Between the Lines - Jenlisa

Part 1

The practice room was empty expect for the two of them. The others had left an hour ago, Jennie stayed behind, scrolling through her phone while Lisa absentmindedly played with her hoodie strings.

"You're quiet today." Lisa finally said, tilting her head.

Jennie looked up. Her eyes meeting Lisa's in the mirror. "Just tired."

Lisa wasn't convinced. She had known Jennie too long, knew the way her voice changed when she was holding something back. Lisa let out a dramatic sigh before slidding next to her on the floor.

"Wanna tell me what's on your mind, Miss Kim?" Lisa teased , nudging her shoulder.

Jennie hesitated. The truth was, she'd been thinking too much-- about Lisa, about the way Lisa's laugh mde her stomach flip, about how they were always drawn to each other like magnets 

But Lisa had always been Lisa-- , carefree, easygoing, affectionate with everyone. Jennie couldn't let herself think she was special.

"It's nothing," Jennie said, forcing a smile.

Lisa studied her, then grinned. "Liar"

Jennie groaned,throwing her head back. "You're so annoying."

"You love it."

Jennie's breath hitched. Lisa said it so easily, without thinking.Jennie wished she could do the same.

Lisa watched her, something unreadable in her gaze. Then, in a rare moment of seriousness, she stood and reached out-- fingers brushing lightly against Jennie's wrist.

"Hey." Lisa said softly. "If something's bothering you, you know you can tell me, right?"

Jennie looked down at Lisa's hand, warmth spreeding where their skin touched. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them down. 

"I know." She whispered. 

For now that would be enough.

Jennie pulled her wrist away gently, though the warmth of Lisa's touch lingered. She grabbed her water bottle,taking a slow sip to steady herself. 

Lisa didn't push, didn't demand answers.she just watched, her expression unreadable-- so different from the playful girl everyone knew.

Jennie wished she could be more like her. Lisa never seemed afraid of what she felt.

"Come on." Jennie said, forcing her voice to stay light. "I'll race you to the car."

Lisa's eyes lit up. "Oh, you're on."

The tension from moments before faded as they run out into the cool night air, sneakers slapping against the pavement. Lisa reached the car first, of course--she always did. Jennie blamed her unfairly long legs.

"Loser buys snacks." Lisa declared, smug.

Jennie groaned. "Fine. but I'm getting the more expensive ones just to make you suffer."

Lisa only grinned, stepping closer. "As long as we share,"

Jennie's heart stuttered. Lisa was standing too close, their breaths mingling in the space between them. It would be so easy to close the gap, to stop pretending. 

Instead, Jennie pushed Lisa's forehead lightly with her fingers "Personak space, Lalisa."

Lisa laughed, but something flickered in her eyes. "Right, wouldn't want people getting the wrong idea." 

Jennie's stomach twisted.

would it really be the wrong idea ?  Jennie thought to herself.

Lisa opened the car door, bowing dramatically. "after you, my lady."

Jennie rolled her eyes, but she was smilling as she slid into the seat. Lisa had a way of making things feel easy, even when Jennie's thoughts were anything but.

As they drove through the quiet Seoul streets Lisa reach for the radio button. "Music?"

Jennie nodded. Lisa's playlist started playing and Jennie wasn't surprised when it was a song they both loved-- on they always sang together during long car rides.

Lisa start humming first, then softly singing along. Jennie joined without thinking, their voices blending effortlessly. 

It was always like this with Lisa. 

Natural. Uncomplicated.

Expect for the part where Jennie was falling for her best friend.