Chapter 6 

On the last day of the weekday, Jisoo quickly changed into her casual clothes from the hospital. Leaning into the bathroom mirror, she checked herself twice to make sure she looks appropriate enough for the "not a date but a date" with Jennie. She doesn't even know if Jennie likes her that way... So she decided to wear something simple but not too plain. (Jisoo's clothes: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/324962929360037204/) 

Jisoo made it enough time to pick a seat. At exactly 8 pm, the lights were turned off and the curtains were opened. Jisoo didn't understand much of the show but the entire time, her eyes were glued to one particular person. Her stomach fluttered when her eyes met with the person she's been anticipating a lot. 

After the show was done, Jisoo went at the back to congratulate Jennie. As she was getting nearer, she could hear people complimenting Jennie for her performance. Jisoo stayed at the back and waited patiently for her turn.

When Jennie finally saw Jisoo, she gave her a gummy smile and exused herself from the crowd. Jisoo waved and smiled sheepishly, her face instantly flushing. 

Hey. Thanks for coming.

You did a great job out there.

Thanks... Do you wanna get something to eat. 

Jisoo didn't expect the sudden invitation. Oh... yeah sure

Great! Let's go.

They went to an Italian place because Jennie was craving for pasta. As they were waiting for their orders, Jennie initiated the conversation. 

My dad and I used to come here sometimes when I was a kid.

Mine too.  What does he do?

Jennie rolling her eyes. Judge me. Fail me. I can't tell you how pissed he was when I wasn't promoted to principal this season. And now... he's just praying I'll get that gig with the Paris Opera Ballet.

Paris? Wow. Sounds impressive.

Gives him something to hope for. You can really hint Jennie's dry remark. 

He must be proud of this new show.

..He thinks modern dance waa created by a bunch of wild haired hippie dropouts.

Yeah, there were some freaky moments.

Jennie was amused at her comment and glared at her playfully. 

Jisoo stammered and face palmed at her stupid statement. But on the whole it was...uhmm.. I'm sure if he just saw the show.

Maybe you could tell him.

Hmm?

He's your boss after all.

Jisoo was startled at her unexpected revelation, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. She didn't know what to say. Luckily, the waiter saves the day and gives their respective orders. 

To remove the uncomfortable silence in the room, Jennie addressed the situation. 

Relax. He's too consumed by his own life..... or to pay any attention to mine. As long as he can trot out his daughter,  the "prima ballerina". Jennie absentmindedly twirls her pasta with a fork as she talks. The modern gig is just for fun while I'm on sabbatical. I kind of love it, but.. Yeah, whatever.

Jennie smiles sadly. Maybe he's right. Most girls would kill for my spot at the City Ballet..... And yet her I am trying to express myself. 

She sighs and continues to talk. I should chuck the distraction and just focus on being a bunhead.

Jisoo can see that Jennie was seemingly in deep thought. Unaware of her actions, she reaches for Jennie's hand at the table and squeezes comfortingly. Jennie looks at her and was startled by her actions. 

But that would really , Jisoo spoke in a soft tone.

Jennie smiles softly at her and looks at their hands, squeezing her hand back. 

The atmosphere awhile ago, changed into a comfortable silence. 

So.. how come we never met before now?

Jennie smiles at her and remembers like it was only yesterday. We did meet. Nineteen years ago. I was 8 you were 9. We were at the temple.

Jisoo scrunches her nose and tries to remember. I don't remember.

Jennie continues to tell the story. The Wong boys were taunting me about my parent's divorce. You beat the crap out of them. 

Jennie laughs as she remembers Jisoo's cute outfit. You wearing a Kristy McNichol T-shirt.... tan cords and a pageboy (https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/86975836540576714/). You spilled your mom's groceries. We scooped them into a bag.

Jisoo finally remembers the story. That's right! And then... Then she blushed as she remembers one particular part.

Jennie chuckles and also blushed. And then.. I kissed you on the nose. And you ran.

They both went quiet and locked their gazes for a long time....... Completely forgotten about their food. 

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After they had their dinner, they went to Jennie's apartment for some wine.....

As Jennie was fixing their drinks at the kitchen, Jisoo looks around at her apartment and holds a kid's crayon scribbled drawing that was in a frame. 

Jennie places their drinks at the coffee table and opens the balcony. My view. 

Jisoo follows her and looks at the view. It's beautiful. 

Jennie notices that she's holding a frame and explains the picture. I teach down at Arts Alliance.

You like kids?

Jennie chuckles lightly and shaked her head. No. City Ballet outreach. I'm teaching them how to fall without hurting themselves. I'll show you.

Jennie backs up a little to give her some space. She stretches her arms like a swan and gracefully falls down the floor without a loud thud. 

Woah...

Jennie stands up and beckons her over. Here. Try it.

Jisoo quickly shaker head and backs away slightly. Uhmm.. no. no. I'm good.

I'll teach you. Relax

Jisoo follows at her command and closes her eyes.

Okay, when I say fall, you totally let go. Okay?

Jisoo nods and waits for her instructions. Okay

Fall.

Jisoo remains standing.

Fall

.......

Okay, fall!

Jisoo opens her eyes and surrenders. Sorry. I can't do this... She crosses her arms and looks down at the floor, avoiding Jennie's gaze.

Jennie didn't reply. So she continues to look down.

Then, she sees Jennie's feet coming closer and closer to her. She looks up and sees Jennie's looking with an indescribable expression. 

Jennie's keeps getting closer and closer.... and closer unti there noses touched. Jisoo's heart sped up and didn't know what to do.

So.... she began to fall... literally... she finally fell off the floor.

Jennie was shocked at her action and suddenly laughed.That's it. You got it. You okay? Jennie reached out her hands to help her stand again.

Jisoo smiled at her gummy smile. That was... That was actually fun.

Both giggled at what happened just a while ago. Jisoo wanted to see Jennie's gummy smile again so she repeated to fall down.

Jennie gave a loud hearty laugh and also fell gracefully to join Jisoo at the floor. 

Their laughter slowed down as their gazes locked with one another. Jisoo felt Jennie touch her shoulder as if asking for a permission.

She knew that if she didn't do anything, she would regret it. So she leaned in a bit closer... closer and closer.... until their foreheads touched....

Jennie brought her hand up and brushed the back of it against Jisoo's cheek. From that simple touch, she closes her eyes and feels their noses brush. 

Jennie paused and gave Jisoo one last look, offering a chance to change her mind. Jisoo silently nods and feels their breath mingled. 

Jennie leans up and their lips finally touched, drowning out everthing.

Jisoo can taste the wine on Jennie's lips as their lips continues to moves gently against with one another. She hasn't felt like this. She titls her head to change their position and continues to kiss until their lungs gave out.

Forgetting about the time and the world......