"Kuma-yah!!"
Jisoo watched the scene unfolding, with Jinwoo just perched on top of the stairs and her following the younger girl on the main floor. A brown pomeranian went yapping excitedly. Jennie knelt to the ground just as the little being lunged into her arms. She squealed loudly like a kid when she welcomed it.
"Did you miss me?! Hmm? Ppo ppo?" Jennie heartily giggled as the puppy licked her chin then her cheeks. It was too obedient to her words, actually giving her wet kisses on her face upon request. "Kiyowo! I miss you too, baby."
'Cute. Why is she... why are they so cute?!'
The interaction made Jisoo's heart swell at the sight. Her smile just kept getting wider and she could've stood there for hours, maybe even days, just observing how Jennie acts around the brown puppy. If she isn't Kuma's, the little being who's currently settled and tucked into Jennie's arms, owner then there was no other explanation. The footsteps behind sounded as Jinwoo descended the stairs. There was ever a delighted expression on his face, seeing that he had also tidied up when the two girls did. He was starting to look less hassled and more handsome than ever.
"I know you want to have him around again as soon as possible so I asked if I could take him home. His vet said he's good to go and of course..." Jinwoo scratched Kuma's ear which earned him some attention before the latter turned back to Jennie. "It would be better if he's around his rightful owner."
"I take it Kai isn't as well as him?"
"He's getting better yet somehow..." Jennie nodded as he shrugged "And Auntie--"
"Would keep him around. Of course. That guy listens to her more than me after all."
"She practically raised him."
Jennie patted Kuma's head before it jumped from her and she kept her eyes on him, following his trails. Jisoo noticed it coming closer to her so she bent on one knee to pet him. She was still hearing their conversation nevertheless. "More than she has raised me."
"Jennie..."
"Looks like he likes you, Jaesu." She dismissed Jinwoo's call and Jisoo had a feeling that the younger girl approaching her and Kuma was a way to avoid it further. She picked him up and did a wave with its tiny paw. "Annyeong. My name is Kuma. And your name is?"
'Did she just... was that a freaking aegyo?!'
The older girl tried so hard to successfully keep down the squeal she had when Jennie talked in that cute voice. As if it was really what Kuma would've said or he entirely agreed with the girl holding her, he barked and smiled. Or Jisoo would've called that a smile with its eyes filled with glee.
She decided to play along. "Mine's Kim Jisoo."
"Ah... Kim Jaesu?" Jennie repeated with an aegyo that might have just made her heart flutter more. And the little cute brown puppy wasn't helping in lessening the cuteness in front of her.
"Jisoo."
"Jaesu?"
"Ji-Soo." She enunciated the two syllables as if it'll work around the latter. She giggled when Kuma barked in reply as if understanding everything. "It's Jisoo, okay? Listen to me."
"It's Jaesu, Kuma-yah. Call her Jaesu." The way the puppy looked up at her and they stared at each other made it seem like they were really having a conversation. Feeling that Kuma isn't volatile even with strangers, Jisoo tickled its tummy. That gave him a reason to turn back to Jisoo. "He won't. He only listens to me. That's why--"
Before Jennie could even finish her words, her puppy reached for Jisoo to be petted. They could hear the affectionate barking and he licked the other girl's hand. This earned surprised chuckles from both girls.
"Will you look at that?" Jisoo commented because as soon as Jennie let him go, he was contented to be received in the other girl's arms.
"Yah! Kuma! I'm your mom! What's wrong with you?"
"There's nothing wrong with him, Jen. Don't be so sassy with him."
They didn't notice, too into their own little world but Jinwoo's eyebrows slightly raised as he heard the nickname. His cousin didn't even look offended at the remark which could've caused some lashing out way back before. As far as he knows, only a few people could call Jennie by her name let alone a shortened version of it. He watched with silent amusement as Jennie and Jisoo banter with each other.
"I'm not sassing him!"
Jisoo was busy playing with Kuma that she exclaimed with every bit of affection she felt for him. In fact, it was returned too which made her increase her liking for it by a thousand times more. "He likes me! Aww!"
"Yeah well he loves me! I'm his mom!"
"I think he wants me to be his mom too."
Jennie prevented a huge smile by fighting for her right with her pomeranian instead. "Kuma! Come here! Kuma-yah!"
When everything went back to its rightful place, which means Kuma in his original owner, Jinwoo didn't mind holding back the chuckle he had. The two girls were clearly enjoying themselves with the mere addition of the gorgeous fur ball. Jennie eyed Jisoo before turning to her cousin.
"Oppa."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming here and bringing Kuma along. I'm really happy that we could spend it together." She said with a smile but even when Jisoo's all for Jennie being happy, the thought of the two blood related people celebrating it together instead of with her kind of put down her spirits.
"I'm here to keep my promise."
"Yeah and about that..." Jinwoo blinked before Jennie hesitantly continued, "Jisoo also has to keep hers and I need to see through it."
He tilted his head to the side, giving the other girl a curious look. "You mean..?"
"We have plans. Don't we, Jisoo?"
With pair of eyes that she both adores focusing on her, Jisoo was almost petrified to even open her mouth. They both awaited answers and she didn't know which expectation to exceed. It was either confessing that Jennie spending it with her in a place without him should be prioritized. Or brushing it off like it was no big deal and letting the two spend Christmas like how they were supposed to in the first place.
"Um yeah we do but... your cousin's already here, Jennie, and--" Jisoo took one look at the slight crease on the latter's forehead, at the beginnings of a pout and frown before she realized nothing else mattered. Jennie would be disappointed too if they didn't go as planned. She sensed the excitement in her when they woke up and it might not be only because Jinwoo's arrival after all. No, those hopeful eyes staring at her instead of the other person in the room whom Jennie waited for could mean that she was expecting more from her other than putting the plan off. "I'd really like to make this Christmas worth remembering for you. For her, Jinwoo-ssi... oppa."
She corrected herself which probably sounded weird to the young man. Jennie didn't mind though as she even graced her with a smile. They would've been caught in shared gazes with promising words to convey in between them but a clearing of throat brought them back to present time.
"So... you two are off to somewhere? Not staying in?" He simply asked, eyeing the girls.
"Yup. For three days."
Jinwoo had his mouth agape for the information. "Three days, Jennie?"
Jisoo immediately felt for the guy especially after all the trouble he went through. Now, knowing he wasn't even about to spend it with her because Jennie made plans... that's a call for surprise and hurt too. He exhaled long and she spoke up what she deemed was only fair.
"Or we could just..." Jennie glanced at her and she only smiled weakly. "I mean since your cousin's here now and all, you should also spend time with him..."
She squinted her eyes before asking, "But you want to extend your stay, right?"
"Yeah and clearly..." The older girl chuckled a bit and shrugged. She leaned in to whisper at her ear. She didn't really want to say it but she did anyway. "Jinwoo oppa also wants to make it up to you. You should let him do that too, Jennie. Family first, right?"
It looked like the younger girl was deciding with much thought. As her gaze went from Jisoo to Jinwoo then somehow ended up with her puppy which she eventually picked up again, she raised a finger up. She gave a small smile to Jisoo.
"You're right." The two older people nodded their heads as Jennie faced her cousin. "She's absolutely right. I'm sorry for being inconsiderate, oppa."
He just smiled in return and Jisoo felt a bit downcast even when she knew what she said was what should've been it in the first place. "So..."
~***~
"So..."
"So?"
"Since when did you want to try acting like Santa?"
Jisoo stole another glance on the back seat of the car which sat multiple presents that are the same but only wrapped differently. She closed her mouth because it's not like she was a stranger to all of this. The BMW's soft revving echoed inside and she was mesmerized with the grin on Jennie's face. It's been on display since they left the Kim household and even the whole time they were buying stuff to bring to the orphanage.
"I couldn't come empty handed."
"You didn't have to buy so many."
"Well there are so many people in there. What do you expect them to do? One present being shared by three or four children? That's mean, Jaesu." Jennie gasped then cut Jisoo's remark off. "Besides... fine. I don't have to but I want to."
"That's... wow. Really thoughtful of you."
"You didn't seem to think so earlier."
"You went on to decide and leave Jinwoo oppa--"
"What's the deal between you and my Jinwoo oppa anyway? Are you like tight?" She cut her off and went on asking as if this had bugged her all day.
Jisoo shook her head at the question. "What?"
"You seem close. How did you know him?"
"He told you." She paused while choosing her words carefully. "He went to visit the orphanage from time to time. He knew me when I was a kid."
"And funnily enough, you made quite an inpression for him to remember you." Jennie took a turn as the GPS guided her to it.
She looked outside the window, hindering the latter to notice the blush that she could feel. She totally knew about that impression she made to Jinwoo years back. "No, I didn't."
"Pfft. Jinwoo oppa would get lost even when he's been into the same place more than twice or even when he has a map by his hand. His memory isn't that good."
"You ditched him and now you're backstabbing him?"
"Yah... he knows about his flaws, you know! We all do." She saw Jisoo's teasing smile and rolled her eyes. "Are you thinking that I'm getting back at him? That's why I ditched him?"
"For real? You're asking that for real?"
"Real talk." She nodded as she halted the car, the red light urging her to. "Take it as my seventh question."
"It's just your seventh?"
"Now that's your ninth."
"Yah!"
Jennie giggled and Jisoo felt the car moving once more. "I didn't ditch him to get back at him, you know."
"Why did you choose me then?" She cleared her throat when the other girl widened her eyes though she kept them on the road. "I mean... why did you choose to spend it with me instead of..."
"It feels like I should be. Like weird voodoo, Christmas spirit and shit, you know." She replied instead of directly answering the question.
Jisoo exaggerated a gasp as Jennie plastered a smirk. "Unbelievable. I already used that line."
"In the first place, it's mine and I'm taking it back." She raised her forefinger as if to reprimand the latter. "I always take back what's mine so shush."
"But--"
The younger girl tutted at her and turned on the stereo. "I'm trying to drive. Stop distracting me."
"I..." Jisoo started but then decided to just turn up the volume and jam to the song playing. "I love this song."
The two of them started jamming to the song, humming at first before finally singing. Jennie's singing voice apparently was more than average to Jisoo's ears. She never really heard her sing but that being partnered with a Christmas song might just increased her liking for the season.
"Baby all I want for Christmas--"
"Is you!" Jisoo finished with a playful way hitting the right notes. When the younger girl chuckled with total glee, she turned to look at her.
"You do?"
It was weird but she didn't mind the blush on her face. "It's the lyrics."
"Yeah right. I wouldn't be surprised if you also want me for your birthday." Jennie commented and Jisooo could already see the orphanage a few blocks away.
"Wow!" She clapped her hands along her way, smiled on both of their faces. "You're really--"
"Right? Perfect? Straight to the point?"
Jisoo shook her head in disbelief yet there was a smile on her face. "I was gonna say full of yourself."
"You know you want to ask for it, baby girl." Jennie winked at her which was enough to make both of them laugh.
Jisoo had nothing to say anymore because even when the latter was joking, there might actually be some truth to her words that hit the mark. There was nothing to disrupt the good mood and the younger girl humming to the song was all that she wants to record and play again and again. If only she had bought a snow globe for herself too, she might have done just that so she'll hear Jennie singing anytime she wants. And Jennie is right because spending time like this on her birthday with the girl that holds her affections just might be what she wants.
She gazed at Jennie again and noticed the slight crease on her forehead. "By the way, when's your-- oh wow!"
It didn't actually shock Jisoo of the scene but it obviously was different for the younger girl. The car was slowing down as they reached their destination. The children were playing around, mostly boys but with girls being competitive, throwing snow balls at each other. Some little ones were making snowmen.
Once they officially came to a halt, Jisoo saw Jennie with a frown as she saw Jong Seob falling on his butt. Courtesy of Hyun Jin throwing a quited large snowball and the stray one skyrocketing itself upon the shiny black BMW's hood. Jennie blinked a couple of times as a few children noticed them and waved their hands, seeing that Jisoo was with her.
"Yeah... they like to have snowball fights."
"They do it so rough for their age... they might hurt each other, Jisoo! Look!"
She followed where Jennie's forefinger pointed and chuckled. It seems like the latter wasn't only scared for the children's sake. Not with that way a frown appeared on her face.
"If you're scared of being hit by them... don't be."
"Easy for you to say, you didn't see how lethal that one was!" She said as she hit her on the arm lightly to get her attention. "Did you see that?!"
'I didn't. I was busy staring at you.'
"Jisoo!"
"Oh yeah! Yeah. Where?" She turned her gaze back on the scene in front of them, lowkey rooting for Jong Seob to get back on his playmates or be hitten back again to be buried under the snow. "Wow. Do you see that?"
"He fell on the ground!"
'Yeah I can see...'
The older girl was about to comment how Jong Seob will survive but the pure horror on Jennie's face created fits of giggles in her. "He slipped. But he'll be okay."
"Yeah he'll be okay, Kim-I-Have-No-Empathy-For-Pain-And-Tragedy-Jisoo." She rolled her eyes and fixed a serious stare at her. "What if that hits us, huh?"
"Are you afraid for him or for you? Because of a gigantic snow ball that might land on your face once we get out of the car?" She reached behind them, getting the bags which contained presents. Jennie was either glaring at her or watching the children, she couldn't tell when humongous presents distract her.
"What do you think I am? I'm not afraid! I'm not a coward!" She said with such indignation that only led Jisoo to laugh out loud. The latter took the largest bag instead of letting Jisoo handle it. "That's bullshit!"
"Okay okay fine. I believe..." She got off the car with Jennie following through. The children exclaimed and squealed excitedly at the sight of her. They would've ran towards her if only they weren't protecting their bases and reputation for the best team for snowball fights. "Not. Miss Jennie Ruby-I'm-Not-Afraid-I'm-Not-A-Coward-Jane Kim. That's bullshit. I get you now."
"Good! That's better. Wait a second..." She furrowed her eyebrows as the older girl started towards the entrance of the orphanage. Jisoo was laughing to herself because the teasing must've been understood by Jennie already. "Yah! It's the truth! That's not bull-- Kim Jisoo!"
Jisoo told herself to remember to thank the children for their presence. The fact that Jennie already restrained herself with her usual words around them was an advantage. She could imagine herself teasing Jennie again or actually playing with the youngsters. It already looked like too much fun and chaos but all the good time saved up for Christmas alone. The orphanage might even be more lively and quite happier than before with both of their presence in there.
And Jennie dodging stray snowballs, squealing here and there then running after Jisoo, one big bag on her hand and the other on a small part of the latter's back, made it seem like another child was added into the mix instead of a young adult visitor.
~***~
"You look lovely. Has anyone told you that? Well of course they have, haven't they?" Sae Ra remarked as she busied herself on serving the two girls some hot tea. She was also dusting the snow from the shoulder of Jisoo's company. "I hope you realize that's not usually how we welcome visitors."
"Thank you so much. I appreciate your way of welcoming, of course." Jennie answered politely with a smile that already took the affection of the old woman. "Yours alone because someone saw it cool to start a snowball fight before I could even introduce myself to you."
The old woman was already becoming attached to Jennie, asking to be treated by her like all the other children do. She was still polite, of course, and somehow Jisoo wondered if the visitor's crazy antics only applied to people of her age. She definitely didn't seem rude, only playful and maybe a bit of a tease. Sae Ra didn't see Jennie Kim as bad news at all.
Though with the way Jennie and Jisoo arrived, it almost horrified her that their visitor might just thought twice on staying over. The huge smiles, a few triumphant one though, told her that the younger girl didn't mind. In fact, she might just looked a bit proud she got to serve the last hit before the old woman eventually broke the fight. Jisoo was scolded, of course, as she took a shot at Jennie as soon as they dropped their belongings to safety.
"It's just tradition." Jisoo muttered with a grin as she fistbumped the young boys.
Jennie saw this and squinted her eyes. "To attack when I was unaware?"
"Yeah and to say you're surrendering but to actually have another snowball behind your back?" She answered back, remembering Jennie's dramatics as she even waved her white handkerchief only to fool her.
"So a snowball fight ends up with someone tackling you to the cold hard ground?"
"In my defense, it was just cold not hard. There was a pile of snow to cushion you, Jennie. Technically, that's not hard ground."
"That's a foul!" Eun Ji exclaimed from the carpeted floor, siding with Jennie as she had done earlier when they were at war. "You said that before, unnie."
"See?! That's a foul, Kim Jisoo!" Jennie winked at the little girl who backed her up. The children then started talking about what is and what's not fair as if it was an actual battlefield. They were taking sides and it shocked Jisoo just how many got on Jennie's side.
A few of them knew Jennie already, courtesy of that trip to amusement park before, but Hyun Jin was specially comfortable with her. Too comfortable that he dared to pick a fight with her. It was funny because Jong Seob took part as Jennie's team which was almost unbelivable to happen when he always takes Jisoo's side.
"Let me serve you some snacks. I hope you don't mind some leftover pie." Sae Ra said once the children have a playful fight on their own and the two teenage girls left on the table were having a to and fro argument.
"Thank you but I'm really--" Jennie gasped when the dessert was placed in front of her. "Is this... lemon tart?"
"It's pie."
Jisoo took a piece from her own plate and became amused with Jennie's expression. She was still staring with wide eyes and opened mouth, she could imagine the younger girl salivating somehow. "Eommoni calls it pie but it's actually a tart."
"Well because it's my own recipe! And you, young lady, I've told that to you a couple of times!"
"But it is a tart, Eommoni. And--" She heard a loud moan that she almost flipped her head towards Jennie who let it out. She almost blushed, actually she might've already when the latter did another moan of delight with a second bite. "That good?"
"Mm hmm!" Jennie nodded and then turned to the old woman who was pleased at her. "Eommonim! This is amazing! It's so good!"
"Really?" She replied and placed the whole plate that has a large part of the leftover lemon tart. "Jisoo doesn't think so. Said it would be better if I don't make it--"
"I didn't say that!"
"Jisoo, how could you?!" She looked at her in horror. "This is the best!"
"Really?" The two asked her at the same time because it might just be flowery words.
"Really!!"
Jennie started eating with as much poise that she could manage. It's almost like a kid eating her favorite pastry. Jisoo would bet that it is Jennie's favorite dessert too.
"Do you like it that much?" Sae Ra sat and leaned so close that Jisoo widened her eyes.
'Eommoni! Personal space?'
The older girl sent a look but it was unnoticed or more like ignored when her guardian focused on Jennie's face alone. "I swear to god... I'd eat this every day if I could!"
"Omo! So cute! I want to keep her, Soo-yah." Sae Ra let out and finally turned to Jisoo. "Can we keep her?"
"She's not a pet or--"
"Oh never you mind." She waved the latter off and patted Jennie's cheek affectionately. Twice. "We're definitely having the best three days with you around."
"Actually..." Jennie began in her timid voice. "I'm only staying for the night and will return tomorrow."
"Ohh... you can't stay long?" Sae Ra frowned immediately. "Why?"
She finished her tea and smiled. "I promised my oppa I'll only stay for one day. I also don't want to intrude--"
"Intrude?! Why... of course not! Even if you stay around for days, I wouldn't mind!"
"Still..." Jennie glanced at Jisoo then shrugged. "Thank you for having me. Even if it's just overnight."
It was confirmed. With those expressions on the old woman's face, she had taken too much liking to Jennie. Jisoo can't tell if the latter was acting and really trying or was just being polite and cute. Nevertheless, there was no way that Jisoo would be worried for Jennie at the moment. She was doing alright and fine alone.
Sae Ra stood up and took the small kettle. "I'll get you two more tea."
Jisoo waited until the old woman can't hear her anymore. "She's smitten with you. I can tell."
"And you think I can't?" She mused with a smug smile as she cut herself another slice of tart. "I'm quite a charmer as you can see."
"Wait. That was all acting?"
"No, I wasn't faking everything." Jisoo squinted her eyes at her. The younger girl rolled her eyes and raised her cup, only realizing there was nothing to drink anymore. "I do love lemon tart, you know."
"And here I thought your inner baby self jumped."
"Don't bluff, Jaesu. First impressions are just the most important."
Jisoo nodded before taking her own cup of tea. She wasn't at all believing that Jennie was faking everything. "Uh huh."
"And stop calling me a baby. I am not a baby. Babies are that way." She pointed to the children playing indoor games.
"You definitely acted like one. Eommoni might think of lumping you with the rest of them."
"She did ask if you can keep me though..."
"Yup."
The younger girl rested her chin on her hand. "So?"
"So what?" She drank slowly and avoided the latter's piercing gaze.
"Do you want to keep me, Kim Jisoo?" Jennie was too close and she was sure it wasn't the already barely hot drink that warmed her body.
"Well of course she does! She couldn't stop fretting and talking about you yesterday and the day before that!" Jisoo coughed loudly as the old woman made her entrance, ruining their moment and quite possibly Jisoo's throat and nose. "She sneaked out last night but she wasn't fooling anyone. I know she was trying to get back to you or something like that-- Omo! Jisoo, are you okay?"
The said girl was covering her mouth as she didn't want to make it a bigger scene as it already seemed to be. It was hard to talk when she was almost wheezing but she managed. "Fine! I'm f-fine..."
Jisoo was sure her lungs were malfunctioning while Sae Ra served Jennie more tea. She was still coughing even when the old woman tried to tend to her. She could tell the younger girl was amused and hiding her laugh from the old woman as she watched her. Jong Seob, the good and worried boy, approached them and patted her back.
"Noona, you sure you're okay? You're too red in the face like all your blood rushed up."
"Well she was too excited to drink her tea, Jong Seob-ah. I'm sure Jisoo unnie would say the same." Jennie answered too audibly for her as she was fanning herself already. Sae Ra went to get Jisoo water and the latter squinted her eyes at Jennie. She never calls her unnie after all.
He shooked his head as he gestured a napkin for her to take. "Jisoo noona, you never liked tea that much. Why would you be excited to drink it?"
"Because it was too cold."
"And the tea was so good."
The two girls replied consecutively, each with an opposite expression compared to the other. Jisoo sent a glare at Jennie when she put emphasis on the tea, confusing the boy more. It occurred to him that they might be speaking something else entirely but he can't figure out why. She smiled and winked quickly that didn't help in Jisoo's already furious blush.
"Right, unnie? That was quite some tea. I liked it so much too. Especially when it was spilled."
'I'm sorry, my sweet hot choco. I should've just chosen you in the first place instead.'
"What do you mean, Jennie noona? Jisoo noona? I don't understand."
"I don't understand her too." She smiled innocently while Jennie tried to stifle her laugh before failing at the same time. Almost making Jong Seob ask another question. So Jisoo made it her point to stop him. "I really don't."
'I do but you don't have to know what's that about...'
~***~
"Jennie unnie, have you ever been in love? I think you already have! Right?"
"Yah you can't just assume that of people! Babo-yah!"
"I'm not an idiot! I'm just asking! It's because unnie is too pretty. It's impossible for her not to have boyfriend." Eun Ji started bickering with the older one as Jennie and Jisoo tuned in to their conversation. "You're the idiot one when you like her but you can't reach her!"
"I don't like her!"
Jong Seob decided to tease his best friend too after getting to see the newly unwrapped present. "But you told me earlier that you'll make Jennie noona your girlfriend instead of Jisoo noona."
"Yah!" Hyun Jin was blushing as their banter finally got Jennie's gaze on him. "That's a l-lie! They're lying! I d-don't--"
"So you don't like me?" Jennie asked with a playful pout.
Jisoo rolled her eyes but all this joking around that the younger girl does had everyone in the place adoring her. In fact, too much adoration and hype for her that even when it's supposed to be the children's bedtime, they allowed for them to open their gifts and celebrate more.
She had taken a lot of pictures, even videos, and she was sure it was the prettiest sight she had ever seen. Other than the youngsters' happiness, Jennie laughing along and abiding to all requests for her was absolutely rejuvinating. Jisoo had always loved nursery rhymes and it was funny, also a bit out of setting, but Jennie performing a bit of those for the kids increased her liking for them. Or maybe to the girl alone. So she couldn't blame the still wide open eyes of Jennie's audience or even Hyun Jin liking the latter too much to have thoughts of marrying her in the future.
"Of course I do!! I--"
"Unnie, he said he wants to marry you when he grow up."
"Yah!"
"Aigoo... these kids are fighting again. I told you that if I hear anyone of you fighting each other, it's immediately bedtime for all of you!" Sae Ra sat up from her knitting in the sofa from the corner.
"But they started it!"
"No! You did that, oppa!"
"I was just stating facts, eommoni--"
"You were siding with them, Jong Seob-ah!"
"I swear it's him--"
"But it's true you said you want to marry Jennie noona--"
"Ahh jinja!!"
"Okay! That's enough! All of you guys... that's enough." Jisoo prevented the boys from going at each other. Jennie was giggling to the side as she pinched Hara's cheek. "A little help here?"
Her eyes roamed from each pair in the room then went back to Jisoo with confusion settling in. "What do you need me to do?"
"Tell us a story!"
"Yes! A story, unnie!"
"Something that will make Hyun Jin give up."
"Yah Jong Seob-ah!!"
Jennie ruffled her new admirer's hair before telling him to calm down. "But I don't really have a love story to tell. Not that I can remember an important one."
"Really?!" The old woman in the room caused Jennie to flinched at the sudden exclamation. She had a really shocked face and curiosity was dripping all over her. "Not even a puppy love?"
She laughed, causing Jisoo to snort because it was that forced one. "That'll be funny, eommonim."
"That's weird. You're so pretty and I'm sure a lot of people have been chasing around you." She slowly shifted her gaze from Jennie to Jisoo. The latter shook her head a bit but the woman smiled as if she had another secret to tell. "Even Jisoo already had one."
Jisoo let out a shaky laugh when Jennie glanced at her before focusing on the old woman. "Eommoni, what are you saying? I haven't--"
"Oh don't play dumb, Jisoo! You're not fooling me!"
"Eommoni--"
"Please do tell. Jisoo unnie's story is far more interesting than mine." Jennie cut her off with a wide smile and gesturing for the kids to listen too. "Right, guys?"
A chorus of agreeing words came from them and before Jisoo could stop them, Sae Ra already began talking. "I remember when Jisoo started crushing on this boy. God, she was a mess! She was... how old were you that time again?"
"I don't know." Jisoo was still denying the fact that the old woman was about to spill something that could drastically change everything. Yes, she isn't going to talk about Jennie. But that puppy love of hers doesn't help her situation at all. "Why are you bringing this up, eommoni--"
"You were eleven that time!"
'No, I was twelve.'
"A bit late to have a puppy love though."
Jennie commented with a smile still on her face. Similar with the children who were intent on listening to the story.
"Oh well. I thought it was cute and Jisoo never really liked anyone to the point that she wanted to grow up and actually be his girlfriend. That was rare, you know. A one in a million chance." Jisoo made her way to sit on the armrest of the sofa where Sae Ra was. But that didn't stop her from talking. "She followed him everywhere. She was good, always have been, but when he came over... Jisoo was more onto impressing him and making him laugh. About a hundred times more! Omo! There were just too many funny instances!"
'Oh my god. Stop. Please stop--'
Now it felt like Jisoo had those moments of other kids being embarassed by their parents. "Eommoni--"
"The last time they were together, Jisoo was too sad. Very unusual because Jisoo here..." Jisoo gave a meaning smile to not continue but it was ignored nontheless. The latter only gestured at her and smoothly rubbed her back. "Is always the happy girl. But then after that she said he made a promise to her and that she'll be better in the future so when they meet again, it will be fulfilled."
"What was the promise?" Jennie asked and in Jisoo's horror, the others second the motion. Though she could sense that the younger girl wasn't as lively as the little ones beside her.
"Guys, it wasn't that serious--"
"To finally see her as a woman." The girls squealed while the boys inquired why. "Well you know... she was still too young and, of course, the best time to fall in love for a girl is when they've finally become a woman to everyone's eyes. Or at least to that man's eyes."
"But why?"
"Did he come back again?"
"Unnie, did you meet each other again?"
"What's his name?"
Out of all the questions being fired at the old woman and Jisoo, the one that gained attention came from Jennie. She was still smiling as if this was just a good old Christmas season tradition. And it was enough to squeeze even more information from Sae Ra even when Jisoo was so close to having a meltdown.
"That's... hmm... what was his name again, Soo-yah?"
"There's no need to tell them, Eommoni." She laughed again despite the noise which begged for the said person. The woman finally met her gaze and she wished signals that said 'No. Don't mention his name. Not in front of her. Please please please...' were received.
"Oh come on! Tell us, eommonim." Jennie with her aegyo, her freaking effective aegyo, pleaded one more time. "Please? Pretty pretty please?"
'That won't work, right? That won't work on Eommoni--'
"Ah! It was a Kim!" Sae Ra tapped Jisoo's shoulder a couple of times, breaking that mantra that was almost like a prayer. A prayer unheard because, unfortunately, the latter remembered the name. "Jinwoo! It's Kim Jinwoo, right, Jisoo-ah? That handsome and fine lad."
"Ooohhhh!!"
Mixed reactions came from their audience. She felt like that protagonist of a story being teased and everyone having the time of their lives while she could just smile awkwardly. It's like a rude and playful ploy to test her sanity.
'Kill. Me. Now. Someone just kill me now.'
"How did he look like?"
"Eommoni, tell us more! Tell us! Jisoo unnie!"
"He's super old by now, isn't he?"
"Noona, do you still like him?"
Jisoo didn't even dare to facepalm herself as she had done internally as she stared at Jennie. The latter can't be budge for a minute then she blinked thrice before their eyes met. Just as the older girl was to start explaining her immature girl crush on her cousin, Jennie's lip tugged up in a small smile as she nodded.
"Jennie--"
"See? Jisoo unnie should be your role model." She said to the kids with a smile. "You have to grow up first before you start thinking of your love life."
"Is this... is this a rejection to Hyun Jin?" Eun Ji said which earned her a glare from the boy. "I told you so! You have no chance, oppa!"
He looked downcasted as if all his dreams were crushed in a second. Jisoo could almost feel for him, she actually once felt like that after all. "Ahh jinja..."
"Who knows? Maybe when you grow up. But I don't like boys who pick a fight with others." She sent a wink that had him blushing again. Everyone even started teasing Hyun Jin and when they got too loud for past 10PM, Sae Ra started stopping the commotion again. A lot of things were running through Jisoo's mind but a tap on her knee bring her out of them. "Help me up?"
"Yeah. Of course." She stood up and lent a hand for Jennie to take.
"So where do I sleep?"
Jisoo wasn't expecting that for a question. It was something that lies on a road to confrontation or the perfect recipe for disaster. So she was totally caught off guard. "Huh?"
"You'd offer at least a bed to me, right? Sitting on the floor, I could manage." Jennie looked down at the carpeted floor that had bits and pieces of colorful wrapper. "I don't think I'll take the chance of sleeping on it again though. It's cold."
"You've slept on the floor before?"
Her smile faltered a bit but it was too quick that Jisoo must've imagined it. She shivered so she wrapped her arms around her. "Haven't you?"
"Well... I do. Once in a while. I just never thought you--"
"See? Been there, done that." She said before looking were Sae Ra and the kids disappeared to. "Am I sharing a bed with one of them or..."
"You're sleeping with me." Jisoo blurted out and luckily enough... the children were already leaving the place. "I mean... there's a spare room and all but--"
"There's no heater."
Jisoo bit the inside of her cheeks first before she confessed, "Mine doesn't have one too."
"That's funny." The younger girl laughed and there was the young ahgassi that Jisoo knew too well from the Kim household. When she didn't deny, Jennie furrowed her eyebrows immediately. "Tell me you're joking."
"Well... I have a thick comforter. And quite brand new." She offered with a smile in case it could lessen the sudden worry that crossed the latter's face.
"And that's supposed to keep me warm."
Jennie stated but her tone made it all questioning and doubtful. Jisoo can't help but chuckle. She pinched the latter's cheek and had her squinting her eyes more.
"You'll be fine, Jennie. You won't freeze to death. Been there, done that."
~***~
"You know I used to think sleep and you sounds fine in one go but..."
Jisoo turned to look at the girl who was almost hogging the comforter, it seemed like Jennie was praticing her expertise in making a cocoon. She could see her nose that reminded her of Rudolf but she didn't comment that. Instead, the older girl warm her hands with her breath before she put them against those puffy cheeks. She was doing it befote she could stop herself.
Jennie let out a sigh of relief. "That's better..."
"I'm sorry." As much as it was fun to see Jennie curling up beside her, the condition she is in worried Jisoo a bit. "I should've thought more about this."
"Thought more about what? Sleeping with your crush's cousin?"
She almost fall off the bed when the younger brought it up all of a sudden. "I--"
"It's not like you planned it. You didn't know. There's at least a hundred of Kim in Korea."
"We're talking about this. Right?" Jisoo gestured at the space between them.
Jennie opened one eye and kept that single expression. A face full of composure that the other girl didn't expect. "Why?"
"Just... just making sure we still have the same thoughts about sleeping."
She heard a soft laugh, felt it reverberating through skin too. It made Jisoo realized that Jennie was a lot closer now than minutes ago. Her leg overlapping with hers, making it warm for her.
"Sad to tell you but you might be wrong." Jennie looked up slightly but that was enough to lessen the space more. She couldn't tell if she was about to be kissed any time soon. Not like she was expecting that or anything. "It's cold and things that would keep my body warm kept running in my head."
"Your brain must be short circuited then."
"What?"
"You know... when it stops working and you're just doing nonsense and acting on impulse."
Jennie snorted as if it wasn't true. "Is that a normal occurrence with you?"
"What? No, of course not."
"I think not, Jaesu." She squinted her eyes at the younger girl. Just when she's about to lift herself from the familar comfort of her bed to see Jennie more clearly, the latter pulled her back down. She let out a squeal as she landed on top of Jennie, their chests meeting. "You know, Jinwoo oppa is probably the person I'm most protective of. He's too good for anyone else."
"Jennie--"
"So if you like him, you better tell me now."
"Or what?" Jisoo locked their gazes and with Jennie's arms around her back, keeping her in place. She felt a little braver. "What are you gonna do about it?"
"Nothing..." She trailed off with her finger inching up starting from Jisoo's neck. "Yet."
"Will you stop me?"
"How do you stop liking someone?" When Jennie moved her eyes on Jisoo's hairline, it was as if she was burning up. She started to simply toy with a few strands but it was like Jisoo could sense her touch in so many ways. The light caress that brushed her forehead almost got her to stop drowning in those orbs and, instead, stare at those luscious lips she already misses so bad. "Is that even possible? Can a person really do that?"
"Is that your question for our... honesty talk?"
"I don't know. Maybe. Do you have an answer?"
"I guess... not." Jisoo could feel the rise and fall of Jennie's front, making her heart beat faster. The other girl was right about her brain being short circuited. Though it might be used at the same time for her heart. "I mean I guess... no? I don't think I've ever stopped liking someone."
'Even when I thought I hated them... I've never really stopped liking them. I have never stopped liking you.'
"Doesn't it suck? To not be able to control what you feel?" She whispered as if talking any louder would wake up the other people. "I would've liked it to stop it on command."
"Well you can't, Jennie. Because we always feel even unconsciously and you can't exactly blame the world for having cliffs that make you fall."
"You can avoid those cliffs."
"Or just dive in." Jisoo smiled as she placed herself just beside the other girl.
She let out a soft giggle, her body subtlety turning towards her. "Cliff diving? That's deadly. I give you that."
"Mm hmm. You get the fear and the rush and I think your heart also stops. But then swoosh."
Jennie's eyelashes fluttered slowly just as she gazed up in question. "Swoosh?"
"It all takes about a second or two before you're in so deep. Then you wouldn't mind the fall at all since it'll feel like your heart's erratic, like it restarted, changed or something. Like you've never been more alive." She shared without stopping herself because it felt right to do so. When their eyes met, in an unexplainable yet amazing way, it felt exactly as how she just described.
'Oh shit.'
Jisoo couldn't look away. Not even when she clasped their hands together. Not even when it felt like she should be breaking eye contact because this was what she was pertaining to. With those brown orbs that are so beautiful and captivating, she had herself near the cliff.
She likes the feeling of it, the feeling of fear and excitement at the same time. The feeling of curiosity and fear of possible death for what's waiting ahead. She likes the feeling of being in between but hates the feeling of being stuck in between.
There are things that sometimes only feel good for a moment. This is one of those. It feels good for a moment but she always want to know what's next. Whether it's a step forward or backward... she wants to know what comes after she makes her move.
Maybe it was done unconsciously. Maybe she was hypnotized. Maybe it was all the ten thousand reasons to excuse her. Yet she had never felt so much braver to not just take the fall but to actually take the leap and dive in deep.
Jisoo's sure it'll hurt, might even kill her when she's on the run as if chasing for her life, but she held on. She held on not like hanging on a long vine at the edge of the cliff. She held on Jennie's hand because even when she's feeling that she might just be ready to take the jump, it might feel so much better when she isn't alone. It might feel just the best if they're together holding their hands when they both dive in.
So maybe people can't control feelings. But maybe she can supress it for awhile. Just a tad longer before completely giving in and falling. Because right now... Jisoo doesn't want to be without the other girl in the same place with her.
"You're holding my hand." Jennie stated which has been the obvious since minutes ago.
"Because it's cold." She replied while scooting closer to her, fitting both of them under the thick comforter. "And I don't want you to blame it on the heater being inexistent."
The older girl took a whiff of the fabric conditioner which was sweet, lavender as she preferred it to be, and that all too familiar vanilla scent. She had her eyes close, her fingers interlocking with Jennie's very own and the air becoming less cold. It was almost humid and she'd have to thank Jennie for breathing close to her but that could wait. It could wait as an arm wrapped around her waist, pushing her against the younger girl's body and bringing them together more than ever.
There was a smile creeping upon her heartshaped lips so she bit the bottom one before commenting. "You're hugging me."
'Clinging to me is more like it.'
"Because it's cold." Jennie returned her words. Jisoo could feel she was about to be kissed on the lips in the way that she had been wishing for the whole day. She closed her eyes again, clearly anticipating it, but after long seconds... she only felt the latter nuzzling her neck and letting out a contented sigh. "And the heater is inexistent."
It was clear that it was only in this position did Jennie find it in her to settle down. Their limbs around each other, not in that sensual way, just enough for the two of them to share warmth. Jisoo secured the comforter around them more then rubbed the latter's back for good measure. With the steady breathing, it doesn't take a child to tell that she was already asleep.
She thought of dropping a kiss on the latter's forehead but thought twice about it. She bit her bottom lip and just gently pulled Jennie until every inch of their skin, covered or not, were pressed against each other. The usual kisses and ministrations became more and more farfetched somehow but Jisoo didn't mind. Other things could wait and with the way that they currently are, holding on isn't so bad.
Though she can't wait to take a leap and fall in deep... holding on just felt right for now.
~***~
The soft clinking of utensils and easy conversation sounded from the table shared by two people. Extavagant was the setting but it seemed as if it fit them perfectly who were both dressed that gained attention from other customers. It's not that they look disgustingly rich or anything, only that their visuals were eye-catching though contrasting at some angles. The wine on the pretty girl's glass was being finished as she stared into the city's view. The view was great, city lights and things that elicit awe for the holiday, but Jinwoo and Jennie stood out still.
"Disappointed?"
Jinwoo asked as he served her more wine himself. Jennie smiled at the gesture as she saw a server retreating after a smile from her cousin. "How could I be? You're so nice, it'll look like I'm the biggest disappointment in the room if I get angry at you."
"And are you?"
"Am I what?" Jennie took another sip as she watched him taking his seat again.
"Still angry at me?"
They locked gazes and it might look like there were sparks coming from those eyes. There was a beat before Jennie giggled. Jinwoo's smile resurfaced as he returned on finishing his steak.
"I thought you didn't want to leave when I fetched you earlier from the orphanage."
"That's crap."
"But you didn't want to leave." He pointed out with a smile.
"I just haven't made sure the kids knew how to bake properly. God knows what disaster Jisoo taught them." He widened his eyes and chuckled. "What? It's not funny. She burnt her first tray to crisp, I thought she used the fireplace instead and the damn thing blew up! But they don't have an a fireplace and their oven already looked beaten up, I'm sending Hong Jun to do something about that. And then she dared to tell me it could still work fine! Just because she can't tell the difference between-- okay seriously?"
Jinwoo was still laughing as he used the napkin. He held a palm up and his cousin let him calm down. Jennie wasn't one to be interrupted but he was enjoying himself. "I guess you had a lot of fun. You took things easy."
"Duh. I'm good in doing what I'm good at." She rolled her eyes and pulled a smug smile.
"You're good in doing what you love."
"I don't love anything."
Jinwoo halted in slicing his steak and stared up at her. She was toying with her glass, rotating it and eyeing the ruddy beverage. He pursed his lips in disagreement as he heard those words from the girl. "You love baking and fashion. Designing clothes and I've seen your sketches. It could be your profession if you take it up--"
"Those are hobbies, Jinwoo oppa. It's to past the time. You don't love something you can't get any benefit from. Besides, hobbies are not a profession." She cut him off as she raised the glass up to her lips and sent a glance. "See? I do remember things that he always say."
Her cousin leaned back on his seat and took his own glass to drink from. The wine only increased the bitterness that he intended to flush away. Jennie was smiling but he knew all too well that the latter had perfected doing that. Just like how her father wants her to in the same way that those words that were supposed to be about love and career became embedded into his cousin.
"Why talk about something unpleasant?"
Jennie's laugh resounded as because he just knew the mere mention of her father's name, even just the thought of him, could ruin their joyous dinner. "Oho! And here I thought you've turned over to Darth Vader's side."
"I still keep my lightsaber, don't worry. I'm still a Jedi." He smiled with those white teeth out, showing a much prettier smile every time he does it. "Careful, Jennie. Your inner geek is showing."
"It's a small reference. You're the one doing the geek talk, oppa. But it's okay. I'll keep your secret." She winked before smirking at him. "Wouldn't want people at work knowing about you turning your lightsaber on at night and playing with it. All alone."
He shook his head that made the young girl giggle since she could a hint of blush on his cheeks. "They're not that bad. They're nice people. Friendly even if you start without acting like you own the place."
"Ooh... nice and friendly people. Anyone being more?" Jennie asked with a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"You're interested about my love life now?"
She shrugged and smiled. The surprise and curiosity remained on Jinwoo's expression. "Well I definitely don't give a fuck for the routines or protocols and workaholics in the company."
"You really should." He sighed and gestured for their dessert to be served. The server trudged his way towards them then. "You should start caring for the people--"
"Are you getting laid?"
"Jennie!" He hissed as the other man arrived just in time to hear what his cousin said. "Language."
"I care for your well being, oppa. I know a few girls who will be more than glad to be with you."
"I don't want girls." He mumbled the words as the man placed their chosen pastries.
"Heol!" Jennie gasped and covered her mouth. She eyed the server who just bowed before speaking audibly enough. "Omo omo omo... congratulations on being part of the LGBT Community, Kim Jinwoo!"
"Yah."
"Should we make a toast?"
"I'm not gay, Jennie-ah!"
Burst of laughters escaped her mouth as they were left alone once more. Jinwoo's eyes went from her to the guy that left. He knew the latter was just teasing and even when he should care what other people might think, all he cares about is Jennie. Hearing her laugh, even at his own expense, made him smile.
"There's only one girl that runs in my mind all the time. And she might think I've forgotten her but there's not a day that I stopped wanting to see her. Now that I'm here... I want to give my full attention to everything that will make her happy."
Jinwoo gave a meaningful stare that could mean a lot of things. Worry for Jennie but also something else entirely. She sat straighter and kept a smile. A smile that said she was more intrigued than ever.
"Is it someone I know?"
"Do you think you really know her?"
This was one thing that could infuriate Jennie. Her cousin answering her questions with his own questions like he has no intention of giving direct answers. They've done that a lot when they were young and sometimes it went for long hours that it looked like they were already fighting seriously.
"Is it..." Jennie paused before tilting her head to the side. "Don't tell me it's Kim Jisoo?"
"Why do you think it's her?" He mirrored the move though unlike Jennie, eyes slightly squinted but not surprised.
"Why can't you just answer the damn question, oppa?"
"Do you know you look cute when you're frustrated?" He chuckled while shaking his head. "And that I've missed it?"
"So it's Kim Jisoo then?" Jennie crossed her arms and nodded thrice. He could tell the latter was hiding something. He could always read Jennie the most. More than anyone else since she was 10. "Am I right?"
"Kim Jisoo..." Jinwoo looked at the skycrapers on the outside, the snow never tainting the vivid sight of it. She could see the beginning of a smile before it became full blown. Like he just saw something that could light up his world and Jennie didn't need to follow where his eyes would lead. It doesn't seem like it was because of the giant buildings or blinking lights. "Jisoo, huh..?"
"Do you like her?"
The smile he had was toned down a bit when he faced her again but it was still there. Unlike Jennie's own that faded earlier since she spoke of Kim Jisoo. Or when Jinwoo can't stop smiling at every word or sound related to the older girl.
"I actually do. I mean who wouldn't?" He breathed out and shook his head as if he couldn't believe what he just said. Then he nodded afterwards. "I like Kim Jisoo alright."
There was a moment of silence after he said the words. He stared into her own eyes, never backing off despite them being infamous for steely gazes. When Jinwoo helped himself to the dessert, he then offered Jennie to eat hers too. The latter only intake some sparkling water and when she put down her glass, it got his attention. The sound heard was as if the glass rang in the space between them.
"How much?"
He furrowed his eyebrows when Jennie became all too serious. "Are you talking about money--"
"I mean how much do you like her, oppa." She cut him off before the guy could scold him for wrong reasons. She might've used money to keep people away from her but not towards Jinwoo. Not towards her cousin. "Is it just being nice? I heard you're her puppy love or something like that."
"Well you'd know everything about a puppy love, won't you, Jennie-ah?" The girl's unfaze stare urged him to clear his throat. There were a lot of touchy topics with his cousin but he thought this was one of those good enough to be used for teasing. He tried another smile again. "Let's just say... it's a good thing time passes by and she's a grown up now."
"You mean... what?"
"She did grow up from that good kid to an even beautiful and mature person. So for me..." Jinwoo drank his wine, taking his time as if his company wasn't waiting and itching for his next words. Jennie looked like she was about to stand up and literally pull the answer from him but it didn't have to come to that when he finally started speaking after making sure he wiped his lips clean. "Kim Jisoo is already a woman in my eyes."
With the slight twitch on Jennie's eyebrow, he almost asked what was the matter. She gulped, something that was done in a subtle way yet still got noticed by Jinwoo, and wet her lips. A smile was quickly plastered after an intake of breath. This wasn't ignored but he didn't remark on it.
"You like her in that way?"
Her cousin shrugged and shyly let out that dimpled smile. He looked too handsome, too perfect. A man that men would die to be and a lover that women would want to have. Jennie understands just how many people, girls most especially, would definitely fall for him. Even a Kim Jisoo won't be able to resist such charms and if she hadn't before then this time around won't make such difference.
"Can't I, Jennie? I don't see any reason why not to."
》》》》》》》