This is it guys....:(

***

It takes about ten minutes for Lisa to come outside. During that time Jennie, Hanbin and I made small talk without referencing the scene that we had just witnessed. There was no need really and what could they possibly have to say for themselves.

I was set up, plain and simple.

Big time.

Just because I'm happy and relived that Lisa could handle herself doesn't mean I'm going to forget this little incident.

Oh no, vengeance will be mine!

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but someday it will be.

"Hey guys," Jisoo says as she heads our way with Lisa beside her. They're both smiling which is good and I swear I almost forget to breathe for a second when Lisa catches my eye. "Did we miss anything fun?" she innocently asks.

Let me tell you something about my friend. There isn't one innocent bone in that body of hers.

Not one.

"Not really," I reply without letting on that I know what she's been up to. "How was the tour?"

"Good," Jisoo maintains her smile as she takes a seat on Jennie's lap. "And very informative."

Lisa exchanges a look with my friend before sitting down next to me. "That's one way to put."

I reach for her hand and tingle a bit inside when her fingers intertwine with mine. I don't ask Lisa if she's ok, because I don't need to and something tells me she isn't going to divulge what happened in the kitchen. Bobby comes out a few minutes later with a beer for Jisoo and a bottle of water for Lisa.

"Hey, Hanbin," Jisoo says to get the boys attention. "When's dinner going to be ready? I'm starved."

Hanbin doesn't get a chance to respond because Bobby speaks up first. "Don't talk to him like that, he's not your bitch." Oh man, here they go again. "He's mine."

All of us groan but Bobby is unaffected by it. "Relax, Bobby, it was just a question," I say in order to avoid a fight between brother and sister.

With the food almost done, Hanbin sits down next to Bobby after kissing his forehead.

They're kind of a cute couple.

Not as cute as Lisa and me though.

I nurse my drink because I'm driving tonight, but I notice my friend is already on her second beer. "You might want to slow down, Jis."

She somehow finds the willpower to turn away from Jennie to give me a funny look. "Why? It's early and if I get a bit tipsy you can always drive me home."

Yeah.

"Who says I'd give you a ride?" I tease.

I will but I like having fun with her.

"Aw, come on, Rosé," Jisoo pouts with her arms around Jennie's neck. "Don't be a meanie."

I'm so tempted to bring up the interrogation of my girlfriend, but I'm not supposed to know about that, so I don't. "All I'm saying is you don't have the best record handling your liquor." I know she has ammunition on me in this department, but that was one time and I've never had a repeat performance. She on the other hand is a different story all together. I turn to Lisa and the smile on my face might be a tad more evil than normal. "Did I ever tell you what Jisoo did on her first date with Jennie?"

It takes about two seconds for Jisoo to freak out. "Rosé!" she squeals and I laugh.

A lot.

And hard.

"What?" I turn to her and her face is significantly more red than it was a minute ago. "It's a great story. I'm sure Jennie likes the story. Don't you, Jen?"

Ha!

I'm on a roll.

Besides, if I thought Jisoo would get truly upset, I wouldn't be teasing her about this.

Jennie looks like a deer caught in headlights and I keep laughing.

So do Hanbin and Bobby.

I look at Lisa again and she seems very amused. "You should have seen these two before they got together." I hear Jisoo call my name a second time but I ignore her. "Lets just say it took a lot of work on my part to ensure they weren't dumbasses about the whole thing."

"Hey!" Bobby exclaims. "I helped too!"

True.

But it's not the same.

I feel something hit my leg and when I look down I see it was Jisoo's shoe. "What's the matter Jis? It all worked out in the end." I raise my eyebrow at her as I kiss Lisa's hand.

It's not like I'm bringing up the actual issues that kept them apart for so long.

That would be crossing a line.

A big one.

This on the other hand is a lot of fun. "Maybe I'll save the story for your wedding."

"You wouldn't!" Jisoo gasps.

Oh I would.

I so would.

And she knows that.

"She was so nervous before she picked up Jennie up for their first date, which wasn't a real date," I tell Lisa much to Jisoo's chagrin.

"What do you mean?" she asks me.

I glance over at Jisoo and she has her head tucked into Jennie's neck.

Jennie for her part is smiling.

But I can tell it's an affectionate smile not a mean one.

"I was nervous too," Jennie admits.

Jisoo's head shoots up. "You were?"

Jennie nods. "Absolutely. I was going out with the most beautiful girl in the world and I had to pretend I wasn't in to her."

"Aw, Jennie." Jisoo is beaming and blushing at the same time. "You're so sweet."

"You should have seen her before you arrived," Hanbin interjects and he completely ignores the daggers being thrown at him by Jennie's eyes. "She was pacing up and down like a mad woman."

He has Jisoo's attention and ours as well.

"She kept asking me if she should change her outfit until I eventually had to threaten her with a tranquilizer," he finishes.

"You're a dead man," Jennie grumbles.

Hanbin laughs. "Wouldn't be the first time."

"Anyways," I say to get the story back on track. "My friend over there was going crazy..."

"You're telling it wrong," Jisoo cuts in. "This is what happened..."

She recounts the events of that night in such a humorous way that by the end of it we're all in stitches.

Not that it wasn't a great story to begin with mind you.

I did get a look from Lisa when Irene's name came up.

I nodded to let her know it's the same Irene I work with and slept with.

She doesn't get jealous or judgmental.

Like I said, I don't judge her past and she doesn't judge mine.

I'm not proud of sleeping with Irene.

It was a definite low point for me, but I can't change what happened.

And knowing that Lisa doesn't think less of me for the things in my past that I'm not proud of makes a big difference.

"Wow," Lisa exclaims. "That sounds like one hell of a night."

"It was," Jisoo agrees before stealing a kiss from her girl.

"That reminds me of my second date with Rosé," Lisa observes. "She took me roller-skating and was trying to impress with me the moves she could make."

I stare at her with my mouth open.

She just smiles at my shocked face without stopping. "But she wasn't watching where she was going so she ended up plowing right into the boards."

Traitor!

Betrayer!

She's in so much trouble later.

"We ended up in the emergency room that night but luckily she didn't break anything." Lisa starts laughing and so does everyone else.

"Smooth," Jisoo smirks.

Like she's one to talk!

Paula comes out to announce that Arthur will be home soon.

I continue to sulk.

Until I feel Lisa's mouth right by my ear. "I'm sorry, baby, forgive me?"

Damn it!

I can't stay mad at her when she uses her sexy voice.

I'm such a sucker for that voice.

Dinner went surprisingly well.

The only awkward moment was Arthur's comment that he didn't think I'd ever settle down.

You know, for a smart man he really does say dumb things a lot.

He got a good talking to by Paula and Jisoo.

I even felt a little bit sorry for him because he's not trying to be an idiot.

I guess that's where Bobby gets it from.

Luckily, there are no games planned for tonight because that might have scared my poor Lisa.

There's only so much Kim crazy a person can take at one time.

And yes, I have forgiven her for telling everyone about our second date disaster.

I'm amazing like that.

It didn't hurt that she shoved me into the bathroom on our way for dinner for a quick make out session.

There's a lot of reasons why I love my girl.

And what she can do with her tongue is definitely near the top of my list.

She was as always wonderfully charming during the meal. She entertained the crowd with stories about the kids she works with and listened intently when anyone else was speaking.

I'm fairly confident she's made a good impression on everyone.

We're waiting now for Paula to bring out the dessert.

Lisa is inside helping.

And I'm going to use this moment to talk to Jisoo.

No, not to yell at her.

I politely grab her from the heated conversation she's having with Hanbin about which of Jennie's songs is the best so I can have some alone time with her.

Once we're off to the side I let go of her arm. I don't know why I'm nervous really. On the off chance that Jisoo doesn't like Lisa I would still date her. But I can't deny that her opinions means a lot to me.

I'd hate to be in one of those situations where my best friend and my girlfriend don't get along.

"So, what to you think?" I nervously ask as my stomach tightens just a bit.

"I think the price of gas these days is unbelievable," Jisoo grins.

I nudge her with my shoulder. "No, you ass, about Lisa."

I see her contemplating making a joke but she must realize that I'm not in the mood because she doesn't. "I think she's wonderful."

"You do?" I'm not sure why I'm questioning her.

Jisoo nods. "I really do. In fact, I'm starting to think you may not be good enough for her."

I chuckle knowing she's back to her joking ways.

I think.

"You did good, Rosé," Jisoo sincerely says. "Really good and I'm so happy that you found someone who appreciates and deserves you so much."

Aw!

Jisoo!

She's gone and made me blush.

I've never blushed so much in my life as I have today.

"I'm ok," I reply and I might be getting choked up again.

Maybe.

"You're more than ok," Jisoo says as she cups my face. "And as much as we kid around with each other, I really do love you."

"I love you too," I whisper before giving my bestfriend a fierce hug.

We pull apart and I notice Jisoo wiping her eyes. "We've turned into a couple of mush balls."

"You were always a mush ball," I tease.

"Whatever, Rosé." Jisoo pretends to be pissed off but she does a horrible job. "A lot has changed for us in a year."

Ain't that the truth.

And not just us.

But for Bobby, Hanbin, Jennie and Lisa too.

Where we all were a year ago is so far from where we are today that it almost seems unreal how much has changed.

For the better of course.

It's going to sound so corny but I think that Jisoo, Bobby and I have all found the person we want to spend the rest of our lives with.

I know that's obvious with Jisoo and Jennie but for me and Bobby we also feel that way even if we're not at the marriage stage.

I couldn't ask for two better friends even though there are times where we fight a lot.

It's mostly childish bickering anyways

I think what makes the three of us appreciate what we have even more is that it didn't come easy in respect to our partners.

We all know Jisoo and Jennie' story.

What Lisa went through is braver than I have words for and honestly I had my own relationship hang ups to deal with before we met.

Even Bobby, the guy that seems to not let anything affect him had a horrible experience with his previous boyfriend that broke his heart. I know Hanbin's upbringing wasn't the best and that he was kicked out of his house for wanting to love who he loved.

It's like the songs goes; everybody has a story that could break your heart.

Everybody.

Even people that seem to have no problems whatsoever.

That's life.

Getting through those bad experiences and learning from them make the good things in your life that much better.

Wow, I'm almost being philosophical.

I think that's enough introspective for one night.

Jisoo slings her arm around my shoulder as both our eyes settle on the girls that have stolen our respective hearts. "We've come along way baby."

"We sure have," I concur. "And we've scored two totally hot chicks as an added bonus."

"I'll drink to that," Jisoo replies before finishing her beer.

Jisoo and I share a laugh before we head back to our girls.

There's only eight of us outside.

Joon and Maddie had to leave early.

I'm so busy making eyes at Lisa that I don't notice Bobby and Jisoo stand up.

I have to give Jisoo credit. She could have turned tonight into a celebration about her engagement which is why we got together in the first place.

But she's been very good at sharing the spotlight.

I suspect that might not be the case closer to her actual wedding.

I guess we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.

"Bobby and I would like to propose a toast," Jisoo announces and all eyes are on her.

Hmm.

I wonder what she's talking about.

Jisoo has a new beer in her hand. "First, to Lisa, I know our family can be a little bit wacky at times..."

Talk about a gigantic understatement.

"..But we it's all in good fun, and I hope we haven't freaked you out too much."

"You haven't." Lisa assures her with a big smile.

"Good," Bobby replies. "And now onto Rosé."

Uh oh.

I'm suddenly very worried.

"You're all grown up kid," he smirks. "Our little Rosé is all grown up."

I grip Lisa's hand but I keep grinning.

"I don't think any of you know this, but when me, Rosé and Jisoo were all single there was a lot of discussion amongst us as to who would be the last one to find a partner," Bobby tells the group.

Holy shit!

I can't believe they're bringing this up.

"Our dear Rosé was so convinced that she wouldn't be the last one that she made a bet with my brother and me," Jisoo says.

Oh!

My!

God!

I thought they forgot about that.

We were pretty drunk when we had that conversation.

"And now it's time to collect on that bet," Bobby states.

No!

Fuck!

"Come on, Rosé, take your punishment like a woman," Jisoo taunts.

I'm going to make a run for it and come back for Lisa later.

She's a big girl and can handle herself in my absence.

I'm not quick enough however.

In two seconds Bobby and Jisoo are on either side of my chair and lifting it off the ground.

"Let me down!" I scream as I struggle to get free.

It's no use.

I'm ceremoniously dumped into the pool.

Fully clothed!

Assholes!

Who cares that I made that bet, I never thought I'd lose.

I come sputtering up for air only to see my two friends smiling triumphantly at my wet form.

"To Rosé," they say together.

Everyone is laughing.

I can take it though.

Even I start to chuckle after I've calmed down.

That chuckle turns into hysterics when Bobby and Jisoo are pushed into the pool.

Oh my god!

Now that was funny.

"What the hell?" Jisoo inquires when she resurfaces.

I look up and there's Lisa's standing at the edge of the water.

"Oops, my bad," she replies as she tries her best to look innocent.

God, I love that woman.

"That's not fair," Bobby whines.

I notice Jennie creeping up behind Lisa but Arthur steps in before I have to warn her of the impending attack.

"Nobody else is going in that pool," he orders. "I can't understand you guys sometimes, you're like big kids."

Arthur leaves with Paula to get us some towels while Hanbin, Jennie and Lisa return to their seats.

Not before I blew Lisa a big kiss though.

She's going to get so much more from me later.

"You guys are gonna get it now," I warn Bobby and Jisoo as I get ready to pounce on them.

"Help, help!" Bobby squeals.

They try and rush out of the water but I'm able to catch both of them by their shirts and pull them back in.

We splash around until Paula and Arthur return.

And then we finish our night even though I feel like a drowned rat.

"I still can't get over those two," I complain to Lisa as I join her in bed later that night. "They are unbelievable." I continue to rant for a few more minutes when I notice my girlfriend giving me a funny look. "What?"

"You can complain you want but that doesn't stop you from loving them." Lisa replies. "They're your family."

Yeah.

They really are.

My last name isn't Kim, but I'm one of them.

I'm cared for by people that aren't related to me by blood but they've given more love and acceptance than I ever found with my parents.

And I couldn't feel any more lucky or grateful.

When I took the job at Arthur's company my intention was to move on after a few years onto bigger and better things.

But that's not going to happen anymore.

I've got everything I've ever wanted and needed in my life and now I'm going to enjoy it with the girl I love.

Then Lisa adds something that makes me realize yet again how brave and bold she really is. "And maybe one day they'll be mine too."

She says it quietly.

And when I don't respond right away I'm sure she thinks she's made a big mistake.

I somehow knew she'd be the one to verbalize first what I've felt for a couple of weeks now.

I kiss her fully on the mouth before I pull back to look into those beautiful brown eyes of hers. "I would love that."

Lisa smiles and it gives me just the best kind of shiver.

Our lips meet again, sweetly, softly and full of love.

I know that whatever happens from this day onwards, Lisa will be my side and I'll be by hers.

That thought makes me happier than I ever remember being.

The girl I'm kissing makes me happier than anyone else I've been with.

And when the day comes that Lisa and I make it official I have no doubt that the Kims will be right there, celebrating with us.

Well, after we've had a chance to celebrate on her own.

Of course.

I gently push Lisa on her back but I don't rush our next kiss. "I love you with all my heart."

"I love you too, Rosie," she whispers back.

I lean down to connect our lips together.

And the rest of the world fades away.

EL FIN

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And we call that a wrap. Hope you all enjoyed reading this.