Chapter Text
Jennie is standing in front of Lisa's apartment building with the palms of her hands a bit clammy, proof of the nervous feeling that tightens her throat slightly.
But it's not unpleasant. It reminds Jennie of the thrilling sensation that made her fingers tingly when she was about to land in New York almost six years go. It makes her remember the moment her grandmother convinced her to learn how to swim, claiming that it was going to be one of the few things not her body nor her mind were going to forget. It makes her think about the first time she went on a rollercoaster, Lisa right on her side, holding her hand tightly.
It makes Jennie reflect about all those moments in which taking a risk was absolutely worth it, and she has no doubt that the new relationship she’s starting to build with Lisa is just another one of those.
The brunette bites her lip then, trying to contain a smile, letting the sun kiss her skin. She's wearing a white top with black, skinny pants and a limited version of a Chanel jacket even herself was unsure to buy due to its prize. She tried to go for something simple yet fashionable, keeping comfort in her mind as Lisa had texted her the night before asking for the right to organize the first half of their date. Jennie was not disappointed at all. Actually, she would blush if she had to admit how romantically appealing the idea of a collaborative-planned first date was from her perspective, and how truly grateful she felt for it.
Jennie checks the time just because, given the fact that she texted Lisa barely three minutes go, but it was some sort of way of finding enough strength not to melt completely at the sight of her soon-to-be lover.
The brunette realizes that it's kind of useless, really, because as she sees her date opening the front door of the building, her heart begins to hammer against her chest and her knees weaken a bit.
There she is, Lisa, with her gorgeous facial features and her hair dyed in a jet-black color that makes her look too attractive. The leather jacket that hugs her body just in the right places definitely does not help Jennie to get over the dumbfound state her mind is swimming in at the moment.
The dark-haired girl gets closer to Jennie, her mouth slightly open as she stares at her in a dreamy manner.
"You look amazing”, Lisa murmurs when she is in front of the shortest brunette, and the suddenly deep voice mask Jennie snap out of her stupor.
"You look... wow. You are stunning. Like a model. Like the most gorgeous model. Wow".
Jennie knows she's practically babbling at the moment, but Lisa doesn't seem to care, as a soft chuckle escapes from her mouth.
"Really? I know you liked the blonde hair, but I wanted to try something different. I mean, it probably doesn't suit me very-"
"You look hot as hell".
Lisa stares at Jennie with an amused expression as the brunette blushes profusely.
She gets even closer, her arms embracing the shortest girl's shoulders as her eyes shine intently.
"Really? And how do I look like with my blonde hair?"
"Hot as hell...with blonde hair".
Lisa laughs loudly, unable to contain herself, and Jennie giggles as well, happy with her achievement.
The dark-haired girl looks at the brunette right in the eyes then, still smiling.
"You look hot as well".
Jennie leans forwards to peck Lisa softly, and when she pulls away quickly, the tallest girl pouts.
"I want to work for my kisses", she explains, and Lisa doesn't complain, really.
She's just amazed by romantic Jennie.
"No, but seriously, you look absolutely gorgeous".
"Thank you, pretty girl", the dark-haired girl leans forward to peck Jennie's nose lovingly.
Jennie hums, her cheeks apparently permanently pink now, and she hands Lisa an elegant bag with the gift she spent about three hours choosing.
"This is for you".
"Aw, baby, you didn't have to", Lisa tells her, the corners of her eyes a bit wrinkled, proof of the absolutely joyful feeling pooling from her heart.
She opens the package to reveal probably the most beautiful wristwatch she has ever seen, and the gasp that escapes from her mouth when she sees it is genuine.
"Nini, it's beautiful", she mumbles.
Jennie smiles, satisfied by Lisa's reaction. She helps the tallest girl in her task of putting it on, her fingers tickling when in contact with Lisa's skin.
"I'm glad you like it", she murmurs then, and the youngest girl places a soft kiss on her lips, unable to hold it in longer.
"You've earned it".
"One more?"
Lisa doesn't make her wait, this time puling Jennie into a slow, grateful kiss.
"This is already the best date I've ever had".
The dark-haired girl chuckles.
"That reminds me... I have something for you as well".
The brunette smiles immediately, the pad of her fingers tingling with the prospect of the surprise.
"Yeah?"
And Lisa notices immediately, really, as the shortest girl’s eyes shine just adorably, so she hands Jennie the envelope she hid on the back pocket of her jeans.
"This is for the first half of our date, if you'd like".
Jennie opens her gift quickly, excited, and she actually feels tears prickling in her eyes when she reveals it.
Two tickets for one of the places she's always wanted to visit.
"Lisa", she starts, her heart full of love and pure appreciation for the girl's gesture, "but you've visited the gallery already. Is it okay for you to go again?"
"Of course, babe. There are lots of things to see. And you know I love to hear you talk about art. You have such a deep, unique understanding of it, it's always inspirational".
Jennie doesn't even try so stop her tears, neither the sudden urge for a soft kiss. Lisa complies without hesitation.
"Are you okay? Want to do something else?"
"It's perfect", the brunette murmurs then, her eyes closed, her forehead against Lisa's, "you are perfect".
"Mmh, talking to yourself, I see".
Jennie doesn't answer, but just allows herself to relish in the feelings that Lisa's pure adoration produce in her whole body.
The tallest girl doesn’t rush her, just runs her fingers through deep chocolate, feeling like the luckiest girl ever.
When the brunette is ready, she opens her eyes to find Lisa staring at her intently.
"Let's go?"
"Yes. I think the lady living on the floor above mine is spying throughout the window. She asked if you were my girlfriend twice before you confessed, so I told her you weren't. I'm afraid she'll get mad at me and stop sending me pieces of cake on Wednesdays if she finds out we are dating".
Jennie laughs openly, a bit giddy with the realization that, at some point, she might be able to call Lisa her girlfriend.
"Let's go, love".
I mean, it’s not like they have a long way to go, anyway.
-
"Lis, look at that one. Wow".
Jennie points to a wide canvas with the painting of a flower-covered road that extends towards the horizon. It's quite simple at first sight, but beyond the vibrant mixture of colors, each brush seems to hold such a level of detail that the brunette feels simply captivated.
Lisa stares at the canvas for a while, truly appreciating it as well, but then, she can't stop herself from turning towards Jennie, who's still in some sort of artistic trance, her chocolate eyes bright and her mouth slightly open.
It makes the tallest girl's heart beat loudly against her chest.
If Jennie wasn't perfection, she was the closest to it any human being could be.
"It's beautiful", Lisa concedes then, considering that the gorgeous girl deserves an appropriate answer, "you really like these kind of paintings".
"I like bright colors", the brunette answers then, and turns to look at the tallest girl.
The light of her eyes never diminishes.
"But not for clothing", Lisa tells her, taking the shortest girl's hand in hers without even thinking much about it.
Jennie notices, and she's delighted.
"Not for clothing, just for... art, I guess".
They began walking side by side, enjoying each other's company, looking at the many paintings around them with interest.
"But it is a form of art, isn't it? Fashion in general. Combining colors and fabrics and styles. Maybe that's why you have such a great eye for it. You are an artist yourself", Lisa tells Jennie, and the brunette needs a few seconds to recover from the rush of warmth the comment produces in her heart.
She kind of feels like tearing up, really, out of pure happiness, and contents herself with squeezing the dark-haired girl's hand a bit.
"That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever been told".
Lisa looks at her, a bit surprised.
"It's true. I don't know why I didn't tell you before, honestly", she makes a pause, reflecting, "but I'm working on sharing my feelings more often".
"Yes?"
"Yeah. I'm going to start voicing my thoughts, so be ready for lots of compliments".
Jennie giggles shyly.
"Do I get lots of compliments in your head?"
Lisa blushes only slightly.
"Well, it's not my fault, really", she teases then, smiling, "maybe if somebody stopped being so amazing for a second..."
Jennie bites her lower lip, and looks around quickly before kissing Lisa's cheek.
"You are amazing. I'm also working on my feelings, you know?"
The tallest girl can tell, obviously, but she knows Jennie wants to share her process.
"Is that so, baby?"
"Yes. I'm at the beginning, though. I'm working on understanding them, first. And letting myself feel them".
"And how's the outcome?" Lisa asks, genuinely curious.
"It's even better than I thought it would be", the brunette stares at the tallest girl then, a soft smile adorning her sharp features, "I'm really happy. I know that for sure".
Lisa grins widely, full of joy as well, as they stop in front of a painting portraying a woman holding an umbrella in soft tones of blue and green.
They stare at it, silently, comfortable.
"This one is beautiful as well".
"I know, right? You can almost feel the breeze that rustles the grass".
Jennie hums in agreement.
"Can I ask you something, babe?"
The brunette tries not to smile too widely at the nickname.
"Yes, love".
"You've wanted to come here since you first came to New York. Why waiting so long, then? I mean, you could've come at some point, right?"
Jennie feels herself blushing already.
"I... I didn't want to come alone, I guess".
Lisa brings her free and to caress Jennie's cheek in comfort.
"Oh".
"I mean, I've always thought... this is silly, please don't laugh".
"I would never", Lisa frowns.
"I've always considered art galleries to be kind of... romantic. Or at least the kind of place you go with somebody important, you see? Because you get to share your perspectives, and just talk, and admire the art... I don't know, it's probably me thinking too much into it".
The tallest girl feels absolute endearment making her knees a bit weak.
"To much? Are you telling me, an art lover, that considering art galleries to be romantic is too much? Too much perfect, maybe! Just like you, apparently. I don't even know how I got this lucky".
Jennie smiles showing her gums then, her cheeks blushing in the cutest way, and tiptoes girlishly to peck Lisa's lips repeatedly.
The tallest girl giggles between kisses, beaming.
When the brunette decides it’s enough (it never seems to be, really), she looks at Lisa right in the eyes.
"I can't believe I didn't realize you were the one for me before".
"But we are here now, right?"
Lisa holds Jennie's face delicately between her hands.
"We are. And I'm staying. So please, stay?"
The dark-haired girl doesn’t have to even think about it.
"Yes", she says, and leans forward to kiss Jennie's forehead softly.
Lisa stares at her for a second before leaning in to whisper in her ear.
"The lady a few meters behind us keep looking at us. I don't know if she thinks we are cute or she want us gone".
"She kind of gave me a thumbs up and some eyebrows wiggles when you were not looking, so I think it's the first option".
Lisa laughs a bit too loudly.
"Ready for the second part of our date, miss Manoban? Or do you want to keep staring at the art a bit longer?"
"I'm ready to go, honey, but I'm afraid of security not letting me do so".
"What? Why?"
Lisa stares at Jennie seriously, her expression slightly concerning.
"I'm taking a masterpiece with me".
The brunette hits Lisa's shoulder softly biting the inside of her cheeks, her eyes shining in such a way the tallest girl considers her flirty comment to be successful.
"You are so cheesy!"
"I'm feeling inspired, love!"
Jennie groans a bit, so happy that her heart flutters, and she hides her face in the crook of Lisa's neck.
When she peeks around, the lady the tallest girl mentioned before is staring at her again, this time gesturing towards her ring finger with a wide smile.
Jennie knows what it means.
She is the one.
So the brunette smiles back and nods once, determined.
"Ready, babe?"
"Yes, Lili. Hope you are hungry".
"I am starving", Lisa answers, and they make their way outside the gallery, their hands clasped together.
And their hearts full.
-
"We're almost there, love", Jennie murmurs.
They are walking through a clean stone path along the waterfront of one of the wealthiest parts of the city.
Lisa is looking around excitedly, taking in her surroundings, letting her gaze linger in the way in which the clean sea meets the now changing sky.
Jennie is smiling softly without realizing, watching the beginning of the sunset reflecting just wonderfully in Lisa's eyes.
Their fingers are intertwined, they've been since Jennie decided to park her car to walk to their destination, and she knows that the dark-haired girl is making an effort to keep her slow pace.
It fills her chest with pure love.
"It's okay. I really like this. I've never been at this side of the city before. It's beautiful".
Lisa turns to look at the brunette and her breath literally itches when she catches the sight of the golden sunlight kissing Jennie's skin.
The shortest girl stares back, clearly content with the tallest girl's comment.
"I'm glad you like it, babe"
Lisa stays silent for a minute, still walking at Jennie's side, still looking at her with glistening eyes.
"You're the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen", she mumbles then, and the brunette widens her eyes before chucking slightly.
"Oh, are you trying to charm me?"
"I always am", Lisa answers with a dopey smile, and kisses the palm of Jennie's hand, "but it's true. You are like, ethereal level of beauty. Are you an angel, babe?"
"No", the brunette protests, hitting the tallest girl's shoulder playfully, "Please stop with that. I shouldn't be blushing at you being overly cheesy".
"I'll only obey because you are clearly a superior being".
Jennie bits her lip as she rolls her eyes good-naturedly.
She can almost hear Jisoo whispering whipped in her ear.
"Oh, look, here we are", she says then, as they both start approaching a group of wooden picnic tables.
Only one of them is set, two wine glasses, a bottle of rosé, and a picnic basket on top of a white tablecloth.
Lisa looks at the setting for a few seconds before turning to Jennie again, her doe eyes shinny.
"Is this for us?"
"Yes, babe. Do you like it?"
The dark-haired girl smiles big and squeezes Jennie's hand softly, dragging her a bit to take a better look at the table without letting her go.
"Jennie, this is beautiful!"
The brunette smiles in satisfaction as she sits down, prompting Lisa to do the same just in front of her.
"Oh! And we get to see the sunset!", the tallest girl exclaims, turning her head a bit to watch the sun's slow departure.
"I know. It's kind of cool right?"
Lisa smiles at Jennie then, tilting her face lightly.
"It's gorgeous, and sweet, and I love it. How did you manage to get everything ready?"
"The girls helped. They set the table, actually".
The dark-haired girl narrows her eyes as she analyzes the setting once again.
"On their own?", she asks.
"I might have sent a picture of how I wanted it..."
"Ah! You see? The eye of an artist. I knew it", Lisa states proudly then, and Jennie can't help but to feel a confidence boost.
The tallest girl takes her hand once again then, missing the skinship.
"It's really wonderful Jen. Thank you so much for this", she murmurs, and kisses the back of the brunette's hand reverently.
"Well, you haven't tried the food yet. It might be awful".
Lisa looks at her in surprise.
"You made it yourself?"
"Yeah. I mean, it's just... sandwiches".
Jennie looks a little embarrassed, which makes the tallest girl squeeze the brunette's fingers between hers.
"I love sandwiches".
The shortest girl opens the picnic casket then, as Lisa pours some wine on their glasses.
"Here", Jennie says, and opens the envelope that contains the food.
"Jen, those are gourmet sandwiches", the tallest girl murmurs then, feeling her stomach grumble with sudden hunger.
"Well... I have some decency".
The dark-haired girl laughs openly then.
It's been years, and Jennie still manages to surprise her.
"They look delicious", Lisa tells her, as she grabs one sandwich and takes a big bite.
She hums loudly in appreciation, and Jennie knows she's being sincere because of the slight wrinkles that appear at the corner of her eyes.
Well done, Kim.
And they begin to eat, then, as they engage in a casual, comfortable conversation, happy under the golden light, relishing on the feeling of being completely in tune with each other.
"So, Jisoo didn't find it strange?"
"What?", Jennie asks.
"Us...dating, you know".
Jennie snorts, clearly amused by Lisa's adorable hesitation.
"No at all. Yesterday, twenty minutes after I got home, she appeared on my front door with a cake literally decorated with the phrase I told you girls are cuter".
Lisa chokes in her wine as a chuckle escapes from her mouth.
"And your parents? Do they know?"
Jennie reaches out with her hand motioning Lisa to take it.
"Yes. Mom sent me an audio literally squeaking in happiness. Dad was a bit more surprised... until he remembered how we used to choose my single bed over the king-sized one in the guests' room during our pajama parties".
The dark-haired girl smiles a little.
"I'm glad they are okay with it. I was a bit afraid of your dad, honestly", she thinks for a moment before widening her eyes a bit, "Oh! He must think..."
She blushes hard, and Jennie bits her lower lip so as not to laugh loudly.
"Well... he might have his ideas..."
"Oh! But we didn't. I mean, it wasn't like that. You didn't even like me", Lisa exclaims, her words coming out in a rush.
Jennie stares at her silently for a second.
"You know... I'm not sure about my feelings back then. I was dating all those anti-soap boys, true, but... you were always there, you know?"
Lisa lets her chin rest on the palm of her right hand, listening intently.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I mean... I kind of hated all those guys that kept flirting with you unsuccessfully".
"Nini, there weren't that many", Lisa complains then, her voice whiny.
"There were! And that girl that didn't leave your side during my last year..."
Jennie doesn't realize she's kind of pouting.
"We were just friends, I swear!"
"But she liked you", the brunette tells her, eyes narrowing.
Lisa shrugs once before kissing Jennie's knuckles.
"What about now, Jen?"
"Now I feel like I might burst with happiness", the shortest girl mumbles, clearly affected by Lisa's sweet gesture.
The tallest girl giggles.
"And I'm happy as well, babe. But I was talking about your feelings, you know, right now. Towards us".
"Now"... Jennie begins slowly, melting under Lisa’s soft eyes, "I know I’m the luckiest person ever because I'm on a date with the most talented, gorgeous, considerate girl who just happens to be my childhood friend. And I'm a bit frustrated as well because I can't wait to ask her to be my girlfriend, but it might be too early".
Lisa's eyes become a bit teary, a shocking wave of fondness making her lean forwards quickly to peck Jennie a few times.
"Do you really think it's too early?"
"Not really, I think it's an overdue, actually, but I'm just trying to find an excuse to take you out on another date".
The tallest girl beams.
"Sit by my side", she murmurs, and Jennie complies.
They cuddle for a while, Lisa's arm around Jennie's waist as the brunette leans her head against her shoulder.
They both move their bodies so they are able to look at the sunset, the colors playing in the sky somehow prettier than ever.
"You know?" Lisa tells Jennie, her voice velvety, "I've been dreaming about you".
The brunette blinks, her heart beating faster.
"Yes?" she asks then, breathless.
"Yes. I know it's kind of weird, but it started even before we saw each other again".
Jennie turns then, looking at Lisa in the eyes.
"I've been dreaming about you as well".
It makes sense, somehow.
"Really?" Lisa asks her, surprised.
"Yes", Jennie tells her, and her eyes begin to prickle a bit.
"Honey?" the tallest girl asks, her free hand quick to catch the brunette's tears, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. It's just... we are meant to be. This is going to work".
Lisa frowns lightly, but smiles nevertheless.
"Oh? Really? So, that's good then".
Jennie chuckles.
"Yes. I'm being all... extra, but..."
Lisa kisses her.
"Not at all, honey. Or maybe you are. I don't care. I like it".
The brunette smiles big then, her gums showing, and Lisa presses their foreheads together.
"I mean... it's kind of curious how you want to wait for our second date to ask me to be your girlfriend but you practically tell me we are soulmates on the first one..."
She's teasing, and Jennie can tell.
"Lisa", she whines, but doesn't pull away, "I have the date planned already, that's why".
She pouts, knowing she can disarm her lover.
Lisa doesn't even put a fight, just begins to press soft kisses against Jennie's face.
The brunette giggles without control, filled with the purest elation.
The sky turns purple, and blue, and yellow, and pink.
The sun keeps departing, slowly.
The next time it rises, it will be summer already.