They both jumped away from each other when they heard Chaeyoung clear . I gave them a tight smile before heading towards the kitchen. My ears were ringing and air seemed to escape my lungs faster, making me heave from the emotions coursing through me.

I can also feel my armor breaking. I need to get back to my room immediately but a voice stopped me.

"Lisa."

The crack widened when I felt her small hand on my arm. Well, there goes my chance to escape.

I held in a sigh before smiling again or I think it looked more like a grimace. My lips twitched from the effort.

"Hey, Jen! What's up?" My voice sounded breathless and chirpy at the same time that I saw Chaeyoung shake her head on my peripheral vision.

I saw move. 'Try harder!'

I widened my eyes at her, trying to communicate with her through my eyes. 'I'm trying!"

She rolled her eyes before looking at the television again.

"Lisa? Are you listening?"

"Oh. I–" I cleared my throat then coaxed my lips, wetting it just enough. It felt like my tongue was sand paper and I just ate a handful of wood dust.

"Yeah. You okay?" I mentally rolled my eyes at myself.

You should ask that to yourself, Lisa. Not her! She's more than fine after what happened. 

She tried to capture my gaze but I kept glancing here and there. She gave up and just settled on looking at the door behind me.

"I am. Are you okay now?"

I nodded then acted cute. Gods, this is so annoying and heartbreaking at the same time.

"I am, unnie. Never better."

"What happened to your lips?"

"I- uh..." I scratched my head while thinking of an alibi. "I slipped and my head hit the side of my bedside table. I'm okay now, though. Is that all?"

She was quiet for a moment before clearing , "Don't you–"

I started walking away from her when I felt her grip loosen. She was startled by my action that panic suddenly etched on her pretty face.

She gripped my arm again, tighter this time. I grimaced, feeling her nails dig into my skin. "Wait! Where are you going?"

I pried her hands on me a little too harsh that I saw something in her eyes before it vanished.

Mayhaps anger? Curiousity? I don't know. I didn't want to dig myself a deeper hole by reading her too much.

"Chill, Ni–" my breathing hitched and she looked at me, expecting me to finish my sentence. "Nini. I was just about to grab some breakfast. I'm famished."

"O-Oh. I'm sorry." She said as she followed me.

I kept myself busy, doing everything I could just to stop her from talking to me. I was avoiding where this conversation was heading to; towards the elephant in the room.

I thought she'll wait for me to finish but as I was mixing my coffee, I heard her small voice.

"Don't you remember anything from the night of your birthday?"

My eyes widened and made me lose my hold on the spoon. It clattered loudly which echoed throughout the room. Thankfully, my back was turned against her or she would've seen my expression.

And here, ladies and gentleman, the elephant in the room has finally been acknowledged.

I forced a laugh before picking it up again and putting it on the sink. "Oops. I guess I'm still hungover... but no. I don't."

"Lili..." I sighed before facing her. My face twitched from the forced smile but I kept the act. Just a little bit more, I reminded myself.

"Why? Did I do something stupid?" I gasped, feigning innocence was now easy for me.

"Did I puke? Made fun of myself? Oh my god! Did I leak your funny pictures online?"

Her eyes looked blank as she stared at me, her tone even. "You really don't remember anything?"

I shook my head while sipping the coffee I made. I cringed. It's bitter and black.

Like my heart.

 mentally rolled my eyes for that lame joke.

"No. Everything is blank..."

I felt someone smack my head. I groaned then glared at Jisoo. "Why did you do that?"

She snickered. "To make fun of you. What else?"

"Go to hell, Jisoo." The bitternes in my voice dripped like a venom that Chaeyoung flinched then she gave me a side glance.

"Woah. Why are you so feisty today, Lisa?"

"I–"

Chaeng was quick to intervene, "Cut it out, Jisoo. She's sick yesterday, was she not?"

Jisoo smirked then crossed her arms, "Sick? Sick my ."

My blood boiled upon hearing her talk more.

Who was this infront of me? Where did they bring our unnie who's caring and usually sweet?

"Why are you being such a douchebag, Jisoo?"

She sniggered, "Just got if from you, Lili."

I never cursed at you but you, Jisoo. What happened to you?

"Cut it out guys! You're acting like two year olds fighting for a candy!" When she said that, she glanced at Jennie who was still looking blank.

Haha. Very funny, Chaeng.

I rolled my eyes at her when I saw that she was trying so hard not to smile.

Jisoo sat infront of me and crossed her arms. "So you're telling me you were too sick yesterday that you couldn't come out and now you're all smiley smile again?"

I crossed my arms too then looked straight into her eyes. "Yes. Do you have a problem with that?"

She shrugged. "Oh noooo. It's totally believable, you know? Is it called a miracle, sweetie?" Her voice was mocking as she addressed me.

I remained passive even though my bl