Idols | LisRene (Revised Version)

LISA

I grinned as I collapsed onto the wooden floor, feeling the sweat drip down my exhausted body.

Damn that new choreography.

Chaeyoung and Jennie were still catching their breath as our choreographer finally announced the end of practice. Meanwhile, Jisoo lay beside me, equally drained. We hadn't even perfected the routine yet, but considering how intense and unfamiliar the steps were, three hours of nonstop practice—with only short breaks for water or the restroom—had left us completely spent.

This was all in preparation for our first-quarter comeback next year. And not just that—YG had also confirmed a second-quarter comeback with a full-length album. Everything they had planned for us was slowly falling into place, and despite the grueling schedule, we were grateful.

"Have you heard the news? We're performing at MAMA next year," Jennie said, breaking the silence.

"We're going?" Jisoo perked up as Jennie nodded.

"Yeah, next year's MAMA is expected to be huge. A lot of major artists will be there, and YG already confirmed our participation. Even iKON and WINNER will be performing."

"Tsk, there's always tension between YG and that show," Jisoo muttered. "I'm surprised they agreed this time."

"Even SM is participating," Chaeyoung added. "It's been years since they last attended."

Our conversation was cut short when Jennie got a call from her mom, and Chaeyoung mentioned she wouldn't be sleeping at the dorm tonight. Not that any of us had been spending much time there lately.

Jennie usually went home to her parents, and Chaeyoung did the same. I mostly stayed at my own place, while Jisoo always had her own plans.

I wasn't one to pry, but I had once walked into the dorm early in the morning to grab some clothes—only to find Seulgi awkwardly hiding behind the door. I hadn't asked questions, just quietly walked away. Jisoo seemed open about whatever was going on between them, and honestly, I figured even Jennie and Chaeyoung had noticed but chose to stay silent.

They were too obvious, anyway.

I slung my duffle bag over my shoulder just as Chaeyoung pointed to my phone lying on the floor. I had completely forgotten it had fallen earlier, too focused on keeping up with our overly strict trainer.

When I picked it up and checked the screen, I was met with a flood of messages—mainly from the love of my life.

J💛: Are you free?
J💛: Baby? My parents want to have dinner with you.
J💛: I'm so sorry this is so sudden, but they're expecting to see you tonight.
J💛: Leave a message if you read this, please.
J💛: I'm so sorry.

The moment I read the word parents, my world flipped upside down. Time stopped. My heart stopped. My entire existence just stopped.

Suddenly, reading further became impossible. Typing a reply felt like an insurmountable task. I had mentioned to Joohyun before that I told my parents about her—but that didn't mean she had to do the same. This was so sudden, so unexpected.

We hadn't even discussed this phase of our relationship yet. The "meet the parents" phase. And now, my soul was practically floating out of my body.

How was I supposed to face them?

"You okay, Lisa? You look like you just pooped your pants," Chaeyoung joked, and I couldn't even find the strength to laugh.