9:15 PM

The celebration of Jennie's mother's birthday party proceeded as planned, though it left a less-than-positive impression on Jennie and her friends. Despite Yoona's efforts to maintain her composure, the discomfort was evident to those who knew her well. While Yoona's demeanor appeared unaffected, Jennie sensed the underlying turmoil within her.

Jennie and Mrs. Kim took a moment to apologize to the group for Mr. Kim's behavior. Though they brushed it off, Jennie couldn't help but feel the weight of her father's actions. Underneath her composed exterior, Yoona was grappling with her emotions, and Jennie could tell that something was off.

"I apologize again for my husband's behavior. I'll make sure to talk to him later," Mrs. Kim said, excusing herself to rejoin her colleagues.

"Don't give me that look. I'm okay, really," Yoona assured Jennie, waving off her concern. Jennie's gaze remained fixed on her, a mix of sadness and worry in her eyes.

The other members of Blackpink shared the sentiment, along with Red Velvet members and Seulgi, who stood by Irene.

"Promise?" Jennie's voice held a note of skepticism. She didn't want to alienate Yoona, but the incident had shaken her.

"I promise. Now, let's get all of you back to the dorm," Yoona said, playfully ruffling Jennie's hair. A faint smile tugged at the corners of Jennie's lips, her expression softening.

As they split up to their respective cars, Yoona took Blackpink back to their dorm, while Seulgi guided Red Velvet. The atmosphere inside Yoona's car was somber, and the members exchanged glances, aware that something was amiss. Jennie felt guilty for the events of the evening, but her feelings for Yoona held her back from confronting her.

In Seulgi's car, a lively conversation unfolded.

"That was so disrespectful! He had no right to treat her that way!" Yeri exclaimed, her arms crossed as she stared out of the window.

"You're right. It's disheartening to think she had to endure that," Joy chimed in, a sad undertone in her voice.

"And the fact that she managed to hide her disappointment so well – that's what's truly impressive. She's a master at concealing her emotions," Wendy added, releasing a sigh of her own.

Irene and Seulgi listened to the heated discussion, absorbing their friends' frustration with Mr. Kim's behavior.

"Seulgi-ah?" Irene's voice pulled Seulgi's attention away from the road.

Seulgi turned to her, awaiting Irene's question.

"Do you think your cousin is really okay? Could she be holding onto her resentment?"

Seulgi paused, considering her words carefully. "You know, she's always been good at controlling her emotions. Even if she's affected, she's skilled at masking it."

"But she said she was okay earlier. Could that have been a lie?"

Seulgi's gaze shifted back to the road, her thoughts lingering on Yoona's unspoken feelings.

Seulgi's grip tightened on the steering wheel as she stopped at the red light. She nibbled on her lip, glancing at Irene, who was returning her gaze. "You're right. Not many people admit they're not okay when asked," Seulgi responded, her voice tinged with understanding.

---

"Could you stay the night?" Jennie's plea was earnest, a reflection of her desire to make up for the uncomfortable situation earlier.

"I'm really fine, Jen. No need to feel guilty. I promise," Yoona reassured once more, offering Jennie a reassuring smile. "But if it makes you feel better, I'll stay over. Does that work?"

Jennie's eyes lit up at the agreement, and she rushed into Yoona's embrace, holding her tightly. Yoona chuckled and kissed the top of Jennie's head affectionately.

"What do you have in mind for today, Jen?" Yoona inquired, the endearment rolling off her tongue naturally. She noticed the effect it had on Jennie and couldn't help but smile. "What's on your mind?"

Jennie bit her lip, her gaze flickering down to Yoona's lips. As if on instinct, Yoona her lips, a small gesture that sent a shiver down Jennie's spine.

"I noticed you didn't get to enjoy the food at the party, especially the dessert, thanks to my Dad's behavior. So, I want to make it up to you," Jennie began, her fingers playing with the hem of Yoona's polo. "Are you up for it?"

Yoona raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Up for what?"

"You'll find out once we're in my room. Now come on." Jennie attempted to lead Yoona towards her room, but the Detective stopped her.

"What's the rush?"

"I left my phone in the car," Yoona explained.

Jennie rolled her eyes, playfully tugging at Yoona's arm. "You can grab it later. Don't be a party pooper."

Amused, Yoona shook her head, letting Jennie guide her into the dorm.

"Here they go again," Rose remarked as she and Lisa watched Yoona and Jennie pass by the living room, heading towards Jennie's room.

Jisoo sighed and leaned back on the couch, closing her eyes. "Ugh, seriously? Not again," she muttered, earning laughter from the two maknaes.

There was a brief silence until Lisa spoke up, prompting Jisoo to open her eyes. "Let's go, Chaeyoung-ah. We can have fun in my room."

Rose nodded eagerly, but before they could leave, Jisoo grabbed her arm. "What's up, Unnie?"

"Can't you see we're trying to watch a movie here? If you're going to have fun, do it elsewhere. Sit down, Chaeyoung." The two maknaes pouted, but Lisa's determination prevailed.

"She's obviously not having fun, and we can't enjoy the movie with Jennie Unnie's continuous... noises."

Jisoo and Rośe blushes at Lisa's bold answer making her to sighed. "Fine, go." The two nodded happily hurriedly walking to Lisa's room leaving Jisoo alone. 

"I should just go play some games," Jisoo mumbled, switching off the TV and making her way to her room.

Jennie's eyes locked onto Yoona's, filled with a hungry desire as she yearned to taste the Detective's lips once more. However, Yoona seemed content to simply gaze at her.

"Are you planning to kiss me, or are you going to keep staring at me?" Jennie's voice dripped with playful impatience.

Smirking, Yoona leaned in, their breaths mingling, but she paused just as their lips were about to meet. "Stare at you," she responded playfully, letting her lips tease Jennie's.

Jennie's eyes snapped open, and she glared at Yoona with mock annoyance. The Detective's playful demeanor didn't deter her determination. She pushed Yoona gently and quickly shifted their positions, now looming over the brunette.

Yoona couldn't hide her grin as she observed Jennie's eagerness. She reveled in the sensation of Jennie's fingertips brushing against her hips, sending shivers down her spine. Jennie's playful retaliation was just what Yoona had hoped for.

Rolling her eyes at Yoona's smug expression, Jennie ignored the detective's banter and leaned down to capture her lips. Their kisses were slow, deliberate, and infused with meaning. As they parted, Jennie couldn't resist a triumphant smirk.

"You were saying?" she taunted, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Yoona groaned playfully, her hand gently cupping the side of Jennie's neck. She guided Jennie's lips back to hers. "Just shut up and kiss me again," she murmured, her voice a husky plea.

"Whatever you say, babe." Jennie grinned, capturing Yoona's lips once more, relishing the soft sigh that escaped the Detective's lips. Their lips moved in harmony, each kiss growing more passionate, and their playful banter gave way to the shared intensity of their connection.

---

10:00 pm

Meanwhile, Minyoung was engrossed in watching a movie in her condo's living room when the doorbell rang. Confused by the unexpected visitor, she recalled her earlier conversation with the Detective.

"Please stay cautious and be aware of your surroundings. If anything feels off or strange, don't hesitate to contact me."

Minyoung's thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell once more. Rushing to her room, she retrieved her phone and quickly texted Yoona about the situation. After sending the message, she returned her phone to her bedside table and approached the front door.

Peering through the peephole, she recognized the visitor and thought for a moment before realizing who it was. "Ah, I know this person."

Without hesitation, she opened the door, inviting the guest in. "Hello, sorry for coming to your place so late. I need to discuss something urgent. Is that alright?"

Minyoung gave a polite smile and gestured for the person to enter. "No problem, and yes, I'm aware Detective Lim sent you, right?"

The guest stifled a nervous chuckle, nodding as they spoke. "Yes, that's correct. I apologize on her behalf for not being able to come in person. She's been quite occupied."

Minyoung dismissed the apology with a wave of her hand, leading the guest to the couch. "No need to apologize. I was just curious why she'd send you here so late, but I've learned that predicting her actions can be quite the challenge."

The guest chuckled in agreement. "Absolutely. She can be quite unpredictable at times, even to those who know her well."

Minyoung smiled, offering the guest a drink. After pouring two glasses from the refrigerator, she returned to the living room and settled in front of the guest. "So, what's the urgent matter that prompted her to send you here?"

The guest took a sip of their drink and met Minyoung's gaze. "She wants to address the feelings between the two of you."

Minyoung blinked in disbelief, her hope rising once more. "W-what? She actually said that?"

"Yes," the guest confirmed. "We talked earlier, and she confessed that she has feelings for you. She wanted me to talk to you about it now, although she could have done it herself. She didn't want to let you slip away again."

Minyoung was rendered speechless, her emotions in turmoil. "S-she said that? Really?"

"Yes."

The revelation was almost too much to process. "What does she even see in me? I acted like a in front of her, and yet she still has feelings for me."

"Because it's you. I like you just the way you are."

Yoona looked somewhat pitifully at Minyoung, her expression conflicted.

"But there's no possibility for us to be together, is there?"

"Minyoung, I..." Yoona began.

"Yes or no, Detective. Please don't make this harder for me," Minyoung pleaded.

Yoona hesitated, her lips parting to respond. "Yes, there's no possibility."

Minyoung's tone grew more bitter. "She must have changed her mind so easily, right? She was probably just joking around, wasn't she?"

The guest shook their head, offering a reassuring smile. "Detective Lim tends to change her mind frequently. She struggles with making decisions on her own."

"Yeah, I can't argue with that. Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom. Make yourself at home, please."

"Sure, take your time."

The guest watched as Minyoung left the room, seizing the opportunity to discreetly slip a small sachet containing drugs into Minyoung's drink. They patiently waited for Minyoung to return from the bathroom, their plan taking shape.

Minyoung entered the bathroom, clutching her phone tightly. She quickly texted the Detective, updating her about the guest's presence.

---

1:15 am

Yoona stared at the ceiling, replaying the earlier events in her mind. The humiliation inflicted by Mr. Kim lingered, but she was determined not to let it affect her. She was focused solely on Jennie and their connection, refusing to let anyone else's opinions sway her.

Looking to her side, she saw Jennie sleeping soundly, curled up against her like a koala. A smile graced her lips as she gently extracted herself from Jennie's embrace. Slipping into the provided slippers, she made her way out of the dorm, wearing her shoes and grabbing her car keys, to retrieve her phone from the car.

After fetching her phone, she powered it on and noticed a notification from Minyoung. Puzzled, she opened the message.

From: Minyoung (10:30 pm)
            She's here.

Concerned, Yoona immediately dialed Minyoung's number, but the call rang unanswered. "Come on, pick up the damn phone," she muttered, redialing in hopes of getting through. Still, there was no response from Minyoung.

Panicking, Yoona jumped into her car and sped off towards Minyoung's location. After half an hour of driving, she raced into the building, sprinting to the elevator and pressing the button for Minyoung's floor. Bursting out of the elevator, she hurried to Minyoung's apartment and quickly punched in the digits of her birthday as a passcode, successfully gaining access.