More Than You Know

43 : A Date but Not really

Jennie shot her a look, but Lisa only smirked faintly. Somewhere online, Jennie knew, the shipping hashtags were probably already igniting like wildfire.

They moved slowly through the space, pausing here and there, pretending to admire canvases that cost more than cars. Jennie lingered before one painting—an abstract explosion of color, sharp and chaotic.

Lisa didn’t look at the art. She looked at Jennie.

Jennie, sensing the weight of her gaze, turned slightly, brows lifted. “What?”

Lisa’s lips curved, soft but certain. “You’re the only masterpiece I can’t look away from.”

Jennie blinked, heat rushing to her cheeks before she managed to school her expression. She tried to turn back to the painting, but the corners of her lips betrayed her, lifting discreetly.

Lisa noticed. She always noticed. Her grin widened, and she bent, lips grazing just near her ear. “You’re smiling, Nini.”

Jennie slapped her arm lightly, cheeks aflame. “Shut up.”

Lisa laughed, low and delighted, and the sound made Jennie’s stomach flip.

Before Jennie could muster a retort, the gallery’s host—an elegant woman in a satin navy dress—approached, her smile widening as soon as she saw them.

“Miss Kim, Miss Manoban. What a delight,” she greeted warmly, offering a slight bow of her head. “I wasn’t aware we’d have the honor tonight.”

Jennie straightened politely, bowing back. “Thank you for having us. The collection is stunning.”

Lisa mirrored the courtesy, her hand resting at the small of Jennie’s back again as the curator began to guide them. With every explanation, Jennie listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions. Lisa—ever the charmer—interjected with an occasional quip, drawing a laugh from the curator more than once.

Jennie watched her with quiet awe, struck by how easily Lisa held space in any room. Confident, magnetic, always making people feel at ease. And yet, when their gazes met across a brushstroke of color and champagne light, Jennie knew—with a certainty that hollowed her chest—Lisa only ever had eyes for her.

The curator drifted away at last, her satin dress swaying as she moved to welcome another pair of guests. The hum of voices filled the gallery once more, champagne glasses clinking in the background, but for Jennie and Lisa, it felt as if the noise dulled into a soft blur.

Lisa tilted her head toward Jennie, lips quirking in that half-smile that always seemed to carry a secret. “You asked three very serious questions about brushstrokes and symbolism,” she teased, lowering her voice, “but the whole time you were sneaking glances at me.”

Jennie’s brows shot up. “Excuse me?”

Lisa leaned just enough to make her words linger against Jennie’s ear. “Caught you.”

Jennie gasped lightly, eyes widening before narrowing with feigned indignation. “Don't get ahead of yourself, Manoban.”

“Adorable when you’re defensive,” Lisa countered smoothly, her grin widening when Jennie swatted at her arm.

“God. Sometimes I think why I even fall in love with such a braggart like you.”

Lisa's smile softened, “Because I'm charming.”

“Not really.” Jennie rolled her eyes playfully.

“You said it yourself. That I'm a charmer.” Lisa chuckled, finger tapping Jennie's cheek, “Admit it, Nini. You are charmed by me.”