Chapter 14

Jongin's POV

This was the first time in years that Im sleeping in a different apartment without Jennie. I miss her a lot. Even if during weekdays we won't normally spend time with each other.

I was starting to think that maybe this was all my fault. I remember that night when she told me I was always too focused on my art. Maybe I took her for granted. But then what's with all the secrets that she couldn't seem to explain?

I knew she was lying when she said she didn't know that Mino, that she just met her in her dreams. I just had this strong gut feeling that she was with Mino and I had to find since when it happened.

When I realized that it was only ten at night, I got out of the bed and wore my clothes then grabbed my car keys.

"Hey, where you off to?" I heard Krystal ask me from behind.

"I just need to take care of something," I mumbled, making my way to the door.

"You're not going to go drinking more, are you? Because if you are, I'm going with you."

"No I'm not, Krystal," I chuckled. "I'll see you in a bit."

It took me only ten minutes to drive to the building of our apartment, well, right now just Jennie's apartment.

I parked my car outside and entered the building. I couldn't find the landlady to ask about Jennie, so I walked up to the second floor, hoping that I wouldn't bump into Jennie. But knowing her, she was probably sound asleep by now.

Jennie's POV

I was already used to just switching worlds the moment I drifted off to sleep. However, these days, I didn't feel as giddy as usual especially now because I still couldn't get my mind off Kai.

The next morning, I woke up with quite the opposite disposition. The past few days I've never been so excited to end my day just so I could go back to sleep. It may have dragged my social life (not that I ever had any) down in the dumps, but man I've been living the life in my dreams.

But then actually living real life was such a drag. Words couldn't even explain how depressing it felt. It's like I was living two completely different lives; one where I was happy and content, and another where I just felt somewhat desolated.

I've never been alone in my life, and having Kai mad at me at the same time wasn't helping. However, there was one thing that was helping – and that was Lisa. My reality may suck at the moment but she's there to make things better when I go to sleep. She makes me forget about everything, and right now that's all I really need.

When I got home from work, all I had for dinner was a sandwich and a glass of milk. At first I was about to prepare something heavy, but then I remembered I was alone. It was a bit hard to get used to, I mean, I did live with Kai for as long as I can remember.

It actually took a lot of strength to finish my food without crying. My mood has been extremely bipolar for days. Whenever I would wake up it's like I have a hangover of what I did with Lisa in my dream, and then towards the end of the day I start missing Kia and I end up cursing myself. Sometimes I wish I never had to be in this situation, but then that would mean not having Lisa as well, not that I literally had her.

Towards the end of the night, I decided to watch comedy films to get my mind off things.

The ambiguous sound of laughter coming through the television speakers was just like choppy background music to my actual reflections. It wasn't long enough before every single noise in the apartment stood out to me. The tiny drops of water from the faucet, the sounds of the window panes slamming against each other whenever the cool wind would blow, and even the sound of the wind itself was getting louder than my own thoughts.

I just seemed to notice every little thing, every little thing that represented how quiet it actually was in here when I'm on my own. Not that living with Kai was like having a loud party, but it was different when someone else lived with you.

When I was halfway through my second film, I heard a loud knock on the door.

"Great," I muttered out loud, unwillingly dragging myself off the couch. This was probably the landlady. Seeing her wasn't really a good thing nowadays.

When I opened the door, my mouth slowly parted open at the sight of Kai, standing there like he just ran hundreds of miles.

"Hi," he said, half smiling and half panting.

My eyes darted down to the ground where his bag landed.

"Are you..." my voice trailed off.

Instead of letting me finished my sentence, he walked straight inside and pinned me against the wall, before pressing his soft lips against mine. He smells like alcohol mixed with some unfamiliar perfume.

"I'm sorry, baby," he hissed while kissing me passionately, pausing five seconds to speak. "I should have let you explain. I missed you... so... fucking... much."

My eyelids flew open, shocked by the way Jongin was kissing me hungrily, and even more shocked that he was actually here. I wanted to ask questions, but I've missed his touch more than anything. I missed the feeling of his soft lips on mine, the taste of his mouth, the warmth of his breath, and the feeling I would get whenever his skin would touch mine.

For a second I actually thought that I was dreaming. But no, this was real.

"Jongin, I - " I began, trying to speak in between kisses.

He kissed me hard one last time, before placing his finger over my lips. "Sssh, don't explain. It's okay. I understand now. I'm really sorry."

I breathed out loud, staring at the beauty that was in front of me. How was I even able to let him go? I've never been so torn between two perfect things in my entire life. "I don't get it though.."

His thumb rested on my cheek, caressing it softly. "Im so sorry. I shouldn't act that way. I shouldn't leave you alone there, i should've listen to you, it just came to me now, im so sorry..."

I looked at him in awe. What did I do to ever deserve someone like him?

"I love you," I whispered.

"I know," a playful smile spread on his lips. "I love you more."

He leaned back on the arm of the couch, allowing us to both lay on it then he laid on top of me. I know he's drunk of alcohol and im drunk of him.

From a simple make out session lead us to something steamy and I'm loving it. After a fight, this must've really sounds good.

Kai unbuckle his belt and took off his shirt. Oh god i miss this,although its only been a day. He carries me up to our room cause it wasn't a good idea to cum over the couch.

He gently laid me before walking up to the toilet probably to get some condoms on but as he turns back on me, i saw scratches on his back. . .Did he caught a fight?!

"Kai..." I called him and he came back with a foil on his hand.

"What?"

My heart was racing because of my hormones yet i tried not to entertain it and turn his back on me. My fingers traced on the scratches and i can't be wrong....

The air become thicker as everything sinks in my mind.

"Fuck you!" I pushed him that he almost fell on the bed.

"What.. Babe?" He frowns still not getting the thought.

"Babe your fucking face!! We're just off for a day and you already fucked some other?! The hell are you Kai!!!" I felt like i could burst in anger. "Leave!!!"

I pointed at the door but he's giving me an are you serious look.

"Leave the fucking Hell of mee Jongin!!!! I hate you! Don't you dare to show your fucking face on me!"

Kai glare and about to speak but i throw him pillows until he gave up and walks out slamming every door he passed by. I stood up and look at the window until i saw him on his car and drove off. That's when my world falls apart again.

"Bullshit, he's pointing out that im cheating on him, now look who's fucking someone else."

I just didn't get it, why on earth my life ended up to this? Why did he cheat on me? Did he do it on purpose because he thought i was cheating? that's crap!

Im so tired of this bullshit.

. .

"You alright, babe?" Lisa asked, putting her hand on my head like as if I was a kid. Oh nice timing. This was a good escape after finding out your boyfriend fuck someone else.

I nodded quickly and fake a smile. "Oh yeah, I am. Just a bit tired." Im really tired, i don't wanna wake up anymore.

"Because of last night?" she gave me a cheeky grin.

My eyebrows immediately furrowed in confusion. "Wait, did we...?"

"No, we didn't, Jennie," she chuckled. "Too bad."

"Oh, okay. Because I don't remember," I said. "You know, since...- "

I cut my own sentence after realizing I was starting to become too repetitive with telling her about my dreams and reality, my fucked up reality. "Anyway, what do you have planned for us today?"

"We're going to fly over the beautiful Ulsan," she proudly said.

"Fly?" I repeated.

"Yeah," she grinned as we walked towards a wide piece of land that I didn't even realize we were on. "We're riding a hot air balloon. It's one of the most incredible things to do here. You don't have a problem with heights, do you?"

"Well, you did force me to jump off a freaking cliff once, so do I have a choice?" I rolled my eyes as she led me to this huge, Floral black and white Daisy printed hot air balloon. Though I was terrified to death, I have to admit it was beyond beautiful, i don't know if she chose this print intentionally. But im loving it. It somehow helps me get rid of the painful reality.

Lisa snickered and guided me as we got inside. "I absolutely love the enthusiasm. But you will thank me later for sure."

"Lisa, how much does this even cost?" I lowered my voice, making sure none of the staff and locals would hear me.

"It's free," she shrugged, leaning back comfortably on the gondola.

"Really? Free?" I made a face, giving her a doubtful look. "These things cost a fortune."

"I sold my kidney to get us here," she gave me a cocky look.

"Lisa," I raised my eyebrow.

"I'm kidding," she laughed. "It's free, I promise. I had to pull some strings, but don't worry about it. Just enjoy the ride."

"Okay, if you say so," I shrugged, placing my hands over the weaves of the beautiful gondola. "Are we taking off now?"

"Yeah. Keep close to me," nodded Lisa, pulling me towards her.

I closed my eyes tightly as the hot air balloon started to lift off the ground. I could feel the cool breeze against my face as I held on to Lisa's arm. I don't know why I kept agreeing on doing these crazy things with her. Maybe because Lisa was Lisa, and there was something so intriguing about her that you just can't say no to.

I'd always freak out or want to back out, but I'd always end up doing it with her anyway. She would always tell me, "We need to live while we're young, Jennie. Never miss an opportunity to go on a crazy adventure, especially if it's with me."

And I was starting to live by that, even if it wasn't obvious right now.

"Are you scared?" I felt Lisa's warm breath against my neck.

"Mhmmm," I admitted, my eyes still shut.

"It's not scary at all," she said. "Open your eyes."

"Nuh-uh."

"What's the point of this if you're going to keep your eyes shut the whole time?" she groaned. I felt her impatient tugging at the end of my shirt, and I thought it was really cute, and maybe enough for me to consider opening my eyes without throwing up.

"Ugh, I hate you," I muttered, slowly opening my eyes, trying my best not to look down.

"No you don't," she beamed, wrapping her arms around my waist from behind. "See? See what you're missing when you always keep your eyes closed?"

I swallowed hard and finally gave in. The moment I looked down, I immediately felt like I was going to be sick. But the feeling was instantly replaced with complete awe, seeing that we were already high up near the clouds, and everything beneath us looked breathtaking.

"Oh my gosh," I gaped at the beauty that was before me. "This is too beautiful for words."

I was still a bit shaky since we were probably already close to a thousand feet up, and they say it can go up to five thousand, which definitely gave me the chills.

"The first time I got on one of these was when I was nine," said Lisa, following my gaze below. "My mum won three tickets for her, me, and my cousin. As a kid, I was normally talkative, but during the entire ride I was completely silent. I've always wanted to explore the whole world, and for a small kid, I felt like I was actually seeing the whole world. I was actually hoping that our balloon would crash and we'd end up in some crazy, undiscovered island."

"You're crazy!" my eyes widened as I turned my head around to quickly face her. "Why would you wish that?"

She chuckled and bent down, stealing a quick kiss. "Because I wanted adventure. And I was nine, okay? Cut me some slack. I wanted to be stranded on an island and fight off some pirates."

"You're not wishing the same thing right now, are you?" I frowned. "Because if you are, I'm totally telling the pilot behind you that you're a terrorist who doesn't have a legal visa who needs to be deported off North."

"Do I look like a terrorist to you?" she cocked her head to the side.

I shook my head, pretending to be disappointed. "With those cute cheeks and expressive brown eyes of yours, plus a smile that could cure cancer, then no. Not even remotely close."

"Why thank you," she smirked. "I know you have a massive crush on me, but you don't have to make it too obvious."

"I am too obvious, huh?" I pouted.

"Are you flirting with me, Jennie?" she raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know," I shrugged innocently. "Maybe. Maybe not."

She bit her lip, looking quite tortured. "Not here. This is not funny."

"What, I'm not – "

"Oh fuck, whatever," she grunted, placing both of her hands on my waist, pulling me closer to her before passionately pressing her lips against mine. My eyes flew open in surprise, immediately glancing over at the pilot, who chose to look at a different direction.

I smile crept in my lips as I kissed her back, finally closing my eyes.

"This is perfect," she murmured into the kiss. "You and me, up in the air, across the universe."

"Across the universe?" I giggled, detaching my lips from her.

"Something like that," she smiled, bringing her lips back to mine. "Or across Korea, that would do."

I felt my entire body tingle just by the feeling of her lips on mine. I felt sparks that I hadn't felt in such a long time. Kissing her always brought me up to cloud nine, and most of the time, I never wanted to go back down.

"I'm so lucky," she said, her gaze never leaving mine. "What did I do to deserve someone like you?"

I grinned and raised an eyebrow. "I should be asking myself that. You're the amazing one here. I'm just an ordinary girl."

She pursed her lips and firmly shook her head. "Nope. Not true at all. You're not ordinary. There's something in you, I know it. It just needs to be unleashed. And I'm glad that I'm the one who's almost capable of doing so."

"You are, aren't you?" I laughed. "Look at all these crazy things we're doing right now. Back then, I wouldn't even consider stepping out the four walls of my comfort zone."

Lisa kissed both of my cheeks, and then planted another one on my lips. "You are very welcome. I knew you had crazy in you, just like me."

Oh believe me, Lisa. I really do have crazy in me. Well im entirely getting crazy.

Just as I was about to wrap my arms around her neck, the gondola started to shake, causing me to jump in my position.

"What was that?" I gasped.

"What's going on?" Lisa asked the pilot, who seemed to be having a hard time with what he was doing. Seconds later, he started talking through a receiver.

"Don't let go of me!" I shrieked, pulling her hands back down. " Lisa, I do not want to die right now, you hear me??"

I knew how to wake myself up. I was already getting good at this. But no matter how terrified I was right now, I did not want to wake up from this dream.

"You are not going to die," she assured. Right after she said that, the gondola started to shake again, and I could actually feel the entire hot air balloon floating lower to the ground.

"Wear these!" instructed the pilot, handing us two yellow life vests while mumbling other words. His accent was really strong, so I didn't quite understand what he was saying, but I put on the vest anyway.

"I thought he said this ride was safe!" I said, referring to his instructions.

Lisa put on her life vest and then wrapped her arms tightly around me. "Jennie, I have no idea what's going on, but no matter what happens, do not let go of my hand, okay?"

"God, this feels like Jack and Rose in the Titanic," I wailed, feeling the tears starting to brim in my eyes. "Except we could fall into a jungle or something, land head first and die."

Our gondola starts to spin. I held onto Lisa until i heard a loud explosion and i felt Lisa letting go off me.

"Lisa!!!"