/LISA/

PARIS, 7.39 AM

I took off my black blazer, leaving me in a white button-down shirt tucked inside my black trousers. With a paper cup filled with hot, black coffee in hand, I strolled towards the secretary's desk.

Paris had been beautiful and welcoming ever since I arrived this morning. Chilly, refreshing air immediately accosted me as soon as I stepped out of the private jet. Despite the amicable Paris, Marco had been the full opposite.

He hadn't even looked me in the eyes, he addressed me without bothering to tear his attention from whatever he was doing. As much as I hated being affected by his actions, he did hurt me.

"Bonjour, Ma'am. Anything I can help you with?" A mid-aged woman smiled kindly at me, interrupting my concise thought.

"Yes, will you please bring the files of this month's incoming data? And also the archive of the last three months' data. I'll be in my room,"

"Of course, anything else?" Her delicate voice with a thick accent flowed smoothly.

"No, that's all. Merci,"

She smiled at me and started punching buttons on the telephone on her desk. I turned around to make my way towards my momentary office, on the very top floor.

The Manoban Corps Office in Paris was comfortable and elegant, it had a rich accent of aristocrats, which I adored. The architectural aesthetic was pleasing to the eyes, especially its golden-maroon domination within the building. The whole concept was what I had imagined it would be; unique and prosperous.

My dress shoes were making soft thuds against the maroon carpet beneath. The corridor screamed royalty and highness, way too elegant and rich for an office that's even smaller than the one in South Korea. I wasn't complaining, though, if anything, I was amazed by the architectural esthetics the building offered.

While waiting for the lift to open up, I inspected the smaller details carved on the walls above me to the drawings and murals of the early '40s on the ceiling. After probably a minute of waiting, the lift opened up with a familiar ding. When the lift door slid open, instead of stepping inside, I froze.

Seeing the sight in front of me made my blood instantly boiled. My nostrils flared like an enraged dragon as I furiously stepped inside.

"Get off of her, you sick bastard!"

My knuckles hit an older man's jaw square in the face painfully, making him lurched back from a whimpering woman. My cup of coffee fell down and splashed all over the floor, staining the woman's feet a little bit.

The woman's skirt was up onto her waist, showing her panties. Her top rumpled and the garment covering her left shoulder was ripped. Her makeup ruined—lipstick smeared and her cheek was stained by fresh tears. I felt my heart crumbled at the sight, wanting to comfort her immediately. But when the bastard groaned in pain, my eyes and rage refocused on him.

Panic settled, lingered on his face as I grabbed his collar and pushed him up against the mirrored wall behind, his toes barely on the ground. "The fuck were you thinking?" I growled, deep down enjoying his fear, his panic. The Alpha inside me awakened abruptly, growling at the addicting smell of consternation.

He was probably on his mid-thirties, he smelled a lot and awfully like cigarettes and alcohol. Had he been drinking and smoking on his work period? This early? God! Why the fuck did a man like this employed on my corporation?!

Pursuant to his silence; I assumed he didn't understand English, so I switched my tongue.

"Qu'est-ce que tu faisais?" I growled, dangerously close to snapping his neck.

What were you doing?

His breathing quickened, panic arose higher. Why, again, a man who didn't even understand English, the international language, working under my building? Fuck! I was starting to like Paris.

"Je suis-je suis désolé, Madame. Je—"

"Pas d'excuses, vous êtes viré. Obtenir la baise sort d'ici, maintenant."

No excuses, you're fired. Get the fuck out of here, now.

After what he did, he dared to fucking apologize to my face?! I held back, painfully guarding myself not to beat him the fuck up until his bones were no longer solid, and shoved him out of the lift. Turned out, there were a lot of eyes already watching in curiosity and shock. I didn't care, all I cared about was the crying woman on the floor of the lift.

If we were alone and in this situation outside this building, I wouldn't have thought twice before crushing his damned mortal flesh. Weak, weak mortal. Couldn't even control his hormones.

I eyed the previous secretary who was watching with wide eyes, "Se débarrasser de lui, je vais prendre soin d'elle,"

Get rid of him, I'll take care of her.

She seemed taken aback by my use of language, but nodded immediately. She shouted and seconds after, securities came. I didn't have time to watch whatever was going to happen next, I pushed the close button and the number of the floor my office settled in.

As soon as the lift started moving, I kneeled in front of the woman. She was sobbing vigorously, her shoulders shaking and her breath strained painfully in her chest. Fuck, why did I always get into these kinds of situation? First Jennie, now her.

I was just grateful I wasn't late.

"Hey, c'est bon. Je ne vais pas vous faire de mal,"

Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you.

"I'm—I'm okay, Madame," She whispered between her hiccups, fingers shaking badly as she tried to wipe the rest of her tears away. My chest washed in relief as her use of English, then tightened when her eyes met mine.

Oh, God.

She looked so broken.

She was so broken.

I eyed the lift's number monitor, we almost reached my floor.

I helped her to get on her feet, holding both of her trembling hands in mine. I stared down at her, who was probably around 5'4". "No, you're not. And it's okay," I gently said, unconsciously frowning at her.

Noticing the huge rip on her blouse, I draped my black blazer over her shoulders to help hide it. She flinched slightly when my hand went in touch with her bare skin, but relaxed as soon as the clothing engulfed around her.

When the lift door opened with a ding, she looked up to me. She looked worried as if I would leave her alone—or worse, do something iniquitous. I tried to reassure her with the warmest smile I could offer.

"What's your name?" I asked, eyeing her injured ankle.

"Mina. Myoui Mina," She answered, her eyes flickered downward for a brief moment before settling back to mine.

"Alright, Mina. Just call me Lisa," I said as I put my hand on her lower back, guiding her towards my enormous office.

—

Turned out Mina was the secretary of the bastard earlier, who was surprisingly the Marketing Manager. The thought of him using his position for his own benefits was making me beyond irritated. How could a man like him sit in such an important position in the company?

I also learned that Mina was still new at the country, she was actually from South Korea but was dutied here due to the need of experienced employees.

Mina whimpered as I took off her heels.

She was currently sitting on the grey couch, her feet on my lap. She seemed tense and on edge, and I couldn't really blame her. What had happened to her was most women's biggest fear. Not to mention she's a foreigner in this country.

I inspected her sprained ankle, it didn't look so bad but it definitely would hurt in a matter of hours. She would have some troubles walking soon. Poor woman.

I softly touched her ankle, eyeing her response cautiously. She closed her eyes when my thumb met her swollen spot, she scrunched up her face in a painful wince. Her eyebrows knitted together, trying to endure the pain.

"Am I hurting you?" I asked, my voice went surprisingly low I didn't quite recognize myself. Seemed like the unfortunate event earlier still affecting my mood completely.

"Yes, but it's fine," Mina sighed in between relief and pain—I was starting to knead the area around her swollen feet.

"I'm sorry for what happened," I sighed, continuing my action.

"It's not your fault," Mina answered, now her eyes were opened and staring right at mine. Something in her sparked, then she looked away shortly.

"I'm just irritated that a guy like that was working under my company. Had he been disrespecting you before?"

Mina looked at me again, her eyes sparkling in something I didn't want to decipher.

"Since the first day I worked with him, actually. He's—ah!" Mina gasped, yanking her feet away from my hold. I let go of her, not even realizing I was hitting her sensitive spot already.

"I'm so sorry. I—let me," I eyed her, asking for permission before she finally put her feet on my lap again. I continued working on her feet with my hands, my thumb caressing her ankle in the gentlest way possible without losing the purpose of the action.

Silence engulfed around us for a while. No sound was present except for the soft humming of the air conditioner and the faint sound of cars and traffic down on the road.

"He's been trying just every time we're in the same room. I had always eluded him and escape before he could try anything. Until earlier, of course," Mina continued, holding a breath.

"Was he drunk?"

"Yeah, he showed up slurring about random and unexplainable things,"

"It's just so messed up. I'm sorry you have to experience something awful like that," I said in the most gentle voice I could manage at the moment. I was shaking so hard; if I was to see his face one more time, I'd make sure he would regret ever being born.

"Thank you," Mina chirped quietly, her eyes inspecting my fingers on her ankle. "I can't imagine what would happen if you didn't show up."

"No need to thank me," I replied sincerely.

Silence.

"So, you're the Ms. Manoban everyone's talking about, hm?"

"What are they talking about?" I asked instead, didn't find any fondness toward how she had addressed me.

"Well, a lot, to be honest. Like how you're so young, how you intimidated them by the looks, and other nonsense I can't recall,"

"Intimidated?"

"Yeah, paparazzi have a bunch of photos of you. No offense, but you always look like you're done with the whole world," Mina said, smiling slightly.

I chuckled.

"It's probably because I am," I admitted casually.

"But, meeting you right now... all those pictures don't really do you justice," Mina said, trailing off as her voice quieted down.

I stared at her, my eyebrows raised, and she blinked.

"You're definitely not like how they portrayed you. You're humble and friendly, not arrogant and selfish like how you appeared on pictures," Mina continued quickly, straightening her previous sentence.

"I'm sure none of my previous bosses would take care of my injured ankle that's not even caused by their doing," Mina said with a cute, bashful smile lingering on her face.

"The thing is, I don't really want to be a boss," I said, managing to lock our eyes in a stare. "I prefer to be a friend," I muttered quietly, refocusing my gaze onto her soft, creamy feet.

Mina stared at me.

"I can be your friend," Mina uttered with a smile, shrugging her shoulders.

I eyed her, seeking for hidden means behind the warm chocolate eyes of hers. Yet, I found nothing. Nothing but genuineness.

I smiled.

"Thank you,"

—

/JENNIE/

BUSAN, 9.57 PM

I tiredly slumped on my bed, Kuma snuggling against me. It was a long day at uni, I had an important presentation that took about 40% of my grade. It was exhausting, but as soon as I stepped out of the room, relief washed over me.

Kuma sniffed and snuggled closer.

I had already eaten dinner, taken a bath, and now ready to let myself drown in a deep slumber of sleep. Everything was already in place, except for one.

I missed Lisa.

Chaeyoung had told me that she was off to Paris two nights ago, the usual business necessity. I probably should've understood that she's a businesswoman, she had a lot to manage at a time. But, was a simple text too much to ask?

If it wasn't for Chaeyoung, I probably wouldn't have any idea that Lisa's on the other half of the globe right now. She didn't even send me a text, let alone call me. Did she even miss me at all? Because I sure as hell did.

My phone laid motionless beside me, I sent it a blank stare.

I missed her, but should I call her?

What time was it on Paris, 1 PM? 2 PM?

Perhaps she's working and she didn't have time?

But logically, a simple "hey" text wouldn't even take ten seconds to type and deliver. Was it so hard?

God! I didn't know if I was too clingy or she's just too insensitive.

Chaeyoung told me that she went there with their dad, and even though I had no idea about Mr. Manoban, I assumed he'd want her to focus on her job 24/7. He's a businessman, that's what they do.

I groaned, "I think I'm going cra—"

Suddenly, my phone rang and vibrated. Kuma inched away, he wasn't even startled by the ringtone—he was startled by me who had jumped the second my phone rang. Sorry, Kuku.

"Jesus!" I keened, clutching my chest. After seconds of soothing myself, I took my phone to read the caller ID.

Weird, it was an unknown number. Frowning, I answered the call.

"Hello, Jennie Kim here,"

"Jen! Thank God!"

My heart instantly raced at the voice.

"Lisa?"

"God, baby. I miss you so much," I heard Lisa sighing against the phone. I hurriedly sat up and leaned against the headboard, a grin planted on my lips.

"I miss you, too," I bit my lip. "You got a new number?"

"Yeah, I kind of forgot to bring my phone with me, I left in such a rush. My dumbass have just realized it this morning,"

"You left your phone in Busan?" I asked in disbelief.

"Exactly,"

"Sounds so much like a successful businesswoman," I teased and she giggled. "Whose phone is this?"

"Uh, I bought a new phone and everything necessary. I can't stand not hearing your voice,"

My heart reacted sweetly.

"Says the one who didn't even text me about leaving to Paris," I rolled my eyes, still irritated at that one.

"I'm sorry, baby. It was so hectic I didn't even remember I owned a phone,"

Even though I had some things to answer her with, I kept quiet. I didn't want to argue with her, especially at a situation like this. My heart couldn't handle missing and being angry with her at the same time.

"You know, I thought you've forgotten about me," I admitted honestly, sighing.

"Like hell, I don't have the strength to do that. No, Jen, that should never cross your mind. I can't forget you even if I want to. And I don't even want to in the first place, so no chance, Ma'am,"

"Stop, you're torturing me," I bit my lower lip as my chest tightened. I missed her so much.

"What? What did I do?"

My question was answered—she's obviously insensitive. Cute, though, just a little bit frustrating.

"You're making me miss you more. You're half the world away, that's not fair," I pouted, feeling emotional all in a sudden at the realization I wouldn't meet her until she's back to Busan—which I had no idea when.

Okay, I might be a little clingy, too—I'll admit.

"Jen, as soon as I'm back in Busan, I'll come over," Lisa said, her voice bold and compromising, I didn't have the chance to doubt her.

"Promise?"

"Pinky promise," Lisa giggled.

I laughed at her, how did she change from a sedate boss to a five years old kid that fast?

"You know it's not tolerable to break a pinky promise, right?"

"I know, Ma'am. I won't break it, no worries,"

I stayed silent, listening to her steady breathing.

"What are you wearing?"

"Huh?"

"What are you wearing?" I repeated, a bit slower this time.

"Uh, a white button-down, black trousers, black blazer, and high heels. Why?"

I mentally pictured her in that outfit, and when the picture came in one piece, I felt my lower part heat up. She would definitely look so good in that, especially the high heels completing that long legs of her. And her button-down shirt would completely show off her stubborn collarbones, her chest... God, no way.

"You can't wear that," I pouted.

"Why?" Lisa asked, sounding confused and curious.

"You'll have French models drooling over you, I don't want that," I stated, not giving any single fuck if I sounded like a full-course clingy girlfriend.

Lisa laughed heartily and my heart couldn't help but flutter, again. It took a few seconds for her laughter to die down, but I could tell she's still smiling. That darned charming smile of her. That smile which I miss the most at the moment.

"In case you're not aware, I'm basically locked in my office all day. How can these French models even come into the frame?"

"I don't know, then perhaps the employees there. I don't want anyone to look at you,"

"Damn, I should've learned how to be invisible, then," Lisa muttered quietly, clearly mocking me.

"Haha, very funny," I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway.

"What time is it in Busan?"

"10.08 PM," I answered after checking the digital clock on my bedside table.

"You should rest," Lisa pointed out, her voice turned serious but still gentle.

"I still want to hear your voice," I whined and heard a chuckle coming from her.

"We'll talk tomorrow, okay? Just get some sleep,"

"Okay," I pouted.

"Goodnight, baby. I'll meet you in a dream," Lisa breathed, her husky voice made the baby hair on my nape awaken.

"Good afternoon, babe. Don't exhaust yourself," I smiled, badly wanting to kiss her plump and soft lips.

"Will do,"

As soon as the line ended, I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

—

/THIRD PERSON POV/

Jennie and Lisa walked hand in hand, Lisa's leather jacket felt incredibly warm on the brunette. Despite the luxurious clothing wrapped around her figure, she still felt a bit cold at the weather. Lisa, who was only wearing a t-shirt, didn't seem to be bothered by the cold.

Jennie eyed her girlfriend curiously as they passed by the woods.

"Aren't you cold?" Jennie asked, looking up to the blonde.

"Not really," Lisa shrugged. "Are you still cold?"

Jennie nodded without missing any beat. Lisa picked up the cue and brought Jennie closer to her body, her slender arm draped around the brunette's shoulders. Lisa then tilted her head down to establish a long, tender kiss on Jennie's temple.

"Where are we going?"

Jennie asked after meeting Lisa's lips in a brief kiss. Her hand rested on Lisa's waist, her head on her shoulder.

"Up the hills. You won't mind walking, right?"

Jennie followed the direction of Lisa's pointer finger, which lead onto a small hill. Jennie