Chapter 23

Lisa woke up the next morning feeling slightly better but still weak. Her body was sore, and her head pounded every time she tried to sit up too quickly. As much as she hated being out of commission, she couldn’t deny that Jennie’s presence had made it easier to deal with. Plus, there was something undeniably entertaining about teasing Jennie while being taken care of.

Stretching in bed, Lisa blinked groggily and found Jennie sitting in the armchair near the bed, engrossed in her laptop. A small smile tugged at Lisa’s lips as she watched Jennie work. She looked so focused, but Lisa could sense the soft concern behind that stoic exterior. Jennie had stayed overnight, and Lisa knew she didn’t do things like this for just anyone.

“Morning, Dr. Kim,” Lisa croaked, her voice hoarse.

Jennie looked up from her laptop, her expression softening when she saw that Lisa was awake.

“How are you feeling?”

Lisa tilted her head dramatically.

“Oh, you know... I’m still alive. Barely. But with you by my side, I’ve got a fighting chance.”

Jennie sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Me? Dramatic?” Lisa pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m just stating the facts. I mean, I’m pretty sure I saw the light at one point, but then I remembered you’d miss me too much, so I came back.”

Jennie rolled her eyes, closing her laptop and setting it aside.

“You really have no off switch, do you?”

Lisa grinned weakly, her energy still low but her spirit high. “Nah. Who needs an off switch when you’ve got charm?”

Jennie shook her head, standing up and walking over to sit beside Lisa on the bed. “You’re impossible.”

Jennie smiled, a rare, genuine one that made Lisa’s heart skip a beat.

“Someone has to make sure you don’t try to turn this fever into a stand-up comedy routine.”

Lisa chuckled, but it turned into a cough, and Jennie’s expression immediately shifted to concern.

“Hey, hey, take it easy,” Jennie said, gently placing a hand on Lisa’s arm. “You’re not out of the woods yet.”

Lisa waved her off, though the coughing fit had left her even more exhausted. “I’m fine. I just needed to remind my lungs who’s in charge.”

Jennie rolled her eyes but didn’t move her hand from Lisa’s arm. “How are you really feeling?”

Lisa sighed, leaning back into the pillows. “Honestly? Still feel like I got hit by a truck. But having you around helps.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a smirk. “Flattery won’t get you out of taking your medicine.”

Lisa grimaced. “Ugh, the gross stuff? You’re really going to make me drink that?”

“Yes,” Jennie replied firmly, standing up to grab the bottle of medicine she had placed on the nightstand earlier. “It’s the only way you’re going to get better.”

Lisa pouted, giving Jennie her best puppy-dog eyes. “Come on, I’m already miserable. Can’t you just give me a pass?”

Jennie shook her head, unfazed by Lisa’s theatrics. “Not happening.”

With a dramatic sigh, Lisa held out her hand. “Fine. But if I survive this, I’m expecting a medal of bravery.”

Jennie handed her the medicine and watched with amusement as Lisa took it with a grimace, her face scrunching up in disgust.

“That’s awful,” Lisa groaned, setting the empty cup down and sticking out her tongue as if that would get rid of the taste. “Seriously, how is that legal?”

Jennie chuckled, sitting back down on the bed. “You’ll live.”

“You say that,” Lisa said, still making a face, “but I think I just lost half my taste buds.”

Jennie smiled, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

Lisa turned her head, looking at Jennie with mock seriousness. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Jennie’s expression softened again, and she reached out to gently brush a strand of hair out of Lisa’s face.

“Of course, I am. Someone has to make sure you don’t cause any more chaos.”

Lisa grinned, though her energy was quickly fading again. “You love my chaos.”

Jennie leaned in, her voice soft but teasing. “Maybe just a little.”

Lisa’s heart fluttered at Jennie’s words, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the room quiet except for the soft hum of the city outside. Jennie’s hand lingered near Lisa’s cheek, and Lisa, despite feeling terrible, couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest person in the world.

“Do I get a reward for taking the gross medicine?” Lisa asked, her voice playful but tired.

Jennie smirked. “What kind of reward?”

Lisa’s eyes twinkled, though her eyelids were drooping.

“A kiss. It’s scientifically proven to boost the immune system, you know.”

Jennie let out a soft laugh, her eyes warm. “Is that so?”

“Mmhmm,” Lisa mumbled, her voice growing softer as sleep began to pull her under.

“Trust me. I read it... somewhere.”

Jennie smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Lisa’s forehead. “There. Now get some rest, you charmer.”

Lisa’s eyes fluttered closed, a small, satisfied smile on her lips. “Best medicine... ever.”

Jennie chuckled quietly, watching as Lisa’s breathing evened out and she drifted off to sleep. Jennie stayed beside her for a while longer, her hand resting lightly on Lisa’s arm as she kept watch over her, the room peaceful and quiet.

---

By the time Lisa woke up again, it was mid-afternoon, and she felt marginally better. The fever had broken, leaving her feeling weak but more clear-headed than before. As she slowly sat up, she spotted Jennie standing by the window, her phone pressed to her ear as she quietly handled some business.

Lisa watched Jennie for a moment, admiring the way she seamlessly switched between her tough CEO demeanor and her softer, more caring side. She was like a superhero, really—managing everything so effortlessly.

When Jennie hung up the phone, she turned to see Lisa sitting up, and her expression immediately softened. “Feeling better?”

Lisa smiled weakly. “Yeah, I think I’m starting to come back to life.”

“Good,” Jennie said, walking over to the bed. “You were out for a while. I thought you’d sleep the rest of the day.”

Lisa stretched her arms, wincing slightly as her muscles protested. “I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

Jennie smirked. “Maybe you should. It’ll keep you out of trouble.”

Lisa chuckled softly. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Jennie sat on the edge of the bed, her expression amused. “I should have known you’d be a terrible patient.”

Lisa grinned. “I’m just keeping things interesting.”

Jennie shook her head, though her eyes were soft. “You definitely do that.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Jennie spoke again, her tone more serious. “You know, you don’t have to push yourself so hard. It’s okay to take a break when you need it.”

Lisa sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “I know. But there’s just so much to do, and I don’t want to fall behind.”

Jennie reached out, taking Lisa’s hand in hers. “You won’t. The world won’t end if you take a few days to rest.”

Lisa smiled, squeezing Jennie’s hand. “Thanks, Jennie. You’re pretty good at this whole ‘being caring’ thing.”

Jennie rolled her eyes but smiled. “Don’t get used to it.”

Lisa grinned, feeling a warmth spread through her chest despite the lingering sickness. “Too late.”

As Jennie sat beside her, keeping her company in the quiet of the afternoon, Lisa couldn’t help but feel grateful. Even in her worst moments, Jennie was there, steady and caring in ways Lisa hadn’t expected. And as much as Lisa loved to tease and joke, she knew how lucky she was to have someone like Jennie by her side.

“Hey, Jennie,” Lisa said softly, her voice playful but sincere.

“Yeah?” Jennie asked, glancing over at her.

Lisa smiled, her eyes bright despite her exhaustion. “You’re kind of the best.”

Jennie chuckled, her expression softening. “Don’t let that fever go to your head.”

Lisa closed her eyes, her smile still lingering. “Too late.”

And with that, she drifted back to sleep, the sound of Jennie’s quiet laughter the last thing she heard before the darkness took her under once again.

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