Room 97

Chapter 10 [M/TW]

Jennie couldn’t believe what just happened. Lisa just kissed her. Did that mean anything? Did that mean Lisa liked her too?

“You’re crazy.” Jennie breathed as took a look at Lisa.

“Maybe I am.” Lisa smiled. “You matter to me.” Jennie chuckled.

“Those were my words, couldn’t you be more creative?” Jennie teased.

“I like you.” Lisa softly said. “Stay?”

Jennie sighed as she took a step back as she put her hands on Lisa’s shoulder. “Why would I even leave? I’m not going anywhere.” She chuckled. “I’ll just return the first aid kit and I’ll be right back, okay?” Jennie assuredly said and Lisa just nodded in defeat.

Jennie couldn’t feel her face from smiling too much as she closed the door. Lisa just told her she liked her. Lisa liked her! But she shouldn’t forget her aim to know Lisa’s past. It was her main goal anyway.

Her smile was still plastered on her face as she returned the first aid kit inside the medicine cabinet at the office and Jisoo walked in and she saw Jennie.

“Hey, how’s Lisa? I heard she...” Jisoo stopped in the middle of her sentence when she saw Jennie’s smile as she closed the medicine cabinet. “Whoa whoa, are happy because Lisa hurt herself?”

“What? No.” Jennie dismissively said as she chuckled.

“Then tell me why are you smiling like an i***t? Was it because your new patient was really handsome?” Jisoo teased.

“He’s got looks but...” Jennie flashed her gummy smile again. “Lisa told me she likes me.” She said and she felt the butterflies in her stomach were going to explode, she wanted to feel Lisa’s soft lips on hers again.

“What?!” Jisoo whispered-shouted and she gasped. “Wow, I didn’t know someone who’s heartless enough to kill someone would fall in love.” Jisoo intriguingly said. “But with that being said, I’m kind of scared for you. I mean what if—”

“She will never. I trust her.” Jennie smiled.

“So you really do like her, don’t you?” Jisoo teased.

“So what if I do?” Jennie lightheartedly said. “But please keep this a secret, okay?”

“Roger that. Your secret is safe with me.” Jisoo winked.

“I’ll go ahead.” Jennie said with a smile and started walking out of the office.

“Don’t do nasty things!”

“I’m a decent woman for God’s sake!” Jennie yelled back as she laughed.

Jennie had never felt so excited opening Lisa’s door. She wanted to hold her. She wanted to kiss her. Once she unlocked and opened the door, she was welcomed and surprised by Lisa’s lips crashing against hers as the latter’s hands started to wander on Jennie’s torso, pulling her closer. She felt the adrenaline rush running through her system, she missed Lisa’s lips so much even though they just kissed a while ago. But Jennie broke the kiss and inhaled some air. She reminded herself about her goal.

“What?” Lisa asked in confusion and Jennie closed the door behind her.

“Why are you doing this?” Jennie asked.

“So you could stay.”

“Again, I’m not going anywhere.” Jennie softly smiled.

“Don’t see that man again. I don’t like him.” Lisa said in a serious tone and walked to the edge of her bed to sit. Jennie followed her and sat across her.

“How many times should I explain that he needs me? He needs my help.” Jennie said.

“I need you too.”

“I thought you said before that you don’t need my help? You don’t need anyone to save you?”

“I was just afraid back then.” Lisa lowered her gaze.

“Afraid of what?” Jennie leaned in closer interestingly and Lisa sighed.

“I was afraid that I would be alone again.”

“Alone? I just got here and you’re already thinking about being alone? And what do you mean by ‘again’?” Jennie curiously asked.

“Chaeyoung left me.”

Chaeyoung. How could Jennie forget that name? It was another mystery she needed to solve. And finally, Lisa was starting to open up to her. She could finally put the puzzle pieces together slowly.

“Who is she?” Jennie asked even though she already knew who that person was. She just wanted Lisa to talk more.

“She was my nurse. She was the one who brought me here.” Lisa started. “Many believed I killed her.”

“Did you?”

“I didn’t.”

***

Five years ago, Chaeyoung, together with the other doctors and nurses was sent out on a medical mission at a secluded place. They stayed there for a month so they could check and help people there as much as possible, as much as they can.

Chaeyoung met Lisa in that place. She saw Lisa was attempting to steal something from her bag that was placed on a chair away from her. She saw how Lisa rummaged her bag and everyone was too busy to even notice what was happening. Chaeyoung just watched her bag being robbed. When Lisa got her wallet, she cautiously looked around first before hiding it under her dirty shirt and walked away slowly like nothing happened. Chaeyoung excused herself first to secretly follow Lisa.

When Lisa was finally away from the crowd, she quickly pulled the wallet under her shirt and checked the money inside it. Chaeyoung slowly walked towards her so Lisa wouldn’t notice.

“How much did you get?” Chaeyoung asked and Lisa got startled and attempted to run, but Chaeyoung held the hem of her shirt. “Wait, I’m not calling the police.” Chaeyoung assured and Lisa slowly looked at her. Chaeyoung gave her a smile. “It’s actually my wallet but I don’t have much in there.” She chuckled and Lisa felt her cheeks burned in embarrassment. “Are you hungry?” She asked and Lisa just silently nodded. “Then let’s eat. My treat.” She smiled once more and Chaeyoung bought something for Lisa.

They sat on a piece of wood on the ground and Chaeyoung just watched Lisa hungrily biting the food she bought for her.

“You don’t have to steal if you’re hungry, you know.” Chaeyoung said. “People with good hearts still exist.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Lisa said, not meeting Chaeyoung’s eyes.

“It’s okay. People do things to fulfill their needs.” Chaeyoung smiled. “I’m Chaeyoung by the way.” She extended her hand for a handshake. “You are?”

“Lisa.” She shyly held Chaeyoung’s hand and shook it.

“Can you promise me to not steal again? It will do you no good.”

“Then how should I live if I stopped stealing?”

“Don’t you have any family?” Lisa shook her head.

“I’ve been alone ever since.”

“So where do you live?”

“In the streets.” Lisa answered and Chaeyoung nodded in understanding.

“Do you want me to help you?”

“How would you help me?” Lisa asked and she looked at Chaeyoung.

“This might not sound as good but I can take you to a mental hospital, there’s food there and bed—”

“Whoa, I steal things but that doesn’t mean I’m crazy.” Lisa said, kind of shocked by Chaeyoung’s offer.

“I know, but that’s the least I could do for now. And it’s safe there, you don’t have to worry about the food. Although I got to say their food is not really that good.” Chaeyoung lightheartedly chuckled. “And don’t worry, I’m always there in case you’re worried about making friends.” She added. “So that’s my offer. Meet me where you got my wallet tomorrow if you’d consider it. You only have today to think about it because we’re leaving tomorrow noon.” Chaeyoung smiled and stood up. “I’ll see you around.” She said and started walking back to the tent to help the others.

Lisa watched Chaeyoung as she walked away from her. It was the first time that someone showed Lisa kindness. People would usually always shoo her away or even throw things at her. She immediately decided to consider Chaeyoung’s offer. She didn’t have to live in the streets, rob other people’s things, get something thrown at her. Maybe it would be a good idea to start anew.

The next morning, Chaeyoung saw Lisa standing outside the tent. She smiled and approached Lisa and the latter looked at her.

“So, you coming with us?” Chaeyoung asked and Lisa nodded.

“But I just have a question. How should I do this? You know, being ‘crazy’?”

“Well, I don’t know if you’d get this but I’ve never seen someone who has clinical lycanthropy so I want you to act like you have that kind of illness. Clinical lycanthropy is a mental illness wherein the sufferer thinks they are able to turn themselves into an animal and act like one.” Chaeyoung explained.

“That sounds unbelievable and ridiculous.” Lisa scoffed.

“And in this case, you’re going to act very dangerous.”

“Fine.” Lisa nodded. “Act dangerous. Got it.”

“But wait, one thing is missing.” Chaeyoung said and Lisa gave her a confused look. Chaeyoung bent down to brush her fingers on the ground and then got up to wipe her dirty fingers on Lisa’s face. “There, perfect.”

“You made my face dirty.” Lisa blinked in confusion.

“Just to make it believable that you live somewhere dirty.”

“This place is dirty.”

“You know what I mean.” Chaeyoung chuckled. “Let’s go?” Lisa nodded as she took a deep breath.

Chaeyoung entered the tent with Lisa behind her and her colleagues glanced at her with a questioned look.

“Who do you got there?” Namjoon asked as he continued packing his things.

“She’s Lisa, I believe she needs our help and care.” Chaeyoung said and glanced at Lisa who was giving everyone a glare. Chaeyoung suppressed a chuckle, maybe Lisa was trying a little hard to look convincing.

Lisa went with them in a van, Chaeyoung tied her wrists to make the act a little more convincing.

After 3 years of being in the asylum, Lisa and Chaeyoung found themselves falling in love with each other. They didn't really expect that they would fall in love, it just happened and they liked it.

“Maybe if I have enough savings I’ll get you out of here so we can finally live together. And then I’ll cook for you, shower you with kisses and cuddles.” Chaeyoung said with a smile, the two were at the mini garden sitting on a bench. “You won’t need to eat those garbage food that are served at the cafeteria.” She held Lisa’s hand in secret so no one would notice. “We could finally spend more time together.” She sweetly said.

“You’re doing so much for me Chaeng, and you’re making me feel guilty that I can’t give you something in return.” Lisa said and she sighed.

“Lisa.” Chaeyoung looked at Lisa so lovingly. “You are enough for me.” She smiled.

“Oh god.” Lisa chuckled as she shook her head. “I think this is the most insane thing that we did in our life. You put me here in the asylum just so I wouldn’t be living a miserable life in the streets and me, I still couldn’t believe I considered your offer.”

“Just admit it, you accepted my offer because of my charm.” Chaeyoung joked as she chuckled.

“Alright, maybe you are charming.” Lisa laughed. “But what if they found out that I’m not really crazy to be here? They’d probably threw me out of here and then I’d live in the streets again, and you might lose your job because of me.”

“Just stay in character so no one would notice.”

“It’s hard to stay in character when you’re around. When I see you, I can’t help but smile and I couldn’t keep a straight face.” Lisa chuckled. “I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you more.” Chaeyoung whispered back and squeezed Lisa’s hand affectionately.

The skies were slowly began to turn gray. The garden slowly emptied as the patients were returning inside the vicinity with their nurses. Chaeyoung stood and extended her hand to Lisa.

“Let’s get inside before it rains.” Chaeyoung said and Lisa grabbed her hand with a smile.

Before they could enter inside, someone blocked their way and Chaeyoung looked at the person in front of her and she saw Namjoon with Mr. Choi standing behind him.

“Namjoon, Mr. Choi, how are you doing?” Chaeyoung asked and she felt nervous for some unknown reason.

“Chaeyoung, may we have a word with you and your patient?” Namjoon said and shot a look at Lisa who was now glaring at him.

“S-sure.” Chaeyoung hesitantly said and held Lisa’s hand tightly. “What are we going to discuss?”

“About your patient.” Namjoon said.

“Namjoon told me something about her.” Mr. Choi said as he took a step forward. “Chaeyoung, this is not some sort of charity. This is a hospital. We cure people. We don’t let just anyone here who is not ill. You do know that, right?”

“Yes, sir.” Chaeyoung quietly answered as she averted her gaze from him and she took a step back when he was coming closer to her.

“What was her illness again?” Mr. Choi asked.

“C-clinical lycanthropy, s-sir.” Chaeyoung stuttered nervously.

“And you think such illness is real?” He took a step closer.

“I’ve read about it.” Chaeyoung slowly took another step back and if looks could kill, Mr. Choi would’ve been dead sooner by Lisa’s glare. It was already drizzling and it was slowly starting to wet Chaeyoung and Lisa.

“Come on, just tell me the truth. Is she really ill or not?”

“She is.” Chaeyoung lifted her gaze.

“She doesn’t look like it.” Namjoon said. “We’re sorry but I think we should get your patient out of here, she doesn’t belong here.” Namjoon walked closer to the two but Chaeyoung quickly let go of Lisa’s hand to get her pen inside her pocket and made Lisa hold it and she held her wrist to point it on her throat. Namjoon stopped in his tracks, surprised by Lisa’s action.

“What are you doing?” Lisa whispered as they were slowly walking backwards, away from Namjoon and Mr. Choi.

“Just play your part.” Chaeyoung whispered back. “Pretend you’re going to kill me, be dangerous. I won’t let them take you away.”

“There’s no need to be dangerous.” Namjoon said as he was slowly walking towards them. “I won’t hurt you. We’ll just talk.” He assuredly said.

“Stay away!” Lisa shouted as she tried to keep her voice stern but she was really scared. “Stay away or I’ll kill her!” She warned and her eyes started to blur with her tears as it started to rain.

“Put that pen down, we’ll just talk. Come on.” Namjoon said. “Why are you suddenly being violent?”

“It is my nature. Take one more step or I’ll stab this pen in her throat.” Lisa said in her low voice, her hands starting to tremble. The other nurses started to surround them to watch.

“Namjoon, I’ll handle th’s. Go get the sedative shot.” Mr. Choi said and Namjoon immediately ran to get the sedative shot. “Lisa, you don’t have to do this.” He said and slowly took a step closer.

“What are we going to do?” Lisa whispered.

“Don’t hate me. I’m sorry.” Chaeyoung said as her voice broke. Lisa knitted her brows when she lifted her hand and stabbed herself in her throat and everyone around them gasped in shock.

“What are you doing?!” Lisa whispered-shouted.

“I have to do this for you.” Chaeyoung said and blood started to drip from her throat. “So you could stay.” She slit her throat down and pain was evident in her face.

“No.” Lisa’s tears began to fall as she felt Chaeyoung getting heavy in her arms. “Why did you do that?! Are you crazy?!” Lisa tried to keep her voice down.

“I want to help you, but I’m sorry that it has to end here.” Chaeyoung sadly smile as a tear escaped her eye. “Keep the act to survive...okay?” She coughed blood.

“Chaeng...” Lisa silently cried as Chaeyoung’s knees grew weak, she lied her down on the ground as Chaeyoung’s clean uniform was covered in her own blood.

“I’m sorry. I...love you.” Chaeng breathed out as she reached for Lisa’s face and she slowly closed her eyes.

Lisa squeezed her eyes shut as she grasp on Chaeyoung’s blood-stained uniform. She felt her heart crushed with what had just happened. She didn’t know it would come to this.

“Lisa—”

“Ahhhh!” Lisa’s shout interrupted Mr. Choi.

“Lisa, listen—”

“If you still don’t believe, I will call the wolfpack to eat you alive.” Lisa warned with a glare.

“Okay, I believe you. But please let’s talk.” Mr. Choi calmly said as he tried to get closer.

“Stay away!” Lisa yelled as she pointed her the pen that was covered in blood. “Stay away or I’ll kill myself!” She heard everyone gasped again. Lisa glanced at Chaeyoung. “I love you too.” Lisa whispered.

Lisa was about to stab herself but she felt something stung in her back. She didn’t know what exaxtly that was but she saw her surroundings becoming blurry and she felt weak. She fell on the ground, her head facing the sky and the last thing she saw before she closed her eyes was lightning.