Invisible

Lisa

We're now at the field, enjoying the fresh air while sitting on the grass. My friends texted their parents earlier to ask if they could stay a little longer. The sun is setting, and even though classes ended a few minutes ago, there are still a lot of students around.

Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere is interrupted by loud shrieking.

"Argh, why are they so loud again?" Seulgi groans in frustration.

"Wait... is that Minari?" Bam asks, pointing toward a familiar figure.

We all turn to look. Sure enough, it's Minari. But what is she doing here? Her eyes scan the field, searching for someone.

"She's looking for us." I chuckle under my breath.

"Minariiii!" Chu yells, waving excitedly.

Minari spots us and waves back before making her way over. When she reaches us, she sits beside me without hesitation.

"Why are you here, Minari?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm here for you, of course. I told you I'd fetch you, remember?" she replies casually.

"Aww, that's so sweet, Minari!" Chu teases.

Minari grins and drapes an arm around my shoulder. "Of course, this girl beside me is my baby. Right, Lisayah?"

"Yeah, yeah." I reply nonchalantly, but I can't stop the small smile forming on my lips.

The conversation carries on, but my attention drifts elsewhere. My gaze unconsciously roams the field until it lands on a familiar figure.

She's walking with Rosé and Irene, her presence commanding as always. But something is different. Her eyes scan the surroundings as if sensing something or someone.

Then, our eyes meet.

For a fleeting moment, I see something in them. Sadness? Regret? Before I can process it, she quickly looks away. As expected.

I miss her.

I watch as they walk away, my chest tightening with an emotion I can't quite name. When she's finally out of sight, I sigh and turn back to my friends, forcing myself to join the conversation.

-----

Jennie

I'm lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling as my mind replays the scene from earlier.

Who was that girl with Lisa's group? Why was Lisa so close to her?

I shake my head. That's not the point, Jennie.

The point is, Lisa and I still aren't in good terms. I need to apologize before I lose her completely. I miss her... she's my friend, after all.

Really? Just a friend? my mind mocks.

Frustrated, I grab my phone from the bedside table and open my messages.

Lisa's name is right there, her chat filled with messages I never responded to. Guilt creeps in as I scroll through them.

I take a deep breath and type,

"Hey, Lili... I'm sorry :("

I hit send before I can second-guess myself.

Afterward, I bury my face into my pillow, releasing a deep sigh. "Finally, Jennie." I mumble.

Minutes pass.

No reply.

I checked my phone again. The message is delivered, but she's not responding.

Maybe she's busy.

Deciding not to overthink, I put my phone back on the table and close my eyes. I haven't been sleeping well these past few days because of deadlines, so maybe rest will help clear my mind.

Slowly, I drift into sleep.

---

Lisa

I'm back at my parents' house, lounging in the living room. Papa, Dad, and Mom are all at work, while Mama is in the kitchen preparing dinner.

After hanging out at the field, we eventually parted ways and went home. That's when I saw Jennie's message.

Nini
"Hey, Lili... I'm sorry :("

I stare at my screen, unsure how to respond.

Also, did I mentioned how cute she is when she uses " :( "? Then again, she's always cute.

Oh my god, Lisa, you're so whipped.

"Yeah, you are." Minari suddenly comments.

"Huh?" I blink, realizing I must've spoken out loud.

"I heard you. And it's true. You were literally smiling like an idiot a while ago."

I scoff. "Whatever you say, Minari."

But the truth is... I don't know how to reply. Should I just say it's okay? Or something like, You're too cute to resist. I forgive you?

As I'm contemplating my next move, my phone is suddenly snatched from my hand.

"Hey! Minari, give me back my phone!" I yell, immediately chasing after her.

That damn penguin is fast. Before I can catch up, she locks herself in her room.

Knock, knock!

"Minariiii!!!" I bang on the door.

"Wait, Lisayahhh!" she calls from the other side, her tone mischievous.

I groan, rubbing my temples. What is she up to?

After what feels like forever, she finally opens the door and hands me back my phone, winking before dashing downstairs.

"You're welcome, Lisayahh!" she yells as she disappears.

A bad feeling creeps up my spine.

I glance at my phone-and my eyes widen in horror.

WTF.

"MINARIIII!!!" I scream, immediately running after her.