Unspoken Desire JenLisa AU

Chapter 8

Jennie's POV

The days leading up to the Jeju meeting were quieter than I expected. Lisa had been avoiding me—no texts, no calls, not even accidental run-ins at the office. For once, I felt some semblance of relief. At least I didn't have to endure her piercing gaze, the one that seemed to strip me bare and leave me questioning everything.

But that relief was short-lived. I missed her. Even after everything, even after the way she snapped at me, the way she kissed me like I was some fleeting escape, I still missed her.

Her last words still lingered in my mind. They haunted me, unraveling every attempt to move on.

Now, seated in the car with my team on the way to the airport, I tried to shake her from my thoughts. Jeju was supposed to be about work—about regaining control and focusing on the future of the company. Not about Lisa.

But, of course, fate always had a cruel sense of humor.

When we boarded the plane, a chorus of murmurs swept through the group.

"Is this... a private jet?" Lisa's voice was low, tinged with surprise.

I didn't need to look to know her brows were furrowed, her lips slightly parted in that way she always did when she was amused or impressed.

"Yes," I said flatly, already regretting not mentioning it earlier. "It's mine."

"Yours?" Lisa asked, her tone unreadable.

"It's just convenient for trips like this," I replied, brushing off her amusement.

I didn't explain further, nor did I look her way. My eyes focused on anything but her. The last thing I needed was her smug smile or that hint of admiration she could never fully hide.

But when Jisoo, who couldn't join us and stayed back to manage the firm, assigned the seating arrangements, my stomach sank.

"Lisa, you'll be seated next to Ms. Kim," one of the team members said, waving Lisa toward the spot beside me.

I almost protested, but it was too late. Lisa was already sliding into the seat, her body brushing mine slightly as she adjusted.

The air felt heavier immediately, the space between us too small, too intimate.

I busied myself with the in-flight magazine, pretending not to notice her presence, pretending my heart wasn't hammering in my chest. Lisa, for her part, said nothing. She simply buckled in and stared straight ahead, her silence deafening.

The jet took off smoothly, the hum of the engines filling the void between us.

I told myself I was fine. I'd done this trip countless times before, and turbulence was nothing new. But when the plane jolted, sharper and stronger than I was used to, my breath caught in my throat.

The cabin rattled slightly, and I felt my grip on the armrest tighten. My pulse quickened, betraying the calm facade I tried to maintain.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lisa glance at me. Her expression shifted, softening, and before I could process it, she offered her hand.

"Jennie," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the turbulence.

I hesitated for only a moment before gripping her hand tightly, the warmth of her skin grounding me in a way I didn't expect.

"Thank you," I whispered, barely audible, my voice shaky.

Her hand was firm, steady, and comforting. When the plane jolted again, I instinctively leaned closer, my head brushing against her shoulder before I tucked it against her neck.