"I always knew that our meeting in Taipei wasn't by accident. We were really meant to meet there for some reasons," said Krystal, pointing a finger at the receipt in front of her.
Lisa looked down carefully at the paper and signed on it. "Whatever, serendipity lover."
Krystal playfully hit her in her arm. "Yah! You wouldn't get Jennie if it wasn't for me, right?"
"And you wouldn't have met Kai if I didn't invite you to the party, right? I know what's your pointing out, Krys. Why are you being so nostalgic?"
"It's because today is my second anniversary of being together with Kai! Have you forgotten that?"
"Oh? Is it really today?" Lisa glanced at her watch to check the date. "Wow. How time really flies, huh? So, are you two going out later or what?"
"We're going on vacation for three days!" Krystal excitedly exclaimed.
"Ah, yeah? Where this time?"
"Singapore."
"So, you're really over Taipei now?"
"Taipei will always have a special place in my heart, Lisa," said Krystal, smiling faintly. "But yeah, I have to move on someday, right?"
"And you've got the right to be happy."
"Exactly."
Lisa stared at Krystal, realizing how special their friendship had become through the years. "I'm happy you're with Kai now, Krys. That dude is a real nice guy."
"You're just saying that because Kai and Jennie didn't end up together."
"You're probably right," said Lisa, chuckling.
"Oh, by the way, Kai kept on complaining how their department got boring since you left them."
"Oh, come on." Lisa slapped her palm on the counter. "I quit my job almost two years ago and he hasn't adapted to it yet?"
"Maybe he just misses you?"
"Or maybe he just misses my visitors before? Aw!" Lisa earned herself a slap from Krystal.
"Kai isn't as flirty as you, Lisa, hmp!"
"He's just good in hiding it," Lisa retorted, rubbing her cheek.
Krystal glared at her.
Unaffected by the glare, Lisa casually leaned her elbows on the counter. "Let's hangout sometime; you and Kai, me and Jennie."
"Sounds good! I think we should do it at least once a month. I rarely see you now after you opened your studio."
Lisa sighed at that. "Yeah, I've been really busy. Dad's putting more pressure on it."
"But at least you know that your business is in good hands, right?"
"Yeah..." Lisa shrugged. "At least I'm doing now what I really wanted to do since then." She felt her phone vibrated in her pocket and checked on it. "Alright. The queen has already texted me. I need to go now."
Krystal raised an eyebrow. "Queen?"
Lisa chuckled. "Jennie's mom. She said Jennie's in my apartment now and wants me to surprise her."
"Wow. Finally in good terms with your 'in-law', huh?"
"We're getting there, Krys, slowly but surely. Besides, loves conquers all, right?"
Krystal grimaced immediately. "Ew! Corny!"
"Oh, come on! Let me be!"
"Just shut up and take your flowers now," said Krystal, handling Lisa the bouquet she ordered. "What's with those, by the way? I bet you've done something to piss Jennie again, huh?"
"Well," Lisa started, scrunching up her face, "let's just say that we haven't seen each other for a week... and I missed our third anniversary."
Krystal's eyes widened. "What?! Jeez. You're in big trouble, Lisa. BIG trouble."
"I know, I know. The queen even scolded me for making the princess upset," Lisa sighed. "I told Jennie I'll be out with my dad for three days only but something came up. We had to stay in Jeju for a week."
"Let me know the address of your funeral so I could send you flowers, okay?"
"You're crazy, Krys."
"Good luck with Jennie later."
"I'll call you if I make out alive."
----
Lisa had to walk back a few blocks from the flower shop where she had parked her car. Out of nowhere, she spotted a familiar figure walking on the other side of the street holding a coffee.
Short legs, slim figure, and that sexy signature walk; she could not be mistaken. The woman might have had changed her hairstyle and might be dressing a bit more different now but Lisa surely knows who she is.
Without having second thoughts she crossed the road and followed the figure.
"Uhmm, excuse me.. miss...?"
The woman turned around and her eyes widened right away. "L-lisa?"
"I knew it was you, Joo-hyun!"
"Oh, Lali!" The two hugged right away. "Oh my gosh! How are you?"
"I'm good. How about you?"
"Still the same," said Irene, pulling back from the hug to observe Lisa from head to foot. "Wow, what are you doing here?"
"Just some errands. How about you, are you on vacation or something?"
"Well, I'm kind of stuck here in Seoul."
"Really? Did you quit your job?"
"Uh, sort of?" Irene chuckled. "Not really but Kyungsoo and I have decided to build a modeling agency and we're kind of in a startup stage right now."
"Wow. For real?"
"Yeah, why you looked surprised?"
"Well, I'm managing a studio with my dad after I quit my job two years ago," said Lisa.
"Wow! Are you serious? What a coincidence! I'm actually thinking of which photographer we should get. Would you be happy to provide your services to an old friend?"
"It'll be my pleasure, mademoiselle." Lisa pulled out a wallet and handed Irene a calling card. "There. Contact me anytime you like."
Irene stared at the card with a smile plastered on her face. "I guess you're doing what you've really wanted now, hmm?"
"Yeah, it gives me a sense of completion."
"That's nice. And thanks for this," said Irene, waving the card. "Expect a call from me anytime soon."
Lisa nodded. "So.. you two are still together, huh?"
"Yeah, still fighting," said Irene, balling a hand in a fist. "How about you? I assume those flowers are for a special girl, right?"
Lisa glanced at the flowers, didn't realize that she was holding it while following Irene. "Yeah..."
"Is it for the same girl three years ago?"
"Mmm-mmm, same girl."
Irene ran a hand through her hair. "Oh, I knew it, Lisa, I knew she's the one for you."
Lisa absently scratched her head while blushing.
"It's been three years already, right?" asked Irene.
Lisa nodded. She knew that Irene isn't talking about Jennie this time.
Irene stared down at her coffee. "Can't believe that three years just flew like that so fast..."
Lisa pressed her lips together, hesitating to say what's on her mind. "It's okay for me now to say that I missed you?"
Irene looked back at Lisa, smiling. "Of course, I missed you too, Lali!"
Lisa let out a loud exhale of relief upon hearing that. "So.. uhm.. are we good now?"
"I think so. I assumed 3 years has healed us both, right?"
Lisa hummed to agree. I just hope you won't go away this time around."
"There's no reason to run away anymore, Lisa."
"Does that mean we could hang out with Jisoo again like before?"
"Why not include Jennie and Kyungsoo in the circle? And whoever is Jisoo's current girlfriend because she changes from time to time, right?"
Lisa laughed. "Don't worry. She's in a steady relationship now."
"Oh, I guess everything's falling in the right place, huh?"
"Couldn't agree more."
Irene looked at her wristwatch and sighed. "As much as I want to talk to you, Lali, I really have to go now."
"Where are you going? Want me to drive you?"
"No need. My place is just there," said Irene, pointing at the near building. "I just went out to get a coffee. Kyungsoo's waiting for me inside."
"Oh, I see." Lisa stared at the building. It took her long enough before realizing that Irene is staring at her. "What?" asked Lisa, feeling a little conscious.
"You look good. Jennie's taking care of you well.."
"You still look as amazing as ever, Irene," said Lisa, gesturing her head. "And I'm surprised that you still remember Jennie's name."
"Oh, come on, Lisa, how could I forget her?" Irene chuckled.
"You're right. I wasn't able to forget Kyungsoo's name either."
They went back to being silent again, feeling a little awkward. It's obvious now that they want to talk to each other however this isn't the right time for it yet.
"So, I guess we'll see each other soon?" Irene reached an arm around Lisa's neck and kissed her cheek. "Bye for now, Lisa. It's really nice to see you again."
"Take care," said Lisa, lightly tapping Irene's back.
The two pulled back from the hug. "Uh, Lisa?"
"Yeah?"
"Umm, do you think your girlfriend would mind if I'd go out with you alone one time?"
Lisa looked away with a smirk on her face. She turned back to Irene. "As long as your boyfriend doesn't mind then I think we could really do that. I mean, I'd love to do that."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, as long as I tell Jennie about it then it's fine."
"Tell her it's nothing romantic, just for old times sake, just to catch things up. I missed my Lalisa, you know."
"Don't worry, she'll understand it. And yes, I missed my Joo-hyun too."
"Perfect."
----
Lisa opened the door to her apartment, her eyes scanned the room, looking for Jennie.
Lisa went inside, checked her bedroom first and found Jennie not in there either. It is when she heard the sound of the running shower did she realize where her girlfriend is. She decided to stay silent so she could surprise Jennie when she gets out.
Lisa put down the flowers on the bedside table and decided to lie down on her bed. She is too tired from the traveling that she didn't notice she was dozing off.
After some time, Lisa felt trickles of water droplets on her face. She tiredly opened her eyes just to see a curtain of wet hair in her view.
"Uh..." Lisa tried but she couldn't move because Jennie's weight is on top of hers.
Jennie is smiling wildly. She poked Lisa's cheek. "Hey. I missed you..."
"Oh, how's my baby?" Lisa responded lazily.
Jennie pouted, resting her head on Lisa's chest. "You missed our anniversary.." she said, wagging her feet.
Lisa caged her girlfriend in her arms and realized that Jennie's only wearing a towel around her body. "Oh, I'm sorry. One of dad's major clients moved the meeting a few days after the planned one."
"You shouldn't have come with him." said Jennie, looking up.
"I know. I won't next time," said Lisa, running her hands on Jennie's hair. "Or better yet, I should bring you with me."
Jennie smiled and brought her head in the crook of Lisa's neck. Not too long she started sniffing. Before Lisa could react to it Jennie got off her and fixed the towel on her body.
"Tsk. Gosh, Lisa, who is it this time?"
"Huh?" Lisa knew what those looks meant. She's done something wrong and she needs to figure out what it is.
"You met up with a woman before you went here, right?"
"Y-yeah, I went to Krystal's to buy you flowers," said Lisa, pointing at the bedside table.
Jennie sighed. "I'm already familiar with Krystal's perfume, Lisa, and it isn't hers. So tell me, who it is now? Is she one of those models who loves hugging you?"
Lisa sat up on the bed. "Hey, why are you talking like I'm cheating on you?"
"I didn't say that, okay?" Jennie folded her arms across her chest and rolled her eyes. "I'm just noticing how you love being around your models."
"It's because our work requires that we have to get along well. But you have to understand that it's purely work, Jennie..."
"Work," Jennie scoffed. "Perfect excuse to flirt around. Does work includes one of them kissing you on the cheek?"
"Ugh..." Lisa covered her face with her palms in irritation. "How many times should I tell you that she was a new model?"
"Could you blame me for getting mad? She kissed you in front of me, Lisa, in front of me!" said Jennie, pointing at herself. "Ugh! I swear I could really kill her now if I see her. Ugh!"
"It's because she doesn't know yet that we're together that time, okay? She apologized to me after she found out."
"Admit it, you weren't planning on telling her about us in the first place, right?"
"Huh? Why are you talking like I'm the only one with issues here?"
"What? Are you bringing that one up again?" asked Jennie, walking back and forth around the room. "For your information, what happened to me before was not my fault. The guy assumed that I like him."
"Maybe because you gave him signs?"
"I was just being nice because he's a new employee, Lisa."
"So, being nice means letting him hold your hand, huh?"
"I tripped on the stairs, Lisa, for goodness sake!" said Jennie, ruffling her hair in frustration. "Why don't you just believe me?"
Lisa sighed loudly and massaged her temples with her fingers. There was an awful silence in the room while the two were waiting for someone to surrender first. After a short while, Lisa decided to stand up and walk to Jennie to hug her from behind.
"Don't touch me," said Jennie, irritated.
"Hey, baby, look, I'm sorry, okay?" whispered Lisa, wrapping her arms around Jennie's waist. "Can we not fight now? We haven't seen each other for a week and I missed you so much..."
Jennie finally softened. She hugged Lisa's arm around her and partly turned her head aside to glance at her lover. "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to suspect you of anything."
Lisa hooked her chin on Jennie's shoulder. "Believe me, I have not thought of cheating on you, Jennie, not even once."
Jennie gave a quick peck on the cheek. "Do you still love me?"
"Of course, I do. Always."
"Even though I act like a child at times?"
Lisa smirked. "That's why you're my baby, right?"
Jennie turned around and wrapped her arms around Lisa's neck. "I love you, honey. I love you."
"Oh, I love you too." Lisa pulled back from the hug and brushed the stray hair away from Jennie's face. She leaned over for a kiss.
Jennie immediately stopped Lisa. "Wait, not yet..."
"What? Why?"
"Tell me honestly, who is it that you met today?"
"Oh, that. You really don't forget things easily." Lisa smiled.
"Of course, I should keep track of your fangirls. Now tell me, who is it this time?"
Lisa hesitated at first but continued. "It was Irene."
"Oh. You didn't tell me she's here..."
"I didn't know. It wasn't planned. I ran into her today and we hugged like twice so I smelled like her perfume now."
"So.. what did you guys talk about?"
"Just quick catching up, how is she, where is she working, you know, just stuff..."
"Is she single?"
Lisa smiled. "Hmm, don't tell me you're jealous of her too?"
Jennie pouted and looked away.
Lisa pinched Jennie's chin with her fingers. "Hey, hey. Don't need to be jealous. She's still with Kyungsoo, okay?"
"But that doesn't mean you cannot have feelings for each other, right?"
"Hey, it's not like that..." Lisa cupped Jennie's face to turn in to her. "You know what I realized when I saw her? I realized that what we had before is just past of the past; that I'm really over her now. My world doesn't revolve around her anymore."
"Hmp."
"Hey, stop worrying. Irene and I are impossible, okay?"
Jennie turned to her with her puppy eyes. "Are you sure you're not gonna leave me for her?"
"Of course I wont. Where did you get that notion?"
"I'm just worried," said Jennie, looking down. "I really can't imagine my life now without you in it."
"Aww, my poor baby," said Lisa, hugging her girlfriend tightly. "I wouldn't want to leave your side either. I can't even contain that thought of some other guy taking care of you. I won't let you go that easily, Jennie, even you want to break free from me."
Jennie smiled at that. "You've got to keep your word."
"I surely would."
Lisa kissed Jennie's forehead, down to her nose, and eventually capturing her lips. It was a kiss with enthusiasm since they've been missing each other for days now.
Getting carried away, Lisa slowly led Jennie to lean back against the nearest wall; one hand around her waist and one hand supporting Jennie's head. Lisa's hand slowly reached up to remove the towel which has been separating their bodies.
"And what are you doing?" asked Jennie, stopping Lisa.
Lisa leaned an arm against the wall. "Uhm, don't you think it's getting a bit hot in here?" she asked, tracing a finger on Jennie's collarbone.
"You just need a cold shower."
"You think so?" Lisa's fingers were trailing on Jennie's shoulder this time. "Do you think you could shower with me?"
"I just came from the shower, Lisa..."
"But I thought you missed me?" Lisa pouted exaggeratedly.
"I do, but I still have a meeting with mom's haute couture in an hour," said Jennie, rubbing their nose together.
"Wow. So they're really tying the knot?"
"Mmm-mmm. Well, you should be happy, right? Ever since he came my mom has been light on you."
"Yeah, I have to agree to that."
"And since you're here you might want to pick something to wear too."
"Wait, am I invited?"
"Of course," said Jennie. "You should be invited. Haven't you received an invitation yet?"
Lisa shrugged.
Jennie scratched her head. "Oh. I'll talk to her about it."
"No need, Jennie. I perfectly understand. It might really take her time to accept me, okay?"
"But it's been three years, Lisa. What does she want you to prove to her?"
"We'll get there soon, don't worry. But before that, you're forgetting something..." Lisa stopped, kissing Jennie again.
Ding! Ding!
Jennie was the first one who pulled away from the kiss first. "I think you should get that," she said, walking towards the closet.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Disturbance. Did you order something?"
"Nope."
"Maybe they got the wrong room number?"
Ding! Dong!
"Nope, it's really for you, Lalisa. Now go and get it."
"Ugh..."
"Or do you want me to get it for you while I'm wearing this?"
Lisa rolled her eyes again. "Fine. Don't get dressed yet, okay?"
"Whatever." Jennie chuckled.
----
"Delivery for Lalisa Manoban?"
"Yup, it's me."
"Please sign here."
After signing the paper, the delivery man gave Lisa a brown envelope. It was from Jennie's mom.
Lisa opened the envelope and found a wedding invitation card and two plane tickets.
Lastly, she found a small note inside. Lisa's lips lined a smile after reading it.
"What's that?" said Jennie, peeking from the bedroom.
"Your mom just sent me an invitation for her wedding," said Lisa, walking back to the room.
"Oh, see? I knew she'd invited you."
"It's not only that," Lisa continued, placing the envelope on the edge of the bed, "she sent us plane tickets to Paris as an anniversary gift."
Jennie, who's now busy in the closet, stopped for a second. "Wow. This is the first time she's done that, right?"
"Yeah, I'd have to thank her boyfriend for that, haha!"
"You really should. Maybe we should buy them present soon, what do you think?" asked Jennie, rummaging through the closet.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Choosing my clothes, why?"
"Who says you can change now, huh?" said Lisa, grabbing Jennie by the waist.
"Lisaaaaa!" Jennie squealed and shrieked with laughter.
"No, you're not going anywhere, young lady." Lisa half carried and half dragged Jennie towards the bed.
Jennie tried to fight back but Lisa has already thrown her on the bed and falls on top of her. "Lisa, I still have an appointment, okay?"
"I know, and I'll drive you there, don't worry, we'll go there together." Lisa playfully kisses Jennie on her neck and shoulders. "Mmm! You smell nice."
Jennie couldn't control her giggling. "Lisa.. can we.. can we do this later? I don't want to be late."
Lisa gave Jennie a mischievous smile as she runs her fingers playfully over the towel. "I'll help you change then."
Jennie flinched immediately, stopping Lisa's hand from removing the towel on her body. "Nah-uh, I swear I'm gonna shout for help if you do that."
Lisa looked down at Jennie with amazement. "Wow. But do you seem excited about it, huh?"
Jennie laughed at that. "Seriously, Lisa, I really should change now."
"Well, I'm serious not letting you go that easily, princess."
Lisa pinned her victim's hand down on either side of her head and launched to execute her evil plan.
"Lisa! LISA!" Jennie's mixed chuckle and squeals echoed through the room.
The brown envelope fell from the bed with the small note, invitation, and plane tickets scattered on the floor. The note was turned on the side where it reveals the what's written on it:
Lalisa,
I could never thank you enough for taking care of my daughter these past three years. I know that dealing with me wasn't easy on your part but I'm still glad that you managed to stick with me and Jennie.
I've sent you plane tickets as an anniversary gift. I hope you both stay happy and that you continue to love my daughter especially now that I'll be somebody's wife again soon.
I hope to see you, your dad and your aunt at my wedding!
Love,
Mom
P.S.
Welcome to the family :)
--- FIN ---