Chapter 15: Chapter 15

The kiss lingered in Lisa’s mind for days, making it impossible to focus on anything else. Jennie had never been one to show her feelings, let alone admit to them so openly, but that night on the rooftop had changed everything. The walls Jennie had built around herself had cracked, and for the first time, Lisa had seen the person behind the perfect, unflappable exterior.

But with that kiss came complications...complications Lisa had known would come but couldn’t avoid. What did this mean for them? Was it a one-time moment of weakness for Jennie, or was there something real between them that they would have to figure out?

Lisa wasn’t sure and knowing Jennie, the road ahead wouldn’t be simple.

A few days later, Lisa found herself back in her office, trying to focus on the next phase of the Southeast Asia expansion. The competition had ramped up and she knew that her team needed to move quickly if they wanted to solidify their position in the market.

But even as she went over the strategy, her thoughts kept drifting back to Jennie. Their kiss, their conversation... everything had shifted, and she wasn’t sure where they stood now.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, snapping her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Jennie’s name.

Lunch today? We need to talk.

Lisa stared at the message for a moment, her stomach twisting with both excitement and nervousness . Talk...that could mean a lot of things, but she had a feeling Jennie wanted to discuss what had happened between them.

She quickly typed out a reply: Sure. Same place?

Jennie’s response was short, as always: 1 PM.

Lisa exhaled, her mind already racing. This was it....the conversation they needed to have, the one that would determine where they stood. She just hoped they were on the same page.

At 1 PM, Lisa arrived at the quiet, upscale restaurant where she and Jennie had met many times before. The familiar setting did little to calm her nerves, though. This wasn’t just a casual lunch. This was the conversation.

Jennie was already seated when Lisa arrived, looking as composed and calm as ever. But there was something different in the way she glanced up at Lisa, something softer, more uncertain. It made Lisa’s heart race even more.

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa greeted, sliding into the chair across from her.

Jennie raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in the faintest hint of amusement. “Ms. Manoban.”

They exchanged small talk as they ordered lunch, both of them clearly avoiding the topic that hung in the air between them. But Lisa knew Jennie....she wasn’t one to dance around an issue for long. Sure enough, once the waiter left, Jennie leaned forward, her eyes serious.

“We need to address what happened,” Jennie said, her tone direct but not unkind.

Lisa nodded, already expecting this. “Yeah, I figured we would.”

Jennie’s eyes met hers, and for the first time since that night on the rooftop, there was a vulnerability in her gaze. “That kiss... it wasn’t planned.”

Lisa’s heart tightened. “I know.”

“But it wasn’t a mistake,” Jennie continued, her voice softening. “I don’t regret it.”

The tension in Lisa’s chest eased slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Neither do I.”

There was a long pause, and then Jennie exhaled, her eyes flicking down to the table for a moment before returning to Lisa’s. “This is complicated, though. I don’t know how to navigate this.”

Lisa’s heart softened at Jennie’s admission. For someone like Jennie, who always seemed so in control, so sure of herself....admitting uncertainty wasn’t easy. It made Lisa feel even closer to her.

“I know,” Lisa said gently. “But we don’t have to figure it all out right now. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Jennie’s lips twitched again, the faintest hint of a smile. “One Jennie-approved step at a time?”

Lisa laughed softly, feeling the tension between them ease. “Exactly.”

Jennie seemed to relax slightly, the tension in her shoulders loosening as she leaned back in her chair. “I don’t want this to interfere with our work. We have too much at stake.”

Lisa nodded. “I agree. We can keep things professional. We’ve been doing it this long.”

Jennie’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, as if she were assessing whether or not Lisa really meant that. Finally, Jennie nodded. “Good.”

But despite the agreement, there was still an unspoken understanding between them....something that went beyond professionalism, beyond the careful lines they’d drawn around their relationship for so long. And Lisa couldn’t deny it anymore. They couldn’t ignore the tension between them, even if they pretended to keep things strictly business.

“Jennie,” Lisa said softly, leaning forward again, “I know this is complicated. But I don’t want to pretend like there’s nothing between us.”

Jennie’s eyes softened, just slightly. “Neither do I.”

There it was an acknowledgment, however brief, that they both felt the same way. They couldn’t undo what had happened, and neither of them wanted to.

“So,” Lisa continued, smiling slightly, “we’ll figure it out as we go.”

Jennie held her gaze for a moment, and then finally she smiled. A real, genuine smile that made Lisa’s heart skip a beat.

“We will,” Jennie agreed quietly.

---

The lunch ended on a lighter note, with both of them falling back into their usual rhythm of work talk and banter. But the weight between them had lifted, and something new had taken its place something more honest, more real.

As they walked out of the restaurant together, Lisa felt a strange sense of relief. They hadn’t solved everything far from it but they were both on the same page now. There was something between them, and while it was complicated, it wasn’t something they were going to ignore anymore.

Jennie turned to her as they reached the sidewalk, her expression once again calm but with that same softness in her eyes. “We’ll see each other soon.”

Lisa smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days. “Yeah. We will.”

Jennie gave her a small nod before turning and walking away, her usual confident stride carrying her down the busy street.

Lisa watched her go, a smile still lingering on her lips. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t simple.

But it was something something real and for now, that was enough.

The days after their conversation passed in a blur of activity. Lisa threw herself back into the work, balancing the expansion project in Southeast Asia with her new responsibilities in Jisoo’s sustainable tech venture. It was a delicate juggling act, but one she was handling better than she had expected. Every day was full of meetings, strategy sessions, and the occasional late-night brainstorming with her teams.

But despite the long hours and the demands of her job, Lisa felt more grounded than ever. The tension between her and Jennie was still there undeniable and electric but now it was out in the open. They had agreed to take things slow, to focus on their work while figuring out whatever was happening between them. And for the first time in a long time, Lisa felt like she was in control of her life, both personally and professionally.

Still, navigating this new territory wasn’t easy.

One evening, after a particularly long day of meetings, Lisa received a text from Jisoo.

Drinks? We need to celebrate this win.

Lisa smiled, quickly typing out a reply: I’m in. Same place?

Yep. 8 PM.

By the time Lisa arrived at the rooftop bar where she and Jisoo had celebrated previous victories, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city skyline. Jisoo was already there, seated at their usual spot by the edge of the roof, two cocktails in hand.

“To victory,” Jisoo said with a grin as Lisa sat down.

“To victory,” Lisa echoed, clinking her glass against Jisoo’s.

They spent the next hour chatting and laughing, going over the latest updates on their projects and the upcoming plans for the venture. But as the evening wore on, Jisoo gave Lisa a knowing look.

“So,” Jisoo said, leaning back in her chair, “how’s Jennie?”

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. “She’s fine. Why?”

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh, come on. I’m not blind. I know something’s going on between you two.”

Lisa felt a rush of heat rise to her cheeks, but she couldn’t deny it. Jisoo had always been perceptive, and there was no point in pretending anymore.

“It’s... complicated,” Lisa admitted, taking a sip of her drink.

Jisoo laughed softly, shaking her head. “Of course it is. You and Jennie Kim? That’s the definition of complicated.”

Lisa sighed, leaning back in her chair. “We’re figuring it out. We’re trying to keep things professional, but...”

Jisoo smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But you can’t ignore the chemistry.”

Lisa chuckled, shaking her head. “Yeah. Something like that.”

Jisoo’s smile softened, and she reached across the table, giving Lisa’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Just be careful. Jennie’s... well, she’s Jennie. She’s not easy to deal with, especially when it comes to emotions.”

Lisa nodded, appreciating Jisoo’s concern. “I know. But we’ll take it one step at a time.”

Jisoo grinned. “Good. Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in it.”

Lisa smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She had no intention of losing herself in anything....least of all Jennie. But she couldn’t deny that whatever was happening between them was real, and it was something she was willing to explore.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh at Jisoo’s words. “Losing myself in Jennie Kim? Not likely,” she said, grinning as she took another sip of her drink. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t quite that simple. There was something magnetic about Jennie that made it easy to get drawn into her world. And now that the tension between them had surfaced, it was only going to get more complicated.

Jisoo smirked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, I don’t know. Jennie has a way of pulling people into her orbit. Just make sure you keep one foot on the ground.”

Lisa nodded, appreciating Jisoo’s candidness. “I will. Believe me, I know how intense Jennie can be. But this... whatever it is, we’re figuring it out.”

Jisoo raised her glass again, this time offering a more serious smile. “Good. You deserve someone who gets you. Even if that person is Jennie.”

Lisa chuckled, her heart warming at Jisoo’s words. “Thanks, Jisoo. I know this won’t be easy, but I’m not one to back away from a challenge.”

Jisoo laughed, raising her eyebrows. “That’s what makes you perfect for her.”

They clinked their glasses once more, and the evening continued with light conversation and easy laughter. But as Lisa left the bar later that night, she couldn’t help but think about Jisoo’s warning. Jennie wasn’t just any person. She was complex, guarded, and intense. Navigating a relationship with her would be like walking a tightrope, and one wrong move could send everything crashing down.

---

The next day, Lisa was back in her office, reviewing the latest updates from the expansion project. Things were moving faster than expected, which was a good sign, but she couldn’t shake the sense that her personal life was on the verge of spilling over into her work life. And with Jennie involved in both, the lines were getting blurrier by the day.

Her phone buzzed, and Lisa glanced down to see a message from Jennie.

Dinner tonight?

Lisa felt that familiar flutter in her chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness. Dinner with Jennie could mean a lot of things, but after their conversation and the kiss, there was no mistaking the subtle shift in their dynamic.

Sure. Where? she typed back.

I’ll pick you up at 7.

Lisa smiled to herself, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. This wasn’t like the lunches they had shared before, where everything had been framed as purely professional. There was something different now, something that hinted at more than just business.

By 7 PM, Lisa was waiting outside her apartment, her heart racing slightly as she wondered how this evening would go. Would they talk more about their complicated situation? Or would they pretend nothing had changed?

Jennie pulled up in a sleek black car and Lisa’s breath caught as she stepped out, looking as composed and stunning as ever. There was an undeniable presence about Jennie, something that always made Lisa feel both in awe and completely unsteady at the same time.

“Ms. Manoban,” Jennie greeted, her usual cool tone in place, though there was a softness in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa replied, smiling as she slid into the passenger seat.

The drive was quiet, but not in an uncomfortable way. It was the kind of silence that hung between two people who understood each other, even if they didn’t say much. Jennie drove them to a quiet, intimate restaurant, the kind of place where no one would bother them.

As they sat down, Lisa couldn’t help but feel the tension simmering just below the surface. The last time they had been alone like this, it had led to a kiss and a conversation that had changed everything between them. And now, the unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air.

“Busy day?” Jennie asked, her tone casual, but her eyes lingering on Lisa a bit longer than usual.

Lisa smiled, grateful for the small talk. “Yeah, the expansion’s moving fast. We’re ahead of schedule, which is good, but it means more late nights.”

Jennie nodded. “Good. You’ve handled it well.”

There it was again.... Jennie’s quiet praise, the way she always acknowledged Lisa’s work without ever making a big deal out of it. But this time, there was more to it. Jennie wasn’t just talking about the expansion; she was talking about how Lisa was handling everything, including the complicated dynamic between them.

“I’ve had a good teacher,” Lisa said softly, her eyes meeting Jennie’s.

Jennie’s gaze flickered, something unspoken passing between them. “And you’ve surpassed expectations.”

The words hung in the air, filled with layers of meaning. Lisa felt her heart race at Jennie’s admission, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them thickening.

Finally, Lisa broke the silence. “So... what happens next?”

Jennie leaned back slightly, her eyes never leaving Lisa’s. “We take it one step at a time. No rush.”

Lisa nodded, feeling both relieved and unsure. “One step at a time. Right.”

But as they sat there, the conversation taking on a more personal tone, Lisa couldn’t help but wonder how they would navigate this. They were both driven, both focused on their careers, and both used to controlling every aspect of their lives. How did something as unpredictable as feelings fit into that?

“Lisa,” Jennie said softly, her voice pulling Lisa from her thoughts, “I don’t have all the answers. But I want to try.”

Lisa’s heart swelled at Jennie’s words. This was Jennie the Jennie Kim admitting that she wanted to make room for something as messy and complicated as feelings. It wasn’t something Jennie did lightly, and the fact that she was willing to take this step meant more than words could say.

“I want to try too,” Lisa replied, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her.

Jennie nodded, her eyes softening. “Good.”

They continued their meal, the conversation flowing more easily now that the air between them had cleared. They talked about work, life, and even managed to laugh about the small, chaotic moments they had shared in the past. But underneath it all, there was a new understanding between them something unspoken but real.

When the evening ended, Jennie drove Lisa home, the quiet between them comfortable now, the tension replaced by something warmer.

As they reached Lisa’s apartment, Jennie turned to her, her expression calm but her eyes searching Lisa’s for something.

“Goodnight, Lisa,” Jennie said softly, her voice carrying a gentleness that Lisa hadn’t heard from her before.

“Goodnight, Jennie,” Lisa replied, smiling.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the air between them charged with the same electricity that had been there since that rooftop kiss. But this time, there was no rush, no urgency. They had both agreed to take it slow, to figure things out one step at a time.

Jennie leaned in, her movements slow and deliberate, and Lisa’s breath caught in her throat as their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t like the first kiss....this one was quieter, more certain, filled with the promise of something deeper.

When they finally pulled away, Jennie’s eyes softened, and she gave Lisa the smallest of smiles before nodding. “I’ll see you soon.”

Lisa nodded, her heart racing. “Yeah. Soon.”

As Jennie drove away, Lisa stood on the sidewalk, watching the car disappear into the night. She felt lighter than she had in days, but also aware of the road ahead. This wasn’t just about work anymore...this was about navigating something deeper, something more real.

And for the first time, Lisa felt like she wasn’t just walking the tightrope....she was owning it.

The next week brought Lisa back into the full swing of her projects, but the change between her and Jennie was undeniable. They were still focused, still driven by their careers, but there was something new lingering between them now....an awareness that couldn’t be ignored.

Lisa balanced her responsibilities with precision, making sure to stay on top of the expansion while also diving deeper into Jisoo’s sustainable tech venture. She had become a master of juggling both, and while it was exhausting, it was also exhilarating.

But no matter how busy she was, Jennie was never far from her mind.

A few days later, as Lisa was preparing for yet another meeting, her phone buzzed with a message from Jennie.

Dinner tonight?

Lisa smiled, her heart racing slightly. She quickly typed back: Can’t wait.

---

The dinners became a new routine....quiet, private meals where they could talk about work, life, and everything in between. There were still moments of tension, moments where they both felt the weight of what they were navigating, but they were handling it. Slowly, but surely.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Lisa sat across from Jennie at their usual restaurant, sipping her drink as she watched Jennie go over a report on her phone. It was moments like this, when they weren’t even talking but just existing in the same space, that made Lisa realize how much she had come to care about Jennie.

“So,” Jennie said, looking up from her phone, “what’s next for the expansion?”

Lisa smiled, happy to talk about work. “We’re almost done with the first phase. I think we’ll be ready to launch ahead of schedule.”

Jennie nodded, clearly impressed. “Good.”

But then, Jennie set her phone down, her expression more serious. “And what about us?”

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat at the question. She hadn’t expected Jennie to bring it up so directly, but this was Jennie....she wasn’t one to dance around an issue for long.

“I think we’re doing okay,” Lisa replied, her voice soft but steady. “We’re figuring it out.”

Jennie’s gaze held hers, her eyes searching for something. “It’s not easy.”

“No,” Lisa agreed, “it’s not. But nothing worth having is.”

Jennie’s lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. “You’re right.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging between them. But then Jennie leaned forward, her voice quiet but firm. “I want this to work, Lisa. I don’t know how yet, but I do.”

Lisa felt a rush of warmth at Jennie’s words. It wasn’t often that Jennie opened up like this, and hearing her admit that she wanted to make this work...whatever this was meant more than Lisa could express.

“I want it to work too,” Lisa said softly, her voice filled with quiet determination.

Jennie nodded, her eyes softening. “Then we’ll figure it out.”

And in that moment, Lisa knew they would.

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