LISA’S POV:

“This is so amazingly idiotic that it makes me wonder how teachers get their qualifications,” Jennie rolled her eyes while scrolling through the Wikipedia page for the number ‘37’, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I'm sure this is gonna be really useful in the long run, isn't it? Jennie Kim, expert on the astoundingly important number 37.”

“Honestly, this project isn't even a challenge, we could just go up there and spout nonsense.” I really didn't want to waste any time and effort on such pointlessness.

“I can't though, my brain just shuts down when I have to speak to a large group of people, I just stand there looking like an idiot.” Jennie frowned, looking annoyed, but it somehow made her look cuter than ever.

I simply couldn't resist myself. “What are you doing?” Jennie let out an incredulous cry as I grabbed her plump cheeks and squeezed them gently.

“Unnie, has anyone told you that you're the cutest human being on earth? Just go on stage and do some aegyo, everyone will be falling head over heels for you.” I continued patting her cheeks, ignoring her muffled protests.

“No, I'm not gonna make a fool out of myself.” Jennie pushed me away, all the while shaking her head. “You're such a kid.”

“Why do you actually care about what happens when you speak? Just speak confidently, the rest will come.”

“I always mess up, and it's so embarrassing. ..I'm tired of being a laughing stock during presentations,” Jennie sighed in exasperation. “There are those times I wish I wasn't shy and could speak without problems.”

“Unnie, think of it this way. Have you actually cared about the people who laughed at you?”

“Never.”

“Then why should you care about their judgements and snide remarks? People who mock others trying their best are simply immature and not worth befriending. Will what they think of you affect you in any way? No.” I smiled triumphantly as Jennie remained deep in thought.

“Going all philosophical on me...it's appalling how I'm the unnie and I'm the one who's so dependent on you,” Jennie got to her feet and threw her arms around me tightly. “Ok, I know what to do now, thanks Lisa.”

Does she really know what to do? I felt apologetic for that being the first thought flashing through my head as Jennie took a deep breath before stepping up in front of the class shakily. We had decided that she would go first, for she didn't want to have any pressure from having to follow up from as brilliant a speaker as I was. (No, be humble, Lisa)

Jennie’s legs were wobbling slightly, her body evidently tensed up, her hands awkwardly hanging about her sides before she started fiddling with her nails. “You may start whenever you're ready,” Professor Im announced with a satisfied smirk on his face.

I winced as Jennie’s voice cracked in the very first line and she began clearing anxiously. Observing some boys already sniggering, I felt anger surge through my body, those s couldn't and would never understand Jennie and her struggles.

Jennie continued on in a small voice, following which the class didn't even pretend to offer her their respect, chattering and gossiping away incessantly. She managed to complete her part with considerable difficulty and the class chimed in with a thunderous round of applause, obviously with mocking intentions. I didn't often get angry, but my blood was boiling and rage coursed through my body more freely than ever before. It took considerable self-control to stop myself from screaming bloody murder at them.

“Jennie, I'm sure you put effort into the project, but it's a pity I could barely hear you, you need to project your voice more.” Professor Im clucked his tongue in disapproval.

“WHY IS IT HER FAULT NOW?” An enraged cry shattered the absolute silence filling the classroom. I momentarily failed to realise that it had come from none other than myself, riding a wave of intense emotion the likes of which I had never experienced before. “IF OUR DEAR CLASSMATES HAD SHOWN HER THE DUE RESPECT AND KEPT THEIR MOUTHS SHUT, I’M SURE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD HER!”

Jennie grasped my arm and shook it roughly, probably a signal for me to stop, but I didn't care. “JENNIE’S UP HERE TRYING HER BEST BUT ALL YOU GUYS DO IS LAUGH AT HER AND MOCK HER! SHE'S SHY, AND YOU’RE ONLY MAKING MATTERS WORSE!”

I grabbed Jennie’s hand and led her out of the classroom. “You idiots don't deserve Jennie, she's out of your league.” A final parting shot left my mouth, I was simply following impulse at this point.

“What have you done, Lisa?” Jennie exclaimed in concern as I dragged her away from that toxic classroom in a huff.

“I've been considerate enough to let idiots know straight up that they're idiots, surely that's commendable behaviour right there.”

“Calm down, I've never seen you get this mad before,” Jennie patted my back comfortingly as I took deep breaths and tried to cool off.

“I don't remember ever getting this mad before...our world is unfortunately populated with many such bastards.” I shook my head and heaved a deep sigh.

“They're not gonna like you anymore.”

“Do I look like I care? They can get out of my life, I only need you.” It felt as if I had never been more certain of an answer in my life.

We remained silent for a while while I slowly regained my composure. With the peace suddenly disrupted by soft sniffling noises, I glanced to my right only to see Jennie profusely wiping tears from her eyes. “Why are you crying?” I asked in a gentle voice.

“I tried not to...but...Lisa, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. For my entire life it has felt like the world's been against me, everyone thinks I'm a joke and I'm used to it, but you're the only person who has ever stood up for me. I'm sorry for being such a burdensome friend, you really don't deserve this.” Jennie’s emotional speech brought tears to my eyes as well, she really didn't deserve to be treated the way she was. In the midst of a competitive, elitist education system, though, she was probably an obvious target for bullying.

“Don't say that again, you're not a burden and never will be, I’ll always have you and you'll always have me.”

PS: Wasn't the White Night Vlive super precious? JenLisa was cute and showy af as usual and we got so much ChaeSoo too! (kinda wish chaesoo were more touchy tho LOL)