Idols | LisRene (Revised Version)

21

Even though my eyes were glued to Lisa—who was now on the floor, fighting for her life against Blackpink—I couldn't help but smile.

"YAH, LALISA! HOW COULD YOU HIDE THIS FROM US?!"
"UNNIE! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW WORRIED WE WERE!"

Questions were thrown at us left and right. But how could we even answer when we were too busy laughing?

Eventually, they calmed down (though not entirely).

Jisoo, Jennie, and Chaeyoung were practically interrogating Lisa, while I was still cornered by my members.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I know... we should've told you. I'm sorry that you had to find out this way."

Joy let out a dramatic sigh. "You two are way too good at hiding things. I never would've guessed!"

"Jisoo always suspected Lisa was seeing someone," Seulgi mumbled. "But never—not once—did she expect it was just the two of you getting back together."

Her words made me blush. I glanced at the other side of the room, where Blackpink was still 'punishing' Lisa.

I chuckled. Lisa was their baby. There was no denying that.

***

By the time Blackpink's managers arrived to pick them up, it was past 2 AM. The meeting had likely ended, though judging by the way Jennie and Jisoo were deep in conversation with the staff, it wasn't completely over yet.

Meanwhile, Lisa was still stuck in the kitchen—cornered by my members for over fifteen minutes. I smiled to myself, shaking my head. That was when I noticed Chaeyoung approaching me. She excused herself from the group and came to stand by my side.

Then, out of nowhere—she hugged me. It wasn't just a simple hug. It meant something. I felt it.

"Thank you." She whispered it softly, but the weight of those words hit me like a wave.

When she pulled back, her eyes were glassy with unshed tears.

"I—I'm sorry, I get too emotional sometimes," she said, fanning herself.

I didn't even hesitate. I hugged her again.

"Oh my god... I'm just so happy for you two," she murmured against my shoulder.

"I'm just... so thankful for you. For coming into Lisa's life." Her voice wavered.

"I've known my best friend for years, but when you happened to her... she changed. I've seen sides of her I never saw before. And that's because of you." She sniffled.

"So thank you, unnie. For making her this happy."

A lump formed in my throat.

"Awww, Chaeng..." I whispered, feeling my own eyes sting. Before I could say anything else, another voice cut in.

"What's with the group hug without us?" Jisoo.

I turned just in time to see her and Jennie smirking at us. Jisoo nudged Jennie forward.

"C'mon, let's make it official. Welcome an addition to our family."

I giggled as Blackpink wrapped me in a warm hug—as if welcoming me into their world. It was surreal.

"Take care of each other, Irene," Jisoo murmured. "This is just the beginning."

I nodded, swallowing the emotions bubbling inside me.