Second year entering a busy week:
Time dragged itself throughout the week, felt like it was moving too slow. After quite a good weekend now they had to face the reality: quizzes and papers. As the science students prepared themselves for the quizzes, the international business students had to submit their paper and put together group presentation.
"I'm overwhelmed, I need to manage few more things for the Welcoming Party this Friday," Jinyoung said with a bored voice.
"Can only imagine. I do nothing but studying; still I don't think I'm well-prepared." Taehyung sighed.
Jisoo, Lisa, Taehyung, Soojoo, Bona and Jinyoung were in the Central Library; it was 9 PM but they hadn't had any plan to go home yet. Cold coffee from the vending machine- which cups were scattered on the desk- tickled their nerves with its caffeine and signature bad taste.
The Central Library was cramped with students of all majors that night. On the other hand, the International Business students were gathering in the IB library; where they were served good coffee from the IB café, comfortable and refined facilities and exclusively isolated from the overcrowded Central Library.
"Jen, can I see your notes for a second please?"
"Strategic Management?"
"Yes."
Jennie handed her notes to Doyeon; the later skimmed through her notes and typed something on her laptop. Their group needed to present their work tomorrow; with only few hours left, they could only hope they managed to finish this before the sun rose.
***
Jisoo missed Jennie; everytime her brain forgot to worry about the quizzes, it went straight to Jennie.
Jennie Jennie Jennie.
Jennie told her she'd be busy with her paper and group presentation this week. On the other hand, Jisoo would have the Welcoming Party this weekend. So, when will I get to see her?
Lisa could always find time to see Rosé. She'd pick her up in the morning, where they got time to talk (and do stuff) before their class begin; Lisa would also call her in the middle of their group study just to let Rosé know that she missed her.
But I miss Jennie too. And I can't tell her, can I?
She's busy, she has no time to miss me.
Maybe she has forgotten Kim Jisoo from science.
It was 8 in the evening; they were preparing for another quiz for another day. Jisoo went outside the library, leaning back against the wall. It was cold outside. She unlocked her phone, staring at her phonebook. After a while, she finally brought herself to call Jennie.
***
"Jisoo?"
When Jennie picked up her call- her voice was as melodious as ever- Jisoo felt something wild in her stomach. She really does miss her voice.
"Hi Jennie. It's Jisoo." Jisoo smiled, felt like her fatigue was gone just like that.
She heard Jennie excused herself from her friends and walked towards a more quiet place.
"Hi..." Jennie finally said softly.
"Hi... Are you busy?"
"I'm with my friends, working on our paper."
"I see. I'm preparing for quiz."
Jennie paused, "And you're calling me because..."
I miss your voice.
"Uhm.. just checking out. Have you had your dinner?"
"I have. What about you?"
"I have."
"Good..."
"You're busy so I'll just end this call... Please take care. Don't stay out too -"
"Are you with Soojoo?" Jennie cut her.
"We're studying together, yes."
"Oh... You're always together, aren't you?"
"We're usually studying together."
"Having lunch and dinner together as well?"
"Pretty much. I don't have many friends. It's always the same people day to day."
Jennie didn't answer.
"Are you with Rosé?"
"I am..." Jennie paused, "I'm with Doyeon as well, she bought me dinner."
"Oh." An unsettling feeling jolted her, who is this Doyeon?
"Doyeon?" Jisoo asked.
"A friend."
Jennie added hurriedly, "Like Soojoo to you."
Doyeon to Jennie is like Soojoo to Jisoo doesn't sit right with Jisoo. Jisoo suddenly felt threatened, of what she wasn't quite sure.
"And why did she buy you dinner?" Jisoo tittered, she was unhappy.
"She's been wanting to take me out for dinner. But I had no time so tonight I let her buy me dinner."
"She's been asking you out?"
"Mhm..."
"What's that for?" Jisoo blurted out.
"You tell me..." Jennie said nonchalantly.
Jisoo took a deep breath. She tried to be reasonable, of course people are lining up to take her for a dinner, Jisoo. That was too logical and she hated the logic.
She pull off her sweater, the sudden temperature rise irritated her. She wanted to say something but her mind was shut down.
"And I can't see you until the next weekend." she finally said in frustration.
"What about this weekend?"
"We have freshmen reception this weekend..." she whined, "I can't see you."
"Oh... I see..." Jennie said smilingly. The fact that Jennie didn't share the same frustration with her bothered Jisoo.
"I guess I'll see you soon then." Jisoo pouted.
"Maybe sooner than you expect." Again, Jennie said cheerfully.
"Uh?"
"Good luck for your quiz tomorrow."
"Thanks. Drive safe tonight okay?"
***
Jisoo was relieved that she finally could hear Jennie's voice. But at what cost? She went back inside the library with a sagging posture. What a crapy night, she thought.
***