More Than You Know

23 : Something to chew on

The stage looked full, the energy buzzing. Yet Jae-suk's grin widened. "And finally... our last guest. She's conquered charts, runways, and hearts worldwide. Please welcome the dancing machine, global idol, fashion icon, and dance mentor-Lalisa Manoban!"

The roar that followed was deafening.

Lisa strode out in effortless all-black: black button down polo, clean-cut trousers, sneakers. Her half-up messy bun only amplified the casual charisma radiating off her. She bowed low to the hosts, grinning at the audience.

Then she looked across the row of seated guests-
And her eyes landed on Jennie.

Jennie's breath caught. For a second, she forgot to clap along like the others. Surprise flickered clear across her face before she managed to soften it with a polite smile.

Lisa's own brows ticked up, equal surprise flashing-then she chuckled under her breath and raised a hand, waving at Jennie like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The audience screamed.

The camera panned instantly, catching Jennie's blink, her small smile, Lisa's playful wave.

"Omo!" Bong-sun cried. "She walked out and the first person she waves to is Jennie!"

Lisa leaned into her mic, voice smooth. "Well... she's my best friend."

Jennie ducked her head, smile twitching as the audience squealed. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, composure slipping for a heartbeat.

Lisa slid into the empty seat beside her.

Now the row felt different. Balanced but charged.

Jungkook leaned across Jennie, grinning. "Lisa-ya! Yah, why didn't you tell me you'd be here?"

Lisa chuckled, fist-bumping him. "I didn't know either. Surprise."

Their casual banter flowed easily-Jungkook already teasing Lisa about her messy bun, Lisa threatening to expose his karaoke habits-and the audience loved it.

But what really drew attention was Lisa and Jennie.

The hosts dove straight in.

"Jennie-ssi, Lisa-ssi... this is interesting. Did you know each other would be here today?" Jae-suk asked.

Both shook their heads. Jennie smiled faintly. "I had no idea."

Lisa added, smirking, "She looks more shocked than I am."

Jennie gave her a side-eye, lips twitching. "Don't act like you weren't shocked too."

"Oooohhh!" the audience erupted.

The banter continued effortlessly, the two slipping into rhythms that felt less like scripted variety and more like them. Lisa leaning back with her leg crossed, Jennie occasionally leaning toward her when laughing. Lisa whispered a quick comment off-mic, and Jennie's genuine laugh rang out-unfiltered, soft, unguarded.

The chemistry wasn't just strong. It was magnetic.

Then, mid-laughter, Jennie forgot herself. Her hand-relaxed, thoughtless-rested on Lisa's thigh.

The camera zoomed in.

The audience shrieked. The hosts gasped theatrically.

"Jennie-ssi!" Bong-sun cried. "Your hand, your hand!"

Jennie blinked, realizing. Color shot into her cheeks. She quickly pulled back, flustered. Lisa just chuckled low, unfazed, throwing an arm along the back of Jennie's chair like it was all perfectly natural.