No Strings Attached

Chapter Thirteen

“Obviously not. I’ve taken my breakfast before meeting up this loud-mouthed woman over here. She’s just sprouting nonsense,” Jennie replied, feeling frustrated. Truthfully, Rosé wasn’t lying but Jennie refused to admit it. She had always enjoyed the cakes and pastries which Lisa made. It tasted much better than any other cakes she had tasted.

Lisa reappeared at the table with a small selection of cakes. She chatted for a little while before excusing herself to the kitchen. It was a very busy day for her and many of her customers were students at the Seoul Culinary Academy who came to support their teacher’s café.

After finishing their cakes, Jennie and Rosé decided to leave as they didn’t want to disturb Lisa. Rosé told Jennie to say goodbye to Lisa while she waited outside.

As Jennie approached the kitchen, Lisa emerged with a paper carrier in her hand.

“For you. You can share it with Rosie later today,” Lisa said as she handed the carrier to Jennie.

“Thank you for the treat today. Rosie sends her regards. She’s waiting for me outside. I wish you all the best in your business,” Jennie said.

Lisa leaned in towards Jennie and stole a quick kiss on Jennie’s cheek.

“It’s your favourite,” Lisa whispered into Jennie’s ear. She patted Jennie’s arm and went back into the kitchen.

Jennie hurried out of the café as Rosé had been waiting for some time.

“What’s that? You bought some more cakes?” Rosé asked, pointing to the box.

“Lisa gave it to us.” Jennie peered into the box.

It looks like the Baileys brownies which she made for me in Tokyo.

“I see a smile creeping up your face,” Rosé said, eyeing her friend.

“It’s my favourite brownie with Baileys frosting,” Jennie said with a smile.

“Love changes, changes everything, love makes you fly…” Rosé sang, her eyes forming the shape of crescent moons.

“You’re nuts,” Jennie drew small circles beside her right temple.

Rosé draped an arm around Jennie’s shoulder. “Jennie, Jennie, dear Jennie. You’re in love and you don’t realise it. I may be nuts but at least I’m not blind.”

“Whatever.” Jennie ignored her friend and walked on. She felt her heart fluttering, her footsteps lighter as she headed for her car.

“Jen, you aren’t even walking properly. You’re skipping and that’s a sign of being in love!” Rosé yelled from the back as she caught up with her friend.

“Be prepared to walk home if you’re going to continue being mean!”

Rosé merely laughed and chased after her friend.

Back at the café, Jisoo was trying her best not to laugh when she saw Lisa walking back into the kitchen after passing Jennie the brownies.

“Hmm, Christmas is long over and I don’t remember hanging any mistletoe at the entrance of the kitchen,” Jisoo said aloud, rubbing her chin.

“Ya Kim Jisoo!” Lisa yelled, running over to Jisoo as she tried to hit Jisoo’s forehead. She was embarrassed by the fact that her friend caught her kissing Jennie.