Idols | LisRene (Revised Version)

IRENE

The loud laughter of my members echoed through my four-walled, locked room. Maybe Yerim had pranked Joy again, or Wendy was chasing after Seulgi's cats while Seulgi desperately tried to save them. They were loud—too loud. At times, there were even loud bangs against my door, followed by giggles and playful chants. We had no schedules today, which explained the chaos in the dorm. I could only smile.

This was what I dealt with daily when we were all together. Sometimes, I snapped at them when the noise got too much, like today. But I let it go. I couldn't bring myself to hush them—not when I had woken up in the arms of the person I loved most. Maybe there was a scientific explanation for this kind of happiness, or maybe it was just that simple—I was just happy.

Then, suddenly, everything went silent.

Too silent.

An unsettling quiet filled the space, and I frowned, stepping toward the door to see what was going on. The moment I peeked out, I saw them—Joy pressed against the window, Yerim peeking through another glass panel, Seulgi watching intently, and Wendy trying to get a better view.

"What is it?" I asked, my brows furrowing.

It wouldn't be surprising if it was fans again—some had figured out our dorm location before, camping outside with cameras, desperate for any glimpse of us. We had already moved once because of a leaked address.

But Joy shook her head.

"Blackpink. They're... talking. Or... arguing?" she said uncertainly.

I stepped closer, confused as to why Blackpink would be here. And then, my eyes found her.

Lisa.

She was standing there. Crying.

An abrupt wave of emotions crashed over me. My body moved on instinct—I needed to go out there, to ask what was happening, to demand who the hell made Lisa cry. But before I could, Seulgi grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. Concern was etched in her expression.

"Don't." Her voice was firm, knowing. "Leave it to us. Go back inside."

I hesitated, my heart pounding.

"Are they here because of us?" Joy whispered nervously, her eyes darting toward the door. "Why does Jennie look so... intense? They're heading this way."

"Why am I getting nervous?" Wendy muttered to herself.

"I don't like this..." Yerim's eyes flicked to the door just as a sharp knock sounded against it.

Seulgi exhaled. "I'll get it."

But I didn't move. Hiding wouldn't fix this. I knew this moment would come eventually. I just didn't expect it to be today.

"Hiiiii... Jennie," Seulgi greeted with an enthusiastic smile.

Jennie was the first to step forward, followed by Lisa, who was trying to hold onto Jennie's arm. But Jennie quickly swatted it away. Jisoo and Chaeyoung offered shy smiles, and my members exchanged confused glances at the strange dynamic between the four of them.

"Where's Irene?" I heard Jennie ask.

"Hands off, Lisa!" Jennie snapped, shaking off Lisa's attempt to grab her arm.

"She... she... uh..." Lisa stumbled over her words, her voice faltering.

Before Lisa could finish, I cut in, stepping into the room. "Jennie..."

Lisa's voice trembled as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Hyun..."

Their eyes flicked from Lisa to Jennie and then to me, exchanging glances.