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Phantom Of The Opera Manhwa

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Phantom of the Opera: Opera house in Paris, France Where Fu ChaoYi in his Phantom Mask holding a candle with finger to his lips saying Shhh! 🤫

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3
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Series Premise
In the decaying digital-physical purgatory of Solgrave, reality is a "Script" controlled by a cruel System. Omari, a professional songwriter haunted by the loss of his brother Kairo on April 20, 2023, possesses the illegal power of the Void. Alongside Rivena, a lethal swordswoman with a lone katana, and Sera, an Archive specialist who manipulates golden code, Omari must "unzip" the fabric of the Wards to survive.

Visual Aesthetic & Style
Art Style: Dark Fantasy Manhwa (e.g., Solo Leveling, The World After the End).

Color Palette: Deep indigo, neon-glitch purples, and oil-slick blacks, contrasted with the Archive-gold of Sera’s powers and the black static of Omari’s Void.

Environment: Lantern Row and the Industrial Slums—a landscape of rusted cranes, leaking steam pipes, and "neon-glitch" signage.

Character Designs
Omari: Stoic male lead with sharp features, wearing a signature "Noonie" jacket. His eyes reflect a cold, "Void" hazel.

Rivena: Elegant but dangerous warrior; black hair, focused expression, wielding a single, glowing katana.

Sera: Ethereal support specialist; surrounded by floating golden data fragments and digital "Tethers".

Zevran Coil (Villain): An elongated, contorting Ringmaster of the Carnival of Ash; wears tattered, violet circus regalia.

Key Action Scene for AI Generation
Scene: Omari standing in a Void Tear—a jagged rift in reality behind a neon-lit jazz club. Black static emanates from his hand, "compressing" the industrial landscape around him, while the golden Archive Tethers connect him to Rivena and Sera in the background.

AI Prompt Keywords (For Image Generation):
Keywords: Webtoon Style, Cinematic Lighting, Industrial Cyberpunk, Dark Fantasy, Neon Glitch, Particles, Void Magic, Katana, Emotional Grit, High Contrast, 8k resolution.

"If you keep staring at that page without turning it, the ink is going to start migrating onto your skin," Elias said, his voice barely a whisper.

He was leaning against the mahogany bookshelves of the university library, the scent of old paper and floor wax hanging heavy in the air. The silence of the archives was absolute, save for the rhythmic, distant thumping of a radiator that sounded like a failing heart. Elias wasn't looking at the books, though; he was watching the way the dust motes danced in the narrow slivers of light cutting through the heavy velvet curtains. He shifted his weight, the gray vest he wore feeling a bit too tight across his chest, and glanced toward the table where the other man sat.

Chapter 29 – Battle of the DJs

Friday night.

The biggest student DJ competition of the year.

The prize?

A trophy.

Bragging rights.

And a chance to perform at the city’s annual youth music festival.

⸻

The competition was being held at one of the city’s biggest music clubs.

Since it was a school-sponsored event for student performers, there were teachers, security, and families in attendance. The dance floor was packed, the lights flashed across the room, and a huge stage stood at the center with an impressive DJ booth.

The atmosphere was electric.

⸻

Jennie stepped backstage.

Her blonde hair was styled in loose waves with a few silver clips catching the lights. She wore a black cropped leather jacket over a silver top, baggy black cargo pants, fingerless gloves, and black combat boots.

She looked calm.

At least on the outside.

⸻

Felix found her adjusting her headphones.

His black hair was neatly styled, and he wore a black varsity jacket over a fitted black T-shirt, dark athletic pants, and white sneakers.

“Nervous?”

Jennie didn’t even look up.

“No.”

“Liar.”

“I’m professionally nervous.”

Felix laughed.

“I’ll allow that.”

⸻

Han suddenly burst through the backstage curtain.

His messy brown hair looked even messier than usual. He wore a green hoodie under a denim jacket with black jeans.

“I HAVE NEWS!”

Jennie sighed.

“Is it good news?”

“No.”

“Then I don’t want it.”

⸻

Lisa walked in behind him.

Her ash-blonde hair with bangs was perfectly curled. She wore a black jacket, silver cargo pants, and platform boots.

“The audience is huge.”

Rosé smiled.

Her lavender hair shimmered under the stage lights. She wore a lavender jacket, ripped jeans, and white boots.

“They’re already cheering.”

⸻

Jisoo adjusted Jennie’s jacket.

Her red hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, and she wore a cream blazer, black pants, and ankle boots.

“You’ve practiced for this.”

“You’ve got it.”

⸻

Hyunjin looked around dramatically.

His blond hair was perfectly styled, and he wore a black designer-style jacket with layered necklaces.

“The energy…”

Han interrupted.

“Can you stop narrating life for five minutes?”

⸻

An announcer stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen…”

“Welcome to the Battle of the DJs!”

The crowd erupted.

Music blasted through the speakers.

Lights swept across the room.

⸻

Contestants took turns performing.

Each one had ten minutes.

Each one received huge cheers.

Jennie watched quietly.

Felix stood beside her.

“You ready?”

She nodded once.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

⸻

“And now…”

“Our final contestant…”

“JENNIE!”

The entire club cheered.

⸻

Jennie walked onto the stage.

The lights dimmed.

She placed her headphones on.

Closed her eyes.

Pressed play.

⸻

The first beat hit.

The crowd exploded.

Jennie mixed songs effortlessly, building the energy with every transition.

The dance floor filled in seconds.

Even the judges leaned forward.

⸻

Backstage…

Han’s mouth dropped open.

“Okay…”

“I knew she was good.”

“I didn’t know she was THAT good.”

Lisa smiled proudly.

“Told you.”

⸻

Felix couldn’t stop smiling.

He folded his arms.

“She’s incredible.”

Rosé looked at him.

“You’ve got the biggest smile in the room.”

Felix immediately looked away.

“I do not.”

“You absolutely do.”

⸻

Jennie’s final transition hit.

The lights flashed.

The crowd clapped in rhythm.

By the end of her set…

The entire club was cheering her name.

“JENNIE!”

“JENNIE!”

“JENNIE!”

⸻

She walked backstage, trying to stay cool.

“So…”

Han ran over.

“So?!”

“You nearly blew the roof off this place!”

Jennie laughed.

“Relax.”

“I will not relax!”

⸻

Felix walked up.

“You were amazing.”

Jennie smiled.

“You’ve said that before.”

“I’ll probably say it again.”

She nudged his shoulder.

“Careful.”

“Why?”

“You keep giving me compliments.”

He grinned.

“I’m just telling the truth.”

⸻

The announcer returned to the stage.

“The judges have made their decision.”

The room became silent.

“In third place…”

Cheers echoed.

“In second place…”

More applause.

Jennie squeezed her hands together.

Felix noticed.

Without saying anything…

He gently gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

She looked at him.

He simply smiled.

⸻

“And this year’s Battle of the DJs champion is…”

A dramatic pause.

“…JENNIE!”

The entire club erupted.

Han jumped so high he nearly knocked over a chair.

Lisa screamed.

Rosé hugged Jisoo.

Hyunjin dramatically fell to one knee.

“I KNEW IT!”

⸻

Jennie stood frozen.

“Me?”

The announcer laughed.

“Yes, you.”

Felix gently nudged her.

“Go.”

“You won.”

⸻

Jennie walked onto the stage.

The trophy was placed in her hands.

She looked out at the cheering crowd.

Then down at her friends.

Then at Felix.

He gave her a thumbs-up.

She smiled.

A real one.

The biggest smile anyone had seen from her.

⸻

Han yelled from the front row,

“Speech!”

Jennie picked up the microphone.

“I only have one thing to say…”

The crowd waited.

She looked directly at Han.

“…You’re still annoying.”

The whole club burst into laughter.

Han placed a hand over his heart.

“I’ve never been so honored.”

Felix laughed harder than anyone else.

And somehow…

Winning the competition felt amazing.

But celebrating it with the people who had become her family…

Made it even better.

Chapter 1 – The Worst First Impression

The first bell hadn’t even rung, but the school was already buzzing with students.

Everyone had heard of the school’s two biggest stars.

Not because they were friends.

Because they couldn’t stand each other.

⸻

Jennie

Jennie walked through the hallway with effortless confidence. Her long, silky black hair, styled with soft curtain bangs like her iconic “Ice Cream” and “How You Like That” looks, flowed neatly over her shoulders. Her expression was calm and unreadable, making her seem intimidating without even trying.

She wore an oversized charcoal-gray hoodie over loose black cargo jeans with silver chains hanging from the pockets. Black-and-white high-top sneakers completed her outfit, while large silver headphones rested around her neck. A small silver ring decorated one finger, and her black backpack was covered with tiny music pins.

Everyone knew Jennie.

She was the school’s legendary DJ.

She made incredible remixes for pep rallies, dances, and school events.

She was also famous for roasting people with perfectly timed one-liners.

Most students were too scared to argue with her.

⸻

Felix

Outside the gym, Felix dribbled a basketball across the court.

His soft black hair was slightly messy after early morning practice, falling naturally over his forehead. He had warm brown eyes and an easy smile that made almost everyone like him instantly.

He wore a white athletic T-shirt underneath a black-and-red varsity jacket, relaxed black athletic pants, white crew socks, and spotless white basketball sneakers.

He was captain of the basketball team and one of the most popular students in school.

Girls constantly tried to talk to him.

He still didn’t understand why.

⸻

Jisoo

Walking toward class with a stack of neatly organized books was Jisoo.

Her long dark red hair shimmered under the hallway lights, perfectly brushed and tucked behind one ear. She carried herself with quiet confidence and always looked elegant.

She wore a cream-colored knit sweater, a black pleated skirt over black tights, and polished ankle boots. Small pearl earrings and a delicate silver necklace completed her look.

She was kind, responsible, and somehow always ended up cleaning up everyone else’s chaos.

⸻

Rosé

Music drifted from the auditorium where Rosé was helping set up sound equipment.

Her long lavender hair was loose with gentle waves flowing down her back. She had a relaxed smile that instantly made people feel comfortable.

She wore an oversized lavender cardigan over a simple white T-shirt, ripped light-blue jeans, and chunky white boots. Around one wrist were colorful friendship bracelets she had made herself.

She loved music almost as much as Jennie did.

⸻

Lisa

Standing beside Rosé was Lisa.

Her long ash-blonde hair with straight bangs framed her bright smile perfectly. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, usually because she was about to cause some harmless trouble.

She wore an oversized black bomber jacket, a bright graphic T-shirt, loose cargo pants, and colorful sneakers covered with tiny paint splatter designs.

Lisa loved dancing, laughing, and making every situation ten times more chaotic.

⸻

Han

Han hurried through the hallway carrying way too many notebooks.

His soft brown hair looked like he had forgotten to brush it after waking up, giving him a permanently messy look.

He wore a green hoodie under a denim jacket, dark jeans, and comfortable sneakers.

He talked nonstop, laughed at nearly everything, and somehow always knew the latest school gossip before anyone else.

⸻

Hyunjin

Leaning against a classroom doorway was Hyunjin.

His long blond hair was perfectly styled, making him look like he had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine.

He wore an oversized cream sweater, black wide-leg trousers, layered silver necklaces, and clean designer sneakers.

He was artistic, dramatic, and believed every ordinary moment deserved movie-level slow motion.

⸻

The first bell echoed through the school.

Jennie adjusted the headphones around her neck.

Felix bounced his basketball one last time.

Neither of them knew it yet…

But before the day was over, they would already be arguing.

Chapter 31 – The Night Everyone Lost Their Minds

The dorm was chaos.

Absolute chaos.

And the reason?

Jennie still couldn’t decide what to wear.

⸻

She stood in front of her closet.

Her blonde hair was curled perfectly, but her outfit choices were covering half her bed.

“Why is this harder than performing in front of hundreds of people?”

⸻

The door suddenly opened.

Lisa walked in.

Her ash-blonde hair with bangs was styled perfectly, and she wore a black jacket with a sparkly top, cargo pants, and boots.

She looked around.

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You have created a clothing disaster.”

Jennie crossed her arms.

“I need help.”

Lisa smiled.

“I knew this day would come.”

⸻

Jennie held up two outfits.

“Which one?”

Lisa stared seriously.

“Hmm.”

A pause.

“Felix would like the first one.”

Jennie froze.

“How do you know?”

Lisa shrugged.

“Because Felix is a boy.”

“That explains nothing.”

⸻

Lisa picked up another outfit.

“Actually, wear this one.”

“Why?”

“Because it says mysterious DJ.”

Jennie nodded.

“Okay.”

“Wait.”

Lisa grabbed another dress.

“Actually this one says powerful.”

Jennie blinked.

“So which one?”

Lisa thought.

“Both.”

“Lisa.”

“Okay, okay. The dress.”

⸻

After another twenty minutes…

Jennie finally decided.

She wore a sleek black dress with silver details, a cropped jacket, and black boots. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her DJ-style accessories completed the look.

She looked confident.

Different.

⸻

When she walked downstairs…

Everyone stopped.

⸻

Han’s mouth dropped open.

His messy brown hair was sticking up, and he wore a denim jacket over a hoodie with black jeans.

“Okay.”

“What?”

“I forgot how to speak.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

“That might be the first peaceful moment you’ve ever created.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

Her lavender hair was styled softly, and she wore a pastel jacket with a black outfit.

“You look amazing.”

Jisoo nodded.

Her red hair was tied back elegantly, and she wore a stylish black outfit with boots.

“Definitely.”

⸻

Hyunjin dramatically looked up.

His blond hair was perfectly styled, and he wore a black jacket with layered accessories.

“The main character has arrived.”

Han sighed.

“Please stop.”

⸻

Then Felix walked downstairs.

His black hair was styled neatly, and he wore a black button-up shirt with a jacket, dark jeans, and sneakers.

He stopped.

Completely stopped.

⸻

Jennie noticed.

“What?”

Felix blinked.

“Nothing.”

“Felix.”

He looked away.

“You just…”

A pause.

“You look really good.”

⸻

Everyone immediately reacted.

⸻

Han pointed.

“HE FAILED.”

Felix looked confused.

“What?”

“You tried to hide the blush.”

“I wasn’t blushing.”

Lisa laughed.

“You absolutely were.”

⸻

Jennie smiled.

“Are you okay, basketball boy?”

Felix recovered.

“Yeah.”

“Because your face says otherwise.”

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Later…

The group arrived at the dance event.

Music filled the room.

Lights flashed.

Everyone was having the best time.

⸻

Jennie stepped onto the dance floor.

And Felix forgot everything else.

⸻

He had seen Jennie confident before.

On stage.

During roast battles.

During competitions.

But this was different.

She was just happy.

Laughing.

Dancing.

Not caring what anyone thought.

⸻

Felix smiled.

Han noticed.

“You are staring.”

Felix looked away.

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I was just watching.”

“Exactly.”

⸻

Felix looked back.

And somehow…

He knew.

He was completely falling for her.

⸻

Meanwhile…

The rest of the group became a disaster.

⸻

Jisoo was trying to teach everyone a dance move.

“I am the instructor.”

Han looked confused.

“You don’t know the dance.”

“I know the spirit of the dance.”

⸻

Hyunjin joined.

“The movement represents freedom.”

Han stared.

“It’s literally just jumping.”

⸻

Rosé laughed so hard she had to sit down.

Lisa recorded everything.

“This is going to be used against all of you forever.”

⸻

Jennie walked over.

“What is happening?”

Han pointed.

“Art.”

Jennie looked at everyone.

“This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Felix smiled.

“And you love it.”

She paused.

“…Maybe.”

⸻

At the end of the night…

Everyone was exhausted.

They arrived back at the dorm laughing.

⸻

Felix helped Jennie walk to her room because she was tired from dancing all night.

“Careful.”

“I’m fine.”

“You almost walked into the wall.”

“The wall moved.”

Felix laughed.

“The wall moved?”

“Yes.”

⸻

He opened her bedroom door.

“There.”

Jennie looked at him.

Then suddenly pointed.

“You.”

“What?”

“You are officially my assistant.”

Felix blinked.

“Excuse me?”

“Carry my trophy tomorrow.”

“No.”

“Wow.”

She shook her head dramatically.

“After all our friendship?”

Felix laughed.

“You are impossible.”

⸻

Before leaving, Felix placed her trophy safely on her desk.

Then he smiled.

“Goodnight, Jennie.”

She looked at him.

For once…

No roast.

No comeback.

Just a smile.

“Goodnight, Felix.”

⸻

He turned to leave.

Then Jennie called:

“Felix.”

He looked back.

“Yeah?”

She smirked.

“Your dancing was terrible.”

He laughed.

“There she is.”

⸻

And as he walked away smiling…

Felix realized something.

The girl who used to drive him crazy…

Was now the person he never wanted to stop being around.

Got it — shifting tone to celebratory, relaxed post–business success, still manhwa-style.

⸻
CHAPTER: “SUCCESS IN SOFT LIGHT”
⸻

The moment the suite door clicked shut, the atmosphere changed.

Not into silence.

Into relief.

⸻

BLACKPINK had finally stepped out of schedules, meetings, and structured voices.

And into their own space again.

⸻

The hotel suite was warm and spacious—floor-to-ceiling windows showing a glowing night skyline, soft golden lamps already turned on, and a quiet living area arranged like it was waiting for something personal to happen.

A bottle of sparkling water sat chilled on the counter.

Someone had already sent fruit platters.

A handwritten note from the management team rested near the table:

“Congratulations on a successful business trip.”

⸻

Jisoo was the first to exhale fully.

She loosened the strap of her bag and set the folder down without perfect alignment this time—just enough to signal she was off duty.

Her white tailored blouse had its sleeves rolled slightly now, no longer strict. Her dark wavy hair slipped free from its pins as she walked further inside, finally letting it fall naturally around her shoulders.

She looked around once.

Then smiled.

Small. Real.

“We did well.”

⸻

Jennie dropped onto the couch first like gravity had permission again.

Her beige blazer came off in one smooth motion, revealing the fitted black top underneath. She kicked off her shoes gently, exhaling as if releasing an entire day through one breath.

Her straight dark hair fell over her shoulders as she leaned back, phone forgotten for the first time in hours.

“Finally,” she said, half-smiling. “A room that doesn’t want anything from us.”

⸻

Rosé walked to the window first.

Blonde hair catching the skyline glow like soft gold threads. She slipped off her gray blazer, leaving her cream blouse slightly relaxed at the collar. She held onto the railing of the window for a second, just looking out.

Then she smiled.

“We finished everything.”

Her voice was lighter than it had been all day.

Like music returning after paperwork.

⸻

Lisa kicked off her sneakers near the entrance without even placing them neatly.

Lisa

Her brown hair was loosened fully now, strands falling freely around her face. She tugged off her cropped jacket and tossed it onto the couch without ceremony, rolling her shoulders like she was shaking off invisible choreography.

Then she grinned.

“We survived meetings without falling asleep. That’s a win.”

⸻

Jennie laughed first.

Short. Real.

Then Rosé followed.

Then even Jisoo let out a soft, rare laugh.

⸻

It wasn’t loud like a stage.

It didn’t need to be.

⸻

Jisoo walked to the table, picking up the fruit platter.

“This is probably celebration food.”

She looked at it.

“…or reward food.”

⸻

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

“It’s definitely ‘we didn’t burn the strategy deck’ food.”

⸻

Rosé sat on the arm of the couch, legs tucked slightly, blonde hair spilling over her shoulder.

“I think we should call it ‘we did everything and didn’t argue too much’ food.”

⸻

Lisa pointed at her.

“That’s inaccurate. We did argue.”

⸻

Jennie nodded.

“But productively.”

⸻

Jisoo added calmly.

“With structure.”

⸻

A pause.

Then all four looked at each other.

And burst into a second round of laughter.

⸻

This one lingered longer.

⸻

The room finally felt like theirs.

Not a meeting room.

Not a hallway.

Not a schedule.

Just a shared space where success could sit down with them.

⸻

Rosé opened the balcony door slightly.

Cool air drifted in.

“Should we go out there?”

⸻

Jennie groaned lightly.

“No. I refuse to be philosophical on a balcony tonight.”

⸻

Lisa immediately stood.

“I’m going.”

⸻

Jisoo followed without hesitation.

⸻

Rosé smiled.

“…I guess I’m going too.”

⸻

Jennie stared at them.

Then sighed dramatically.

“Fine.”

⸻

Five seconds later, they were all outside.

City lights stretching endlessly in front of them like a quiet reward.

⸻

No stage.

No audience.

No conference tables.

Just four women leaning against a balcony railing, letting the night finally feel like it belonged to them.

⸻

Jisoo spoke softly.

“We finished it well.”

⸻

Jennie nodded.

“We did.”

⸻

Rosé closed her eyes for a moment, blonde hair moving slightly in the wind.

“We should do this more often.”

⸻

Lisa smirked.

“Business trips?”

⸻

Rosé opened her eyes.

“Winning them.”

⸻

Silence followed.

But it wasn’t empty.

It was satisfied.

⸻

Somewhere behind them, the room stayed warm.

Somewhere ahead of them, the city kept glowing.

And for the first time that day—

nothing needed to be planned.

Only felt.

Parallel world, Huaxia Dragon Kingdom, outside the gates of Modu University.
The July breeze, carrying a hint of laziness, brushed past gently, announcing the arrival of the graduation season.
Qin Yi, dressed in a black bachelor’s gown with a gray collar, held a bouquet of bright roses in his hands, seemingly unafraid of the scorching sun and indifferent to the countless curious or mocking gazes around him.
His eyes were filled with a complex mix of apprehension and expectation, as if he were waiting for an unknown judgment.
His gaze was locked on the school gate, silently counting the time in his heart, waiting for that familiar yet strange figure to appear.
“Qin Yi, you have to promise me. When we graduate, we’ll wear our bachelor’s gowns together and take a commemorative photo at the school gate. You also have to prepare a big bouquet of roses for me, and then...”
Memories flooded back like a tide, as those beautiful times spent with Su Mo replayed in Qin Yi’s mind like a movie.
A smile unconsciously tugged at the corners of his mouth; those were the sweet memories that belonged to them.
However, beautiful memories are always fleeting.
A month ago, Su Mo suddenly initiated a breakup, without any warning or explanation.
Her words were like a sharp knife, stabbing deeply into Qin Yi’s heart.
“Qin Yi, thank you for taking care of me these past three years and giving me a carefree time in university.”
“I used to hear people say that love in university has no results. Breaking up upon graduation is a curse that no one can escape.”
“Back then, I didn’t believe it. I thought you were my Prince Charming. I once dreamed that we would be together forever, from the campus to marriage...”
“But only now do I understand that I was wrong, completely wrong!”
“Love without material substance is like a handful of sand; it doesn’t even need the wind to blow, it just scatters after a few steps.”
“So, Qin Yi, you understand what I mean. Let go! If you still love me, don’t come looking for me again.”
“For the rest of my life, it will no longer be you!”
“Don’t miss me! Don’t reply!”
These were the last few words Su Mo had left for Qin Yi on WeChat.
Since then, the WeChat chat box between Qin Yi and Su Mo was filled with nothing but one red exclamation mark after another.
Today is July 1st, the day the graduates of Modu University leave the campus.
Qin Yi had taken an overnight green-skinned train from his hometown of Jingnan to Modu, just to fulfill that original promise.
However, the moment he stood at the school gate, he realized how foolish and ridiculous he was.
...
At ten o’clock in the morning, it was exceptionally lively outside the gates of Modu University.
Students dragged their suitcases out of the campus in an endless stream, their faces filled with expectation for the future and reluctance to leave the past.
Among the crowd, a young man in a bachelor’s gown was particularly eye-catching; he was Qin Yi.
Although the air was thick with the humidity and sweltering heat of the Plum Rain Season, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the onlookers.
They gathered in small groups, their gazes focused on Qin Yi, as whispers rose and fell.
“Hey, look at that guy. Isn’t that Qin Yi, the influential figure from our School of Economics?” a girl wearing glasses pointed at Qin Yi curiously and asked the classmate next to her.
“Yes, yes, I remember now, it’s him!” a boy nearby added.
“So it’s him. Why is he back now? Didn’t he have his graduation delayed?” a short-haired girl said curiously.
“Delayed graduation? Why?”
“Cough, you guys don’t know yet? It’s all over the school forum! They say Qin Yi’s family business ran into trouble and they owe a lot of money. Creditors go to his house every few days to demand payment. I heard that a while ago, his dad was even kidnapped by loan sharks and tortured quite badly...” a well-informed student said in a low voice.
“Then he still dares to put on such a big show here? Isn’t he afraid the creditors will come knocking?” a tall boy joked.
“Who knows, maybe he’s here for one last meeting. I heard that he and Su Mo, the department beauty of the Music Academy, have been dating since their sophomore year. Now Su Mo is really in the spotlight; I wonder if she’ll despise him.” a girl whispered.
“Despise him? That’s for sure! If it were me, I would have said goodbye to him long ago. What’s the point of dating without money? It’s just a waste of youth,” a fashionably dressed girl said disdainfully.
“Not necessarily. Maybe Su Mo is someone who values feelings. After all, they’ve been together for so long; there’s an emotional foundation,” a seemingly innocent girl defended Qin Yi.
“Feelings? In this realistic society, can feelings put food on the table? Just wait and see, Su Mo will definitely break up with him,” a boy wearing headphones asserted coldly.
The onlookers discussed fervently, each expressing their own opinions.
Some sympathized with Qin Yi’s plight, while others sneered at his behavior.
...
Listening to the discussions around him, Qin Yi’s heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer. He silently lowered his eyes, and the bouquet of roses in his hand swayed gently in the breeze, as if also recounting his loneliness and helplessness...
Yeah, what am I doing back here?
Ever since the family business met its Waterloo, those relatives who used to be so warm and welcoming have stayed away as if avoiding a plague, fearing they would be dragged into the turmoil.
Come to think of it, Su Mo probably broke up with me for the same reason.
Just as Qin Yi was torn in his heart about whether he should quietly leave, another commotion arose in the crowd...
“Hey, hey, the main character is out! Want to bet? I bet the great department beauty Su will definitely break up with this kid! How about the loser treats everyone?”
“A bet’s a bet. I bet Su Mo will stay loyal. After all, it’s a three-year relationship; it can’t just end like that...”
...
Qin Yi took a deep breath, summoned his courage, and looked up toward the school gate.
Su Mo’s figure came into view. She was still radiant, with exquisite makeup and a charming smile. Her white lace dress fluttered gently in the wind, like a blooming white lotus.
“Mo...”
The words reached his lips, but Qin Yi forced them back down.
Only because of the look Su Mo had just given him.
When Su Mo saw Qin Yi, the smile on her face instantly froze, replaced by undisguised disdain and disgust.
However, her gaze only lingered on Qin Yi’s face for a brief moment before immediately moving past him to look at the street behind him, her eyes filled with a bit of panic, as if she were worried about being seen by someone.
A moment later, as if a weight had been lifted, Su Mo shifted her gaze back to Qin Yi and walked quickly toward him, her high heels making a crisp “da-da” sound against the ground.
“What are you doing here! Didn’t I tell you everything on WeChat?! Can’t you understand? Do I really have to break up with you in person? Fine! Then I’ll tell you one more time! We’ve broken up! Acting like this now only makes me look down on you even more!”
Su Mo’s tone was full of disdain and mockery, as if having Qin Yi as an ex was a very shameful thing.
The surrounding crowd began to whisper, and the sound of discussion rose and fell.
“See, I told you. How could Su Mo still be interested in this fallen Rich Second Generation?”
“Sigh, Qin Yi is just asking for trouble. Knowing what kind of person Su Mo is, he still had to pull this stunt.”
“I get it, Qin Yi just can’t let go... I heard that when this department beauty Su was dating Qin Yi, she made him spend quite a bit of money on her... Now that Qin Yi’s family is bankrupt, she wants to break up... That’s really heartless!”
“I don’t like hearing that. How can you say it’s heartless? Haven’t you heard the saying, ’Husband and wife are like birds in the same forest, but they fly their separate ways when disaster strikes’? If it’s like that for married couples, let alone just a pair of lovers.”
“Sigh, yeah. Who would want to be saddled with a mountain of debt right after graduation...”
...
Qin Yi’s throat moved as he gripped the bouquet of roses tightly. He knew he was in a wretched state right now, but he still summoned the courage to hand the bouquet to Su Mo.
“Momo, do you still remember the promise you made to me when we first started dating?”
Hearing this, Su Mo’s expression froze slightly, and a ripple of emotion stirred deep in her heart.
“You said that when we graduate, you wanted me to prepare a bouquet of roses for you, and we would wear our bachelor’s gowns together...”
However, before Qin Yi could finish, he was interrupted by Su Mo’s impatient wave of her hand.
“Qin Yi, stop deceiving yourself! You think doing this will make me change my mind? I’m telling you, it’s impossible! We’ve already broken up. To me, you are nothing now!”
“Momo, I didn’t come here today to pester you. I just wanted to fulfill our promise and put a full stop to this relationship.” Qin Yi’s voice was a bit choked.
But Su Mo interrupted him impatiently: “Qin Yi, you are truly laughably naive! Do you think doing this can win me back? I’m telling you, it’s over between us! You have nothing now; what do you have to love me with? Just your words?”
Qin Yi’s heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp blade. He was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: “Momo, I know I have nothing right now, but I believe I will stand up again. Give me a little time, and I will prove to you that I, Qin Yi, am not someone who only speaks empty words.”
Su Mo shook her head coldly: “Qin Yi, stop dreaming! Besides, I’ve already found a new partner; his family background is better than yours, and he’s richer than you. My life now is something you can’t even imagine. So, please don’t show up in front of me again. From now on, we are strangers!”
Although Qin Yi had already had a premonition, when these cold and heartless words came out of Su Mo’s mouth, he still felt as if he had been struck by a ruthless heavy hammer. The last faint glimmer of hope in his heart shattered, and it felt as if something had split open in his chest, the pain making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
The bouquet of roses that he had been holding tightly now seemed to have lost all its vitality, the petals drooping as if also mourning for this lost relationship.
The onlookers also began to chime in with their discussions.
“Those words are a bit too much. After all, they were together for three years; there’s no need to be so harsh.” Someone said indignantly.
“Yeah, I really didn’t expect that Su Mo, who usually looks so gentle and harmless, would say such hurtful words.” Someone shook their head and sighed.
“This is a typical ’Green Tea’; she acts pure and harmless on the surface, but in reality, she’s very calculating.” Someone commented disdainfully.
“Sigh, Qin Yi is really pitiful. Being hurt by someone like that, I’m afraid it’ll be hard for him to believe in love again.” Someone sighed sympathetically.
“Sigh, sweet words when there’s money, but turning cold and heartless when there’s none.” Someone lamented indignantly.
Accused by those around her, Su Mo’s expression gradually became awkward. Her gaze toward Qin Yi, beyond disdain, now held a few more hints of disgust.
Just as the atmosphere was about to reach a freezing point, a sharp car horn pierced the silence, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Beep, beep, beep—”
Everyone turned their heads to see a dazzling yellow sports car speeding over like a shooting star, coming to a steady stop on the street not far away.
The sports car had sleek lines and a dazzling luster. The scissor doors slowly rose, and a man wearing sunglasses stepped out with a flourish.
“Wow, a sports car! So cool!”
“Oh my god, isn’t that the latest Maserati MC20? I heard it costs over three million to get one!”
“Holy crap, for real? That expensive?!”
“The guy in sunglasses is so handsome, such a strong aura. He’s totally my ideal type!”
“He seems to be looking at me... Should I go up and strike up a conversation?”
...
The onlookers instantly erupted into a frenzy. Emotions of envy, jealousy, and desire intertwined, forming an indescribable atmosphere.
Su Mo’s gaze also shifted away from Qin Yi. When she saw the man in sunglasses walking toward her, her eyes immediately shimmered with a gentle light.
Qin Yi watched this, feeling a sharp pang in his heart.
Once upon a time, Su Mo used to look at him with such tenderness...
Just as the man in sunglasses was about to reach Su Mo, she suddenly lowered her voice and said angrily to Qin Yi, “Qin Yi! Leave quickly. If you don’t care about your Face, I still care about mine!”
No sooner had she spoken than the man in sunglasses stood before her.
He glanced at Qin Yi, a mocking curve forming at the corner of his mouth.
What happened next left the onlookers even more dumbfounded.
Disregarding the gazes of Qin Yi and the crowd, the man in sunglasses reached out to wrap his arm around Su Mo’s waist, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her deeply on the lips.
“Whoa—”
The onlookers couldn’t help but gasp.
Qin Yi’s mind went blank, feeling a surge of rage rising from the bottom of his heart.
The bouquet of roses in his hand slipped weakly to the ground. The veins on his forehead bulged, and his fists clenched until they cracked.
A moment later, the man in sunglasses separated from Su Mo. He reached out to toy with her hair, his Face full of triumph.
After all, kissing the department beauty in front of so many people gave any man a lot of Face.
Not to mention, it was right in front of Qin Yi, the ex!
Men simply loved to “show off” their affection in front of a woman’s ex to satisfy their own vanity.
“Mo Mo, who is he!”
Qin Yi’s gaze was like a torch, staring fixedly at the man in sunglasses. He gritted his teeth as if to crush the anger in his heart.
The man in sunglasses turned leisurely, his hand sliding down Su Mo’s back. He inadvertently increased his grip, pulling Su Mo close to him, then sized Qin Yi up provocatively.
Su Mo felt a bit of pain, but she still feigned a look of happiness on her Face.
At this moment, as if declaring his sovereignty, the man in sunglasses pulled his shades down slightly, revealing his arrogant and smug Face with a mocking smile.
“Wang Hao!”
Qin Yi’s eyes widened. He looked at Wang Hao in disbelief, then turned his gaze back to Su Mo, his voice trembling as he asked, “Mo Mo, you... how can you be with him? Don’t you know? He’s just a scumbag who toys with feelings! He changes girlfriends faster than he changes clothes! You’ll suffer if you’re with him!”
Su Mo frowned, her Face showing disgust again as she glared at Qin Yi.
“Qin Yi! What right do you have to talk about Brother Hao? I’ve already broken up with you! It’s none of your business who I’m with!”
Wang Hao let go of Su Mo, walked up to Qin Yi, circled him, and said in a deliberately mocking tone, “Oho, oho... I wondered which devoted lover it was, but it’s actually Young Master Qin. What’s the matter? Has everything at Young Master Qin’s home been settled? Speaking of which, it’s been about half a year since we last met... Why are you still wearing a graduation gown in this heat? Aren’t you hot?”
As Wang Hao spoke, he tugged at the graduation gown Qin Yi was wearing with a look of extreme disdain.
Qin Yi clenched his fists, veins bulging as he glared at Wang Hao. “My business is none of your concern!”
Wang Hao had never gotten along with Qin Yi; they were classmates.
Previously, their family backgrounds were similar, but not only was Qin Yi’s family wealthy, his grades in school were also better than Wang Hao’s.
Most importantly, Qin Yi was more handsome than him, so Wang Hao had been overshadowed by Qin Yi in every way during their college years.
But who could have imagined that as graduation approached, Qin Yi’s family company would go bankrupt due to a broken capital chain.
Not only that, according to Su Mo, Qin Yi’s father also owed a large amount of high-interest debt—the kind that ordinary people couldn’t pay off in several lifetimes even without eating or drinking...
When he heard this news, Wang Hao couldn’t have been happier. He thought he had to find an opportunity to thoroughly humiliate Qin Yi and vent his hatred!
Unfortunately, as soon as trouble hit Qin Yi’s home, he took a leave of absence and went back.
Thus, Wang Hao could only set his sights on Su Mo.
For a man, what could be more humiliating than having his woman touched by another?
Originally, Wang Hao thought Qin Yi and Su Mo’s relationship was very strong, and it might take some effort.
But who knew that Su Mo, who appeared pure and innocent like a white lotus on the surface, was actually a total gold-digger at heart.
So, after Qin Yi took his leave and left the school, Wang Hao launched an offensive on Su Mo, showering her with various luxury goods and high-end restaurants regardless of the cost.
Finally, a month ago, Su Mo was completely conquered by Wang Hao.
At the same time, Wang Hao also learned about Qin Yi’s family matters from Su Mo. The posts on the campus forum about the bankruptcy of Qin Yi’s family were also spread by Wang Hao.
Now that he had encountered Qin Yi again, Wang Hao naturally wouldn’t let this chance slip by. He had to “kick the dog while it’s down”!
At this point, more and more people were gathering. Su Mo didn’t want things to become public knowledge either; after all, it wasn’t good for her reputation.
So, Su Mo lowered her voice and said softly to Wang Hao, “Brother Hao, ignore him. It’s so hot outside, let’s go...”
How could Wang Hao listen to Su Mo? He glanced at the roses on the ground and let out a disdainful chuckle.
“Hehe, what did Young Master Qin just call me? A scumbag?”
As Wang Hao spoke, his hand reached out recklessly to touch Su Mo’s Face. He hooked her chin with his finger and once again, provocatively and roughly, kissed her on the lips.
It wasn’t until Su Mo felt she couldn’t breathe properly that Wang Hao let go of her, looking at Qin Yi with a provocative gaze.
“Young Master Qin is right! Compared to Young Master Qin’s devotion, I, Wang Hao, am a bit of a scumbag. But so what? I have money! I’m happy to spend money on women. Especially ones like Mo Mo!”
“You!”
Qin Yi stared at Wang Hao in fury, his fists clenched tight, his eyes looking as if they wanted to devour him.
In the past, Wang Hao might have been wary of Qin Yi, as their families were of equal strength.
But now, Qin Yi’s actions in Wang Hao’s eyes were nothing more than impotent rage.
So, Wang Hao continued to provoke him. “What about ’you’? What? Want to hit me? I’m so scared...”
Wang Hao took two more steps toward Qin Yi with a sleazy look, fearlessly thrusting his Face in front of Qin Yi’s.
“Come on, hit me right here!”
Infuriated, Qin Yi was about to strike out and teach this bastard a lesson.
But unexpectedly, Wang Hao let out a cold laugh.
“Think carefully! If this punch lands, you’ll either pay up or go to jail!”
Qin Yi hesitated...
If this were half a year ago, he would have thrown that punch without any hesitation!
But now, he no longer had the capital to bear the consequences of that punch.
If he were arrested, not only would his studies be affected, but it would also place an even greater burden on his parents...
His family could no longer afford it...
Thinking of this, Qin Yi backed down, his clenched fists slowly loosening.
Seeing this, Wang Hao gave a cold smile and spat disdainfully.
“Pah! Dammit, you coward! You’ve got no strength, yet you’re so damn good at putting on an act!”
After saying that, Wang Hao lifted his foot and, as if trying to crush Qin Yi to death, stomped hard on the bouquet of roses on the ground.
Those once delicate flowers were ruthlessly crushed, and Qin Yi’s heart broke along with them.
His dignity, his love, his everything—at this moment, they were all trampled underfoot by this bastard Wang Hao...
Qin Yi lowered his eyes, disheartened, wanting only to turn around and leave.
But Wang Hao had no intention of letting Qin Yi off so easily!
The humiliation wasn’t enough!
“Stop! Did I say you could leave?!”
Qin Yi looked up, his eyes flashing with the light of anger.
“Wang Hao! Don’t you fucking go too far!” he roared.
Wang Hao showed no fear; instead, he became even more arrogant.
“Too far? I’ll show you what ’too far’ means!” He snatched the bag from Su Mo’s shoulder, pulled out a few bills, and threw them in Qin Yi’s Face.
“Take this money as compensation for you!”
Having said that, Wang Hao was about to turn and leave, but then seemed to remember something. He leaned into Qin Yi’s ear and whispered another mockery.
“By the way, there’s one thing I almost forgot to tell you! I took Su Mo’s first time! Qin Yi, should I call you devoted or just stupid? I really didn’t expect that after being with Su Mo for three years, she was still a virgin... Back then, you were rich and handsome, so why didn’t you just take her? Could it be that your equipment doesn’t work? But I should still thank you for that! Don’t worry, after my day-and-night training during this time, she’s very familiar with all kinds of positions now! Oh, by the way, I have plenty of videos and photos on my phone. If you’re interested, I don’t mind letting you have a look! After all, sharing joy is better than keeping it to yourself...”
Qin Yi was completely enraged. “Wang Hao! Fuck your ancestors!” He threw a punch toward Wang Hao’s Face.
Since Wang Hao had chosen to use this matter to completely provoke Qin Yi, he was naturally prepared.
He quickly retreated and grabbed Su Mo, pulling her in front of him.
Wang Hao was different from Qin Yi; he wouldn’t cherish Su Mo just because she was his woman now.
To him, women were nothing more than playthings!
He, Wang Hao, wouldn’t be as stupid as Qin Yi and get hurt for a woman!
“Ah...”
Su Mo screamed and closed her eyes, terrified.
Qin Yi’s punch stalled in mid-air; he hesitated.
Taking the opportunity, Wang Hao raised his leg and kicked Qin Yi hard in the abdomen.
Qin Yi staggered back in pain, glaring at Wang Hao.
“Wang Hao! You bastard! You actually used a woman as a shield!” he roared.
“Hahaha, Qin Yi! If I say you’re stupid, you really are! Think carefully! Can you afford the consequences of hitting me? Think about your dad, think about your mom, think about the debts your family owes! You useless trash!”
Qin Yi looked at Wang Hao, his eyes nearly bursting. His fists clenched tighter and tighter, but in the end, he let go...
Some of the people around shook their heads and sighed, feeling the injustice for Qin Yi; others mocked him, calling him a spineless coward...
But only Qin Yi knew that although he had lost, he hadn’t lost to Wang Hao, but to his family ties!
Seeing Qin Yi like this, Wang Hao laughed loudly and turned around, his hand recklessly resting on Su Mo’s perky butt, squeezing it at will.
“Let’s go! Dammit, I’m happy today! Which bag did you mention last time?”
“Oh, you’re so annoying, Brother Hao, so many people are watching...”
Su Mo pressed close to Wang Hao, pulling his wandering arm around her waist. Her voice was extremely artificial, as if she had already forgotten how Wang Hao had just used her as a human shield.
“Let them look! Let them watch...”
Soon, amidst gazes of either envy or disdain, Wang Hao and Su Mo got into the yellow sports car.
Then, the engine roared, and the yellow sports car thundered away from Modu University.
Seeing that the main parties had left, the onlookers also lost interest.
Meanwhile, Qin Yi remained standing there dazed. A clear footprint had been added to his graduation gown. A few hundred-yuan bills were scattered on the ground, drifting in the breeze along with the crushed rose petals.

Book 2 – Chapter 31: The Boys Have a Problem

The college dance was only three days away.

Which meant…

Panic.

⸻

Not from Jennie.

From the boys.

⸻

Felix sat in the dorm lounge, scrolling through his phone.

His blonde hair was neatly styled, and he wore a black hoodie, dark jeans, and white sneakers.

He sighed.

⸻

Han walked in carrying three different jackets.

His black hair faded into bright blue at the ends. He wore a blue hoodie, black cargo pants, and sneakers.

⸻

“Which one says, ‘I’m cool but not trying too hard?’”

⸻

Felix looked up.

⸻

“None of them.”

⸻

Han gasped dramatically.

“You’re supposed to support me!”

⸻

Before Felix could answer, Hyunjin walked in.

His black hair with bright red tips was styled perfectly. He wore a black jacket, fitted jeans, and boots.

⸻

“You’ve been standing in front of the mirror for twenty minutes.”

⸻

Han crossed his arms.

“I’m creating a masterpiece.”

⸻

“You’re creating traffic.”

⸻

Felix laughed.

⸻

Just then…

The girls walked past the open lounge.

⸻

Jennie wore an oversized black leather jacket, a band T-shirt, baggy jeans, and chunky boots. Her short dark bob gave her the same fearless DJ queen look as always.

Lisa wore a black-and-white hoodie with jeans, her Oreo-inspired haircut standing out.

Rosé wore a denim jacket and relaxed pants, her short blonde Apatapate-inspired hair tucked behind one ear.

Jisoo wore a cream cardigan and jeans, her long blonde hair with lavender-pink tips flowing over her shoulders.

⸻

Felix smiled at Jennie.

⸻

She looked at him for exactly one second.

⸻

“…Your shoelace is untied.”

⸻

Felix looked down.

“Oh.”

⸻

He bent over to tie it.

⸻

Han whispered,

“That was nice.”

⸻

Felix smiled.

⸻

Until…

Jennie added—

⸻

“I’d hate for you to trip before embarrassing yourself at the dance.”

⸻

Felix looked back up.

⸻

“…There she is.”

⸻

Jennie smirked.

“Never doubted it.”

⸻

The girls kept walking.

⸻

Han blinked.

⸻

“Are… are you two flirting?”

⸻

Jennie turned around.

⸻

“No.”

⸻

Han looked confused.

⸻

“That sounded exactly like flirting.”

⸻

Jennie folded her arms.

⸻

“No.”

⸻

Lisa quickly stepped in.

“Han… don’t overthink it.”

⸻

Han looked between Felix and Jennie.

⸻

“I am absolutely going to overthink it.”

⸻

Hyunjin nodded.

⸻

“They’re acting weird.”

⸻

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

⸻

“You’re one sentence away from becoming my next roast target.”

⸻

Han immediately raised both hands.

⸻

“I value my happiness.”

⸻

“Smart choice.”

⸻

As the girls walked away, Felix couldn’t stop smiling.

⸻

Han noticed.

⸻

“There it is again.”

⸻

“What?”

⸻

“The Jennie smile.”

⸻

Felix blinked.

⸻

“I don’t have one.”

⸻

Hyunjin laughed.

⸻

“You definitely do.”

⸻

Across the hallway…

Jennie heard them.

She quietly smiled to herself…

Then immediately hid it before anyone could see.

⸻

The secret was still safe.

At least…

For now.

Chapter 15 – The School Festival Disaster

The rumor was supposed to disappear.

That was the plan.

Unfortunately…

The school had other plans.

⸻

The next morning, the hallway was covered with posters.

ANNUAL SCHOOL FESTIVAL – THIS FRIDAY

Everyone was excited.

Everyone except Jennie.

⸻

Jennie walked through the hallway with her usual cool attitude.

Her long black hair with soft curtain bangs framed her face. She wore a black cropped jacket over a graphic shirt, baggy cargo pants, black-and-white sneakers, and her silver headphones around her neck.

She looked at the festival posters.

“No.”

⸻

Lisa looked confused.

Her long ash-blonde hair with bangs framed her face, and she wore a black bomber jacket, cargo pants, and colorful sneakers.

“No what?”

“No festival.”

Lisa blinked.

“It’s one of the biggest events of the year.”

“Exactly.”

“So?”

“So everyone will be annoying.”

⸻

Han walked over.

His messy brown hair was sticking up, and he wore an oversized green hoodie, black jeans, and white sneakers.

“Correction.”

Everyone looked at him.

“Everyone will be annoying except me.”

Jennie stared.

“Especially you.”

Han looked offended.

“Wow.”

⸻

Rosé laughed.

Her long lavender hair fell over her shoulders, and she wore an oversized cardigan, ripped jeans, and white boots.

“You know you’ll have fun.”

“No.”

“You always say no.”

“And I’m always right.”

⸻

Jisoo smiled.

Her long dark red hair rested neatly over one shoulder. She wore a cream sweater, black pants, and ankle boots.

“You’re going to participate.”

Jennie looked shocked.

“Why does everyone think that?”

“Because we know you.”

⸻

Then Felix walked in.

His soft black hair was slightly messy, and he wore his black varsity jacket, white T-shirt, black athletic pants, and basketball sneakers.

He looked at the poster.

“Festival?”

Jennie immediately pointed.

“No.”

Felix smiled.

“You didn’t even let me speak.”

“I know what you’re going to say.”

“What?”

“You’re going to say basketball.”

Felix paused.

“…I was.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Later that day, the teacher announced the festival assignments.

“Every group will prepare an activity.”

The class became excited.

Then the teacher read:

“Jennie and Felix will lead the main stage performance.”

Silence.

⸻

Jennie:

“No.”

Felix:

“Wait, what?”

⸻

Han immediately started laughing.

“Oh, this is perfect.”

Lisa smiled.

“The universe is forcing them.”

⸻

Felix looked at Jennie.

“So…”

“No.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

“I know.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re too confident.”

⸻

The problem was…

They were actually a great team.

Felix handled the crowd.

Jennie handled the music.

Together…

They made the entire performance idea better than anyone expected.

⸻

After school, they stayed behind to practice.

The gym was empty.

Jennie connected her DJ equipment.

Felix practiced his part.

For once…

They weren’t fighting.

⸻

Felix looked over.

“You know…”

“What?”

“You’re really good at this.”

Jennie looked suspicious.

“Are you complimenting me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s true.”

She looked away.

“That’s weird.”

“You don’t like compliments?”

“I don’t know what to do with them.”

Felix laughed.

“That explains a lot.”

⸻

Jennie smiled.

Then immediately pointed at him.

“Don’t get comfortable.”

“There she is.”

⸻

From outside the gym door…

Han, Lisa, Rosé, Jisoo, and Hyunjin were watching.

Han whispered:

“They’re literally acting like a couple.”

Lisa smiled.

“But they’ll deny it.”

Hyunjin placed a hand over his heart.

“The slow burn continues.”

Jisoo sighed.

“It’s a school festival, not a drama.”

⸻

Inside…

Jennie and Felix continued practicing.

Still teasing.

Still competing.

Still pretending they didn’t care.

But everyone else knew…

The festival wasn’t going to be the only thing happening that week.

Book 2 – Chapter 36: Operation Jisoo — Hyunjin’s Dramatic Disaster

After Han and Felix completed their missions…

Everyone thought Hyunjin would be the easiest.

⸻

They were completely wrong.

⸻

The Final Emergency Meeting

⸻

The dorm room was quiet.

Too quiet.

⸻

Felix sat on the couch.

Han was eating snacks.

⸻

Then…

The door opened dramatically.

⸻

Hyunjin walked in.

⸻

Slowly.

⸻

Very slowly.

⸻

Wearing sunglasses.

⸻

Everyone stared.

⸻

Han lowered his snack.

“What are you doing?”

⸻

Hyunjin removed the sunglasses.

⸻

“Preparing.”

⸻

“For what?”

⸻

“My greatest moment.”

⸻

Silence.

⸻

Felix blinked.

⸻

“You are asking Jisoo to the dance.”

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

“Not proposing.”

⸻

Hyunjin looked offended.

⸻

“I know.”

⸻

“Because you are acting like you’re proposing.”

⸻

Hyunjin ignored him.

⸻

“I need the perfect words.”

⸻

Han laughed.

⸻

“You mean a dramatic speech.”

⸻

“Exactly.”

⸻

Felix sighed.

⸻

“Oh no.”

⸻

⸻

The Speech Practice

⸻

Hyunjin stood in front of the mirror.

⸻

“Jisoo…”

⸻

He paused.

⸻

“When I first saw you—”

⸻

Han immediately stopped him.

⸻

“No.”

⸻

Hyunjin turned.

⸻

“What?”

⸻

“Too much.”

⸻

“But it’s meaningful.”

⸻

“It’s a dance invitation, not a movie ending.”

⸻

Hyunjin frowned.

⸻

“You’re ruining my art.”

⸻

Felix laughed.

⸻

“Your art is terrifying.”

⸻

Hyunjin tried again.

⸻

“Jisoo, you are the light that—”

⸻

“Stop.”

⸻

Felix covered his face.

⸻

“You can’t say ‘the light’ before asking someone to dance.”

⸻

“Why?”

⸻

“Because she might think you joined a poetry club.”

⸻

Han nodded.

⸻

“Or a drama competition.”

⸻

Hyunjin sighed.

⸻

“You two have no romance.”

⸻

⸻

Operation Begins

⸻

The next day…

Hyunjin found Jisoo in the garden.

⸻

Jisoo was sitting peacefully.

Her long blonde hair with lavender-pink tips moved softly in the breeze.

She wore a cream cardigan, a simple dress, and sneakers.

⸻

Hyunjin walked toward her.

⸻

Slowly.

⸻

Jisoo looked up.

⸻

“Why are you walking like you’re entering a stage?”

⸻

Hyunjin stopped.

⸻

“Do I do that?”

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“Okay.”

⸻

He sat down.

⸻

Jisoo smiled.

⸻

“Are you okay?”

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

“You look nervous.”

⸻

“I am not.”

⸻

“You are.”

⸻

Hyunjin sighed.

⸻

“Why is everyone so good at noticing things?”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

⸻

The Actual Question

⸻

Hyunjin took a breath.

⸻

“Jisoo.”

⸻

She looked at him.

⸻

“I wanted to ask…”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

Han’s voice appeared in his head:

“Don’t make it a movie.”

⸻

Felix’s voice:

“Don’t say ‘light.’”

⸻

Hyunjin nodded.

⸻

“Would you go to the dance with me?”

⸻

Simple.

⸻

Normal.

⸻

Jisoo blinked.

⸻

Then smiled.

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

Hyunjin froze.

⸻

“Wait.”

⸻

“What?”

⸻

“That’s it?”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

“What did you expect?”

⸻

“I don’t know.”

⸻

“You looked like you were about to give a speech.”

⸻

Hyunjin looked away.

⸻

“I prepared one.”

⸻

Jisoo smiled.

⸻

“Of course you did.”

⸻

⸻

Back at the Dorm

⸻

Hyunjin walked in.

⸻

Felix and Han looked up.

⸻

“Well?”

⸻

Hyunjin stood silently.

⸻

Then…

⸻

He dramatically fell onto the couch.

⸻

“I succeeded.”

⸻

Han laughed.

⸻

“Did you survive?”

⸻

“Barely.”

⸻

Felix smiled.

⸻

“Did you say the speech?”

⸻

Hyunjin looked offended.

⸻

“No.”

⸻

“Good.”

⸻

“Why?”

⸻

“Because it would have taken an hour.”

⸻

Hyunjin crossed his arms.

⸻

“It was beautiful.”

⸻

Han nodded.

⸻

“I’m sure it was.”

⸻

“You’re mocking me.”

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Three missions.

⸻

Three successes.

⸻

Han and Rosé.

Felix and Jennie.

Hyunjin and Jisoo.

⸻

Now only one thing remained…

⸻

The college dance.

⸻

And everyone knew…

With Jennie as the DJ…

It was going to be unforgettable.

Book 2 – Chapter 38: Dance Night — The Grand Entrance

The wait was over.

⸻

The college dance had arrived.

⸻

The campus that usually felt ordinary had completely transformed.

Golden lights covered the courtyard.

Music echoed through the hall.

Everyone was dressed up.

Everyone was excited.

⸻

And somewhere inside the dorm…

Four girls were getting ready.

⸻

The Girls’ Final Preparations

⸻

Jennie stood in front of the mirror.

Her short dark bob haircut was styled perfectly, framing her face with a confident, sharp look.

She wore the black satin dress she chose with her friends, paired with elegant boots and silver accessories.

⸻

Lisa looked at her.

⸻

“Okay.”

⸻

Jennie looked over.

“What?”

⸻

“You look like you own the entire dance.”

⸻

Jennie smirked.

⸻

“I don’t own it.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“Yet.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Lisa wore a stylish black-and-white outfit that matched her Oreo-inspired haircut. Her mostly black hair with white strands was styled beautifully.

⸻

Rosé adjusted her dress.

Her short blonde Apatapate-inspired hair looked elegant, and she wore a simple but classy outfit that matched her soft personality.

⸻

Jisoo fixed the lavender-pink tips of her long blonde hair.

She wore a graceful dress with simple jewelry.

⸻

The four looked at each other.

⸻

For a second…

Nobody spoke.

⸻

Then Lisa smiled.

⸻

“We actually made it.”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

⸻

“Together.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

⸻

“Like always.”

⸻

Jennie looked away.

⸻

“Okay, don’t make this emotional.”

⸻

Lisa laughed.

⸻

“You’re the emotional one.”

⸻

“No.”

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

“No.”

⸻

“Jennie.”

⸻

“Lisa.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

The Boys Arrive

⸻

Outside the dorm…

Three boys waited.

⸻

Felix stood there in a black suit jacket, white shirt, and dark pants.

His blonde hair was styled perfectly.

⸻

Han wore a dark blue suit that matched his black-to-blue hair.

⸻

Hyunjin wore a stylish black suit, his red-tipped hair standing out.

⸻

Han looked around.

⸻

“I’m nervous.”

⸻

Felix nodded.

⸻

“Same.”

⸻

Hyunjin crossed his arms.

⸻

“I am calm.”

⸻

Felix and Han looked at him.

⸻

“You practiced your breathing for thirty minutes.”

⸻

Hyunjin paused.

⸻

“That was preparation.”

⸻

“That was panic.”

⸻

⸻

The Meeting

⸻

The girls walked out.

⸻

The boys immediately stopped talking.

⸻

Felix saw Jennie.

⸻

For once…

He had no comeback.

⸻

Jennie noticed.

⸻

“What?”

⸻

Felix blinked.

⸻

“Nothing.”

⸻

“You froze.”

⸻

“I did not.”

⸻

“You did.”

⸻

Han whispered:

“He’s gone.”

⸻

Hyunjin nodded.

⸻

“Completely.”

⸻

Jennie looked at Felix.

⸻

“You okay?”

⸻

He smiled.

⸻

“Yeah.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“You look amazing.”

⸻

Jennie looked away.

⸻

“Careful.”

⸻

“What?”

⸻

“That was almost too sweet.”

⸻

Felix laughed.

⸻

“Almost?”

⸻

“Almost.”

⸻

⸻

Entering the Dance

⸻

The group walked into the ballroom together.

⸻

Students immediately noticed.

⸻

Not because they were trying to get attention.

⸻

Because they had always been impossible to ignore.

⸻

The music started.

⸻

The lights moved.

⸻

And then…

The DJ booth turned on.

⸻

Everyone looked toward Jennie.

⸻

She put on her headphones.

⸻

The crowd cheered.

⸻

Felix smiled.

⸻

Han whispered:

“She’s in her element.”

⸻

Hyunjin nodded.

⸻

“Definitely.”

⸻

Jennie looked over the crowd.

⸻

For a moment…

She wasn’t the cold, untouchable person everyone thought she was.

⸻

She was just Jennie.

⸻

Happy.

⸻

Confident.

⸻

With her friends beside her.

⸻

The first beat dropped.

⸻

And the dance officially began.

⸻

But everyone knew…

The night had only started.

⸻

Because there were still:

* Felix and Jennie’s first public dance
* Han and Rosé’s date
* Hyunjin and Jisoo’s moment
* Lisa’s mysterious surprise

⸻

And the biggest question:

⸻

Who was Lisa bringing to the dance?

Book 3: Roast Rhythm & Rival Hearts — New Secrets

Chapter 4: Behind the Spotlight

Months had passed…

⸻

Life had changed completely.

⸻

They weren’t just college students anymore.

They were now living the dream they had always chased.

⸻

They were K-pop idols.

⸻

The New Chapter

⸻

Jennie stood backstage after a huge performance.

Her shoulder-length red hair was styled perfectly, with a bold stage outfit: a black leather jacket, sparkling accessories, and a powerful look that matched her savage DJ queen image.

On stage…

She was fearless.

⸻

Lisa had become known for her incredible dancing and stage presence.

Her long natural black hair flowed as she performed.

She wore a stylish black-and-white performance outfit with boots, looking confident and energetic.

⸻

Rosé had her own signature style.

Her shoulder-length rose-pink hair stood out under the stage lights.

She wore an elegant but edgy outfit, mixing her soft personality with her powerful performer side.

⸻

Jisoo looked graceful as always.

Her light brown hair framed her face beautifully.

She wore a classy stage outfit with elegant details that matched her calm confidence.

⸻

Together…

They were still the same four girls.

Just on a much bigger stage.

⸻

Across the Industry

⸻

Stray Kids were also living their dream.

⸻

Felix stood backstage after a performance.

His blonde hair with a red peekaboo streak underneath was styled perfectly.

He wore a dark stage outfit with silver details, looking completely different from the nervous boy who once practiced asking Jennie to a dance.

⸻

Han had his natural black hair styled casually.

He wore a comfortable but stylish outfit, bringing his funny and energetic personality everywhere.

⸻

Hyunjin had black hair with a silver streak, giving him a dramatic and unforgettable stage look.

⸻

I.N. had his bright orange hair, standing out wherever he went.

⸻

Everyone had grown.

⸻

Everyone had changed.

⸻

Except…

Some feelings were still unfinished.

⸻

Jennie’s Breaking Point

⸻

After the concert…

The crowd was still cheering outside.

Everyone was celebrating.

⸻

But Jennie quietly walked away.

⸻

Lisa noticed.

⸻

“Jennie?”

⸻

No answer.

⸻

Rosé followed her.

⸻

“Something’s wrong.”

⸻

Jisoo closed the dressing room door behind them.

⸻

Jennie stood in front of the mirror.

⸻

For years…

She had been the savage one.

The one who roasted everyone.

The one who acted like nothing could hurt her.

⸻

But tonight…

She couldn’t keep pretending.

⸻

Lisa stepped closer.

⸻

“Jennie.”

⸻

“You don’t have to act tough with us.”

⸻

Silence.

⸻

Then Jennie finally broke.

⸻

“I hate this.”

⸻

Rosé looked worried.

⸻

“What?”

⸻

Jennie sat down.

⸻

“I thought becoming an idol would fix everything.”

⸻

“I thought if I was busy enough…”

⸻

“If I was successful enough…”

⸻

“I wouldn’t think about the things I lost.”

⸻

Jisoo sat beside her.

⸻

“Felix.”

⸻

Jennie looked away.

⸻

She didn’t deny it.

⸻

“I moved on.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“At least I tried to.”

⸻

Lisa hugged her.

⸻

“You don’t have to be okay every second.”

⸻

Jennie wiped her eyes.

⸻

“I hate crying.”

⸻

Rosé smiled softly.

⸻

“We know.”

⸻

“I hate that you guys are right.”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

“That is the most Jennie thing you’ve said today.”

⸻

A small smile appeared.

⸻

Just a little.

⸻

The Girls

⸻

Lisa squeezed her hand.

⸻

“No matter how famous we get…”

⸻

“We’re still us.”

⸻

Rosé nodded.

⸻

“The same girls who sat in a dorm room talking about the future.”

⸻

Jisoo smiled.

⸻

“And the same girls who survived Jennie’s insults.”

⸻

Jennie looked offended.

⸻

“I was not that bad.”

⸻

All three stared at her.

⸻

“Okay.”

⸻

“Maybe a little.”

⸻

They laughed.

⸻

Because behind the cameras…

Behind the music…

Behind the fame…

⸻

They were still best friends.

⸻

And Jennie finally remembered:

Even the strongest performers need a place where they can stop performing.

⸻

To Be Continued…

Got it — I’ll keep your chapter exactly in tone, but adjust Ari and Noah to sound like teenagers and add clearer visual descriptions for them.

⸻

CHAPTER: “ANNOUNCEMENT DAY / THE TOUR RETURNS” (UPDATED)
⸻

The morning started like any other—

until it didn’t.

⸻

BLACKPINK were gathered in the living room.

Not for rehearsal.

Not for casual planning.

But for something bigger.

⸻

Jisoo stood first, holding a printed schedule in both hands. Her long dark hair was softly styled, and she wore a calm ivory blouse with tailored trousers.

Her expression was steady—but there was excitement underneath it.

⸻

Jennie leaned forward immediately.

“Don’t tell me…”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

“It’s official.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

Rosé covered her mouth slightly, blonde hair falling over her shoulders as she smiled.

“…We’re going on tour?”

⸻

Jisoo smiled back.

“Yes.”

⸻

The room shifted instantly.

⸻

Jennie stood up.

“International?”

⸻

“International,” Jisoo confirmed.

⸻

Lisa hadn’t spoken yet.

⸻

Lisa sat on the edge of the sofa, staring at the schedule in Jisoo’s hand.

Her brown hair was tied loosely, casual home clothes replacing stage outfits for now.

Her expression slowly changed—from surprise… to recognition… to something softer.

⸻

“…It’s been a while,” she said quietly.

⸻

Jennie pointed at her.

“That tone means you’re already thinking about choreography.”

⸻

Lisa blinked.

“…No.”

Pause.

“…Maybe.”

⸻

Rosé laughed softly.

“That’s a yes.”

⸻

⸻

Jisoo sat down beside them.

“This tour isn’t just performances,” she said gently. “It’s a full journey again.”

⸻

Jennie smiled.

“So basically… chaos with a schedule.”

⸻

“Exactly,” Jisoo replied.

⸻

⸻

Lisa finally looked up fully.

Her eyes sharpened slightly—not tired, not overwhelmed.

Focused.

⸻

“…We’ll need to prepare everything,” she said.

⸻

Jennie grinned.

“There she is.”

⸻

Rosé nodded.

“I’ve missed that energy.”

⸻

⸻

From the hallway, two figures paused.

⸻

Ari stood slightly ahead of Noah.

She looked like a modern teenager now—about 13–14, with long dark hair tied into a loose half-braid, wearing an oversized hoodie over a school uniform skirt, phone in hand. Her expression was calm but observant, the kind of quiet maturity that came from watching more than speaking.

⸻

Beside her, Noah leaned against the doorframe with a relaxed teenage posture. Around 14–15, he wore a slightly unbuttoned school blazer over a hoodie, messy hair falling into his eyes, backpack still hanging off one shoulder like he hadn’t fully decided if he was coming or going. His expression carried that classic teen mix of boredom and curiosity.

⸻

Ari tilted her head slightly.

“…Tour means you’ll be gone a lot.”

⸻

Lisa turned toward them.

“…Yeah.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

Noah exhaled.

“So basically the house becomes quieter and more monitored.”

⸻

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

“That sounded like a complaint disguised as analysis.”

⸻

Noah shrugged.

“I’m just stating outcomes.”

⸻

⸻

Lisa stood and walked toward them, kneeling slightly to their level.

“…We’ll still be here,” she said gently. “Just busy.”

⸻

Ari nodded once.

“I get it.”

Her tone was more grounded now—teenage understanding replacing childhood confusion.

⸻

Noah looked at her.

“…We’re fine.”

A pause.

“…Probably.”

⸻

Rosé laughed softly from behind them.

“That ‘probably’ is doing a lot of work.”

⸻

⸻

Jennie clapped once.

“Okay. Tour mindset starts today.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

“I’m excited.”

⸻

Jisoo nodded calmly.

“Then let’s prepare properly.”

⸻

Lisa stood again.

Her focus fully locked in.

“…Let’s do it right.”

⸻

⸻

And just like that—

the house shifted again.

From everyday rhythm…

to movement, schedules, stages.

⸻

And in the hallway, two teenagers watched it all unfold—

old enough now to understand what “busy” really meant…

but still young enough to feel it when things started changing again.

Chapter 27 – The Movie Night Trap

By Sunday evening…

Everyone in the dorm had exactly one goal.

Tease Jennie and Felix.

Forever.

⸻

Han was the mastermind.

“I have an amazing idea.”

Jennie immediately looked up from her laptop.

“No.”

“I didn’t even say it.”

“I don’t need to hear it.”

⸻

Han grinned.

“We’re having movie night!”

Lisa clapped.

“I love movie nights!”

Rosé smiled.

“I’m in.”

Jisoo nodded.

“Me too.”

Hyunjin dramatically placed a hand on his chest.

“I shall provide emotional commentary.”

Felix laughed.

“This should be interesting.”

Jennie sighed.

“I already regret this.”

⸻

An hour later…

The living room was covered with blankets, popcorn, chips, candy, and soda.

Lisa sat on the floor.

Her ash-blonde hair with bangs was tied into a loose ponytail. She wore an oversized pink hoodie and gray sweatpants.

Rosé curled up beside her.

Her lavender hair was braided over one shoulder, and she wore a cream sweater with ripped jeans.

Jisoo wore a navy hoodie and black joggers, her red hair tucked behind one ear.

Han wore his green hoodie and black sweatpants, already eating half the popcorn before the movie even started.

Hyunjin arrived with his blond hair perfectly styled—even for movie night—and wore a loose black sweatshirt and wide-leg pants.

Felix wore a black hoodie and gray sweatpants.

Jennie wore an oversized black sweatshirt, matching sweatpants, and fuzzy socks. Her blonde hair was tied into a messy bun.

⸻

Han looked around.

“Perfect.”

Jennie narrowed her eyes.

“Why are you smiling like that?”

“No reason.”

“Han.”

“No reason.”

⸻

Everyone picked a seat.

Jennie sat on one end of the couch.

Felix sat on the other.

Han looked disappointed.

“Oh.”

“What?”

“You two are too far apart.”

Jennie sighed.

“That’s the point.”

⸻

Han suddenly stood up.

“I forgot the drinks!”

“I’ll help,” Lisa said.

“So will I,” Rosé added.

“Me too,” Jisoo smiled.

“I suddenly remembered something in my room,” Hyunjin announced dramatically.

Everyone left.

Except…

Jennie and Felix.

⸻

Jennie blinked.

“…We just got tricked.”

Felix looked toward the kitchen.

“They planned this.”

“They absolutely planned this.”

⸻

The movie started anyway.

For a few minutes…

Neither of them spoke.

Until…

A loud thunderstorm appeared in the movie.

Jennie jumped.

Just a tiny bit.

Felix noticed.

“You got scared.”

“I did not.”

“You literally jumped.”

“I was… surprised.”

He laughed.

“You hate horror movies.”

“I hate loud noises.”

“Sure.”

⸻

Jennie grabbed a handful of popcorn.

Felix reached for the bowl at the exact same time.

Their hands bumped.

Jennie looked at him.

“You stole my popcorn.”

“Our popcorn.”

“My popcorn.”

Felix smiled.

“I’ll buy you another bag.”

“You’d better.”

⸻

Just then…

The movie reached a really emotional scene.

Han slowly peeked around the corner.

Lisa peeked over his shoulder.

Rosé, Jisoo, and Hyunjin were stacked behind them like dominoes.

Lisa whispered,

“Are they holding hands?”

Han squinted.

“No…”

“They’re fighting over popcorn.”

Rosé laughed quietly.

“That sounds more like them.”

⸻

Suddenly…

Jennie noticed five heads sticking out from the hallway.

She slowly turned.

“…Seriously?”

Everyone froze.

Han smiled awkwardly.

“We can explain.”

Jennie stood up.

“Oh, I’d love to hear this.”

Hyunjin stepped forward.

“This was an observational experiment.”

Lisa nodded.

“Very scientific.”

Felix laughed so hard he almost dropped the popcorn.

Jennie pointed at all of them.

“You trapped us.”

Han shrugged.

“Did it work?”

Felix looked at Jennie.

“I mean…”

“We watched half the movie without arguing.”

Jennie blinked.

“…Wait.”

Everyone gasped dramatically.

Han threw his hands into the air.

“THEY ADMITTED IT!”

“I admitted nothing!” Jennie protested.

“You admitted peace!”

“That’s not a thing!”

“It is now,” Han declared.

The entire room burst into laughter.

Jennie looked at Felix.

“You know…”

“What?”

“I think our friends are completely insane.”

Felix smiled.

“Definitely.”

A small smile spread across Jennie’s face.

“…Good.”

Felix nodded.

“Yeah.”

“…Good.”

And for the rest of the night…

The movie barely mattered.

Because the real entertainment…

Was everyone trying—and failing—to stop teasing Jennie and Felix.

Book 2 – Chapter 5: The First College Challenge

The first day of college was supposed to be normal.

Keyword:

Supposed to.

⸻

After the whole “Felix’s definitely-not-girlfriend” drama, everyone walked toward their classes.

⸻

Jennie walked ahead of everyone.

Her sleek dark bob moved with every step, and her black jacket, silver accessories, baggy jeans, and boots made her look like she belonged on a magazine cover instead of a college campus.

⸻

Lisa looked at her.

“Okay, I have to admit.”

Jennie looked back.

“What?”

“Your entrance was dramatic.”

“I walked.”

“You walked like the hallway belonged to you.”

Jennie shrugged.

“Maybe it did.”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

Her long blonde hair with lavender-pink ends moved as she walked.

“She hasn’t changed.”

Rosé smiled.

Her black hair fell over her shoulders.

“She just got more confident.”

⸻

Behind them…

Felix was quiet.

Very quiet.

⸻

Han noticed immediately.

His black hair with blue tips fell over his forehead as he looked at Felix.

“You’re thinking.”

Felix looked at him.

“No I’m not.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You have your thinking face.”

“I have a face.”

“Exactly.”

⸻

Hyunjin walked beside them, his red-tipped hair catching the sunlight.

“He is thinking about Jennie.”

Felix stopped.

“What?”

Everyone looked at him.

⸻

Felix sighed.

“She just surprised me, okay?”

Han smiled.

“Because she looks different?”

“Yes.”

“Because she’s more confident?”

“Maybe.”

“Because she roasted someone in less than five minutes?”

Felix paused.

“…Also yes.”

⸻

Hyunjin nodded.

“An iconic return.”

⸻

Meanwhile…

Jennie had already found her classroom.

⸻

She sat down and opened her laptop.

New college.

New classes.

New challenges.

⸻

Then the professor walked in.

“Before we begin, I have an announcement.”

Everyone looked up.

⸻

“This semester, we will have a major creative competition.”

⸻

Jennie’s eyes immediately lit up.

⸻

“The winning team will perform at the biggest college showcase of the year.”

⸻

Lisa looked at Jennie.

“Oh no.”

Jennie smiled.

“What?”

“Your DJ face.”

“What about it?”

“It means you are about to become terrifying.”

⸻

The professor continued.

“You will work in teams.”

⸻

Jennie froze.

No.

Please no.

⸻

The teams appeared on the screen.

⸻

Team One: Jennie, Felix, Lisa, Han, Rosé, Jisoo, Hyunjin.

⸻

Silence.

⸻

Jennie stared.

Felix stared.

Everyone stared.

⸻

Han immediately laughed.

“THE SCHOOL IS STILL TRYING TO FORCE YOU TWO TOGETHER.”

⸻

Jennie pointed at him.

“Stop talking.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s funny.”

⸻

Felix looked at Jennie.

“So…”

“So.”

“Looks like we’re working together again.”

⸻

Jennie sighed.

“Of course.”

⸻

Felix smiled.

“You missed me.”

“No.”

“You answered too fast.”

“Because the answer was obvious.”

⸻

The whole group laughed.

⸻

After class, they met in the library.

⸻

The assignment was simple:

Create something that represents who they were.

⸻

Everyone had ideas.

Lisa wanted fashion.

Rosé wanted music.

Jisoo wanted visuals.

Han wanted something “legendary.”

Nobody knew what that meant.

⸻

Hyunjin wrote down:

“An artistic experience.”

Everyone stared.

⸻

Jennie looked at Felix.

“Translate.”

Felix laughed.

“He means something dramatic.”

Hyunjin nodded.

“Exactly.”

⸻

Then everyone looked at Jennie.

“What about you?”

⸻

Jennie thought.

A year ago…

She would have said she didn’t care.

But now?

She smiled.

⸻

“Music.”

⸻

Felix looked at her.

“You already knew that.”

“Yeah.”

“Then why did you think so long?”

Jennie shrugged.

“Because this time…”

She looked around at everyone.

“I don’t want it to just be my thing.”

⸻

Everyone smiled.

⸻

Felix noticed.

The old Jennie was still there.

The roast queen.

The DJ.

The girl who never backed down.

But now…

She let people in.

⸻

Han suddenly ruined the moment.

“So basically we’re making a masterpiece.”

Jennie looked at him.

“Don’t say masterpiece.”

“Why?”

“Because now you think you’re an artist.”

“I am.”

“You are a problem.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

And as they started planning their first college project…

Nobody noticed the competition poster hanging outside the room.

⸻

COLLEGE SHOWCASE CHALLENGE

WINNER GETS A CHANCE TO PERFORM ON THE MAIN STAGE.

⸻

Jennie looked at it.

A spark appeared in her eyes.

⸻

The DJ queen was back.

And this time…

She had a whole team behind her.

Book 2 – Chapter 9: The First College Morning Disaster

The first morning in the dorms.

Everyone expected a fresh start.

A peaceful beginning.

A normal college day.

⸻

That was their first mistake.

⸻

Dorm Building A

Jennie’s alarm went off.

She opened her eyes.

Five seconds later…

She was already ready.

⸻

Her dark bob haircut was perfectly styled.

Her outfit was completely put together.

Black jacket.

Baggy jeans.

Silver accessories.

Boots.

Headphones around her neck.

⸻

Lisa slowly opened her eyes.

She stared.

“How are you already dressed?”

Jennie looked at her.

“Because some of us respect time.”

Lisa sat up.

“It’s 7:02.”

“Exactly.”

“Class is at 9.”

Jennie grabbed her bag.

“Exactly.”

⸻

Lisa looked at her.

“You are the only person who treats getting ready like a concert entrance.”

Jennie smiled.

“Because every entrance is important.”

⸻

Lisa laughed.

“Your confidence is dangerous.”

Jennie shrugged.

“Your fashion choices are dangerous. We all have problems.”

⸻

Dorm Building B

⸻

Felix woke up to chaos.

⸻

Han was standing in front of the mirror.

His black hair with blue tips was styled perfectly.

Felix stared.

“Why are you dressed like you’re going to a photoshoot?”

Han looked serious.

“Because first impressions matter.”

“It’s a lecture.”

“Exactly.”

⸻

Felix shook his head.

His blonde hair was messy, but somehow still looked perfect.

⸻

Han looked at him.

“You need help.”

Felix looked down at his outfit.

“What?”

“You look too normal.”

“That’s the point.”

“Wrong.”

⸻

Outside the dorms

Everyone met before class.

⸻

Jisoo arrived with her long blonde hair and lavender-pink ends shining in the sunlight.

Rosé walked beside her with her black hair flowing naturally.

Hyunjin arrived with his red-tipped hair styled perfectly.

⸻

Jennie looked around.

“Okay.”

Everyone looked at her.

“What?”

She pointed.

“Hyunjin looks like he’s going to a fashion interview.”

Hyunjin smiled.

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“I accepted it anyway.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Then Felix walked over.

⸻

Jennie looked at him.

Felix looked at her.

⸻

Silence.

⸻

Han whispered:

“Round two of awkward.”

⸻

Felix cleared his throat.

“Morning.”

Jennie nodded.

“Morning.”

⸻

Everyone waited.

⸻

Lisa whispered:

“That was the most normal conversation they’ve had.”

⸻

Jennie heard her.

“Don’t ruin it.”

⸻

They walked toward class.

⸻

Then suddenly…

A student dropped a stack of papers.

⸻

Everyone stopped to help.

Except Han.

⸻

Han looked at the papers.

Then at Jennie.

“Should I help?”

Jennie stared.

“Yes.”

Han nodded.

“Okay.”

A pause.

“But first…”

“What?”

“I need to emotionally prepare.”

⸻

Jennie looked at him.

“You need emotional preparation to pick up paper?”

Han nodded.

“These are important papers.”

“They’re on the floor.”

“Exactly. Dangerous territory.”

⸻

Jennie stared.

“Han.”

“What?”

“You are the reason warning labels exist.”

⸻

Everyone burst out laughing.

⸻

Finally they reached class.

⸻

The professor announced:

“Today, you will begin your first major college project.”

⸻

Everyone sat up.

⸻

“You will create something that represents your identity.”

⸻

Everyone started thinking.

⸻

Lisa immediately wrote fashion.

Rosé wrote music.

Jisoo wrote design.

Hyunjin wrote performance.

Han wrote something nobody could read.

⸻

Felix looked over.

“What did you write?”

Han covered it.

“Private.”

“It’s upside down.”

Han quickly flipped it.

“Now it’s private.”

⸻

Jennie shook her head.

⸻

Then the professor looked at her.

“And you?”

⸻

Jennie looked at her notebook.

Then at her DJ headphones.

⸻

She smiled.

⸻

“Music.”

⸻

Felix looked at her.

“You already knew.”

Jennie nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Then why think?”

She shrugged.

“Because this time…”

She looked at the group.

“I’m not doing it alone.”

⸻

Everyone smiled.

⸻

Then Han ruined the moment.

“So we’re basically a legendary team.”

Jennie looked at him.

“Don’t say legendary.”

“Why?”

“Because now you’ll start acting like you have a documentary.”

⸻

Han gasped.

“I would have a great documentary.”

Jennie nodded.

“Title: A Guy Who Talks Too Much.”

⸻

The class laughed.

⸻

And as they started their first college project…

Everyone realized something.

⸻

College wasn’t going to be normal.

Not with:

A savage DJ queen.

A dramatic fashion king.

A chaotic music genius.

A talented performer.

And a group that somehow always found trouble.

⸻

The semester had officially begun.

Chapter 39 – Graduation Day

The day finally arrived.

Graduation.

⸻

The school that had been filled with chaos, jokes, competitions, and endless roast battles was now decorated with banners, flowers, and rows of chairs.

A giant sign hung above the stage:

“Congratulations, Graduating Class!”

⸻

For once…

Everyone was quiet.

Almost.

⸻

Jennie stood in front of the mirror in her room.

Her blonde hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore her graduation gown over a sleek outfit with black boots. Her usual DJ accessories were replaced with a simple silver necklace.

She looked at herself.

It felt strange.

⸻

A year ago…

She was the girl everyone thought was impossible to get close to.

The cold DJ.

The queen of roasting.

The person who acted like she didn’t care.

⸻

Then Felix happened.

⸻

A knock came at her door.

“Jennie?”

She smiled.

“Come in.”

⸻

Felix walked in.

His black hair was neatly styled, and he wore his graduation gown over a black shirt and dark pants.

He looked around.

“Wow.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“You actually look ready.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean…”

He laughed.

“You usually look like you’re about to start a DJ battle.”

Jennie crossed her arms.

“And you usually look like you’re about to miss a basketball shot.”

Felix smiled.

“Good. You’re still you.”

⸻

They walked downstairs together.

⸻

Everyone was ready.

⸻

Lisa adjusted her graduation cap.

Her ash-blonde hair with bangs framed her face, and she wore a stylish outfit under her gown.

“I’m taking a hundred pictures.”

Han groaned.

“One hundred?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because you will complain later.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

Her lavender hair was curled softly, and she wore a simple elegant outfit under her gown.

“This day is actually happening.”

⸻

Jisoo fixed her red hair before putting on her cap.

“Everyone ready?”

⸻

Hyunjin appeared dramatically.

His blond hair was perfectly styled.

“Today…”

Everyone sighed.

“Don’t.”

He continued anyway.

“Today we close one chapter.”

Han whispered.

“He practiced that.”

“Of course he did.”

⸻

At the ceremony…

The auditorium was full.

Parents cheered.

Teachers smiled.

Students laughed nervously.

⸻

One by one…

Names were called.

⸻

“Lisa.”

Applause.

She walked across the stage confidently.

⸻

“Rosé.”

More cheers.

⸻

“Jisoo.”

Everyone clapped.

⸻

“Han.”

The crowd cheered loudly.

Han waved dramatically.

Jennie covered her face.

“He loves attention.”

Felix laughed.

“Yes.”

⸻

“Hyunjin.”

He walked across the stage like he was in a movie.

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Then…

“Felix.”

⸻

The crowd cheered.

Felix walked across the stage smiling.

When he returned…

Jennie quietly said:

“Not bad, basketball boy.”

He smiled.

“That was almost a compliment.”

“Don’t ruin it.”

⸻

Finally…

The last name.

⸻

“Jennie.”

⸻

The room filled with applause.

Felix smiled as she walked onto the stage.

⸻

Jennie accepted her diploma.

She looked out at the crowd.

She remembered everything.

The first roast battle.

The arguments.

The DJ competition.

The friendships.

The person she never expected to matter so much.

⸻

She walked back.

Felix whispered:

“You okay?”

Jennie nodded.

“Yeah.”

A pause.

“Just weird.”

“I know.”

⸻

After the ceremony…

Everyone gathered outside for pictures.

⸻

Han immediately grabbed the camera.

“Everyone together!”

Jennie sighed.

“Here we go.”

⸻

The group stood together.

Lisa smiling.

Rosé laughing.

Jisoo fixing everyone’s positions.

Hyunjin making dramatic poses.

Han trying to look cool.

Felix standing beside Jennie.

⸻

“Ready?”

Click.

⸻

The picture captured everything.

Not perfect.

Not organized.

Not normal.

Just them.

⸻

Later…

Jennie and Felix stood away from everyone for a moment.

Watching their friends celebrate.

⸻

Felix smiled.

“Crazy, right?”

“What?”

“That we went from hating each other…”

Jennie smirked.

“I never hated you.”

“You called me annoying every day.”

“You were annoying.”

“Fair.”

⸻

She looked at the graduation cap in her hands.

“We’re really leaving.”

“Yeah.”

⸻

A small silence.

Then Jennie smiled.

“Don’t think college means you’re safe.”

Felix laughed.

“Of course.”

“Because?”

“Because you’ll still roast me.”

“Exactly.”

⸻

The final school bell rang one last time.

And the group walked away from the school together.

Not knowing exactly what the future would bring…

But knowing one thing.

No matter where life took them…

The chaos, friendship, and memories would always stay.

At Seoul Arts High School, there were always people everyone talked about.

And one of them was Jennie.

Jennie was one of the most popular girls in school.

She had long black hair, a stylish look, and a confident personality that made people notice her wherever she went. She was talented, smart, and had a natural charm that made people want to be around her.

But even though everyone knew her…

Not everyone knew the real Jennie.

The Jennie who laughed loudly with her friends.

The Jennie who cared more than she admitted.

⸻

When Jennie walked into the hallway, students immediately noticed.

“Jennie’s here.”

“She looks so cool.”

“She’s always so confident.”

Jennie smiled politely and kept walking.

She was used to it.

⸻

Meanwhile, Lisa and Rosé were showing I.N around the school.

Lisa’s brown hair moved as she pointed toward different classrooms.

“That’s the dance studio.”

Rosé, with her blonde hair and soft smile, pointed ahead.

“And that’s the music room. You’ll probably spend a lot of time there.”

I.N laughed.

“Probably.”

He was starting to feel comfortable.

⸻

Then Jennie walked over.

“Hey.”

Lisa smiled.

“Jennie!”

Rosé waved.

“This is I.N.”

Jennie looked at him.

The new student everyone had been talking about.

“I heard you’re good at music.”

I.N looked surprised.

“You heard?”

Jennie smiled.

“People talk.”

He laughed.

“Is that a good thing?”

“Usually.”

⸻

Over the next few days, Jennie and I.N started spending more time together.

At first, it was small things.

Studying together.

Talking after class.

Sharing music ideas.

I.N noticed something about Jennie.

She wasn’t just the popular girl everyone saw.

She was actually funny.

She was kind.

And she understood what it felt like to have people watching you all the time.

⸻

One afternoon, I.N was sitting in the music room, struggling with a song.

Jennie walked in.

“Still working on it?”

He looked up.

“Yeah. I can’t get the melody right.”

Jennie sat beside him.

“Play it again.”

He did.

She smiled.

“I like it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It sounds like you.”

I.N smiled.

“Thanks.”

For some reason, hearing that from Jennie meant a lot.

⸻

From outside the room, Lisa and Rosé watched.

Lisa whispered,

“They’re getting close.”

Rosé smiled.

“Yeah.”

And neither of them noticed…

That something new was slowly starting.

CHAPTER: “ANNOUNCEMENT DAY / THE TOUR RETURNS”
⸻

The morning started like any other—

until it didn’t.

⸻

BLACKPINK were gathered in the living room.

Not for rehearsal.

Not for casual planning.

But for something bigger.

⸻

Jisoo stood first, holding a printed schedule in both hands. Her long dark hair was softly styled, and she wore a calm ivory blouse with tailored trousers.

Her expression was steady—but there was excitement underneath it.

⸻

Jennie leaned forward immediately.

“Don’t tell me…”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

“It’s official.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

Rosé covered her mouth slightly, blonde hair falling over her shoulders as she smiled.

“…We’re going on tour?”

⸻

Jisoo smiled back.

“Yes.”

⸻

The room shifted instantly.

⸻

Jennie stood up.

“International?”

⸻

“International,” Jisoo confirmed.

⸻

Lisa hadn’t spoken yet.

⸻

Lisa sat on the edge of the sofa, staring at the schedule in Jisoo’s hand.

Her brown hair was tied loosely, casual home clothes replacing stage outfits for now.

Her expression slowly changed—

from surprise…

to recognition…

to something softer.

⸻

“…It’s been a while,” she said quietly.

⸻

Jennie pointed at her.

“That tone means you’re already thinking about choreography.”

⸻

Lisa blinked.

“…No.”

Pause.

“…Maybe.”

⸻

Rosé laughed softly.

“That’s a yes.”

⸻

⸻

Jisoo sat down beside them.

“This tour isn’t just performances,” she said gently. “It’s a full journey again.”

⸻

Jennie smiled.

“So basically… chaos with a schedule.”

⸻

“Exactly,” Jisoo replied.

⸻

⸻

Lisa finally looked up fully.

Her eyes had changed slightly.

Not tired.

Not overwhelmed.

Focused again.

⸻

“…We’ll need to prepare everything,” she said.

⸻

Jennie grinned.

“There she is.”

⸻

Rosé nodded.

“I’ve missed that energy.”

⸻

⸻

From the hallway, small footsteps paused.

Noah and Ari stood there, listening.

⸻

Ari tilted her head slightly.

“…Tour means you’ll be gone a lot.”

⸻

Lisa turned toward them.

“…Yeah.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

Noah crossed his arms.

“So it’s going to be just us at home more.”

⸻

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

“That sounded suspiciously like a complaint.”

⸻

Noah shrugged.

“I’m observing.”

⸻

⸻

Lisa stood up and walked toward them.

Kneeling slightly to their level.

“…We’ll still be here,” she said. “Just busy.”

⸻

Ari nodded slowly.

“I get it.”

⸻

But her voice was thoughtful.

Like she understood both sides of “busy” now.

⸻

⸻

Jennie clapped once.

“Okay. Tour mindset starts today.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

“I’m excited.”

⸻

Jisoo nodded calmly.

“Then let’s prepare properly.”

⸻

Lisa stood again.

Her focus fully back now.

“…Let’s do it right.”

⸻

⸻

And just like that—

the house shifted again.

From everyday life…

to something larger.

⸻

Because tours didn’t just move cities.

They changed time.

And everyone inside that house was about to feel it again.

It didn’t happen all at once.

It happened the way most big decisions do—

quietly, between schedules, late-night talks, and the kind of conversations that start as jokes and slowly stop being jokes.

⸻

Jisoo was the first to say it seriously.

“We should have a place that isn’t borrowed.”

⸻

Jennie laughed at first.

“We already have apartments.”

Then she paused.

“…But I know what you mean.”

⸻

Rosé said it softer.

“A place that feels like us, not schedules.”

⸻

And Lisa just looked at them for a moment.

Her brown hair tied loosely, casual clothes, no stage energy—just real life.

“…Then let’s do it.”

⸻

That was the beginning.

⸻

They found the house together.

Not huge. Not flashy.

Just warm.

Glass and wood. Light-filled rooms. A kitchen that felt like it was already waiting for laughter.

⸻

When they walked inside for the first time—

it didn’t feel like buying property.

It felt like recognition.

⸻

Jisoo stood in the living room first, dark wavy hair falling softly over her cream-toned outfit.

“It’s calm,” she said.

⸻

Jennie leaned against the counter, straight dark hair loose over a black blazer and top.

“It has potential.”

⸻

Rosé stood by the window, blonde hair glowing in soft waves.

“It feels like mornings.”

⸻

Lisa walked through the space slowly, brown hair loose, hoodie and relaxed pants, fingers brushing the edge of the table.

“It feels like us already.”

⸻

⸻

They bought it.

Together.

Four names.

Four signatures.

One shared key.

⸻

And over time—

it became their place.

⸻

Not a permanent residence for all of them.

Not a replacement for their own lives.

But a shared home between worlds.

⸻

Where they came when they were tired.

Where they came when they were loud.

Where they came when they didn’t want to be anything except themselves.

⸻

Years later—

Noah, now a 5-year-old boy, ran through the living room the moment Lisa opened the door.

“I still remember this place!” he announced.

⸻

Ari followed more calmly, adjusting her sweater.

“We were here last week,” she corrected.

⸻

Noah nodded.

“So I have strong memory.”

⸻

Lisa sighed.

“That’s not how memory works.”

⸻

⸻

Jennie dropped her bag by the couch.

“This house is still too quiet before we arrive.”

⸻

Jisoo removed her shoes neatly.

“That’s because chaos hasn’t entered yet.”

⸻

Rosé smiled softly.

“It waits for us.”

⸻

Lisa looked around the room—

the house they chose together.

The house that didn’t belong to one of them.

But belonged to all four.

⸻

“…We really did this,” she said quietly.

⸻

Jennie smirked.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

“Fortunately.”

⸻

Rosé added gently.

“Completely.”

⸻

Noah raised his hand.

“I vote we never sell it.”

⸻

Ari raised hers too.

“I agree.”

⸻

Lisa looked at them all—

at BLACKPINK.

at the house.

at the life they built between everything else.

⸻

Then smiled faintly.

“…Motion passed.”

⸻

And the house—

as always—

felt like it agreed too.

Book 2 – Chapter 37: The Girls Before the Dance

Seven hours.

⸻

That was all that was left until the college dance.

⸻

The dorm was unusually calm.

No rushing.

No panic.

Just four friends sitting together before the biggest night of the year.

⸻

The Girls’ Room

⸻

Jennie sat on the floor checking her DJ playlist one last time.

Her short dark bob was slightly messy, and she wore a comfortable black hoodie, loose jeans, and sneakers.

Even when relaxing…

She still looked like the campus DJ queen.

⸻

Lisa sat on the bed beside her.

Her Oreo-inspired haircut — mostly black with white strands throughout — was tied back casually.

She wore a cozy sweatshirt and jeans.

⸻

Jisoo was fixing her hair in the mirror.

Her long blonde hair with lavender-pink tips was styled beautifully.

She wore a soft sweater and a skirt, already looking elegant.

⸻

Rosé sat beside her, smiling.

Her short blonde Apatapate-inspired hair was styled naturally, and she wore a relaxed outfit while preparing her accessories.

⸻

For a moment…

Everything felt peaceful.

⸻

Then Rosé spoke.

⸻

“So…”

⸻

Everyone looked at her.

⸻

“I have something to tell you.”

⸻

Jennie immediately narrowed her eyes.

⸻

“Why does that sound suspicious?”

⸻

Rosé laughed.

⸻

“I’m going to the dance with Han.”

⸻

Silence.

⸻

Then—

⸻

Lisa smiled.

“Finally!”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

“You two were so obvious.”

⸻

Rosé covered her face.

⸻

“Were we?”

⸻

Jennie looked at her.

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

“How?”

⸻

“You both looked at each other like you forgot other people existed.”

⸻

Rosé laughed.

⸻

“That’s… accurate.”

⸻

Jennie’s Turn

⸻

Lisa looked at Jennie.

⸻

“Your turn.”

⸻

Jennie blinked.

⸻

“My turn for what?”

⸻

“Who are you going with?”

⸻

Jennie immediately looked away.

⸻

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

⸻

Everyone stared.

⸻

Jennie sighed.

⸻

“Fine.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“Felix.”

⸻

Lisa smiled.

⸻

“I knew it.”

⸻

Jennie pointed.

⸻

“Don’t.”

⸻

“I’m not saying anything.”

⸻

“Your face is saying enough.”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

“You’re happy.”

⸻

Jennie looked offended.

⸻

“No.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

⸻

“Your denial is getting weaker.”

⸻

“Impossible.”

⸻

⸻

Jisoo’s Secret

⸻

Jennie looked at Jisoo.

⸻

“What about you?”

⸻

Jisoo smiled.

⸻

“Hyunjin.”

⸻

Lisa gasped.

⸻

“Wait, really?”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

“Yes.”

⸻

Jennie smirked.

⸻

“That explains why he was acting like he was in a movie.”

⸻

Rosé laughed.

⸻

“He practiced, didn’t he?”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

⸻

“For a very long time.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Lisa’s Silence

⸻

The room became quieter.

⸻

Lisa smiled.

⸻

“I’m happy for you guys.”

⸻

But the others noticed.

⸻

Jennie looked at her.

⸻

“Lisa.”

⸻

“I’m fine.”

⸻

Jisoo tilted her head.

⸻

“Are you sure?”

⸻

Lisa looked down.

⸻

For a second…

She didn’t answer.

⸻

“I guess I just didn’t expect everyone to have plans.”

⸻

The room softened.

⸻

Rosé immediately moved closer.

⸻

“Hey.”

⸻

Lisa looked up.

⸻

“You’re not left out.”

⸻

Jisoo nodded.

⸻

“Never.”

⸻

Jennie put down her headphones.

⸻

“You’re literally the person who keeps us all together.”

⸻

Lisa smiled slightly.

⸻

“That sounded almost nice coming from you.”

⸻

Jennie rolled her eyes.

⸻

“Don’t ruin it.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Lisa hugged them.

⸻

⸻

Lisa’s Secret

⸻

After a moment…

Lisa smiled.

⸻

“Actually…”

⸻

Everyone looked at her.

⸻

“I do have someone to go with.”

⸻

Jennie raised an eyebrow.

⸻

“Excuse me?”

⸻

Lisa grinned.

⸻

“He’s a friend.”

⸻

Rosé smiled.

⸻

“Who?”

⸻

Lisa shook her head.

⸻

“Not telling.”

⸻

Jisoo laughed.

⸻

“Why?”

⸻

“Because I want to surprise you.”

⸻

Jennie smirked.

⸻

“Suspicious.”

⸻

“Very.”

⸻

“But…”

Lisa smiled.

⸻

“I’m excited.”

⸻

Jennie nodded.

⸻

“Good.”

⸻

A pause.

⸻

“And if he disappoints you…”

⸻

Lisa laughed.

⸻

“You’re going to roast him?”

⸻

Jennie shrugged.

⸻

“Obviously.”

⸻

Everyone laughed.

⸻

Seven hours later…

⸻

Four girls would walk into the dance.

⸻

Four different stories.

⸻

Four different secrets.

⸻

And one unforgettable night waiting for them.

$⸻ CHAPTER: “SMALL TABLE, BIG SILENCE (JUST THEM)” ⸻ The rest of the restaurant faded into background noise. Soft clinking dishes. Distant conversations. Warm lighting that made everything feel slower than it actually was. But at this corner table— the world had narrowed. ⸻ Lisa sat with Noah and Ari on either side of her. And across from them— I.N. ⸻ Lisa’s brown hair was slightly messy now, loose strands falling near her cheeks as she leaned forward over the table. She had taken off her hoodie earlier, leaving a simple black fitted top with cargo pants—comfortable, relaxed, fully out of “airport mode” and into something quieter. Her expression had softened completely. Not performer. Not public figure. Just mom who finally stopped moving. ⸻ Noah sat on her right, swinging his legs under the chair, hoodie slightly oversized, eyes locked on the food like it was a mission. Ari sat on her left, pastel jacket unzipped now, hair slightly loosened, leaning into Lisa’s side every few minutes like she needed contact to stay anchored. ⸻ Lisa gently nudged Ari’s plate closer. “Eat that first.” ⸻ Ari frowned. “But I want that one.” ⸻ Lisa shook her head. “That one is sugar pretending to be happiness.” ⸻ Noah immediately looked up. “I like sugar happiness.” ⸻ Lisa pointed at him without looking. “You already had sugar happiness this morning.” ⸻ Noah paused. “…True.” ⸻ Across the table, I.N watched quietly. His hair was softly styled, slightly parted from travel, and he wore a simple neutral jacket over a plain shirt with relaxed pants—calm, understated, not trying to stand out, just present. He didn’t interrupt. He just observed the rhythm of them. ⸻ Ari suddenly turned toward him. “Are you quiet because you’re shy?” ⸻ I.N blinked. “…A little.” ⸻ Noah leaned forward. “Or are you quiet because Mom talks a lot?” ⸻ Lisa immediately looked at Noah. “That was unnecessary.” ⸻ I.N smiled faintly. “It’s… not inaccurate.” ⸻ Lisa sighed deeply. “Traitor table.” ⸻ Ari giggled into her drink. ⸻ The food arrived in small plates, warm steam rising. Lisa immediately took a small bite from each kid’s plate without warning. ⸻ Noah stared. “That’s unfair.” ⸻ Lisa nodded. “Yes.” ⸻ Ari copied her. “You’re just checking.” ⸻ Lisa nodded again. “Yes.” ⸻ Noah leaned back. “This system is corrupt.” ⸻ Lisa pointed at him again. “You’re still eating.” ⸻ That shut him up instantly. ⸻ I.N finally spoke softly. “You do this often?” ⸻ Lisa didn’t look up. “Daily survival protocol.” ⸻ Ari tugged her sleeve. “Mom, you’re funny today.” ⸻ Lisa paused for a fraction of a second. Then softened. “I always am.” ⸻ Noah raised an eyebrow. “No you’re not.” ⸻ Lisa leaned toward him slightly. “I am when I’m not tired.” ⸻ I.N’s gaze softened a little. “So… today is a good day.” ⸻ Lisa nodded once. “Today is a finished day.” ⸻ Ari leaned against her again. “I like finished days.” ⸻ Lisa gently rested her hand on Ari’s head. “Me too.” ⸻ A quiet moment followed. Not empty. Just full in a different way. ⸻ Noah finally asked: “Are you happy now?” ⸻ Lisa didn’t answer immediately. She looked at both kids. Then at the table. Then across at I.N. ⸻ Her voice came softer than before. “…Yes.” ⸻ Noah nodded like that was the only acceptable answer. ⸻ Ari smiled. “Good.” ⸻ I.N exhaled quietly, almost smiling. “That’s important.” ⸻ Lisa leaned back slightly in her chair, brown hair falling naturally around her face, no longer styled, no longer controlled. Just her. ⸻ “I don’t need loud days,” she said softly. “Just days that end like this.” ⸻ Noah tilted his head. “With food?” ⸻ Lisa nodded. “With food.” ⸻ Ari added: “And us?” ⸻ Lisa didn’t hesitate. “Always you.” ⸻ A small silence settled. Warm. Stable. Real. ⸻ And for the first time all day— there was nothing to fix, nothing to plan, nothing to perform. ⸻ Just a mother, two children, and someone quietly sitting across from them… sharing a moment that didn’t need an audience to matter.$