Love Me If You Dare

Chapter 15

Winter makes way for spring.  

The trees that lost their leaves over winter are starting to grow new leaves again.   These Ginkgo trees line either side of the road leading to the university dormitory block for the girls.  Underneath the trees, students are standing in groups, catching up with one another about what happened during the holidays.  There are also couples in the more secluded spots, cuddling and displaying their affection for each other. After, the romantic spring season has arrived. 

Lisa’s roommates have not returned to the campus, so she has the room all to herself.  She spends her day reading, surfing the net and recording the details of working with Jungkook on a journal. It was a one in a lifetime experience.  She wants to keep a note of everything that has happened.

———

Lisa is lying in bed when Jimin calls.

“Your voice sounds funny.  Are you ok? Do you have a toothache?  Or is your face swollen because someone hit you?”  asks Jimin. 

Lisa tries not to laugh.  She has a whitening mask on her face. It’s hard to talk when you don’t want to open your mouth.

“Mask! What’s up?” She answers.

Jimin is amused.  He turns to Jungkook and says : “Hey Jungkook, she sounds like a sheep.  It’s kinda whiny but it’s cute. Do you want to listen to it?” 

Jungkook answers  :  "Why would I want to hear her distorted voice?” 

By this time, Lisa has removed the thin piece of sheet from her face : “Hey, I didn’t answer the phone to get mocked.” 

Jimin laughs and tells her the reason for the call : "Let’s have lunch together.  I’ve found a flat for you.”

“I’ll treat you. Come over to the campus.  There’s a restaurant nearby that does a nice fish dish.”

———

There’s a lot of small eateries around the campus. Lisa picked a restaurant that does a good lamb and fish casserole. It’s a popular choice amongst the students.  

- Does he own suits of any other colour?  Lisa wonders.  At least he looks good in a black suit. Hang on, why should she care what Jungkook wears.   

 • 

They stand at the entrance, waiting for a waiter to show them to their table.  Jungkook takes a look around.  The place is filled with the smell of chilli, fish and lamb.

“They source their fish from the fish market every morning.  It’s guaranteed fresh.  And the lamb is from Mongolia.” Lisa looks at Jungkook, “Have you tried this before?” 

Jungkook take a glance at her.  He doesn’t answer her question.

Lisa passes the menu to Jimin : “Is there anything else you want to order?”

Jimin asks the waiter : “Can we order a steamed fish as well?”

“Sorry, we specialises in lamb and fish casserole.  The kitchen prepares the food in the morning. We don’t have any whole fish fillets left.  The portions are quite large, it should be more than enough for the three of you.” 

It’s a pleasant meal. Lisa and Jimin did most of the talking.  Jungkook will add a sentence or two occasionally, but it’s always in his arrogant and inconsiderate manner.  They are used to his style by now, so they just laugh it off.  When Jungkook leaves the table to take a phone call outside, Jimin says jokingly to Lisa :

“What’s wrong with us?  Why are we friends with Jungkook? Do we like to bring torture upon ourselves?”

- A Friend?! Jungkook?  Lisa thinks to herself.  They are friends now.