1ne

Jennie POV

The flashing lights of cameras followed me wherever I went, a constant reminder of the life I had built for myself. But as I stepped out of my sleek black car, flanked by my assistant Jisoo Kim, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. This was my life—glamorous, vibrant, and flawless.

"Jennie, over here!" reporters called, their voices blending into a symphony of excitement. I offered a practiced smile, the one that made fans swoon and fashion brands clamor for my endorsement. My tailored designer dress hugged my figure perfectly, and I knew I looked every bit the IT girl I was meant to be.

"Ms. Kim, Taehyung from BTS just sent flowers to your dressing room," Jisoo said, her tone laced with amusement as she flipped through her tablet. "A bouquet of roses, accompanied by a handwritten note. Romantic, isn't it?"

I laughed lightly, brushing off the sentiment. "Taehyung's sweet, but you know I'm not interested in anything serious."

"Maybe not, but you've got Kai waiting in the wings too. He's been calling all morning," Jisoo teased, glancing at me with a knowing smirk.

Kai. Taehyung. The list was endless. Handsome, successful men who could have anyone they wanted, but they wanted me. And why wouldn't they? I was Jennie Kim, the ultimate dream girl. But love wasn't something I needed. My career was thriving, my fans adored me, and I had the world at my feet.

"Let them wait," I replied with a shrug, my voice laced with confidence. "They'll get over it."

Jisoo rolled her eyes playfully but said nothing more as we entered the venue. The concert in Japan was just days away, and we had final preparations to oversee. But as we walked through the grand halls, Jisoo's phone buzzed, drawing her attention.

"Uh-oh," she murmured, her brow furrowing as she read the message.

"What's wrong?" I asked, glancing at her.

"It's Jennie-ya, the assistant assigned to your Japan trip. She's sick—like really sick. There's no way she can make it," Jisoo explained, chewing on her lip.

I sighed, irritated. "And we leave tomorrow. Great. Just great."

"Don't worry," Jisoo said quickly. "I think I know someone who can fill in. She's not in the business, but she's reliable and needs the work."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"My friend, Lisa," Jisoo answered. "She's... different, but she'll get the job done."

"Different how?"

Jisoo hesitated, as if carefully choosing her words. "She's quiet, but sharp. She doesn't talk much about herself, but trust me, she's capable. Besides, she could really use the money."

Something in her tone piqued my curiosity, but I didn't press. "Fine. Just make sure she's ready to leave tomorrow morning. I won't tolerate anyone slowing me down."

"Got it," Jisoo replied, already typing away on her phone to make arrangements.

As we continued with the day's schedule, I couldn't shake the odd feeling that agreeing to Jisoo's suggestion was setting something unpredictable in motion. But I quickly brushed it aside. My life was perfect, after all. What could possibly change that?

--

Narrator

The tiny bell above the door of the café jingled as Jisoo Kim stepped inside, her sharp eyes scanning the room until they landed on the familiar figure tucked into a corner booth. Lalisa Manoban—or just Lisa, as everyone called her—was hunched over a notebook, her pen scrawling furiously across the page. She didn't look up as Jisoo approached, too engrossed in whatever she was working on.

"Still drawing your masterpieces, I see," Jisoo teased, sliding into the seat across from Lisa.

Lisa glanced up, her deep brown eyes meeting Jisoo's with a faint smile. "I'm trying to finish this commission. Rent doesn't pay itself, you know."

Jisoo leaned back with a smirk, setting her purse down. "Speaking of rent, I've got something that might help you out."

Lisa cocked an eyebrow, closing her notebook and giving Jisoo her full attention. "What are you up to, Kim?"

"It's not what I'm up to—it's what I'm offering," Jisoo replied, her tone smug. "I need a favor, and it comes with a big paycheck. Interested?"

Lisa's interest was piqued, though she kept her expression neutral. "Go on."

Jisoo leaned forward conspiratorially, lowering her voice. "You've heard of Jennie Kim, right?"

Lisa scoffed, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. "Who hasn't? The girl's everywhere. Magazines, TV, billboards. She's like the face of Korea."

"Exactly," Jisoo said, nodding. "She's the IT girl of K-pop, and I'm her assistant."

Lisa's brows furrowed. "Wait, you're her assistant? You never told me that."

"You never asked," Jisoo shot back with a grin. "Anyway, Jennie's heading to Japan tomorrow for a concert, and we've hit a snag. Her other assistant got sick, and I need someone to fill in."

Lisa leaned back, crossing her arms. "And you thought of me? Jisoo, I don't know anything about being an assistant. I'm just a poor artist who moonlights as a punching bag for loan sharks."

"First of all, you're not a punching bag; you're a fighter," Jisoo corrected, her tone firm. "And second, you're perfect for this. You're organized, quick on your feet, and, most importantly, I trust you."

Lisa's lips pressed into a thin line. "What's the catch?"

"No catch," Jisoo said, shaking her head. "It's just a few days in Japan. You'll be helping with schedules, carrying some bags, and making sure Jennie has what she needs. Easy stuff."

Lisa looked skeptical. "And how much does this 'easy stuff' pay?"

Jisoo grinned, knowing this would seal the deal. She leaned in and whispered the amount.

Lisa's eyes widened. "You're kidding."

"Nope. That's the real deal," Jisoo confirmed, leaning back with a triumphant smile.

Lisa whistled low, running a hand through her short black hair. "That's... a lot of money."

"Exactly. And I know you could use it," Jisoo said, her voice softening. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't think you'd be great at it, Lisa. Plus, it's just a few days. What do you say?"

Lisa stared at Jisoo for a long moment, weighing her options. On one hand, she had her usual gigs lined up—none of which paid even half of what Jisoo was offering. On the other, she'd be stepping into the world of glitz and glamor, a world she had no business being in.

"Fine," Lisa said finally, her voice resigned but tinged with amusement. "I'll do it. But if Jennie Kim throws a diva fit, I'm calling you to deal with it."

Jisoo laughed, reaching across the table to squeeze Lisa's hand. "You'll be fine. Jennie's not as bad as you think."

"We'll see about that," Lisa muttered, picking up her notebook.

As Jisoo rattled off the details of the trip, Lisa couldn't shake the feeling that she was about to step into something far bigger than she'd signed up for.

--

The hum of the city seeped through the thin walls of Lisa's tiny apartment. It wasn't much—just a cramped studio with peeling wallpaper and a flickering ceiling light—but it was hers. The faint scent of instant noodles lingered in the air as Lisa stood in front of her wardrobe, hands on her hips, surveying the sparse collection of clothes she owned.

She pulled out a black hoodie, holding it up critically. "Too casual," she muttered, tossing it onto the bed. A faded graphic tee followed, then a pair of ripped jeans. Nothing seemed right.

Lisa wasn't one for appearances—most days, she threw on whatever was clean and called it a day. But tomorrow was different. Tomorrow, she'd be stepping into the orbit of Jennie Kim, the queen of K-pop, a woman whose wardrobe probably cost more than Lisa's entire apartment.

"Jisoo, what have you gotten me into?" she mumbled under her breath, shaking her head.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she grabbed it, glancing at the screen. It was a message from Jisoo:

Don't overthink it. Just be yourself. And pack light! 😊

Lisa snorted, typing back a quick reply.

Easy for you to say. You're not the one meeting Korea's biggest star looking like a street rat.

Jisoo's response came almost immediately:

You'll be fine! Jennie's cool. And don't forget, it's just a job. Get in, get paid, get out. 💰

Lisa sighed, tossing her phone onto the bed. She rummaged through the closet again, pulling out a plain white button-up shirt. It was one of the few pieces of clothing she owned that wasn't frayed or stained. Pairing it with her least-ripped jeans and a black jacket, she nodded to herself.

"Simple. Clean. Not terrible," she said aloud, tossing the outfit onto the bed with the rest of her carefully selected items.

Her duffel bag sat open on the floor, half-packed with essentials—her sketchpad, a few toiletries, and her beat-up sneakers. She added the clothes, rolling them tightly to make room.

Lisa paused, glancing at a photo pinned to the wall above her bed. It was a snapshot of her and Jisoo from years ago, both of them grinning like idiots at a street fair. Jisoo's arm was slung around Lisa's shoulder, a cotton candy stick in her other hand.

"This is for you, Jisoo," Lisa murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I owe you one."

As she zipped up the bag and placed it by the door, a mix of excitement and unease settled in her chest. She didn't know what to expect from this job—or from Jennie Kim—but one thing was certain: it was going to be an experience she wouldn't forget.

--

The airport buzzed with energy, passengers rushing to their gates, announcements echoing overhead. Inside the VIP lounge, Lisa sat slouched in a plush chair, her duffel bag resting by her feet. Next to her, Jisoo was scrolling through her phone, occasionally glancing toward the lounge entrance.

"You didn't tell me airports could be this fancy," Lisa muttered, looking around at the sleek furniture and free refreshments.

Jisoo grinned. "Perks of working with the IT girl of K-pop. Get used to it."

Lisa chuckled, pulling out her sketchpad and pencil from her bag. She rested it on her knee, glancing around for inspiration. Her gaze landed on a woman sitting across from them, scrolling through her tablet. She had a sharp jawline, an elegant nose, and hair pulled back into a neat bun.

Without a word, Lisa began sketching, her hand moving deftly across the page.

"What are you doing?" Jisoo asked, leaning over to peek.

"Sketching," Lisa said simply, not looking up. "The woman in front of us. She has an interesting face."

Jisoo tilted her head, studying the woman. "She does, doesn't she? Kind of looks like a CEO or something. You're really good at that, by the way."

Lisa shrugged. "It's just practice. When you don't have much else, you get good at the things you can control."

Jisoo's expression softened. "You don't give yourself enough credit, you know. You're more talented than half the people I know."

Lisa smirked but didn't respond, her focus on the sketch. The conversation lulled for a moment until Jisoo spoke again.

"By the way, Jennie's probably getting mobbed outside. Paparazzi love catching her at the airport," Jisoo said, glancing at the time on her phone.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "And we're waiting here like nothing's happening?"

Jisoo laughed. "Trust me, it's better this way. Jennie likes to handle the crowd first, then she'll come in with her team. You'll meet everyone soon enough—makeup artist, stylist, her manager."

"Sounds like a circus," Lisa said, her pencil shading the woman's jawline.

"It kind of is," Jisoo admitted. "But it's controlled chaos. Everyone knows their role, and Jennie... she has this way of making everything work. She's intimidating at first, but you'll see—she's human, just like us."

Lisa snorted. "Somehow, I doubt that."

"Seriously, give her a chance," Jisoo said, nudging Lisa's arm. "She's under a lot of pressure, but she's not a bad person. And hey, you're getting paid well to stick around for a few days. What's the worst that could happen?"

Lisa didn't answer, her pencil pausing as she added the final touches to her sketch. She held it up for Jisoo to see.

"Wow," Jisoo breathed. "That's... amazing. You captured her perfectly."

Lisa shrugged, closing the sketchpad. "It's just a sketch."

Before Jisoo could reply, the door to the lounge opened, and the sound of heels clicking on the floor drew their attention. Jennie Kim entered, flanked by her manager, makeup artist, and stylist, her every movement exuding confidence.

She looked stunning, even in casual airport attire. The subtle flash of cameras followed her from outside, and her gaze swept over the room before landing on Jisoo.

Jisoo grinned and stood, gesturing for Lisa to follow. "Showtime," she said under her breath.

Lisa grabbed her bag and rose, her eyes briefly meeting Jennie's as they approached. This was it—the beginning of whatever whirlwind she'd been dragged into.

Jennie Kim was everything Lisa expected and nothing like she'd imagined.

As Jennie strode into the lounge, the room seemed to tilt in her direction, her presence commanding attention without effort. She wore oversized sunglasses, a cream trench coat cinched at the waist, and a sleek black turtleneck underneath. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and even in casual attire, she looked like she'd stepped off the cover of a magazine.

Lisa blinked once, then twice, before forcing herself to look away.

Keep it cool, Manoban. She's just another person.

But it wasn't that simple. Jennie Kim wasn't just another person. She was Jennie Kim—the IT girl of K-pop, a walking legend.

Jisoo stood beside Lisa, practically vibrating with excitement as Jennie approached. "Jennie! You made it," Jisoo chirped, her grin wide.

Jennie lowered her sunglasses, her sharp eyes flicking over Jisoo before landing briefly on Lisa. Her gaze lingered just long enough to make Lisa's heart skip a beat.

"And this is...?" Jennie asked, her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.

Jisoo gestured toward Lisa, who stood rooted to the spot, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her black bomber jacket. "Jennie, meet Lisa Manoban. She's filling in as your temporary assistant. Lisa, this is Jennie Kim."

Lisa forced a polite smile, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Kim."

Jennie's brow lifted slightly, her lips curving into a faint smirk as she took Lisa's hand. Her grip was firm but light, her fingers cool against Lisa's warm skin. "Ms. Kim? That's formal. You can just call me Jennie."

"Sure," Lisa replied, her tone steady, though her pulse raced. She released Jennie's hand quickly, stuffing her own back into her pocket.

Jennie tilted her head, her sharp gaze sweeping over Lisa. The tomboyish outfit—a bomber jacket over a plain white shirt, ripped black jeans, and worn sneakers—was a stark contrast to the polished world Jennie inhabited. Lisa's dark hair, slightly tousled, framed her sharp features, and there was an ease in her stance that Jennie found... intriguing.

Most people fawned over her the moment they met her, stumbling over their words or gushing about her accomplishments. But this girl? She was calm. Too calm.

"Jisoo mentioned you'd be helping us," Jennie said, her voice smooth as she studied Lisa. "Do you have any experience in this line of work?"

Lisa met Jennie's gaze without flinching. "Not exactly, but I'm a quick learner."

Jennie's smirk widened slightly, her curiosity deepening. "We'll see about that."

Jisoo, sensing the tension, clapped her hands together. "Alright! Introductions done. Let's grab a seat while we wait for boarding."

Lisa nodded, stepping aside to let Jennie pass. As she followed behind, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Jennie, who walked with an effortless grace.

Jennie, meanwhile, found herself sneaking a glance back at Lisa. There was something about her—the way she carried herself, so casual yet confident—that made Jennie wonder why this girl wasn't starstruck like everyone else.

Jisoo plopped down on one of the lounge's plush chairs, patting the seat next to her for Lisa. Jennie took the chair across from them, crossing her legs elegantly as she adjusted her sunglasses back onto her head.

Lisa sat beside Jisoo, keeping her expression neutral despite the storm of thoughts racing through her mind. She pulled out her sketchpad, pretending to focus on it, though her awareness of Jennie lingered like static in the air.

Jennie watched Lisa for a moment, her curiosity growing. Who is this girl? And why does she seem so... unaffected?

Jisoo, oblivious to the subtle tension between them, started chatting about the flight details, but neither Jennie nor Lisa seemed to fully register her words. For both of them, the moment had shifted into something quieter, something unspoken—a faint but undeniable pull, drawing them toward each other.

Lisa leaned back in her chair, sketchpad balanced on her knee as her pencil moved lightly across the page. Beside her, Jisoo sat cross-legged, her phone in one hand and a knowing smirk on her face as she glanced between Lisa and Jennie, who was seated across from them.

Lisa paused her sketching for a moment, her gaze darting to Jennie, who was scrolling through her phone, seemingly uninterested. But Lisa could feel her eyes flitting toward her every so often, the weight of her gaze lingering longer than necessary.

Lowering her voice, Lisa nudged Jisoo gently with her elbow. "Hey, Jisoo."

Jisoo hummed in response, her attention still on her phone.

Lisa hesitated, her pencil tapping against the edge of her sketchpad. "Does Jennie... know? About my condition, I mean."

Jisoo looked up sharply, her playful expression softening. "No, of course not. That's your story to tell, not mine. I'd never share that without your permission."

Relief flickered across Lisa's face, and she nodded. "Thanks. I just... it's better if it stays that way for now."

Jisoo reached over, patting Lisa's shoulder. "Don't worry. I've got your back, as always."

Lisa gave her a small, grateful smile before turning her attention back to her sketchpad. Her pencil resumed its dance across the page, sketching the lines of Jennie's sharp jaw, the soft curve of her lips, and the intensity in her eyes that seemed to pierce through the air.

Jisoo leaned closer, catching a glimpse of the work in progress. She snorted quietly. "Are you seriously sketching Jennie right now?"

Lisa didn't look up. "She has an interesting face."

Jisoo grinned, lowering her voice to a teasing whisper. "Oh, sure. 'Interesting.' That's what we're calling it now?"

Lisa rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "It's true. She's got this... balance. Sharp but soft. Confident but guarded. Faces like hers are rare."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You sure it's just about her face, Lisa?"

Lisa shot her a look. "Don't start."

Jisoo laughed softly, leaning back in her chair. "I'm just saying, you've barely known her for an hour, and you're already making her your muse."

"She's not my muse," Lisa muttered, her ears turning pink. "I just draw what's in front of me."

Jisoo snickered but didn't push further, content to watch her friend's artistic process.

Across from them, Jennie sat with her phone in hand, pretending to read an article, but her focus wasn't on the screen. She couldn't stop stealing glances at Lisa, her curiosity getting the better of her.

The way Lisa and Jisoo leaned in close, whispering like co-conspirators, made Jennie itch to know what they were talking about. The occasional burst of quiet laughter between them only added to her frustration.

What could possibly be so funny?

Jennie's eyes drifted to Lisa's hands, the way they moved with precision and grace as she sketched. Her gaze traveled up to Lisa's face—focused, calm, and annoyingly good-looking in that effortless way. The bomber jacket and ripped jeans added a certain charm, a stark contrast to Jennie's polished world of tailored outfits and perfectly styled hair.

Jennie caught herself staring and quickly looked away, focusing on her phone again. But a moment later, her eyes betrayed her, flicking back to Lisa. There was something about her that Jennie couldn't quite place—something that tugged at her attention more than she cared to admit.

Meanwhile, Lisa was blissfully unaware of Jennie's scrutiny, lost in the details of her sketch. "Her bone structure is insane," Lisa murmured to Jisoo, who smirked knowingly.

"You mean perfect," Jisoo teased.

Lisa shrugged, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, that too."

Jennie shifted in her seat, her curiosity deepening as she tried—and failed—to catch snippets of their conversation. Her frustration only grew as she realized how much of her attention was being monopolized by one girl she'd just met.

She tapped her nails lightly against her phone, glancing at Lisa once more. Who are you, really? And why can't I stop looking at you?

The atmosphere in the VIP lounge grew lighter as Jisoo and Lisa continued their hushed conversation, their laughter occasional but genuine. Jennie, however, found herself growing more restless by the minute. Her curiosity gnawed at her as her gaze flitted toward the two girls, leaning in close and speaking in whispers like they were sharing the world's best-kept secrets.

She placed her phone down, crossing her legs elegantly, and cleared her throat. "What's so funny over there?"

Jisoo and Lisa looked up in unison, their laughter halting. Jisoo grinned mischievously, while Lisa's face remained carefully neutral, though the subtle twitch of her lips betrayed her amusement.

"Nothing," Jisoo replied quickly, waving a dismissive hand.

Jennie raised a skeptical brow, leaning back in her chair. "Nothing? You've been giggling like schoolgirls for the past ten minutes. I find that hard to believe."

Lisa glanced at Jisoo, silently pleading for backup. Jisoo, ever the instigator, gave her a cheeky smile before turning to Jennie. "Just some inside jokes. You wouldn't get it."

Jennie narrowed her eyes, her lips curving into a smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Is that so?"

Her gaze dropped to Lisa's sketchpad, still perched on her knee. "And what's that you've been working on? Another one of your inside jokes?"

Lisa stiffened slightly, her fingers tightening around the edge of the sketchpad. "Just a sketch," she said casually, trying to keep her tone even.

Jennie's curiosity spiked. "Mind if I take a look?"

Lisa hesitated, glancing at Jisoo, who gave her a small shrug as if to say, You're on your own.

Before Lisa could respond, Jennie extended her hand, her perfectly manicured nails gleaming under the lounge's soft lighting. "Come on, let me see."

Lisa's heart thudded in her chest, her mind racing. She didn't want Jennie to see the sketch—not because it was bad, but because it was her. She'd been so engrossed in capturing Jennie's features that the thought of her realizing she'd been the subject of Lisa's attention was... unsettling.

Just as Jennie reached out further, the crisp voice of an airline staff member echoed through the lounge.

"Boarding for Flight JL828 to Tokyo is now ready. All VIP passengers, please proceed to Gate 7."

Jennie froze mid-reach, her eyes darting to the staff member. A slight flicker of annoyance crossed her face before she stood gracefully, brushing invisible dust from her coat.

"Guess we'll have to save this conversation for later," Jennie said, her tone light but her gaze lingering on Lisa a moment too long.

Lisa exhaled silently, tucking her sketchpad into her bag as quickly as possible. "Guess so," she murmured, standing and slinging her bag over her shoulder.

Jisoo, oblivious to the tension, clapped her hands together. "Alright, team! Let's get going. Tokyo awaits!"

As they made their way out of the lounge, Jennie walked slightly ahead, her manager and stylist flanking her. Lisa followed behind with Jisoo, her shoulders relaxing now that the sketchpad was safely out of sight.

Jisoo nudged her playfully. "Close call, huh?"

"You have no idea," Lisa muttered, her lips curving into a small, relieved smile.

Ahead of them, Jennie glanced back briefly, her sharp eyes finding Lisa for a split second before she turned away. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she walked toward the gate, her thoughts lingering on the mysterious girl who had so casually evaded her questions.

--

The moment they stepped off the plane in Japan, the scene was chaos. The air buzzed with the sound of excited chatter, camera flashes lighting up the airport as if it were a movie premiere. Fans and paparazzi had gathered en masse, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of Jennie Kim.

Jennie adjusted her sunglasses, her expression calm, though Lisa noticed the faintest flicker of tension in her jaw. Jisoo was already muttering under her breath. "This is more than usual. Did someone leak the flight details?"

Jennie's six bodyguards moved swiftly to create a barrier around her, but the crowd was relentless, surging forward with outstretched hands and shouted greetings. "Jennie! Over here!" "We love you, Jennie!" "One photo, please!"

The bodyguards pushed back as best they could, but the crowd was overwhelming, pressing closer by the second. Jennie's stylist and manager clung to the edges of the group, their faces pale with worry.

Lisa, standing just behind Jennie, scanned the scene, her instincts kicking in. She had seen chaotic crowds before, but this was something else entirely. The energy wasn't just excited—it was on the verge of dangerous.

One overzealous fan lunged forward, slipping past a bodyguard and nearly grabbing Jennie's arm.

That's when Lisa moved.

Without thinking, Lisa stepped in front of Jennie, her stance firm and commanding. She shrugged off the fan with surprising ease, her strength evident as the person stumbled back.

"Stay back," Lisa said, her voice calm but with a steel edge that cut through the noise.

Another fan tried to push closer, but Lisa was already there, her movements sharp and precise. She blocked them effortlessly, her eyes scanning the crowd for the next potential threat. Her sharp instincts caught every movement before it could escalate, her reflexes quicker than anyone else's in the chaos.

Jennie, stunned, found herself gripping Lisa's arm without realizing it. Lisa glanced back at her, her dark eyes steady and reassuring. "I've got you. Just hold on."

With one hand, Lisa gently took Jennie's wrist, her grip firm but not forceful. "Stay close," Lisa said softly, her tone so calm it sent a strange sense of security through Jennie.

Jennie didn't reply, too caught off guard by the sheer ease with which Lisa navigated the chaos. Lisa's free hand kept fans at bay, her movements precise and controlled, while her body shielded Jennie entirely.

Jisoo trailed behind, her eyes wide. "Lisa, how are you—?"

"Later," Lisa said shortly, her focus entirely on getting Jennie out safely.

Step by step, Lisa guided Jennie through the crowd, her presence so commanding that even the most eager fans hesitated before trying to get closer. Jennie could feel the tension in Lisa's hand, but she was careful, her grip never tight enough to hurt.

When they finally reached the waiting car, Lisa opened the door swiftly, ushering Jennie inside before turning back to block a final wave of fans. Only when the last person was at a safe distance did Lisa slide into the car herself, closing the door firmly behind her.

The car pulled away from the curb, leaving the chaotic crowd behind.

Inside, the air was thick with silence. Jennie adjusted her sunglasses, her hands trembling slightly. She glanced at Lisa, who sat across from her, looking as calm as if nothing had happened.

"You're... strong," Jennie said, breaking the silence.

Lisa met her gaze, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I've had practice."

Jisoo, still catching her breath, leaned forward. "Lisa, that was insane! You handled that like a pro. Do you have training or something?"

Lisa shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Something like that."

Jennie's eyes lingered on Lisa, her mind replaying the way she had stepped in without hesitation, her movements fluid and protective. She didn't know what to make of this girl—this temporary assistant who seemed so much more than she appeared.

For the first time in a long time, Jennie felt... intrigued.

The car hummed steadily as it navigated the busy streets of Japan, the hustle and bustle of the city outside contrasting with the strange, quiet tension that had settled inside. Jennie sat back in her seat, her mind still processing the chaotic scene at the airport. Lisa, on the other hand, was unbothered, her expression as calm as ever, though there was a subtle tightness in her grip on the seatbelt. Jisoo, who had been caught up in the moment, couldn't help but try to lighten the mood.

"You know, Lisa," Jisoo began, glancing at her with a teasing smile, "I think we might need to start calling you the underground fighting champion instead of an assistant."

Jennie, who had been staring out the window, turned her head to look at Lisa. Her curiosity piqued, she waited for Lisa's reaction. Jisoo leaned in, grinning playfully. "I mean, seriously, you just handled that crowd like a pro. I wouldn't be surprised if you were secretly a champion in some underground fighting ring or something."

Lisa didn't immediately respond. Her fingers tightened slightly on the seatbelt, her eyes narrowing just enough to show her thoughts, but she remained quiet. The car's interior seemed to grow quieter, as though the words had hung in the air a little too long.

Jisoo, realizing she might've crossed a line, gave a nervous laugh. "I mean, you did just protect Jennie like it was nothing."

Lisa shifted slightly in her seat, looking at Jisoo with a slight frown. Her voice was measured and calm, but there was a quiet intensity to it.

"Isn't that supposed to be the assistant's job?" she asked, her gaze never wavering. "I'm just doing my job."

The tone was enough to make Jisoo pause, a knowing look passing between her and Lisa. Jisoo had long known about Lisa's past and her underground fighting career, but she also understood that Lisa wasn't one to boast or talk about it freely. The way Lisa had effortlessly fended off the crowd and kept Jennie safe was just... Lisa, and she didn't need recognition for it.

"Right, of course," Jisoo replied, her voice softer now, her teasing energy replaced by a more respectful one. "I was just messing around. Didn't mean to make it sound like something else."

Lisa, her expression unreadable, simply shrugged. "It's fine. I'm just here to do my job. No need for the extra attention."

Jennie observed the interaction closely, still trying to make sense of Lisa. She had been quick, efficient, and—above all—calm in the chaos. Jennie couldn't help but feel a bit intrigued.

Jisoo leaned back in her seat, glancing at Jennie with a smile. "But seriously, you have no idea what she's capable of. Lisa's the best there is when it comes to underground fighting. I've seen her in action. She's like a force of nature."

Jennie's interest piqued even further. "Underground fighting?" she repeated, turning her attention back to Lisa. "That's... an unusual thing for an assistant."

Lisa's gaze flickered briefly to Jennie but quickly shifted away. She folded her arms, the weight of the conversation settling between them. Her voice was calm, but Jennie could hear the edge of something guarded in her tone.

"I don't like to talk about it. It's not something I want everyone to know about," Lisa said, her words slow but firm. "I keep it private. It's my life, not anyone else's business."

Jisoo, who had been silent for a moment, offered a small, apologetic smile. "Yeah, I get that. Lisa's not the type to flaunt her life, no matter how impressive it is. She's... well, private about certain things."

Jennie's eyes lingered on Lisa for a moment, sensing the walls she had carefully put up. There was a side to her that wasn't just the quiet, efficient assistant she appeared to be. The way she had handled the situation at the airport—protecting Jennie without hesitation—made Jennie want to know more. But she didn't press. Lisa had made it clear she wanted her privacy.

The car drove on, the soft sound of the engine filling the space between them. Jisoo, sensing the shift in the conversation, quickly changed the subject. "So, Jennie, how are you feeling about the concert tomorrow? Excited?"

Jennie nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. It's always a rush performing in a new city."

Lisa, who had been quiet for the rest of the ride, glanced briefly at Jennie. "It's a big show. You'll do fine."

Jennie turned her head to look at Lisa, raising an eyebrow. "You really think so?"

Lisa simply nodded. "You've got the talent. You'll nail it."

For a moment, Jennie's heart skipped a beat. Lisa's words were simple, yet there was something in the way she spoke—something genuine—that made Jennie feel like she was being seen in a way she wasn't used to.

"Thanks," Jennie replied, her voice softer than usual.

The rest of the ride passed in a quiet, almost comfortable silence. Jennie couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to Lisa than she let on—more than just an assistant with a mysterious past. But she also knew that Lisa wasn't going to open up easily.

For now, Jennie would have to live with the questions lingering in her mind.

--

Is this interesting enough to continue?