The Journey To The Truth

Lisa's New Plan

The tension inside the lab was undeniable as everyone rushed to prepare for departure. The mission was clear—take Jennie to BIBI's sanctuary and force her to confront the truth hidden within her memories. However, not everyone would be going. Some needed to stay behind, either for security reasons or due to injuries.

Jungkook, on the other hand, had an entirely different concern—Lisa.

He had been keeping an eye on her, ensuring that she didn't push herself too far. Her leg was still in bad shape, yet knowing Lisa, she wouldn't just sit still and rest like she was supposed to. She had a habit of disobeying orders, especially if she thought she had a better idea.

She had a bad habit of getting involved even when she wasn't supposed to. Her leg injury was severe, yet she refused to acknowledge it. Jungkook had already made up his mind—he wasn't letting her out of his sight.

Lisa, of course, was aware of this.

And it only made her more determined to slip past him.

"You do realize I can walk, right?" she grumbled as she adjusted some of her gear.

Jungkook, standing beside her with arms crossed, shot her a flat look. "Barely."

Lisa huffed, rolling her eyes. "Tch. You're acting like my personal bodyguard."

"More like a babysitter," Jungkook muttered under his breath.

Lisa snapped her head toward him, glaring. "What did you just say—?"

Before she could argue further, Jungkook turned away, momentarily distracted as Yeonjun called for his help with some equipment.

That was all the time Lisa needed.

Seizing the opportunity, she slipped away and limped toward Yoongi, ignoring the pain in her leg.

Lisa found Yoongi adjusting some of his old devices, preparing to leave. Without hesitation, she handed him a small drone. "Yoongi! Here, take this!"

It took Jungkook exactly five seconds to realize she was gone.

His head snapped around, eyes scanning the room. When he spotted her standing next to Yoongi, he clenched his jaw.

Namjoon noticed at the same time. His tone was sharp as he called out, "Lisa, can't you just stay still for once?"

Jungkook immediately followed, his expression dark. "Are you seriously sneaking off again?" Jungkook growled.

She turned her head just in time to see both Namjoon and Jungkook approaching her, their expressions filled with irritation.

Jungkook's glare was especially fierce. "What the hell are you doing?"

Lisa remained unfazed. "Helping."

Yoongi looked at her in confusion as he examined the object in his hand. "what is this?"

Lisa leaned against the table, her expression smug. "A drone."

Yoongi scoffed. "Yeah, I can see that. Why are you giving it to me?"

Lisa sighed as if explaining something to a child. "Use it to check the path before heading to the sanctuary. Last time, the Overseers tracked us through a preator drone. I doubt they'll fall for the same trick twice. This will help you avoid that."

Yoongi blinked, then smirked. "Oh, so you do have a brain."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Took you long enough to notice."

Jungkook was still glaring at her. Namjoon pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You could've told us instead of sneaking away," Namjoon muttered in exasperation.

Lisa shrugged. "Where's the fun in that?"

BIBI spoke up after a long time. "It's logical. We need every advantage we can get."

Everyone eventually agreed, recognizing that Lisa's strategy was their best chance at avoiding detection.

Jungkook exhaled sharply, clearly annoyed.

But surprisingly, he didn't argue. Instead, he turned to Namjoon. "She's not wrong. It's better to be prepared."

Yoongi smirked, sensing an opportunity to tease. "Wow. Jungkook agreeing with Lisa? That's rare. What's next? Jungkook actually smiles?"

Lisa crossed her arms. "Yeah, it must be a miracle. Mark this day on the calendar."

Jungkook ignored them both and looked back at Namjoon. "What now?"

Yeonjun, who had been listening, raised another concern. "Even if we check the path, there's another issue. Itzy's team is probably searching for us. We can't use our usual transport—it'll be too risky."

Jungkook didn't hesitate. "Then we use Lisa's."

Lisa looked at him with confusion. "Mine?"

Jungkook nodded. "The one you used to bring Jennie."

Lisa's expression shifted slightly. "Uh… you mean Yoongi's old transport? The one I barely survived in?"

Yoongi's reaction was immediate. "Are you kidding me? That thing went through hell! It needs fixing."

Lisa smirked. "I know. That's why I said it."

Yoongi groaned. "Unbelievable."

Namjoon sighed. "Jungkook and I will fix it. The rest of you, get ready."

With that Namjoon and Jungkook started to fix the old transport. After they are done, finally the team split.

Namjoon, Yoongi, Yeonjun, and BIBI left for the island, taking the unconscious Jennie with them. Meanwhile, Lisa, Kai, and Jungkook stayed back at the lab.

---

A Game of Wits

As the journey started, Yoongi activated Lisa's drone.

Within moments, the drone located multiple Overseer surveillance devices lingering in the skies. But thanks to Lisa's interference, Yoongi tricked them, diverting the Overseers' drones away from their actual destination. Just as she predicted, the Overseers had set up tracking drones along their previous routes. But using Lisa's device, Yoongi managed to trick their system, redirecting their focus elsewhere.

Yeonjun watched in awe. "Damn. That actually worked. Lisa is actually pretty clever!!!"

BIBI smirked. "Don't be too impressed. If Jungkook hears you praising Lisa too much, he'll kill you."

To everyone's surprise, Namjoon actually let out a rare laugh.

Yeonjun's face turned red. "What?! I wasn't saying anything like that—"... "I meant in a strategic way!"

Yoongi smirked. "Relax, Yeonjun. We're just saying it's funny how Jungkook of all people is suddenly looking out for Lisa so much."

Yoongi smirked. "It's funny, though. Jungkook's always been cold and distant, and Lisa is, well… Lisa. And now Jungkook of all people is watching over her like a damn guard dog?"

Namjoon hummed in agreement. "There might be more to it."

Yoongi, grinning, decided to stir the pot further. "Jungkook's always been distant and cold. Lisa, on the other hand, is cunning and unpredictable. At first, they barely spoke to each other. And now, Jungkook is suddenly caring for her? Suspicious."

Namjoon nodded. "There might be more than just care involved."

Yeonjun's eyes widened. "Wait… are you saying—"

BIBI chuckled. "Let's just say Jungkook has never acted this way before."

As their journey continued, the conversation lingered around the unexpected dynamic between Lisa and Jungkook.

---

Back at the Lab: Lisa vs. Jungkook

Lisa limped toward the inner room, ready to rest, but Jungkook's voice stopped her.

"Come to the basement," he ordered.

Lisa turned, unimpressed. "Why?"

"We need to check Taeyong's records," Jungkook stated bluntly. "And I need your help."

Lisa frowned. "And why should I obey you?!"

Jungkook stepped towards her. "Because I asked nicely!"

Lisa waved him off. "Pass. I'm going to rest."

You're coming with me to the basement," Jungkook stated firmly.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Why? Need emotional support?"

"We need to check Taeyong's records," Jungkook stated bluntly. "And I don't trust you to stay put. I know you'll sneak off on another reckless mission."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Wow, You really think so low of me. Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Jungkook deadpanned. "Yes! And I have my reasons."

Kai, who had been sitting nearby, held back a laugh.

Lisa rolled her eyes and turned away. "Not interested."

She turned away, limping toward the room.

Jungkook's patience finally snapped.

Before Lisa could take another step, he swiftly closed the distance between them and, without warning, grabbed her.

In one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms.

Lisa froze in shock. "What the—?! "WHAT THE HELL, JUNGKOOK? PUT ME DOWN!"

Kai gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, is this happening? Is this kidnapping? Should I give you guys privacy?"

Lisa struggled to get out of his arms. "Put me down, you psycho—"

Lisa thrashed in Jungkook's grip. "Kai, do something!"

Kai grinned. "Nah, this is too entertaining."

Lisa struggled harder. "JUNGKOOK, YOU—"

Jungkook tightened his hold, walking toward the basement. "Quit fighting. You're injured, and you're not going anywhere."

Lisa gritted her teeth. "I swear, once you put me down—"

Kai laughed, following behind. "Well, at least I won't be bored while we wait."

Lisa smacked Jungkook's shoulder. Put. Me. Down.

Kai, watching the scene, smirked. "This is kinda romantic."

Jungkook barely reacted.

Instead, he carried her straight to the basement, ignoring her protests and Kai's amused commentary.

Once inside, he dropped Lisa onto a chair—not gently.

"Sit," he ordered.

Lisa glared. "Make me."

Jungkook's jaw tightened.

Kai, sensing things were getting heated, stood up. "Welp. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. Have fun."

Lisa huffed. "I hate you both."

Kai smirked. "Love you too."

Jungkook shot Kai a warning glare. "Go rest. Your ribs are still healing."

Kai grinned. "Ohhh, so you do care about me."

Both Lisa and Jungkook snapped, "Shut up!"

Kai, laughing, disappeared upstairs. "Have fun~"

Lisa turned her back to Jungkook, ignoring him.

Jungkook, unfazed, pulled up the records and started working. He wasn't letting her leave. He sighed in frustration and turned back to the records, making sure Lisa stayed where she was.

---

Inside BIBI's Sanctuary

The team finally reached their destination.

Namjoon wasted no time. He took out Jennie's power chip and handed it to BIBI. "Fix her, but keep this out for now."

BIBI nodded and got to work.

A few moments later, Jennie's eyes fluttered open. She looked around in confusion.

"What…?"

Yeonjun stepped forward. "You're in our sanctuary. We need to talk."

Jennie's gaze darkened. "I have nothing to say to you."

BIBI folded her arms. "That's fine. We'll do the talking."

Namjoon's voice was firm. "We need you to remember."

Jennie clenched her fists. "I already made myself clear. I will not betray the system."

Yeonjun sighed. "Look, Jennie, we don't want to fight you. We just want the truth."

BIBI sighed. "The 'system' isn't real. You're protecting something that was generated."

Namjoon tried again, his voice firm but calm. "The system has been lying to you."

Jennie scoffed. "Lies? You expect me to believe that?"

BIBI stepped closer. "Jennie, you were once human."

Jennie's expression flickered with something unreadable before she masked it with indifference. "I don't believe you."

Yoongi, tired of arguing, exhaled. "We know. That's why we're going to show you."

Without hesitation, Yeonjun and Namjoon grabbed her wheelchair and forced her into the machine.

Jennie gasped. "What are you doing—?!"

Yoongi pressed the button.

The machine roared to life.

Jennie's protests were cut off as her hidden memories began to resurface.

Her eyes widened in shock.

The truth was finally being revealed.

Jennie gasped as memories flooded into her mind.

Her eyes widened in shock.

The truth—hidden deep within her—was finally surfacing.

A life before the Overseers.

A life before Project Origin.

Her own memories.

---

To Be Continued…