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Jennie's POV

The room was small, cramped, and nothing like the luxury I was used to—but right now, I didn't care. All I could focus on was Lisa. The way she pressed against me, her hands firm yet careful as they gripped my waist, pulling me closer.

Our lips moved in sync, the tension between us snapping the second she kissed me, deepening it as if she had been holding back for too long. Maybe she had. Maybe I had too.

I should stop this. I know I should.

But when Lisa's hands slid up my back, pressing me flush against her, a shiver ran through me, and I didn't push her away. Instead, I let myself drown in the feeling of her lips on mine, the way she kissed me like she needed me, like she had been starving for this.

She tugged me gently, guiding me backward until my legs hit the edge of the bed. My breath hitched, and for a brief second, I hesitated. But Lisa didn't rush me. She just held me there, her forehead resting against mine, her thumb brushing the side of my jaw, waiting.

I exhaled shakily, my fingers curling into the fabric of her shirt.

Then, I pulled her back to me, crashing my lips onto hers again.

Lisa groaned against my mouth, gripping my waist tighter as she guided us down onto the bed, hovering over me. The mattress creaked beneath us, the air thick with something neither of us wanted to name.

My heart pounded so hard I thought Lisa might hear it, but she didn't say anything. She just kissed me, her hands moving over me in a way that made my head spin.

I knew this was dangerous. I knew I was playing with fire.

"Jennie," she breathed, her voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. "Are you sure about this?"

But for once, I didn't care.

I didn't answer with words. Instead, I kissed her again, deeper this time, pouring everything I couldn't say into the way my lips moved against hers. I was sure. I had never been more sure of anything in my life. Lisa was unlike anyone I had ever known—bold, unapologetic, and so achingly real. She didn't treat me like Jennie Kim, the idol, the IT girl. She treated me like... me. And that was something I hadn't realized I'd been craving until now.

Her hands found the hem of my sweater, and I lifted my arms, letting her pull it over my head. The cool air hit my skin, but I barely noticed. All I could feel was the heat of her body, the way her eyes raked over me like I was the only thing in the world worth looking at. It was intoxicating, the way she made me feel—seen, wanted, desired in a way I hadn't known was possible.

"You're so beautiful," she murmured, her voice rough with emotion as her fingers traced the curve of my waist. "I don't think you even know."

I didn't know what to say to that. Words felt inadequate, so I let my body speak for me. I reached for her, pulling her closer, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the buttons of her shirt. She didn't stop me, didn't pull away. Instead, she helped me, her fingers brushing against mine as we worked together to rid her of the fabric. And then she was bare, her skin warm and smooth under my hands, and I couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly we fit together.

There was no hesitation, no awkwardness. Just us, tangled together in her bed, our breaths coming in ragged gasps as we explored each other with a hunger that felt almost primal. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word felt like it was stitching us together, binding us in a way that went beyond the physical. This wasn't just desire—it was something deeper, something I couldn't quite name but knew I never wanted to let go of.

Her hands were everywhere, mapping my body like she was committing every curve, every scar, every freckle to memory. And I did the same, my fingers tracing the lines of her shoulders, the dip of her waist, the curve of her hips. She was perfect, not in the way the world expected perfection, but in a way that was uniquely hers. And I wanted all of it—every part of her, every flaw, every imperfection. I wanted her.

And then there were no more words, no more thoughts. Just us, lost in each other, our bodies moving together in a rhythm that felt as natural as breathing. It wasn't just physical—it was something more, something deeper. A connection I had never felt with anyone else, a hunger that went beyond the surface.

When it was over, when we lay tangled together in the aftermath, our breaths slowly returning to normal, I couldn't help but feel like something had shifted. Something fundamental, something irreversible. Lisa wasn't just someone I was attracted to, someone I wanted. She was someone I needed. And that realization was as terrifying as it was exhilarating.

She turned to me, her eyes soft and searching, and I knew she felt it too. Whatever this was between us, it wasn't just a fling, just a moment. It was something real. Something that had the power to change everything.

And as I lay there, her arms wrapped around me, her heartbeat steady against my chest, I knew one thing for certain: I didn't want to let this go.

--

My body felt heavy, exhausted in a way I hadn't experienced before. Every inch of me was sore, and I hated to admit it, but Lisa had completely drained me.

I laid there, staring at the ceiling, still trying to process what just happened. Lisa was beside me, her arm resting lazily over her stomach, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. She wasn't saying anything, and for some reason, that irritated me.

"Say something," I muttered, my voice hoarse.

Lisa turned her head to look at me, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Like what?"

I huffed, turning on my side to glare at her. "I don't know. Are you just going to lay there all smug after—" I paused, biting my lip. I wasn't about to say it. I wasn't about to admit that what we just did shook me to my core.

Lisa chuckled, her voice deep and lazy. "After what, Jennie?"

I groaned, grabbing the nearest pillow and smacking her with it. She only laughed harder, catching my wrist before I could hit her again.

"Relax, princess," she teased, her thumb rubbing against my wrist. "You act like this was your first time."

I tensed.

It wasn't my first time, obviously, but it was the first time it felt like this. Like I was completely consumed. Like I had lost control.

Lisa must've noticed my silence because her smirk faded slightly. "You okay?" she asked, her voice softer now.

I swallowed, looking away. "I'm fine."

A beat of silence passed. Lisa let go of my wrist, shifting so she was on her side, mirroring me.

"Why did you come here, Jennie?" she asked suddenly, her tone unreadable.

I blinked. "What?"

"You. Coming here, barging into my apartment. What do you want from me?" Lisa's dark eyes searched mine, as if she was trying to see through me.

I didn't answer right away. I didn't have a good answer.

"You're my assistant," I finally said, though even I knew it sounded weak.

Lisa snorted. "Before... and nor even for a week cause you fired me, Jennie. You didn't need to come all the way to my shitty apartment for that."

I pressed my lips together. She wasn't wrong.

Lisa sighed, rubbing her face with one hand. "Look, if you just wanted to get me out of your system, fine. I get it. I'm not stupid."

Something about the way she said it made my stomach turn. "That's not—" I stopped myself, frustrated.

Lisa didn't look convinced. "I mean, you're Jennie Kim, right? The Jennie Kim. The IT girl. You have guys lining up for you. I don't know why you're wasting your time with someone like me."

I clenched my jaw. "Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Talk like that. Like you're beneath me."

Lisa let out a dry laugh. "Aren't I? That's what you've been saying since we met."

I hated how true that was.

I stayed quiet, my fingers gripping the sheets. Lisa exhaled, rolling onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.

"You're exhausting," she muttered.

I turned my head toward her, narrowing my eyes. "Excuse me?"

Lisa smirked slightly. "You heard me. One second you hate me, the next you're throwing yourself at me. Make up your mind, princess."

I scoffed, smacking her arm. "Shut up."

Lisa laughed again, but this time, it was softer. She didn't push me for an answer, didn't ask me to explain myself. Maybe she knew I wasn't ready to.

My body felt heavier now, sleep creeping in fast. I wanted to stay awake, wanted to figure out why being next to Lisa felt so strangely comforting.

But before I could, exhaustion won.

And for the first time in a long time, I let myself fall asleep next to someone without overthinking it.

---

Lisa's POV

The room was quiet except for the soft sound of Jennie's breathing. I turned my head to look at her, watching as her chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm. She had fallen asleep mid-conversation, her body clearly drained from what we just did.

I smirked to myself. Jennie Kim, exhausted because of me. That was something I never thought I'd witness.

Her face was relaxed, free of the usual sharp glares and smug expressions she threw at me. Her lips were slightly parted, still swollen from all the kissing. A few strands of hair stuck to her forehead, her skin still glistening with the light sheen of sweat.

She looked so—fuck.

I felt it again. That same heat curling in my stomach, that same hunger creeping back into my veins. I had just had her—not even twenty minutes ago—but here I was, turned on again just by looking at her.

This was insane.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to tear my gaze away. My body was still wired from everything we had done, and if I stayed in bed any longer, I knew I'd end up waking her up to do it all over again.

With a quiet sigh, I slid out of bed carefully, making sure not to disturb her. I grabbed a fresh towel and stepped into the tiny bathroom, closing the door behind me.

The second the warm water hit my skin, I groaned, letting my head fall forward against the tile. The memories came rushing back instantly—the way she had moaned my name, the way her nails had dug into my back, the way she had completely let go beneath me.

I exhaled sharply, pressing my forehead against the cool wall. Get it together, Lisa.

But I couldn't.

I could still feel her—her touch lingering on my skin, the way her body molded so perfectly against mine. It was like a drug, and I was already addicted.

My breathing turned uneven as my hand slowly trailed down my body. I hated how easily I gave in, how I was still desperate for her even after having her completely.

And before I could stop myself, I was coming undone all over again, biting my lip to keep quiet.

This was ridiculous.

I stood there for a moment, catching my breath, letting the water wash away the evidence of my own weakness.

This is going to be a problem, I thought bitterly.

Because no matter how much I told myself this was just physical, that it didn't mean anything—deep down, I knew that was a lie.

I ran the towel through my damp hair, my body still tingling from both the shower and—her.

Jennie Kim.

I exhaled sharply as I pulled open my tiny wardrobe, scanning for the best-looking shirt and sweatpants I could find. Not that I had much of a selection—most of my clothes were either old, thrifted, or hand-me-downs from friends.

Still, I grabbed the least-worn T-shirt and a decent pair of sweats, slipping them on quickly.

But even as I moved, my mind refused to slow down.

What the fuck just happened?

I had Jennie Kim in my bed. Jennie fucking Kim.

I sat on the edge of the mattress, running a hand down my face. My heart was still racing, even after the shower, even after everything we just did.

How did this even happen?

Two months ago, she was nothing but an untouchable celebrity to me—someone I saw on billboards, in magazines, on screens. The IT girl, the nation's sweetheart, the one everyone wanted but no one could have.

And yet, here she was. In my bed. Naked. Sleeping peacefully after I'd just fuck the shit out of her.

I groaned, gripping my hair.

This wasn't normal. None of this was.

I was supposed to be nobody to her. Just a broke girl struggling to make ends meet, someone she wouldn't even look at twice under normal circumstances. And yet, for some insane reason, she had come looking for me, pushed her way into my life, and now—I had touched her in ways no one else had.

I squeezed my eyes shut, exhaling slowly.

Maybe it was just sex to her. Maybe she needed to get something out of her system, and I just happened to be the one available.

But if that was true, why me?

Why not one of her rich idol pursuers? Why not someone who could match her lifestyle, her status, her everything?

Why would she come all the way to my shitty apartment—risk herself, risk her career—just to end up tangled in my sheets?

I leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.

It didn't make sense.

Unless...

I bit my lip, my stomach twisting.

Unless she wanted me.

Not just anyone—but me.

The thought made my pulse jump, but I quickly shoved it away. Don't be stupid, Lisa.

She was Jennie Kim. And I was just the broke girl who got lucky for one night.

That was all.

At least, that's what I had to tell myself. Because anything more?

That would be dangerous.

---

Jennie's POV

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the smell.

A warm, rich scent filled the air—something savory, a little garlicky, and surprisingly good. My stomach growled before my brain even caught up, my body instinctively drawn to the aroma.

The second thing I noticed was that I was naked.

I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. It was already dark outside, and the room was quiet except for the faint sounds of someone moving around in what I assumed was the kitchen.

And then it hit me.

Lisa.

Oh my god.

I had fallen asleep in Lisa's bed, in Lisa's apartment, after—

I sat up abruptly, my heart racing. My clothes were still beside the bed where I had left them, but for some reason, I hesitated. The idea of slipping back into my expensive, designer outfit after everything that happened felt... strange. Out of place.

I turned to Lisa's tiny wardrobe instead.

Opening it, I quickly skimmed through her clothes. Most of them were old, worn, and clearly not the kind of stuff I was used to. But I wasn't exactly in a position to be picky.

I grabbed an oversized t-shirt and a pair of equally oversized sweats, slipping them on. The fabric was soft and smelled faintly of detergent mixed with something uniquely Lisa.

I swallowed.

Why am I even doing this?

Shaking off the thought, I walked out of the bedroom, following the mouthwatering scent.

Lisa was standing by the small stove, stirring something in a pan, her back turned to me. She was dressed in a different t-shirt and sweats now, her damp hair slightly messy from what I assumed was a shower.

I took a step forward, and that's when she turned.

Her gaze immediately dropped to what I was wearing, and a slow smirk spread across her face.

"Well, well," Lisa teased, leaning against the counter, crossing her arms. "I see you made yourself at home."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the way my face heated up. "Shut up."

Lisa chuckled, eyes trailing over the oversized clothes that were hers. "Didn't like your fancy outfit anymore?"

I scoffed, walking past her toward the kitchen counter. "It's not that. I just—" I hesitated, not really having a good excuse. "It was uncomfortable."

Lisa hummed in amusement, turning back to the stove. "Sure, princess. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

I glared at her, but she just grinned, flipping whatever she was cooking.

And despite myself, despite everything—

I couldn't help but smile, just a little.

I leaned against the counter, watching Lisa move effortlessly around the tiny kitchen. Her place might be small and old, but right now, it felt... comfortable. And so did the oversized clothes I was wearing.

I shouldn't like it.

But I did.

Lisa's t-shirt was soft against my skin, her sweats loose and warm. It smelled like her—clean something uniquely Lisa. It felt weirdly good, and I didn't want to think about why.

Lisa glanced at me over her shoulder, catching me staring. Her lips curled into that smug smirk of hers.

"Like my clothes that much, huh?"

I scoffed, crossing my arms. "Don't flatter yourself."

Lisa just chuckled, clearly enjoying herself as she turned back to the stove. The smell was even stronger now, making my stomach rumble slightly. I hoped she didn't hear it.

"What are you even cooking?" I asked, mostly to change the subject.

"Thai food," Lisa replied, stirring something in the pan. "Pad Krapow Gai."

I blinked. "What?"

Lisa chuckled. "Basil chicken stir-fry," she translated. "It's easy to make. And cheap."

I frowned, stepping closer and peering into the pan. The chicken sizzled in a dark sauce, bright green basil leaves wilting from the heat. It looked and smelled good.

"You cook?" I asked, raising a brow.

Lisa smirked. "Yeah. What, you think I survive on instant ramen?"

"...Yes."

Lisa laughed, shaking her head. "I do eat ramen, but I also cook when I have time. It's cheaper than eating out."

I didn't respond to that, suddenly aware again of the fact that Lisa's life was so different from mine.

Lisa plated the food, setting it on the counter before leaning against it, arms crossed. She tilted her head, looking me over in amusement.

"You seem... tired."

I stiffened, narrowing my eyes. "So?"

Lisa's smirk widened. "I'm just saying, you look worn out, princess."

My face burned.

I knew exactly what she was implying.

"Shut up," I snapped, looking away.

Lisa chuckled, clearly entertained. "You sure you don't want to rest more? You had a long day."

I picked up a spoon from the counter and pointed it at her threateningly. "Say another word and I'll throw this at you."

Lisa held up her hands in mock surrender, laughing. "Okay, okay, I'll stop."

I huffed, sitting down at the small dining table. Lisa joined me, sliding a plate toward me.

And as I took my first bite, letting the bold flavors hit my tongue, I thought—

Maybe this wasn't so bad.

I took my first bite, and the moment the flavors exploded in my mouth, I froze.

The mix of garlic, basil, and chili danced on my tongue, perfectly balanced with the juicy chicken and the slightly sweet sauce. It was... amazing.

I wasn't expecting that.

I took another bite. Then another. Before I knew it, I was completely focused on my plate, eating faster than I ever had before.

Lisa didn't say anything. She just sat there, resting her chin on her hand, watching me with an amused expression.

I barely noticed.

The food was too good.

By the time I finally looked up, licking the sauce off my lips, I realized something—

The plate was empty.

The whole dish. Gone.

I blinked.

Lisa's plate? Clean.

Lisa's fork? Untouched.

Lisa's food? Nonexistent.

I stiffened. "...Did you eat?"

Lisa leaned back in her chair, a slow grin spreading across her lips. "Nope."

I felt my face heat up. "Wait—so you just let me eat everything? Why didn't you stop me?!"

Lisa chuckled. "Because you looked like you were enjoying it."

I was mortified. "You should've said something!"

Lisa shrugged. "It's fine. I can just eat something else."

She got up and walked to the kitchen. I watched as she grabbed a pack of instant ramen from the cupboard, ripped it open, and started boiling water.

That's when I really felt bad.

"...You were really going to eat that instead?" I asked, frowning.

Lisa glanced at me over her shoulder. "Yeah, why?"

I hesitated. "That's not... real food."

Lisa chuckled. "It is if you're used to it."

Something about the way she said that made me pause.

Used to it?

I didn't know much about Lisa's life, but for some reason, those words sat uncomfortably in my chest.

I grabbed my phone. "I'll just order something else—"

Lisa turned around quickly. "No."

I blinked. "What?"

Lisa sighed, shaking her head. "Jennie, you can't risk getting caught here."

I scoffed. "I'll just use a fake name."

Lisa gave me a look. "Really? A delivery guy sees someone who looks exactly like Jennie Kim in this rundown building, and you think they won't put two and two together?"

I hesitated.

She... had a point.

Lisa went back to making her ramen, casually stirring the noodles like it was no big deal. Like she hadn't just let me eat all her food without complaining. Like she hadn't just accepted eating instant noodles as if it were normal.

I swallowed, suddenly feeling guilty.

I had everything at my fingertips. Private chefs, five-star meals, the ability to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And Lisa?

Lisa was used to eating like this.

I stayed quiet, watching as she poured the noodles into a bowl and sat back down across from me, slurping them like it was the best thing in the world.

For some reason, I didn't like it.

And I didn't know why.

Lisa slurped her noodles, completely unbothered, while I sat across from her, still feeling guilty.

She didn't even look at me, just focused on her food like this was completely normal. Like she wasn't eating instant noodles after cooking me the best meal I'd had in a long time.

The silence stretched between us until Lisa finally spoke.

"So," she said, her voice casual, "how does it feel?"

I frowned. "How does what feel?"

Lisa rested her chopsticks on the edge of her bowl and looked at me. "To be Jennie Kim."

I blinked. "What?"

Lisa tilted her head, amused. "The Jennie Kim. IT girl. Superstar. Everyone's dream girl. How is it?"

I scoffed. "You make it sound like some kind of fairytale."

"Isn't it?"

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Not even close."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

I hesitated. I wasn't sure why I was even considering answering her seriously, but something about Lisa made it easy to talk. Maybe because she was so blunt. Maybe because she didn't treat me like I was some untouchable celebrity.

Or maybe because she had just made me dinner without expecting anything in return.

I sighed. "It's exhausting."

Lisa's brows furrowed slightly, like she wasn't expecting that answer.

"You know, people think it's all glamor and luxury," I continued, staring at the empty plate in front of me. "And yeah, sure, it is. But no one tells you about the pressure. The expectations. The fact that everyone thinks they own a part of you just because they're a fan."

Lisa stayed quiet, listening.

I exhaled. "I don't even remember the last time I had a day to myself without worrying about cameras or headlines."

Lisa hummed. "Yeah, I figured."

I glanced at her. "Figured what?"

Lisa shrugged. "That it's not as fun as it looks."

I scoffed. "What gave it away?"

She smirked. "The way you walked in here looking like you needed to escape something."

I paused.

She wasn't wrong.

Lisa stirred her soup absentmindedly before lifting the bowl slightly. "Here."

I blinked. "What?"

Lisa nodded toward her bowl. "Taste the soup."

I frowned. "Why?"

Lisa grinned. "Because I made it with love."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, right."

Lisa pouted dramatically. "Come on, just one sip."

I shook my head. "No."

Lisa leaned forward, holding the bowl closer. "Please?"

I hesitated.

It wasn't a big deal. Just soup.

But something about the way Lisa was looking at me, the way her voice softened when she said please, made it feel... different.

I swallowed, then sighed. "Fine."

Lisa's grin widened as she handed me the bowl. I hesitated for a second before bringing it to my lips, taking a small sip.

Warm. Savory. A little too salty, but still comforting.

I lowered the bowl, expecting Lisa to tease me again, but she was just watching me.

Something in her gaze felt... intimate.

I cleared my throat and placed the bowl back in front of her. "It's... fine."

Lisa smirked. "Fine?"

I nodded, refusing to meet her eyes. "Yeah."

Lisa chuckled, shaking her head as she picked up her chopsticks again. "You're such a bad liar, Jennie Kim."

I clenched my jaw.

Because she was right.

And that annoyed me.

-

I leaned against the counter, watching Lisa rinse the plates. She moved effortlessly, scrubbing, rinsing, stacking. She didn't even seem to think about it—it was just second nature to her.

"You know," Lisa said without looking at me, "you didn't even offer to help."

I blinked. "Help with what?"

Lisa turned slightly, raising an eyebrow. "The dishes."

I scoffed. "Why would I?"

Lisa shook her head, laughing as she turned back to the sink. "Of course."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

Lisa smirked. "It means of course Jennie Kim doesn't do dishes."

I crossed my arms. "I don't."

Lisa let out a dramatic gasp. "You mean to tell me The Jennie Kim—the queen of K-pop, global superstar, face of luxury—doesn't know how to wash a plate?"

I rolled my eyes. "Obviously not."

Lisa chuckled, shaking her head. "Wow. I knew you were spoiled, but this is next level."

I glared at her. "I'm not spoiled."

Lisa shot me an amused look. "You just admitted you've never done the dishes."

"That doesn't mean I'm spoiled," I huffed. "I just... never had to do it."

Lisa snorted. "Yeah, that's literally the definition of spoiled."

I opened my mouth to argue but paused.

...Okay, maybe she had a point.

Still, I wasn't about to admit that.

Lisa finished the last plate and wiped her hands on a small towel before turning to face me. "Alright, princess, since you don't do dishes, what can you do?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Lisa crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "Like... can you cook?"

I hesitated. "...No."

Lisa smirked. "Clean?"

"...No."

Lisa's smirk widened. "Do laundry?"

I looked away. "...No."

Lisa laughed, shaking her head. "Wow."

I scowled. "I have people who do those things for me."

Lisa grinned. "So, you are spoiled."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Oh my God, can you shut up?"

Lisa laughed harder, clearly enjoying this too much.

I wanted to wipe that stupid grin off her face.

And maybe... I wanted to kiss it too.

But I wasn't going to think about that.