Kalopsia (n.)

The delusion of things being more beautiful than they really are.

( Continuation... )

Chapter 42

Lisa lifted her head and even with her bangs covering her eyes she saw his displeased expression. Her chest rising up and down from exhaustion from the dance break she put through just a seconds ago. 

She roamed her eyes with her co-trainees at the room but no one was making eye contact with her, it was like they were afraid of something terrible will happen if ever they'll start to react. 

Although one girl was smiling at her, she raised her two small hands as she make a two thumbs up in the air while looking so proud of her, even with that dark stare of a man in front of Lisa right now. 

Kim Jennie or the long black haired girl who's wearing her favorite daily beanie and her large black&white hiphop t-shirt was the only one who clapped at Lalisa's performance. Her claps echoed inside the noiseless room, but she remain unbothered with everyone's stares.

Yang Hyunsuk, Lalisa's father stood up from where he seated. 

"Good but still not good enough."

He commented shortly.

Lisa was the last one to perform and as far as she knew she really did her best, put so much effort with what she did, her blood, sweat, and tears were into that performance. Yet it's still not enough.

After that, Yang Hyunsuk walked out from the room. And only by then, her co-trainees clapped at her. The brunette chuckled with disbelief as she shake her head in annoyance.  

Jennie who was the only person who stood up for Lisa earlier went to her and gave her a tight warm hug. 

"You did great babe."

Jennie whispered, her feet tiptoeing to reach her girlfriend's height. Lisa turn back the hug as she bend a little, allowing herself to succumb at Jennie's warmth. 

"Did I really do great? It doesn't look like that to me."

She murmured her words, tears welling up to her eyes but before someone can see her, Lalisa buried her face at Jennie's shoulder. 

"Of course you are! Maybe president Yang just wanted to bring out more the best of us because y'know? Our debut is really near."

The small girl cooed, her both hands tapping and caressing her girlfriend's back. 

"Maybe... or my father just really hates me."

Lisa's throat constricted as she hugged Jennie tighter, trying to gather enough strength to face their co-trainees. 

"No, that's not true babe. He may be strict most of the time but I know he just want the best for you."

Her words were soothing but Lisa's insecurities were stronger and so she answered Jennie with doubtful thoughts she had with his father. 

"I hope so, he seems to only see my worsts and mistakes."

Lisa quickly wiped the one tear that has  escaped to her right eye. Jennie on the other hand withdrew from the embrace. She cupped her girlfriend's cheeks and made Lisa look down at her.

"Don't think too much, Li. I, Jennie Kim is proud of my Lalisa Manoban."

She smiled warmly. Meeting Jennie was maybe the best thing that ever happened to Lalisa and she can only closed her eyes to feel her presence. She's been nothing but her refuge, strength, and courage. Jennie was the one who really brings out the best in her and so she wanted to do the same. Reciprocate it in any good ways.

"You will never make it."

The two girls snapped their heads at the girl who have a chestnut hair, she walked towards the two with a smirk playing on her face. Eyes were mocking Lisa.

"Excuse me? You are just bitter because the president preferred us to debut first than your group."

Jennie being the savage one, she raised a perfect eyebrow as she eyed the other girl with so much disgust. However, she has been ignored when the chestnut head spat hateful words against Lisa again. 

"Oh Lisa, Why won't you be like your sister? You're father is really proud of what she performed yesterday and you? He looked so disappointed with your performance today. Good luck, maybe he will change his mind by debuting us first before you and this Kim."

She rolled her eyes with Jennie before she went face to face to Lisa. The mocking smirk never left on face as she eyed Lisa from head to toe. The latter on the other hand, let out a deep breath and tried to calm herself, it has no used if she will let this girl get into her nerves. 

Don't feed the troll, Lisa. Calm down. Save your energy with more important matters.

"Be thankful that you are my cousin, Minnie."

Lisa backed away and was about to drag Jennie with her when her chestnut head cousin continued with her insults.

"Oh lovely, but then? I am not so sure if the feeling is mutual because I was never thankful having the same blood as yours, Lalisa. You're a disgrace to this family business!"

This time, Lisa paid more attention to her. Minnie who now successfully provoked her cousin had a victorious smile while crossing her arms over her chest. 

"What are you tal