When Thai transfer student Lalisa Manoban enrolls at her new Korean academy, she expects a hopeful fresh start away from the sadness she left behind. But when Lisa meets the popular and charming Jennie Kim, everything changes.
Minute by minute. Hou...
The night went on as expected. Drinks and dancing, mingling with others and trying to forget the sadness of the past few years. I knew I'd reached my alcohol limit when I felt a strange numbness, a lack of genuine awareness of my surroundings. A false sense of happiness and relaxation.
As promised, Jennie introduced my friends to the cheerleader squad and to say they were elated would be an understatement. It was especially true for Yuri who seemed idolised by a girl called Yoona. Likewise with Winter who seemed to be flirting with one of Jennie's cheerleader friends, Karina.
Yet from across the room, Jennie seemed to be observing me in fascination. She stared for endless minutes but each time her eyes met mine, she would quickly and not so subtly glance away.
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But I was more concerned with my cousin. Rosé spent much of the evening by my side, keeping an eye on me as she always did until Jisoo's reappearance coaxed her away for a moment alone.
With concern I went after her, sensing that Jisoo was trouble with bad intentions. Yet in my tipsy state, I lost my way in the maze of rooms and ended up exactly where I'd started. And so, I continued to drink in the hope it might bring the night closer to end. Before I knew it, I'd stumbled away from the lounge hoping for a moment of peace to be alone.
One hallway looked just like the last and after taking the path in the wrong direction, I ended up outside on the Kim's veranda. It was peaceful, overlooking the spectacular views of the acres of lush green gardens with a fountain at its heart that surrounded the Manor.
The sound of distant music pulsated behind me, electrifying the senses as I stared out and took in the fresh, evening air. Steadying myself, I sat on the edge of the fountain playing with the trickles of water that slipped through my fingertips. The cold sensation was such a contrast to the warmth of my hands.
I sat there for minutes, maybe even an hour as the cool air helped my weary head with its magic, beginning to sober me up. Lost in thought, I was taken aback when I suddenly noticed a presence appear next to me.
Beside me sat a girl I vaguely recognised from one of my classes. She was simply stunning with long brown hair in loose braids and a beautifully, kind smile to be adored. Her auburn eyes twinkled in the radiance of the moonlight.
She seemed somewhat concerned by my evidently tipsy self, apparent as I felt my eyelids become heavier. I gave a small smile, fortunately still able to maintain my composure.
"Are you okay?" She spoke quietly, her voice soft and sincere with a hint of a distinctive accent possibly indicating she wasn't of Korean origin unlike many of the other girls I'd met.
I nodded my head, continuing to look down at the water. "I will be."
There was a moment of silence until she spoke out again. "Why are you alone?"
