'm not asking to walk away for free. I'm giving you triple the amount I owed."

"Not enough."

Of course, it wasn't. These people didn't just make money off the fights—they made entertainment out of our blood.

"Five hundred thousand." The words left my mouth before I could think twice. "In six months."

Another pause. Then—"Where the fuck are you gonna get that kind of money?"

I exhaled, gripping the phone tighter. "I'll make a way."

He didn't respond immediately. I could hear voices in the background, the sound of dice rolling, drinks being poured. Then, finally—

"Alright, Manoban. Let's see if you're really as good as you think you are. In six months, if you give me that half a million, I'll consider it. No promises, though."

My stomach twisted.

No promises.

That meant he could still screw me over.

But at least it was something.

Before I could say anything else, the call ended, leaving me staring at my phone.

Six months. Five hundred grand.

Where the hell was I gonna get that kind of money?

As I continued walking, my mind immediately began calculating.

Jennie's deal.

She was paying me $50,000 a month just to be on that deal.

$50,000 x 6 months = $300,000.

That still left me $200,000 short.

I sighed, rubbing my face. Where the hell was I gonna get that extra money?

Stealing? No. Not my style.

Gambling? Too risky.

Fighting again? Not an option.

My jaw clenched.

I hated the idea of it, but maybe—just maybe—I could borrow from Jennie.

Just 200k. I'd pay her back, of course. She wouldn't even feel it missing. To her, $200,000 was like spare change.

But... would she give it to me?

Jennie was complicated.

She wanted me around, but she also hated the fact that she wanted me around.

She paid me a ridiculous amount of money, but never treated me like I was just someone she could buy.

Would she lend me the money if I asked?

Would I even have the guts to ask her?

I let out a breath, shaking my head.

That was a problem for later.

For now, I just had to survive six months.

---

The plot is coming...