"Belated Happy Birthday, Jen" Kai greeted with a megawatt smile that would have girls swooning over him. "I hope this will make up for not celebrating it with you last time"

Jennie is currently in a high-end restaurant with Kai, sipping a wine that probably costs more than a month’s rent

"It must have been so difficult for you" he continued in a cautious manner. "Spending your birthday alone after everything that happened with your dad"

At his words, Jennie thought back to the events in her last birthday. She remembered Chaeyoung's cute rambling at her doorstep, along with the multiple tupperwares she brought

“I didn't really spend it alone" Jennie explained, "I was supposed to, but a friend visited”

"Oh, that's very thoughtful of Jisoo then" Kai replied

"No, it was Chaeyoung. She surprised me with my favorite dishes" Jennie grinned fondly 

“I see” Kai frowned at the mention of her best friend's name. “But regardless, you should try the food here. Reservation usually takes months, but I was able to get us a table by pulling some strings. This is definitely better than anything you’ve tried before”

Jennie nodded politely even if she didn't agree with the statement. She recalled the amount of effort Chaeyoung put into her birthday — it was something no price tag could ever compete with. She felt a pang of guilt when she realized how much she has been neglecting Chaeyoung after Kai came back

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Kai walked Jennie back to her apartment after dinner, and they're at the doorstep now

Jennie was searching for her keys when Kai reached out and moved a loose strand of hair away from her face. He gently grabbed her arms and gazed lovingly at her. The gesture would have swept Jennie off her feet in the past, but now, she felt strangely calm

He tentatively leaned forward, and Jennie hesitated. Her last kiss with Chaeyoung suddenly crossed her mind

Surprising even herself, Jennie ducked her head and lightly pushed him away before their lips could touch. “Kai, we agreed that I’ll give you a chance to win me over. It doesn’t mean that we’re back together already, I’m not there yet”

The disappointment in Kai’s face was evident, but he relented after a few seconds. Jennie let out a breath she was holding as she watches him leave. I know I love him, but why doesn't this feel right 

Confused at the conflicting feelings, Jennie sighed and opened the door to their apartment

It was dim and the television was on when Jennie entered. She spotted Chaeyoung on the couch — the blonde was sleeping with a peaceful expression and was slightly open. Jennie crouched down next to her and suddenly felt compelled to softly touch the girl's face. Chaeyoung's eyes fluttered open, and a lazy smile crossed her face

"Hey" she greeted in a thick, sleepy voice. "you're back"

Jennie doesn't know why, but that simple moment took her breath away

Chaeyoung instinctively scooted over to make space, and Jennie joined her on the couch. "What are you watching?"

"I'm not so sure" Chaeyoung rubbed her eyes and squinted at the television, "apparently some foreign documentary?"

"Can I join?" Jennie snuggled into Chaeyoung’s arms

Chaeyoung flinched at first but she adjusted their position slightly so Jennie won’t strain her neck. She relaxed after and threw an arm over the older girl's shoulder

Feeling contented, Jennie proceeded to lay her head on Chaeyoung’s chest and slowly doze off at the gentle rhythm of the girl’s breath

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It's a Friday night and Jennie is sitting across the Vulture at her favorite restaurant 

The vulture mentioned is no one other than Suzy — Jennie has chosen the nickname after the girl's incessant attempts to cling onto Chaeyoung. As a case in point, this dinner was supposed to be just between Jennie and her best friend, but Suzy insisted on coming along

And now, Jennie is stuck in an awkward silence with her since Chaeyoung just went to the restroom. She fully expected them to ignore each other's existence, but Suzy started talking much to Jennie’s surprise

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you" the vulture mentioned out of nowhere. "Why do you get so jealous when I approach Chaeyoung?"

"I'm not jealous" Jennie automatically denied, "I'm just being protective to make sure no one hurts her"

"Huh, okay" Suzy tilted her head. "So, you don't like Chaeyoung then?"

Jennie scoffed at the dumb question. "Of course I like Chaeyoung, we’re best friends!"

"No, what I mean is, do you find her attractive?" Suzy rephrased patiently

"Duh, Rosie is undoubtedly attractive. Anyone with eyes could see that!" Jennie defended her best friend indignantly. How dare she insult Rosie in front of me!

"Oh my god, how dense are you?" Suzy shook her head in disbelief

Jennie sipped her water and took this opportunity to study the other girl’s motives. "Just spit it out, I don't have time for your riddles"

“Okay, in the simplest language possible” Suzy sighed. “Are you attracted to Chaeyoung — do you want to date her or sleep with her?"

Jennie spit out the water she was drinking in her bewilderment

"W-what?" Jennie managed to say while coughing. "Why would you even ask that?"

"Cause I like Chaeyoung in that way" Suzy shrugged nonchalantly. "And considering how close you are, I wanted to make sure that it won't be awkward if we do end up together"

Jennie tried to imagine Suzy and Chaeyoung together, and a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach began to grow

"So, are you attracted to Chaeyoung?" Suzy repeated. "Would you mind if I ask her out?"

The other girl's question threw Jennie into an unfamiliar territory. She was rendered speechless as her brain refused to formulate any answers 

.

.

.

"What did I miss?" Chaeyoung returned, sparing Jennie from Suzy’s further interrogation 

The blonde glanced curiously at Jennie’s stunned state. She squinted her eyes at Suzy, "are you teasing Jennie again?"

"What? No! I was just asking her some questions" Suzy pouted innocently
 

"What questions?" Chaeyoung crossed her arms

Jennie hurriedly butted in. "Nothing! Let's just continue eating!"

"See? It's nothing" Suzy grinned dismissively. "By the way, can we go to the bar later? It's a Friday night!"

"No way. You're a complete lightweight, you even puked on me last time!" Chaeyoung grumbled

"I promise I'll be in my best behavior tonight. I won't even drink much! Please?" Suzy pleaded

Chaeyoung stared sternly at Suzy, who was now giving her best puppy eyes back. After a few seconds, the blonde sighed and conceded. “Fine”

Jennie was too lost in her own thoughts to even hear the interaction. Suzy’s question kept playing like a broken record in her head

“Jen?” Chaeyoung grabbed her attention, “Do you want to join us?”

No. Jennie absolutely doesn’t want to spend another second with Suzy. She barely managed to recover from their short conversation a while ago, what more if it's the whole evening?

Jennie put on a tired expression. “Maybe next time, Rosie. I’m already exhausted”

“Sure, don’t worry about it” Chaeyoung replied understandingly. “I’ll drop you off at our place first”

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Hours have passed but Jennie cannot sleep

It was way past midnight and Chaeyoung still hasn't returned yet. Jennie glanced at the clock for the fifteenth time and debated over sending Chaeyoung a message

I'm just worried for her safety, it's not because Suzy is with her or whatever — Jennie argued with herself. Pleased with her own reasoning, she picked up her phone

Jennie: Rosie, where are you? Will you be back soon?

Her phone lit up with an incoming message after a few minutes

Chaeyoung: Hi Jennie, this is Suzy. Chaeyoung is too drunk to type right now, but we’re still at the bar. I'll just let her sleep at my place since it's nearby

Jennie furrowed her eyebrows at the reply. She reread it for five more times

Chaeyoung and the vulture?
A drunk Chaeyoung and the vulture?
A drunk Chaeyoung and the vulture at its nest?

Not on my watch!
 

Jennie grabbed