I do enjoy teasing, don't I? Well, here's the treat you've been waiting for, my darlings!

---

*SEOUL SOUTH KOREA*

 

"Keep me posted ASAP," Yoona spoke into her phone while sitting in her car, concluding her business at Seoul City Light.

 

"No worries, Detective. I'll update you shortly," the voice on the other end reassured.

 

After the call, Yoona headed to a nearby store to grab some ice cream for Jennie and the other members.

 

Fifteen minutes later, she parked, entered the store, and made her way to the ice cream section, picking out various flavors. She paid at the counter, then texted her boss about her location.

 

From: Boss Jung (4:15pm)
No problem, I'm with T. We're on a date.

 

Yoona shrugged, starting the engine with a skeptical smile, "If you say so..."

 

Approaching the Blackpink dorm, Yoona hesitated. She was here because Jennie had been crying. She sighed, conflicted by her empathy for tears shed due to her own actions.

 

Getting out of the car, Yoona straightened her attire and messaged Jisoo that she had arrived. After a brief wait, Jisoo welcomed her cheerfully, as usual.

 

"Still keeping to herself?" Yoona inquired.

 

Jisoo shook her head, lips pursed. "No, she's in the living room with Rosé and Lisa, but she's quiet."

 

Entering the dorm, they found Blackpink members watching a movie, Moana, in the living room. Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa were seated together, heads resting on Lisa's shoulder.

 

"Hey, guys, we've got a guest! Say hello," Jisoo announced, catching their attention.

 

Surprised, they looked at Yoona, especially Jennie, whose expression was one of shock. Jennie abruptly left, heading to her room and slamming the door.

 

Yoona glanced at Jisoo, who shrugged. "Guess it's time for me to check on her."

 

Jisoo agreed, nodding. "Yeah, probably."

 

Jisoo accepted a bag of ice cream from Yoona, her happiness evident as she thanked her.

 

Yoona smiled at the two, addressing them with a friendly "Hi."

 

Rosé blushed at Yoona's smile, still remembering their recent conversation. Lisa gave her a gentle smile, urging her to go see Jennie.

 

"Good luck!" they said in unison, rushing to the kitchen to enjoy their ice creams.

 

As Yoona approached Jennie's door, it swung open, revealing a displeased Jennie – an angry cat personified. Yoona disregarded the frosty aura and maintained her smile. "Hi."

 

Jennie's heart raced, Yoona's smile tugging at her emotions. She fought the urge to pounce on Yoona, reminding herself of the lie that had driven a wedge between them. "What brings you here?" Jennie inquired, arms crossed.

 

"Checking on you," Yoona replied, though her uncertainty was palpable.

 

Jennie raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you really?"

 

"Can we talk?"

 

"Wait here."

 

Jennie disappeared back into her room, emerging with a pillow in hand. As Yoona registered the threat, she retreated a step – just in time to dodge the incoming pillow aimed at her.

 

Yoona bolted around the living room, Jennie in hot pursuit. Blackpink's three other members sat back, calmly enjoying their ice creams. Lisa, however, wasn't pleased with the turn of events, her expression revealing her discomfort. Their chase resembled a lovers' quarrel, and Lisa didn't like witnessing it.

 

The chase continued for several minutes until Yoona called for a timeout, raising her hand. Jennie stopped, heaving a sigh, shoulders slumping.

 

As Yoona approached, Jennie suddenly enveloped her in a tight hug. Tears streamed down Jennie's face, surprising Yoona with the sudden emotional display. In response, Yoona drew small circles on Jennie's back, providing comfort.

 

As tears streamed down Jennie's face, she managed to utter, "You lied to me. You're a cheater."

 

Yoona shook her head and chuckled softly. "How can you be so sure that I lied to you?"

 

Jennie's grip on Yoona's waist tightened as she pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, her own eyes b with uncertainty. "The news..."

 

"Jen, that was just a fake news. Didn't you see the statement that denied it?"

 

Jennie's brows furrowed in realization. "Then why were you with her? Why did you seem so happy talking to her at the café?"

 

Yoona couldn't help but sigh inwardly at Jennie's behavior. "I'm Jessica Jung's bodyguard. Does that make you feel better now?"

 

Jennie froze, staring at Yoona in disbelief. A small chuckle escaped Yoona's lips at Jennie's adorable expression. "R-really?"

 

Yoona laughed openly. "Really, really, really."

 

"You're not lying?" Jennie asked cautiously.

 

Yoona met Jennie's gaze earnestly. "Why would I lie to you?"

 

Jennie slowly removed her hands from her face, her cheeks flushed. "Gosh! I'm so quick to assume. I feel like such an idiot for believing those rumors. That's why Irene Unnie's bodyguard is your cousin. It all makes sense now."

 

Unconsciously, Yoona reached for Jennie's hand, gently pulling it away from her face. "You're incredibly cute, you know that?"

 

Jennie looked surprised, and Yoona realized they were now holding hands. "You met her?"

 

Jennie nodded, her expression brightening. "Yes, she's nice."

 

"Let me guess... she told you about our childhood memories, didn't she?"

 

Jennie flashed a gummy smile at Yoona. "She did. How did you know?"

 

Yoona shrugged, "Instinct." Kang Seulgi, you're so dead to me when you come back to Korea.

 

Jennie simply smiled at her, her previous sorrows fading like mist as she soaked in Yoona's presence. Reflecting on her time alone in her room, Jennie realized the depth of her feelings for the detective. Her emotions toward Yoona were genuine and true.

 

With a shake of her head, Jennie concealed her true feelings, not yet ready to reveal them to Yoona. 

 

"Don't believe those rumors unless you ask me about it first, okay?"

 

Jennie nodded, her happiness evident in her expression. Her heart raced as she asked, "You were worried about me too?"

 

"Yes."

 

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Jennie felt her heart flutter wildly. She leaned in and gently pecked Yoona's lips, her eyes b with affection. "I heard you brought me my favorite ice cream. Let's go eat it."

 

With Yoona in tow, Jennie pulled her towards the kitchen. In the background, Jisoo sported a knowing smirk, and Yoona couldn't help but chuckle internally. She thought, I'm not surprised anymore. Jisoo always has that look. However, it seemed Jennie had other intentions, her actions indicating that the game between them was far from over.

 

---

 

*TORONTO, CANADA*

 

After their concert in Wendy's hometown, the group decided to dine at Wendy's favorite restaurant: New Orleans Seafood and Steakhouse. They ordered an array of Canadian dishes to enjoy together. Seated beside Seulgi, Irene occupied one side of the table while the other three members sat across from them.

 

"Wendy, this is delicious!" Wendy beamed with pride.

 

"Well, I'm an expert at researching good food!"

 

Laughter rippled through the group as they appreciated Wendy's enthusiasm. Seulgi, however, remained quiet, fully immersed in savoring the flavors of the restaurant's offerings. Her subdued demeanor didn't escape the notice of her fellow members.

 

The rest of Red Velvet couldn't help but giggle at Seulgi's earnest eating. Her endearing manner of munching food silently added to her charm.

 

Irene turned her attention to Seulgi, her lips curving into a warm smile. "Is it so delicious that it's rendered you speechless?"

 

Seulgi turned to her with a nod, still occupied.  "Yes... this is..." Seulgi muttered, her words intermixed with bites of food.

Irene's heart skipped a beat, and she gently scolded herself for getting lost in thoughts about Seulgi. She's just too adorable right now; it's no wonder I want to pinch her cheeks.

 

"Maybe you should chew before attempting to speak," Irene suggested, a concerned expression on her face. Seulgi obediently nodded, following Irene's advice.

 

Meanwhile, the other three members couldn't help but hide their excitement.

 

"They're unbelievably cute!" Yeri whispered, Wendy and Joy by her side, both nodding in agreement.

 

"I can't handle this!" Joy gushed, placing a hand over her heart as she observed Seulgi and Irene, seemingly lost in their own world.

 

"Hey, this dish is amazing too!" Yeri exclaimed, her smile as bright as a child's.

 

"Why don't we each take a bite and pretend we're in a food commercial?" Joy suggested, sparking an idea for some playful fun.

 

The others nodded in agreement, encouraging Joy to kick off the game, given that she had suggested it. "Let's start with Yerimie since she's completely engrossed in her food."

 

Yeri simply shrugged, taking a bite of her pasta. She closed her eyes and savored the flavor, a content smile forming on her lips. "Hmm... perfect!" She gave a thumbs-up, prompting laughter from the group.

 

Joy was up next. Adjusting herself, she delicately bit into her steak, her eyes closing in pleasure. A soft hum of satisfaction escaped her lips as she nodded approvingly. "Hmm~" Her playful moan drew amused looks from her fellow members.

"Hey! Isn't that a little too seductive?" Wendy asked, shaking her head at Joy's antics.

 

Joy shrugged, her expression innocent. "Well, that's what men find attractive the most." Irene gave her a disbelieving look at Joy's bold response. Joy innocently stared back. "What?"

 

Irene playfully raised her fork, pointing it at Joy. "You want me to use this on you?"

 

Joy raised her hands in surrender, a grin on her face. "Just kidding!"

 

With Joy's turn complete, Wendy eagerly jumped in, taking a bite of her food. She turned eating into a comical display, making funny sounds and contorting her face, causing the group to burst into laughter.

 

"OMG, Wendy Unnie! I can't take this!" Yeri said between laughs, holding her stomach.

 

Joy was wiping away tears of laughter, finding Wendy's performance incredibly entertaining.

 

Now, it was Irene's turn. As the spotlight shifted to her, she felt a sudden bout of shyness. Could it be that Seulgi was sitting beside her, gazing at her with that tender expression? Or was she just overthinking? Irene mentally shook herself, reminding herself not to act shy around Seulgi to avoid any embarrassing questions from her fellow members.

 

Regaining her composure, Irene offered a sweet smile and took a bite of her pasta. Her eyes fluttered closed, and a soft sound of satisfaction escaped her lips as she savored the taste.

 

Seulgi couldn't help but smile as she watched Irene's playful acting. Joohyun was truly captivating; she wasn't just beautiful, she was a goddess and undeniably cute. And was there any reason for Seulgi to complain? No way! Irene was the full package.

 

Irene turned to Seulgi, unconsciously leaning in as if ready to feed her a bite of pasta. She presented her sweetest smile, offering her fork to Seulgi. Seulgi's cheeks flushed with warmth as she shook her head. "No, Joohyun. Do another commercial."

 

Irene, still smiling sweetly, continued to lean the fork towards Seulgi's mouth. "Just eat it." Seulgi couldn't resist and took the bite. Irene was being too adorable; how could Seulgi possibly turn her down?

 

The three members of Red Velvet exchanged knowing looks, subtly acknowledging the growing affection and closeness between Irene and her personal bodyguard, Seulgi.

---

 

"Ooh! It's so cold," Irene exclaimed, hugging onto Seulgi's arm as they exited the car and entered the hotel building.

 

Seulgi was taken aback by Irene's sudden clinginess. She found herself in a mix of feelings. Irene was becoming unusually close, and Seulgi wondered if this was her regular behavior. But thinking back, it wasn't like that when they first met. Their initial encounter had been less than friendly.

 

Seulgi instinctively wrapped her arm around Irene's waist, offering her warmth to counter the cold. Irene's heart raced with excitement, and her smile grew wider. She appreciated the warmth, but her smile faded as Seulgi hesitantly withdrew her arm.

 

Seulgi mentally berated herself for her actions. Why did she wrap her arm around Irene's waist? She's her boss, her superior! Panic surged within Seulgi. Did she just ruin everything? Does Irene dislike her now? This was beyond embarrassing.

 

They continued walking into the building and entered the elevator. "Why are you so slow?" Irene muttered, rolling her eyes.

 

Seulgi blinked in surprise at the question. "We're walking together. Isn't this speed fine?" she asked curiously.

 

Irene started to respond but then changed her mind, shrugging and shaking her head. She lowered her voice. "I didn't mean our walking pace."

 

Seulgi's full attention snapped to Irene. "What do you mean?" she whispered back, intrigued.

 

"You're holding yourself back," Irene looked away, still embracing Seulgi's arm.

 

"To what?" What is she even referring to?

 

"If you enjoyed it, why did you let go?" Irene asked directly.

 

What's she talking about? Oh no, is she serious?

 

Seulgi stared at her, "Are you being honest?" Irene met her gaze, her expression saying, "Do I appear dishonest to you?"

 

In that moment, they locked eyes, engaged in an unspoken challenge.

 

"Joohyun, I…"

 

The elevator doors opened, prompting Irene to release her hold on Seulgi's arm. She walked away, leaving the three other members and Seulgi dumbfounded.

 

Exiting the elevator, the four watched Irene's retreating figure as she entered her room.

 

"What just happened?" Seulgi muttered, staring at Irene's closed door.

 

"Oh no! You upset her," Yeri remarked, crossing her arms.

 

Seulgi turned to Yeri, eyebrows raised. "I upset her? Me?"

 

"Yep, you're the last person she talked to," Joy said knowingly, giving Seulgi a pointed look.

 

Seulgi was at a loss for words. She couldn't believe that Irene, her boss, or Bae Joohyun, was mad at her because of what happened earlier. Does that mean I shouldn't have pulled away earlier?

 

"What should I do to make things right?"

 

"It's your call," Yeri sang, winking playfully before heading to her room.

 

Seulgi turned to Joy, seeking advice. "If you're serious about pursuing her, you should handle situations like this, especially given your detective skills," Joy winked and followed Yeri.

 

Seulgi let out a sigh and was relieved that Wendy was by her side, giving her a reassuring pat. "Just try to mend things. Irene can have mood swings, you know? Maybe she just needs your attention."

 

Seulgi seemed a bit lost, trying to process Wendy's words. Wendy, however, couldn't help but chuckle at Seulgi's expression. She saw Seulgi like a bewildered puppy.

 

"That's your answer. Make amends," Wendy winked, walking away. "I'll support you, don't worry," she called back, waving her hand without turning around.

 

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