The ride to the beach resort was actually fun. Somi and Sejeong managed to bicker even if they're so far away from each other.
Junmyeon kept singing along to the music and I loved listening to his voice, but then Bogum and Hyeri would sing along so loudly that would cause everyone to complain. We're all singing along with some songs though.
Then, when Jisoo snored in her nap, Somi managed to take a video which annoyed the hell out of Jisoo and threatened to fire her.
I can hear Sejeong bombarding Lisa with lots of questions too even when they're not seated next to each other. Mostly related to her hobbies.
After three hours, we reached the resort.
"Okay, we've got three rooms. One for the boys, the other two for us girls," Jisoo tells us, then looked at us girls, "For each of our room, girls, we have a bed for two then a single bed."
"I'll be wherever Lisa is!" Somi raises her hand like a student volunteering for plus points.
"Me too!" Sejeong slids an arm around Lisa's, and Somi being competitive, did the same.
"At this point, Lisa is safer with the guys," Hyeri chuckles.
"Yeah, you should join those two. Lisa is ours," Jisoo decides with finality.
I kept my mouth shut, even after meeting Lisa's gaze as if asking if I'm okay with that. I tried to smile and nod, then proceeded to get my things.
Sejeong and Somi were still sulking jokingly, but they all seemed excited as we went to where we'll be staying. We passed by the huge private pool, and the view from the second floor was amazing. It was overlooking the beach. We spent a while taking pictures, until Jisoo complained from being too tired smiling and posing.
Junmyeon carried my bag for me, placing it inside my room.
"Thanks," I smiled at him.
Lisa closed the door after he left.
"Shit, I forgot my wallet in the van," Jisoo rolls on the bed in agony, then gave me some puppy dog eyes.
I shook my head no, knowing she's about to ask me to get it. I'm not gonna run away from Lisa every chance I get, either.
She rolled her eyes then turned to Lisa. "Lisa, will you go grab it for me?"
"No, Chu. You go get it or maybe ask Bogum or Hyeri to go with you," I told her sternly, "Lisa and I will help with setting up the grill later."
"Okay Jen, still gatekeeping Lisa 'til this day," she stood up, but with a knowing smile.
I quickly stood up and kicked her ass, making her yelp until she got out.
Lisa was chuckling, until it died down when it was just us.
Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward.
"Are you really okay sharing the room with me?" Lisa asks, sitting on her single bed.
I looked at her, wetting my lips and swallowing hard as I nod. "Yeah.. It's... It's no problem. You?"
"As long as it's fine with you," she says genuinely.
I bit my lip and sat on the bed too, pretending that I'm busy getting some clothes out of my bag.
"Sorry I haven't told the girls about us... I mean our past. I hope it wasn't too awkward for you earlier."
I can sense her looking at me. "It's fine, Jennie."
"They have that... huge crush on you. I hope that doesn't make it awkward for you too," I laughed lightly, glad that she laughed along too, making things lighter.
"I'm used to it."
I raised a brow, looking at her. "Cocky much?"
She shrugged, "It's true. I mean, not just with the crush thing. My employees always look at me when I pass by their area, I meant those that I don't directly handle or meet with. I have a high rank in our company."
Honestly, she didn't sound cocky saying those things. It's just her stating what I already know. That's why even some from my company knows Lisa and gets starstruck because not only is she a huge name, she's also an eye candy.
If anything, she's still being humble with her words.
"I know..." I quietly mutter, continuing with fixing my things.
I let out a deep breath.
"Lis?"
I lowered my head even more.
"Yes?"
"Sorry if I turned down your friendship before. I was so angry at that time, with a lot of things. Even to myself," I mumble.
I just felt like I needed to apologize and recognize my mistakes if I wanted to start anew.
"Jennie, you don't have to apologize."
I shook my head.
"I asked you to stay away and got angry when you kept trying to help me out because you... you were just concerned about me."
I didn't mention her having feelings for me.
I wonder if it remained just the same.
"You were angry at me because I've hurt you before," she tells me.
I looked her in the eyes this time and shook my head, "I was hurt because of our break up but we both had our mistakes and it was... complicated for us. I know you were hurt too. I hope you forgive me for what happened to us too, for giving up on us even when there was really nothing... with Rosé."
She stared at me long enough, almost making me feel conscious. She kept opening her mouth and closing it again... until she cleared her throat and spoke, a strained chuckle escaping her lips, "I didn't expect you'd bring it up. That caught me off guard."
My cheeks must be so red right now.
"But really, Jen... I was at fault too. You got tired because I wasn't too forward with how I felt, but when I did, it was too late and my actions.. well, I fucked up showing it through my actions," she smiled sadly. "And I was also tad jealous of Andrew when we were still together. You must've sensed my bitterness when you two dated."
I didn't know talking about this would take off the heavy weight in my chest. I just laughed it off, and she did too.
"How are you now though?" I asked, treading on light waters.
She cracked a small smile. "Don't worry, I'm moving on little by little too. And no, I'm not being bitter with whatever's going between you and Junmyeon. I guess I just.. really want to be friends with you."
I know what she means. Seeing her happy is already enough with me. Maybe that's how she sees me too.
"We're just friends though."
She tilted her head, smiling, "Like us, huh?"
"Yeah... maybe."
-
Junmyeon and Bogum were tasked with buying drinks from the nearby store. We also brought some liquor here but they said we needed more.
Lisa, Hyeri and I were grilling some pork, already in our more comfortable fits. Somi's already in her bikinis, swimming in the pool. Sejeong is resting on the wooden chair under a huge umbrella, wearing shorts and bikini top.
I'm still wearing a shirt and shorts over my bikini. Lisa's wearing her bikini top and shorts too, while Hyeri and Jisoo have a loose robe over their bikinis.
"Let's swim in the beach when the sun's down," Hyeri suggests while fanning the meat.
"You're all sweaty," Lisa chuckled, handing me a tissue box.
I gratefully took it and wiped some all over my face.
"Thanks. God, this is so hot."
"So are you two... back together?" Hyeri blurts without even holding back, looking at me, "Who are you really dating, Jen? Junmyeon or Lisa? I'm so confused."
My eyes widened.
Lisa flicked Hyeri's forehead, "We're just friends."
"Aw! That's abuse of your employee," Hyeri overreacts.
"And Junmyeon's a good friend," I added, smiling a little.
"Okay? So which one do you like better?"
I glared at her. She just laughed with my reaction while Lisa just shook her head, going back to grilling the pork.
"Jisoo's really napping on that inflatable bed on the pool?" Lisa says, realizing that Jisoo is really asleep.
I looked at my bestfriend too, who seem to be snoring while Somi is taking another video of her.
"She'll be really sunburnt later," I chuckled.
"She'll be pissed," Lisa laughed.
"Well, she chose that sleepy life," Hyeri grins, then took a piece of meat on her mouth, "Yum!"
"Yah," I protested, "You've been eating a lot of it."
Lisa laughed, "Well, you should try it. Especially the ones I cooked."
Actually, she's doing more of the work between the three of us. I was doing more of the fanning lately, pretending to help.
I was surprised when Lisa came closer, holding a meat stabbed through a fork. "Open up," she urges.
I didn't think much with it and just opened my mouth, the meat almost melting in my mouth. My mouth watered some more.
I was about to get some more when Hyeri slapped my hand. "The boys are over there already. Let's all go eat this. Everyone! Let's eat! Before Jennie eats all these foods!"
"Yah!"
-
I sat beside Lisa on the bench, directly across the table is Junmyeon who's busy putting meat on my plate.
"Can you eat all that?" Lisa laughs, stealing a meat from my plate.
"Yah, Lisayah!" Junmyeon complains.
I rubbed my full tummy, "I'm too full, Junmyeon! Stop putting food on my plate!"
Junmyeon gave me a beer in can earlier. Lisa asked if I wanted soda too, which I also took because I'm not yet in the mood to drink beer.
I noticed that Bogum kept piling up Somi's plate with side dishes too, while Somi and Sejeong kept asking Lisa questions again.
"Are you single?" Sejeong asked her.
"Mm-hmm," Lisa nods, her mouth full.
"How long have you been single?"
Lisa raised three fingers before stuffing her mouth with food again.
Junmyeon whistled. "I didn't know that. Surely, you've moved on already, Lis?"
That made me look at Lisa.
"Y-Yah, why are you all asking me that?"
"Oh my God, she didn't answer the question. You're still not over your ex?" Somi concludes. "What about me, Lis?"
Jisoo and Sejeong threw a crumpled tissue to Somi.
I was still looking at her, curious on her answer.
"I'm... getting there," she answers truthfully. "It's not like I'm interested in starting a new relationship either. I don't have enough time to meet other people."
"What's your type, then?" Jisoo asks, glancing at me wickedly.
"Yah, why are you all seriously asking me?" Lisa complains again.
"Tall or short?" Bogum asked.
"Short," Lisa answered quickly, sighing afterwards.
"Dammit," Somi curses under her breath. I almost smirked. It's funny that they're cornering Lisa, actually.
"Blonde or brunette?" Hyeri asked.
"Brunette," Lisa looked down on her plate.
Somi sighed again, but Sejeong cheered.
"Sexy or cute?" Sejeong asked.
Lisa brought down her chopsticks, "Maybe a little of both."
They all reacted with a howl or cheer.
"Do you like girls who drink?"
Lisa leaned on the bench, crossing her arms. "Doesn't matter if she doesn't like to drink."
"Hmm. Fancy or simple?" Somi asked this time.
Lisa shrugged. "I don't really care but simpler girls attract me more before... but as long as she's caring and loving, especially to her family... that's most attractive."
"Is that what you liked about your ex?" Jisoo asked... my eyes wide at her.
I can sense that Lisa's avoiding my gaze as she nods.
We decided to take a dip in the beach when it wasn't so hot anymore and while it isn't dark outside yet.
They were all being playful, splashing water here and there, and drowning each other.
"You okay?" Junmyeon notices my silence. "You seem to be spacing out since earlier."
I blinked a couple of times as his words registered to my mind, then stared at him. "It's been a long day."
At the corner of my eyes, I can see Lisa splashing Jisoo some water. I can hear her laughter too.
"Lisa, save me!" Sejeong dramatically screams when Hyeri pushed down her shoulders.
"Yah, Hyeri!" Lisa scolds her.
"Nuh uh, you can't use the boss card here!" Jisoo's evilness prevailed as she amusedly watched Sejeong struggle.
"Do you want to go back and rest already?" Junmyeon's question brought me back to him and his worried eyes.
I forced a smile to stop worrying him and shook my head.
"Yah, Sejeong that should be me!" Somi kept splashing her water when she got lifted up by Lisa, now being guided as she sat on Lisa's shoulders.
"Ooh, I've always wanted to try this! Bogum go lift Somi up!" Sejeong grins, suddenly looking competitive.
"You, carry me too," I heard Jisoo tell Hyeri.
"No way, you should carry me!"
The two bickered until they settled for Jisoo to be lifted by Hyeri.
And of course, they told Junmyeon to carry me on his shoulders too. Now I'm on top of the waters, as well as Jisoo, Somi, and Sejeong.
Junmyeon held my thighs firmly as he advanced towards Sejeong and Lisa.
"Y-Yah!" Sejeong's eyes widened.
I couldn't help but laugh as our hands clashed, trying to push each other to the waters.
"Hold tight, Sejeong-ah," Lisa tells her.
But I was stronger at that time. I was able to push her, and Jisoo won against Somi.
"Go Jen!" I heard Lisa cheer for me, making me smile secretly.
In the end, I was the last man standing. When I went down, Junmyeon triumphantly carried me bridal style, making me scream when he playfully lifted me up.
I was all smiles... and then I saw Lisa and Sejeong laughing while splashing each other water.
"It's your fault we lost," Sejeong kept splashing water to her face.
Instead of being annoyed, Lisa returned the energy, "You should've held tighter, Sejeong-ah."
"Why do I sense something?" Jisoo suddenly wraps her arm around my neck, looking at me with narrowed eyes. "Jendeuk..."
My heart dropped, like I've suddenly been exposed for something I'm not even aware of and only she knows, because she knows me that well.
"Guys! Let's go, come on," Junmyeon tells everyone, "Take a shower then let's have that bonfire."
I quickly averted my eyes from Jisoo and moved back to the shore... away from her knowing eyes.
Rushing to get away from her, I even almost tripped along with the wave when I felt a hand or two on my arms and waist.
From my left is Junmyeon, an arm on my waist, while there's Lisa whose hand on my right arm was quickly removed, as if burnt by my skin.
"Careful," she says gently, looking at the both of us, before jogging her way out of the shore to catch up with Sejeong.
"Clumsy ass," Jisoo drapes an arm around me heavily, pulling me with her. Junmyeon was left scratching his neck. Then, Jisoo whispers, "You're done for, Jennie Kim."
"Chu!" I protested.
"My God, you thought you could keep it from me when I could smell from miles away your jealousy?"
"Y-Yah, I'm not jealous what the fuck?" I hissed, making sure no one's near us.
"You curse badly when you're defensive."
"I'm really not, Chu!"
"Okay, so why were you always staring at them?"
"Because! I don't know. There's not much to look at here."
"Much like how Junmyeon is only looking at you?"
I let out a deep breath in frustration. "I'm just glad to be friends with her again, okay?" I whispered, "Let's talk about this next time, please."
I just don't want anyone to overhear us.
"Fine, fine. But this wouldn't be the end of it. We'll talk soon. Hear me?"
I get why she's worried. She's happy when I told her before that things has been going well and I was happily moving forward after everything despite her always annoying me about my exes... but now, I'm kind of scared of why she felt worried.
I showered beside the private pool so I only had to change clothes when I went inside our room's bathroom. Lisa and Jisoo were already dressed into dry clothes when I went in.
Lisa just smiled at me briefly when our eyes met.
Wearing my tank top and shorts, Lisa did a double take on me, almost heating up my cheeks. But then I realized she looked worried. "Do you want me to bring my other jacket? It's gonna be cold outside."
I realized that Jisoo must have went ahead already because she's no longer in the room.
My eyes darted back to Lisa.
She looked breathtaking even when she's wearing a simple white, thin shirt and shorts, her hair clammed up messily.
...and I should look away because I'm starting to act like a creep.
Lisa didn't want for my response. She quicky rummaged her bag for her yellow hoodie.
"Just tell me if ever you feel cold later, alright?" she says, slinging her hoodie over her shoulder.
"Then... can I wear it now?"
She happily gave me her hoodie.
It smells ridiculously great, just like her. And I love how huge and comfortable it is on me.
Seems like Lisa liked it too. I caught her staring a little longer than necessary, then blushed and looked away when our eyes met.
She's got three packs of marshmallows on her hand as we got out at the same time that Sejeong and Somi came out of their room.
"Lis, let me help you with that!" Somi excitedly comes over her. Again, as if they're on a competition, Sejeong clung to Lisa's arm.
"Yah.. seriously..." Hyeri comments when she saw how the two acted.
Now, Lisa looked a bit shy again but her smile was wide, amused at the two's efforts to be noticed by her.
I followed closely behind them along with Hyeri, trying not to frown too much. What are these two seriously up to?
When we came to the fireplace, Jisoo and Junmyeon were already starting up the fire.
Junmyeon beamed when he saw me, dusting his hands off on his shorts and then jogging towards me, "Hi. Do you want to sit beside me?"
"S-Sure," I said, feeling the gazes of our other friends on us.
"Lisa, do you want to sit beside me?" Somi asks too.
"No, sit beside me instead!" Sejeong says.
She ended up sitting beside Sejeong while Somi was beside Bogum, and Jisoo with Hyeri. I think the two girls played rock, paper, and scissors to decide who's gonna sit beside Lisa.
We all have some drinks on our hands as the night grew colder and it became darker. There was just the fire illuminating the place.
Junmyeon was making s'mores for me while we drink, when Bogum brought out a bottle.
They all grunted, already knowing what he's suggesting.
"Really, Bogum? Spin the bottle?" Sejeong shook her head while eating the s'mores that Lisa melted for her.
Since when did she become that attentive to other girls? I mean... she used to ignore other people all the time.
Maybe she's gotten the hang of being around my friends, and she treats them like one to, especially Sejeong...
"I'm down!" Jisoo excitedly says, looking at each one of us, "Come on, party poopers. Let's play truth or dare."
She spun the bottle which stopped pointing at Somi. Jisoo grins, "Somi. Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Boo!" Sejeong teases, but Somi just made face.
"Okay," Jisoo cracks a grin, "What do you hate about your job?"
My ears would perk up if it could. Somi's eyes widened.
"Hmm, maybe I hate taking the minutes of the meeting," she gave me a peace sign which I just laughed at.
Next, Somi was the one to spin the bottle which landed on Junmyeon.
"Dare," he says bravely.
Somi emptied her can of beer, throwing it to the side before grinning widely at him, "It's your lucky day because I dare you to hold Jennie's hand until we end this stupid game."
He seemed hesitant and unsure so I laid out my hand for him to take.
"It's fine," I told him.
Our friends kept teasing us which we just ignored. We agreed to drink if we didn't want to do the dare or say the truth, but I don't mind having him hold my hand.
The next spin ended up on Lisa.
"Truth," she says, hugging her knees while pouting. Cute.
"Do you like someone in here?" Junmyeon asked, obviously without a clue of how it made me feel uneasy, especially when I locked eyes with Lisa for a split second that probably, no one noticed.
But maybe Jisoo did notice. And Bogum. And Hyeri. Maybe it was obvious for those who knew...
It must've baffled the others when Lisa finished off her alcohol.
I know there's a possibility that she likes Sejeong, or even Somi...
But what's the use of fooling myself when I know there's a huge chance that she still likes me?