Invisible

Lisa

The three of us, Mina, Jisoo, and I, have been yawning non-stop. We slept at 4:30 AM, and now, we’re paying the price. Walking into school like zombies, the five of us barely have the energy to function.

Time check: 7:10 AM. We still have 30 minutes before class starts.

"We still have time. I’m going to sleep. Just wake me up when the teacher arrives." I mumbled, already resting my head on my folded arms.

"You wish. I’m joining you." Jisoo replied before turning to Mina. "Mina, our good friend, please wake us up later, okay?" She patted Mina’s head before copying my position.

I just chuckled and closed my eyes. I really need this nap.

"Lili, wake up. The teacher’s here."

I groggily opened my eyes, my vision still blurry from sleep.

"Wake up now, Lili." the voice spoke again.

I stretched my arms and blinked a few times, and when my sight cleared, I nearly jumped.

"N-Nini?" I stammered, eyes widening.

"You’re awake now." she said simply.

"W-why are you here?" I asked, still confused.

"Just listen to the lecture. The teacher’s already discussing." she replied before walking back to her seat.

I turned my head, catching Jisoo smirking at me. I glanced back, noticing Mina still sound asleep. Ah, so that’s why she didn’t wake us up because she was knocked out, too.

I shook my head and sighed.

"Tsk."

I turned to Jennie, who had just clicked her tongue.

"You okay, Jennie?" I asked.

"Okay—" she mumbled something under her breath that I couldn’t catch.

I stared at her for a moment but decided to let it go. Instead, I shifted my focus to the teacher, trying my best to pay attention despite the exhaustion.

Morning classes passed in a blur. While most of our classmates headed to the cafeteria for lunch, my friends and I decided to stay in the classroom and eat there.

"Guys, do you think the plan is working?" I asked, feeling doubtful.

"I think it is." Mina replied confidently.

"Yeah?" Bambam raised a brow.

"Trust the process," Seulgi chimed in.

"Yes, it’s definitely working." Jisoo added, sounding too sure of herself.

"Confident much, Jisoo? And how do you know?" I questioned.

"I just know." she said with a smug grin.

I sighed and shook my head.

"By the way, Lisayah" Mina suddenly spoke. "Uncle Marco texted earlier, asking about you. How you're doing and how people treat you here since you never tell them anything."

"What did you say?" I asked.

"I told him you're fine and that people here don’t bother you."

I nodded, a small smile forming on my lips.

"Let’s eat" Seulgi suddenly announced, effectively ending the conversation. We all laughed and dug into our meals.

After lunch, we decided to take a walk since we still had some time before class. Mina clung to my arm like always.

As we strolled around campus, we noticed a commotion up ahead. Students were gathered, chattering excitedly, and some were even shrieking.

"What’s going on?" Bambam asked.

"Let’s check it out." Jisoo suggested, leading the way.

We weaved through the crowd until we reached the front. My breath hitched at the sight before me.

Hanbin stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers and chocolates.

"Can I court you, Jennie?" he asked confidently.

Jennie remained silent, simply staring at him. A few seconds passed, and then her eyes shifted, like searching for someone.

Our gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around us faded.

Then, her eyes flickered downward, landing on Mina’s hands, which were still clinging to my arm.

I saw something shift in her expression, but before I could even process it, Hanbin called her name.

"Jennie?"

She turned back to him.

"Yes" she said.

Time seemed to stop.

The students erupted into cheers, their excited screams filling the air. Hanbin beamed, pulling Jennie into a hug as he thanked her.

I felt my heart clench.

"Let’s go" Mina whispered, tugging me away from the scene. I followed numbly, my mind still processing what just happened.

We walked until we reached our usual spot under a tree.

"You okay, Lali?" Bambam asked.

"Of course she’s not okay, you moron." Seulgi scolded him before smacking the back of his head.

I let out a small chuckle, appreciating their concern.

"Don’t worry, Lisayah. Hanbin is just courting Jennie. You still have a chance. We’ll help you." Jisoo assured me.

I smiled at her, but deep down, I wasn’t so sure.

I had known from the start that Jennie would never be mine. I wasn’t even her type.

"Thanks, Chu." I said softly.

Mina rubbed my back soothingly. "What if we go out and eat something delicious?" she suggested.

"Class starts in five minutes." I reminded her.

"Then let’s skip the first subject. Better yet, let’s just not attend class at all today. How about that?" she grinned.

I shook my head.

"You’re such a bad influence, Minari." Jisoo teased.

"But her idea is great. I’m in. Let’s go." Jisoo suddenly said, standing up and high-fiving Mina.

"Wait—"

Seulgi cut me off, pulling me up. "No buts, Lisayah. Your grades won’t suffer. Just enjoy yourself for once."

"She’s right, Lali." Bambam agreed.

I sighed in defeat. "Okay, okay. I’m in."

My friends cheered excitedly.

"That’s our Lisa!" Mina beamed, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

I just smiled, shaking my head. Sometimes, I wonder if they’re really my friends or just overgrown children.

We decided to go to the mall, eat, and shop a little. I suggested heading to the arcade, and everyone immediately agreed.

For the rest of the afternoon, we laughed, played games, and stuffed ourselves with food, completely skipping school.

For a few hours, I forgot about the ache in my chest.

And honestly? It felt nice.