it all started with a cappuccino

JENNIE

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
10:28 AM

“is love really something people should jump in joy for?”

—————

It was such a shocker to see the same Lisa about a week ago, in front of me right now, ordering another cup of cappuccino.

"I was hoping to see you, and thank you for the other week. I'm sorry I didn't thank you right away, I was feeling shitty. But the cappuccino did help, thanks." she mumbled.

"No worries," I said as I gave her her change and asked Somi to prepare the order.

"Well, thanks again..." she stopped and looked at my name tag, "...Jennie. I owe you one."

"Pay me with food the next time we bump into each other outside this shop." I teased.

"I guess destiny shall do her thing," she winked before walking out of the shop and waved me goodbye.

The rest of the day was me and the cups of coffee. Ryujin arrived somewhere near noon since she said teachers had this meeting and everyone was free for the day. I honestly just want her to go out and live her life. Date someone or go clubbing, she was such a studyholic kid and I just wanted her to enjoy.

"Kim, I said no. I don't want to go clubbing or date. What kind of sister are you? You're a bad influence!" Ryujin shut me off as she started washing the mugs,

"Shin Ryujin first of all, I am not your biological sister so I can shove you off to dating and not be called a bad influence. Second, you need to date! Or live a life!"

"You girls are so noisy! I am setting all three of you out!" Hyunjin butt in.

"Stay out of this Jinnie!" Ryujin challenged.

"No. Kim, Ryujin, and you Somi will go out on a date,"

"How did I even get in your conversation?!" Somi exclaimed from inside the booth.

"Shh! Don't be so noisy!" Mina warned before she went back to the cashier.

Hyunjin just laughed, "Not taking any no's." he said before disappearing to take the trash out.

"The date better be handsome or I'm suing you guys for dragging me into this," Somi teased.

By evening, Ryujin and I was ready to go home. She was still sour for the date she doesn't wanna be in but I reminded her that it's a triple date and I'm having a hard time just as she is. We decided to buy some noodles for tonight since we were too lazy to eat out.

"I'm kinda seeing someone," Ryujin blurted out as we were eating.

My eyes widened, "Oh gosh, I'm sorry! I didn't know!" I said, feeling so bad.

"It's fine, I can just tell Jinnie not to set me up with someone and I can join the date with her,"

"Its a her!" I exclaimed.

Ryujin rolled her eyes, "Yes, it's a her."

"Tell me about her!"

"She's a friend of my friend. A student, too. Pretty, she has eyes like Hyunjin's, her name is Yeji--"

"What?" I interrupted,

"Her name is Yeji."

I laughed really loud and smacked her head, "Hwang Yeji, yes?"

"Yes...?" she asked confusedly,

"That's Hyunjin's sister!"

"Hyunjin has a sister?!"

I laughed my ass off and coughed real bad when the noodles choked me and Ryujin was just sitting down trying her best to understand what I just said, "I didn't even know he has a sister."

"Good luck trying to tell Hyunjin to cancel out on the date and surprise him with his sister as your date!" I teased even more.

Ryujin went silent as if trying to find ways for her not to freak Hyunjin out that she was seeing his sister while I stood up to go get myself water.

I don't get the hype in dating, really. I just don't.

You love, they leave.

You care, then they just disappear.

The very reason I haven't been to many dates even if I was nearly 30 now, (not in 5 years, but so)

I had my first date when I was sixteen, asked out by a pretty boy back in highschool. But my mother wasn't there to doll me up for a date, and boys sucked at that age.

Had my second date at nineteen, and ended up with an addict date and thankfully I stood him up after seeing him smoke weed on the back of the resto.

Third and last date at twenty-two, with a man who was 10 years older than me and was obviously in it for sexual desires. Good thing I kicked his ass before he can even get in my pants.

So you get the reason why I hate dating and boys. My history with boys wasn't very nice, and I still don't like dating until now.

"What are your thoughts about your date?" Ryujin asked,

"I don't date,"

"I know. So what's your plan?"

"Seems fun to go though. So I'd meet this date then have fun and forget about him when the next day comes," I explained,

"You're dying single and virgin," Ryujin teased.

"I'm holy," I laughed and went to my room.

The next day, Hyunjin was very enthusiastic with setting the three of us up. He talked nonstop about these dates, he said my date had a long time crush on me and would often ask Hyunjin for my number, but he didn't give it since he was trying to look out for me, and knowing that I was willing to go on a date now, it was his friend's time to shine.

"Jinnie, I think I have to cancel," Ryujin said when she arrived after her school.

"No one's cancelling!" Hyunjin exclaimed.

"You don't get it," Ryujin rolled her eyes, "I'm seeing someone." she said and gave me a look while I just giggled.

"Oh really? Okay then, I could cancel. Sorry," he said, "Who is it though?"

Ryujin awkwardly giggled, "You'll see." she said and disappeared to help Somi while shooting me a glare after I snickered.

"You Kim, you aren't going to cancel. I know you hate dating, but just give this one a chance."