22wentytwo

Lisa's POV

I took a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the massive glass doors of OA headquarters. The suit I bought last night still felt too expensive on my body, like it didn't belong to me.

I ran a hand through my hair, messing it up a little so it wouldn't look too polished. I didn't want to stand out more than I already did.

But from the moment I stepped inside, I realized there was no avoiding it.

The place was huge—marble floors, high ceilings, cold air-conditioning blasting even though it was morning. Everything screamed money.

And then there were the people.

Dressed in designer outfits, walking like they had somewhere important to be. The sound of heels clicking and papers shuffling filled the space, but I swore I could hear my own heartbeat louder than any of it.

I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders.

Relax, Manoban.

I made my way toward the reception area, keeping my hands in my pockets to hide how clammy they were.

And that's when I noticed it.

People were staring.

At first, I thought I was just being paranoid.

But then I caught the way some of the women were whispering behind their hands, sneaking glances at me.

Some were smiling.

Some were even eyeing me up and down.

But my brain, as messed up as it was, convinced me they were glaring.

I suddenly felt too tall.

Too rough for a place like this.

I glanced down at my shoes, suddenly second-guessing everything.

Maybe the suit was too much.

Maybe I should've just come in my hoodie and jeans.

Maybe—

"Excuse me?"

I looked up and saw a tall woman standing in front of me, holding a clipboard. Her sharp gaze ran over me like she was assessing a product.

"You must be..." she paused, checking her clipboard before looking back at me. "Lalisa Manoban?"

I straightened up.

"That's me."

She stared for a second, then nodded.

"The CEO will see you now."

I swallowed hard, feeling my heart kick up a notch.

I wasn't nervous about seeing her.

I was nervous because, for the first time, Jennie was dragging me into her world.

And I had no idea if I could survive in it.

I knew something was off the moment I was escorted to the CEO's floor.

Wasn't I supposed to just start the job today? No interview, no nothing—just me being glued to Jennie's side 24/7?

I frowned, reaching into my pocket to text Jennie.

But before I could even unlock my phone, I heard a sharp voice.

"No phones in the building, especially for new employees."

I turned to see Alison, Jennie's ever-so-professional assistant, standing by the elevator with her arms crossed.

I blinked. "Wait, I—"

She didn't let me finish. "Come with me."

I clenched my jaw but followed her anyway, my confusion only growing.

We stepped onto the CEO floor, and suddenly, the air felt heavier. Everything was sleek, modern, intimidating.

Alison led me to a massive door, knocked once, then opened it without waiting for a response.

"Sir, she's here."

Sir?

I barely had time to process before I was being ushered inside.

And then I saw him.

CEO Yang.

I knew who he was, obviously. One of the most powerful men in the industry. A man who probably made more money in a single day than I would in ten lifetimes.

He was seated behind a massive desk, eyes sharp as he gestured for me to sit.

I did—awkwardly.

Then the questioning started.

"What's your background?"

"How long have you worked in security?"

"Who referred you for this job?"

"Why is Miss Kim hiring you?"

Bam. Bam. Bam.

The questions hit me one after another, fast, sharp, demanding.

And I had no idea how to answer them.

Because the truth?

I wasn't qualified for this job. I had zero experience in professional security.

And the only reason I was here was because Jennie Kim, for some insane reason, decided I was worth to be her bodyguard.

I sat there, stiff and silent, as CEO Yang continued to study me like I was some puzzle he couldn't figure out.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse—

The door swung open.

And in stormed Jennie.

Furious.

"What the hell is going on?"

The room turned dead silent as Jennie walked in, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

She looked pissed.

And I mean, really pissed.

I swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. Was she mad at me? I didn't even do anything—I was just sitting here getting grilled like some kind of fraud.

CEO Yang leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Jennie, we were just discussing your decision to hire—"

Jennie didn't even let him finish.

"I don't recall asking for a discussion," she cut in sharply, crossing her arms.

Damn.

Even I had to admit that was hot.

I watched as CEO Yang's expression stiffened. Clearly, he wasn't used to being interrupted, but Jennie? She didn't care.

She turned to me briefly, eyes scanning me as if checking if I was okay. Then, without hesitation, she lied through her teeth.

"Lisa has extensive experience in personal security," Jennie said smoothly. "She's trained, skilled, and most importantly, someone I trust completely."

I almost choked.

Trained? Skilled? Experience?

Jennie, are you serious?

CEO Yang narrowed his eyes at me, as if trying to find cracks in Jennie's words.

Jennie didn't waver.

"And before you say anything else," she continued, "I've made my decision. I want a female bodyguard, and Lisa is the only person I'm comfortable with. If there's an issue with that, let me know now, and I'll reconsider working with this company's security team altogether."

Holy shit.

Did she just—threaten them?

I glanced at Alison, who looked completely unfazed, as if Jennie did this all the time.

CEO Yang was silent for a moment, then sighed, rubbing his temple.

"Fine," he muttered. "But she needs to sign an NDA."

Alison immediately handed me a folder filled with legal documents.

I stared at it.

Jennie gently nudged me. "Just sign it," she whispered.

I blinked, glancing at her.

She looked... calm. As if this was nothing to her.

As if lying for me was something she didn't even hesitate to do.

I swallowed and took the pen, signing my name.

Whatever I just agreed to? I had no idea.

But one thing was clear—I now officially worked for Jennie Kim.

The moment I signed the papers, Jennie grabbed my wrist and practically dragged me out of the CEO's office.

Not a word.

Not a glance back.

She walked fast, heels clicking against the floor, and I had to keep up.

I was still processing what just happened.

Jennie lied for me.

She stood there, bold as hell, and made me sound like some elite bodyguard when in reality, I was just some underground fighter trying to crawl my way out of debt.

And the craziest part?

She didn't even blink while doing it.

I followed her down the long hallway, feeling the weight of my new suit sticking to my skin. The damn thing felt stiff—I wasn't used to dressing like this.

People stared as we passed. Some whispered. Others just... looked.

And then there were the girls.

I wasn't an idiot—I could feel their eyes on me, lingering, smiling, checking me out.

But the funny thing?

I was too busy looking at Jennie.

She pushed open a door, leading me into her private office.

The second we were inside, she let go of my wrist and turned to face me, arms crossed.

I stood there, awkward as hell, rubbing the back of my neck. "So, uh... does this mean I got the job?"

Jennie glared.

"You think this is funny?"

I blinked. "I mean... kind of? You did just lie to your boss for me."

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I shouldn't have had to. Why didn't you just answer his questions?"

"Because I don't have answers, Jennie." I shrugged. "I'm not actually a bodyguard. I make coffee. I clean tables. That's all I do."

Her jaw tightened.

"You work for me now," she said, her voice firm. "And that means you need to act like it. No more second-guessing yourself. No more thinking you don't belong here. Understand?"

I exhaled. "Yes, ma'am."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't call me that."

I smirked. "What do you want me to call you then? Boss? Queen? Your Highness?"

Jennie glared harder.

"You're so annoying."

"And you're so bossy," I shot back.

She huffed, walking over to her desk and sitting down.

I took a seat across from her, leaning back. "So, what exactly does this job include? Do I get to punch people?"

Jennie's lips twitched. "No."

"Damn. Waste of talent."

She exhaled, shaking her head. "Your job is simple. You stay by my side, keep me safe, and don't do anything stupid."

"So... does that include staying by your side when you're in bed?"

She grabbed a pen and threw it at me.

I laughed.

"Lisa," she warned.

"Relax, princess," I teased, catching the pen before it hit my face. "I'll be the best bodyguard you've ever had."

Jennie looked at me for a long moment.

Then, finally, she sighed.

"You better be."

I started scratching my neck. Then my wrist. Then my arms.

This damn suit was itchy as hell.

Jennie, of course, noticed immediately.

"Why are you scratching like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged, still trying to play it cool. "No reason."

She didn't buy it.

Her eyes flicked down to my sleeves, then back to my face. "Lisa, why are you even wearing that?"

I hesitated before muttering, "Wanted to look presentable."

Jennie stared at me for a second, then leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "And how does it feel?"

I sighed, still pulling at the collar. "Like I'm being slowly tortured."

A small smirk appeared on her lips. "Then don't wear it tomorrow."

I blinked. "Huh?"

"You heard me," she said simply. "Just wear something comfortable. I don't care what the others say."

I narrowed my eyes. "So, I can show up in sweatpants and a hoodie?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't push it."

I grinned. "Got it. No suit, but no bum clothes either."

Jennie nodded. "Exactly."

I sighed in relief, pulling at my sleeves again. "Good, because I swear, if I wear this for another hour, I might actually lose my mind."

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You're such an idiot."

"Yeah, but I'm your idiot now," I teased.

Jennie didn't respond.

She just looked at me for a moment—longer than usual. Then, finally, she broke eye contact and changed the subject.

"Anyway, your first official day starts now, so act like a bodyguard and stop complaining."

I smirked, leaning back in my chair.

"Yes, boss."

---

Lisa's Longest, Most Boring Day Ever

I knew Jennie was busy. I just didn't realize she was this busy.

From the moment we left the office, it was schedule after schedule—and my only job?

Follow her around like a damn shadow.

7:30 AM - Leaving OA Building

Jennie and I got into the black luxury SUV with her personal driver, and I sat in the front seat, arms crossed, staring out the window.

There were two more cars following us—Jennie's security team. Two. Whole. Cars.

Why the hell am I even here?

I glanced at Jennie through the rearview mirror. She was on her phone, completely ignoring me.

Alright then. Guess I'll just sit here and enjoy my free ride.

8:00 AM - Photoshoot Fitting

First stop: Some high-end designer showroom.

Jennie walked in like she owned the place (which, knowing her, she probably did), and the staff practically bowed when they saw her.

I stood by the door, hands in my pockets, watching as they threw expensive-looking dresses at her while she just nodded.

Thirty minutes in, I was already bored out of my mind.

I pulled out my phone—only for one of Jennie's bodyguards to glare at me.

Right. No phones.

I sighed. This job sucked.

9:30 AM - Makeup and Hair for a Magazine Shoot

Jennie sat in a chair, letting five people work on her face and hair while I sat in the corner, trying not to fall asleep.

One of the stylists looked at me. "You can sit closer if you want."

Jennie turned her head slightly. "Yeah, Lisa. You look miserable over there."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine."

I was not fine.

This was the most useless I had ever felt in my life.

11:00 AM - Meeting with Some Brand Executives

Another place. Another room full of people in suits and fake smiles.

Jennie sat at the head of the table, listening as they kissed her ass about how she was the perfect ambassador, how she increased their sales, blah blah blah.

I sat at the back of the room, staring at the ceiling.

I swear, I almost fell asleep—until I felt a nudge on my foot.

Jennie had subtly kicked me under the table.

When I looked at her, she was hiding a smirk.

Was she... enjoying my suffering?!

Unbelievable.

12:30 PM - Lunch at Some Fancy Restaurant

We were at a private VIP section, but even then, people were still trying to sneak glances at Jennie.

I watched as she ate her salad, barely touching the food, while her manager discussed more business stuff.

Jennie noticed me staring at my empty plate and finally spoke.

"You can order something, you know."

I hesitated. "Won't it be expensive?"

She gave me a deadpan look. "Lisa. You're my bodyguard. You're literally on my payroll now. Eat."

I ordered the biggest steak on the menu.

Might as well get something out of this job.

2:00 PM - Another Photoshoot

Back to another studio.

More cameras. More lights. More expensive clothes.

Jennie posed like a damn goddess while I stood in the corner, trying to stay awake.

I swore I heard one of the staff whisper, "Who's the hot bodyguard?"

But I was too exhausted to even care.

4:00 PM - Dance Practice

Finally, something interesting.

Jennie and her dancers went into a practice room, and I leaned against the wall, watching as she moved.

She was insane.

Even though she had been working since morning, she was still graceful, sharp, and powerful.

I couldn't stop watching her.

Then, she caught me staring.

"Like what you see?" she teased, wiping sweat from her neck.

I scoffed. "I'm just waiting for you to trip so I can laugh."

She rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming."

Damn.

7:00 PM - Private Dinner Meeting

Another restaurant. Another boring meeting.

This time, I just leaned back in my chair, arms crossed, totally zoning out.

Jennie glanced at me, then smirked. "Having fun?"

I gave her a fake thumbs up.

I wanted to die.

9:00 PM - Heading Back to the Penthouse

When we finally got into the car, I let out the biggest sigh.

Jennie chuckled. "Tired?"

I shot her a look. "Do you even need me? You have like—what? Ten bodyguards? Who's going to attack you during a meeting about skincare products?"

She hummed, tilting her head. "I don't know. Maybe I just like having you around."

I blinked.

She said it so casually.

Like it was nothing.

But my heart? Yeah, that was another story.

I looked away, shaking my head. "You're such a pain in the ass, you know that?"

She grinned. "I know."

And just like that, the longest, most pointless day ever finally ended.

--

Jennie's POV

I woke up feeling... good.

That alone was suspicious.

I blinked at the ceiling, my body still heavy with sleep, before shifting under the covers. My period was still here, so I should be irritated, snapping at everyone like usual, but instead... I felt light.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I grabbed it, squinting at the screen.

[8:30 AM]

Lisa: Morning, princess. Don't forget, you have a bodyguard now. 😏

I stared at the message for a second before sighing, fingers already moving.

Jennie: I know. Don't be late.

The message was marked as read almost instantly, but Lisa didn't reply.

I threw my phone back on the bed and ran a hand through my hair, exhaling deeply.

Whatever. I wasn't going to think about her.

My makeup artist worked on my face as I sat in front of the mirror, sipping on my coffee. My stylist hovered nearby, choosing an outfit.

"Something simple today," I mumbled, my fingers tapping against my cup.

She nodded, picking a beige Chanel blazer and matching trousers. Classic, clean, effortless.

I checked my phone again. Still no new messages from Lisa.

Not that I was waiting for one.

I clicked my tongue, setting my phone down.

"Make it quick," I muttered, looking at my reflection.

I was already running late.

The second I stepped into the OA Building, I felt her presence before I even saw her.

Lisa stood near the entrance, arms crossed over her chest, dressed in black.

No suit today—thank God. She actually looked comfortable for once, in a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. She fit in way too well, like she belonged there despite clearly not being part of this world.

She was already watching me.

The corner of her lips tugged up the second our eyes met.

I rolled my eyes, walking past her without a word.

Lisa fell into step beside me. "You're late."

I glanced at her. "You're early."

She grinned. "I take my job seriously, Miss Kim."

I scoffed. "Yeah, right."

Lisa just chuckled, hands tucked into her hoodie as she followed me inside.

Lisa made herself comfortable way too fast.

She lounged on the couch, stretching her long legs out, looking completely at ease while I sat behind my desk, working through emails.

The only problem?

She was staring at me.

I could feel it.

I lasted a whole five minutes before finally looking up. "What?"

Lisa grinned, resting her chin on her palm. "Nothing. Just wondering why you're in such a good mood today."

I frowned. "I'm not."

She tilted her head slightly. "Really? You were smiling when you walked in."

I opened my mouth to argue—then froze.

Wait.

Was I?

Lisa's smirk widened like she could hear my thoughts.

I grabbed the nearest pen and threw it at her. "Shut up."

She dodged it effortlessly, laughing. "Hey, I'm just saying. You missed me that bad?"

I glared at her. "Don't flatter yourself."

She hummed, stretching her arms behind her head. "Mmm. Sure, princess."

I huffed, looking back at my screen, trying to focus.

But I wasn't.

Because now, all I could think about was the way Lisa smiled—and the fact that she was right.

I was deep in my emails, fingers flying over the keyboard when I heard them.

A small group of my staff—mostly women—were gathered near the door, their voices light and playful as they spoke to Lisa.

"Hey, Lisa, we're heading out for lunch. You wanna come?" one of them asked, her tone way too sweet.

I didn't look up, but my ears were sharp.

"Yeah, there's this new place that just opened nearby," another chimed in. "You should totally join us!"

I waited—waited for Lisa to brush them off like she usually did with other people.

But then, I heard her say—

"Sure, why not?"

My fingers froze on the keyboard.

I looked up.

Lisa was standing by the couch, hands tucked into her hoodie pockets, smiling easily at them. Like she actually meant it.

And I hated it.

My jaw tightened. I cleared my throat, drawing their attention.

Lisa turned to me, eyebrows raised.

"Lisa's not going anywhere," I said smoothly, without thinking.

Everyone turned silent.

Lisa blinked. "...I'm not?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "No."

A few of my staff exchanged glances, clearly confused.

"Oh, um—does she have something scheduled?" one of them asked hesitantly.

"Yes," I said immediately.

Lisa stared at me. "...I do?"

I ignored her, grabbing my pen and tapping it against my desk. "She's my personal bodyguard, remember? She stays with me."

There. That sounded reasonable, right?

One of the girls pouted slightly. "Ah, that's a shame. We were looking forward to getting to know you more, Lisa."

Lisa grinned, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well, maybe some other time—"

"There won't be a next time," I cut in.

Lisa choked. "Huh?"

I finally looked at her. "You're here to do a job. Not to socialize."

She tilted her head slightly, watching me with amused eyes. Too amused.

"...Right. Of course, boss," she drawled, that teasing smile playing at her lips.

I hated how good that word sounded coming from her mouth.

The other staff finally got the message and slowly backed off. "Alright, we'll head out then. See you later, Lisa!"

Lisa just waved, and I waited until they were gone before turning my glare back at her.

She grinned at me, leaning against my desk.

"Possessive, much?" she teased.

I scoffed. "I just don't want my staff distracted."

She hummed. "Uh-huh. Sure, princess."

I clenched my jaw. Why was she like this?

Lisa pushed off my desk, stretching her arms. "So... if I can't eat with them, does that mean we're having lunch together?"

I blinked.

Lisa smirked. "It's only fair, right?"

I opened my mouth to argue—but she was right.

I sighed, standing up. "Fine. Let's go."

Lisa laughed, hands tucked back into her hoodie. "Man, I love this job."

As we walked toward the cafeteria, Lisa strolled beside me, hands shoved into her hoodie pockets. I could feel her glancing at me before she finally spoke.

"Hey, why can't I use my phone in this place?" she asked, sounding genuinely confused.

I barely spared her a glance. "Why not?"

Lisa scoffed. "I dunno, maybe because Alison basically snatched it from me earlier and said, 'No phones allowed in the building unless given permission.' Like, what kind of place is this? A government agency?"

I sighed. "She's just doing her job."

Lisa threw her hands up. "Yeah? Well, so am I, and my job would be much easier if I could at least play Candy Crush or something while following you around."

I ignored her dramatic whining as we entered the cafeteria—a sleek, private space meant for my team and a few high-level executives. It was quieter than an average restaurant, filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional clinking of utensils.

Lisa glanced around, unimpressed. "Wait—this is it? I thought we were going somewhere fancy. This looks like a bougie school cafeteria."

I rolled my eyes. "Do you want to eat or keep complaining?"

Lisa smirked. "Both."

I grabbed a tray, scanning the options. Lisa, on the other hand, piled food onto her plate like she was stocking up for winter.

By the time we sat down, Lisa was still grumbling under her breath. But as soon as we settled in, she grinned and reached into her pocket, unlocking her phone.

I frowned. "What are you doing?"

Lisa wiggled the device in front of me. "Alison took it earlier, but she just gave it back. And since I already signed that NDA, that means I can finally use my phone, right?"

I blinked.

I... never actually thought about that.

Lisa grinned wider, already scrolling through her notifications. "Man, I haven't checked this all morning. This job is boring as hell."

I smacked her arm lightly. "Shut up and eat."

Lisa just chuckled, shaking her head. "You know, for a boss, you're kinda fun when you're not acting all serious."

I ignored the way my stomach flipped at that and focused on my food instead.

Lisa was too busy scrolling through her phone, barely even looking at her food, when suddenly, I noticed a group of pretty girls approaching our table.

They were well-dressed, elegant, and clearly from one of the higher departments—not just regular office workers. I didn't recognize them by name, but I had seen them around before.

I already knew why they were here.

"Hi," one of them said, her voice sweet as honey, eyes locked onto Lisa like a predator spotting prey. "You're new here, right? Jennie's new bodyguard?"

Lisa looked up, blinking. Then she grinned, that same lazy, boyish smirk that I knew could wreck hearts without even trying.

"Yeah," she said casually, leaning back in her seat like she owned the place. "I guess that's me."

The girl giggled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "You don't look like a bodyguard at all."

Lisa chuckled. "What do I look like, then?"

"A model. Or an idol. Definitely not some security personnel," another one of them chimed in.

Lisa laughed, rubbing the back of her neck like they had just given her the best compliment in the world. "Well, I'll take that as a good thing."

Then it happened.

"Can we get your number?" one of them asked, all smiles, eyes practically sparkling with interest.

And Lisa, without hesitation, pulled out her phone and said, "Yeah, sure."

I froze.

She smiled at them as they exchanged numbers, completely unfazed, completely unbothered. They were giggling, thanking her, and she was eating it up—giving them that easy charm that made her so damn likable.

And I?

I felt my blood boil.

I stabbed my fork into my food a little too harshly, my appetite vanishing on the spot.

She was my bodyguard. Why was she giving them attention?

I had no right to be mad. No reason to care.

But for some reason, I did.

I clenched my jaw, shoving a bite of food into my mouth just to keep myself from saying something I shouldn't.

As soon as those girls walked away, still giggling and whispering amongst themselves, I couldn't sit still anymore.

I stood up abruptly, grabbing my tray without a word.

Lisa, who was still smirking at her phone, looked up just in time. "Huh? Where are you going?"

I didn't answer.

I just walked.

I could hear her chair scrape against the floor as she got up, quickly following behind me.

"Jennie?" Lisa called, catching up in just a few steps. "Why are you walking so fast?"

I ignored her, pushing the cafeteria door open and heading straight for the elevator.

Lisa, annoyingly persistent as always, walked beside me, hands in her pockets, completely unfazed.

She didn't even realize what she did wrong.

Didn't even notice the way my mood had completely soured the moment she handed over her number like it was nothing.

The elevator doors slid open. I stepped inside, and Lisa followed.

The second the doors closed, Lisa turned to me, tilting her head slightly.

"You okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine."

Lisa squinted at me, obviously not buying it. "You're mad."

I exhaled sharply, crossing my arms. "I'm not mad."

She grinned. "You're totally mad."

"I'm not, Lisa."

She leaned closer, voice teasing. "Then why do you look like you're about to murder me?"

I turned my head away, jaw tightening.

Lisa just chuckled, shaking her head. "Damn. If I knew giving my number would piss you off this much, I would've said no."

I snapped my head back at her. "I don't care what you do."

She raised a brow, still grinning. "Really?"

"Yes."

Lisa hummed, clearly amused. "So if I text them later, you wouldn't care?"

I glared at her.

She laughed. "Wow. Okay. Noted."

The elevator doors finally opened, and I stormed out, heading straight back to the studio.

Lisa followed, as always.

The door barely clicked shut when Lisa spun me around, her hands gripping my waist as she pinned me against it—gently, yet firmly.

My breath hitched.

Before I could say a word, her lips crashed onto mine.

It wasn't desperate. It wasn't rough. But it was deep, consuming—the kind of kiss that made my knees weak, that unraveled something inside me I wasn't ready to face.

Lisa's hands slid up, her fingers barely grazing my jaw before she tilted my face up to hers, deepening the kiss.

I hated how fast my heart was beating.

I hated how easy it was to melt into her.

The moment I felt myself relax, I forced my hands up and pushed her away.

"Are you serious right now?" I snapped, glaring up at her.

Lisa didn't even look guilty. If anything, she looked amused.

"Very," she said, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

I scoffed. Unbelievable.

"You think you can just kiss me and expect me to forget that you just gave your number to those girls?" I crossed my arms. "Go text them then. Maybe one of them will be stupid enough to fall for your cheap lines."

Lisa chuckled, completely unfazed.

"Jennie," she murmured, stepping closer.

I instinctively leaned back against the door, but Lisa was already there, caging me in.

"You're really mad, huh?" she teased, her voice low, almost playful.

I didn't answer. I just glared at her.

Lisa exhaled through her nose, shaking her head before resting her forehead against mine.

Her thumb brushed my cheek, her touch light, careful.

"You're the only number I actually care about," she said softly.

I hated the way my stomach fluttered.

"I didn't want to be rude to them," she continued, "I'm new here. I didn't want to seem like an asshole."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"Oh, please, like you care about that."

Lisa let out a small laugh. "Okay, you got me there. I don't really care." She leaned in, her lips brushing my cheek as she whispered, "But I do care about you."

My breath caught in my throat.

"Don't," I warned.

"Don't what?" Lisa hummed, her lips now grazing my jaw.

"Don't say things like that," I muttered, looking away.

Lisa pulled back just enough for our noses to brush, her warm breath fanning against my lips.

"I'm only telling you the truth, princess," she murmured.

My heart stuttered.

"You're the most beautiful girl in this entire building," Lisa whispered, her eyes locked on mine. "You really think I'd be stupid enough to text girls like them—"

She kissed me again.

Slower this time.

Softer. Like she was trying to prove a point.

"—when I already have you?"

I hated how my hands gripped the fabric of her suit instead of pushing her away.

Lisa leaned in again, this time burying her face in the crook of my neck.

"You smell so good," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss there. "I could stay like this forever."

I swallowed hard, my hands twitching at my sides.

"L-Lisa—"

She pulled back, looking down at me with a lazy grin. "Hmm?"

"You're so annoying," I muttered, looking away.

Lisa chuckled, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"That's not what you were saying when I'm fucking you," she teased, her tone dripping with amusement.

My face burned.

"Shut up."

Lisa laughed, the sound deep and warm, before she gently rested her hands on my waist again.

"Jennie," she said, suddenly serious.

I hesitated before meeting her gaze.

"You know you're I'm serious about you right? Even if its just a deal.." she asked softly.

I hated how much I wanted to believe that.

I hated how much I already did.

--

shut up