Feelings

Chapter 20

Today was the most awaited day for everyone, especially for Jennie and Lisa. Their performance was held at night since most of the students demanded to do it and watch it at nightfall. Jennie was glad that Henry was able to help write another set of lyrics for their song since she lost her notebook. And she had to admit, it was better than the one she had written. The program had already started and they’re going to perform depending whose name was picked from the bowl so everyone had to be attentive to who was going to perform next. Jennie was growing nervous especially now that she saw Lisa was sitting with the audience. She had to be great and she had to make sure that she had all the lyrics right.

Rosé and Jisoo had finished singing their song and they were thankful it wasn’t a mess like they thought it would be since they didn’t practice that much. Their plans on practicing always turned into cuddling and kissing. After they bowed to the audience, they went to the backstage and they were welcomed by a nervous Jennie peeking at the audience from where they should pass by.

“Lisa’s there okay.” Jisoo whispered to Jennie.

“I know, it’s just that I’m nervous. What do you think would be her reaction?” Jennie worriedly asked.

“Relax okay? Everything will turn out just fine. I mean look at us.” Jisoo linked her arms with Rosé. “We didn’t really prepare for this but it turned out great, I think. Don’t you think?” Jisoo asked Rosé.

“Everything’s better when we’re together.” Rosé beamed and Jisoo flashed a very bright smile.

“You two are making me puke.” Jennie made face and the two just giggled.

“Why don’t you practice with Henry while still waiting for your names to be called?” Rosé suggested.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Jennie sighed. “I’ll go ahead.” Jennie said and the two just nodded, letting Jennie dismissed herself.

“Want to make a bet?” Jisoo mischievously said to Rosé when they were finally alone.

“What is it this time?” Rosé playfully rolled her eyes as she chuckled.

“Jenlisa will happen tonight.” Jisoo smirked.

“Jenlisa?” Rosé raised an eyebrow. “When did you get so clever?” She pinched her nose affectionately.

“If I the two finally announce their love for each other, you’ll kiss me until I tell you to stop.” Jisoo wiggled her eyebrows.

“Well, then I can’t wait for them to finally confess.” Rosé winked.

Meanwhile, Jennie found Henry tuning his guitar. She cleared her throat for him to know her presence. He looked up to her and smiled.

“Hey.” Henry casually said. “You look nervous.” He lightheartedly chuckled.

“How can’t I be? The person I’m dedicating our song will be watching us.” Jennie took a deep breath.

“Who is he anyway if you don’t mind me asking?” Henry asked and Jennie halfheartedly chuckled.

“Actually, she’s Lisa.”

“Oh.” Henry nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“No, it’s fine.” Jennie smiled.

“Too bad I don’t really stand a chance with you. I mean you’re cute and I want to know you more and better. But I respect you so yeah, I wish you luck.” Henry smiled.

“We should do our best.” Jennie smiled back.

“Okay, now let’s see who’s going to perform next!” The host announced and the two paid their attention to the announcement. “Jennie Kim and Henry Lau.”

“Oh God.” Jennie gasped. “It’s our turn.”

“Let’s go, shall we?” Henry stood up and offered his hand to Jennie for her to hold.

“My hands are cold.”

“So are mine.” Henry said. “We’re up next, come on.” Jennie took a very deep breath and held Henry’s hand.

“Put your hands together for Jennie and Henry!” The host said as the two walked on stage, hand in hand, and the crowd cheered for them. Jennie nervously looked at Lisa who was smiling at her and clapping along with the crowd. Jennie and Henry bowed to the audience before the host interviewed them. “So before we start, can you tell us something about what you’re going to sing?” The host asked and Henry looked at Jennie, signaling her to answer the question. The latter nervously took the microphone and cleared her throat before answering.

“The song that we’re going to sing is about admiration to a person that you like although it’s just a small chance that the person you're admiring will ever notice you. So basically, this song is not just about love but also about hope.” Jennie locked her eyes on Lisa. “Hoping that one day they would notice you and admire you the way you admire them.”

When Jennie said those words, Lisa felt her heart beginning to beat faster than usual. Her lips slowly curved into a smile as she finally got the message.

“Did you write the song?” The host asked.

“Yes, we did.” Henry answered when Jennie passed the microphone to him.

“What or who inspired you to write the song?” Henry signaled Jennie to answer again.

“Uh...experiences and feelings I guess.” Jennie answered. “I hope everyone would pay attention to the words and feel it. Thank you.”

“Alright, thank you for that short introduction. Now ladies and gentlemen, Jennie and Henry!” The host made his exit and the two positioned themselves before starting their performance.

Henry looked at Jennie, waiting for the latter’s signal whether she’s ready or not. And when Jennie nodded, Henry started strumming his guitar. The spotlight was on Jennie and the crowd began listening intently to them. Jennie held her microphone tight and took a deep breath and closed her eyes before singing the lines.

Can’t help but smile when I think of you

Like the season, I’m falling for you

Would you be able to catch me when I do

And when the sun would refuse to shine

Your smile’s enough to light up the world

Making you mine is something I’ll keep in memory

Jennie opened her eyes and searched for Lisa’s. Jennie saw that Lisa was as nervous as her but Jennie tried her best to be as composed, but the crowd’s silence was not helping her.

’Cause baby it’s you

My heartbeat says that it's you

I want to be with you

My heart is yours baby

I’d let you know baby, that I love you

The crowd finally clapped along with Jennie and she finally felt at ease and gained more confidence singing the song. Jennie smiled and looked at Henry who was also smiling and nodded to encourage her.

Stolen glances when you are near

I feel like fainting when you look at me

I think all I need is to be brave enough to talk to you

In the middle of the performance, Jennie saw Tzuyu walking with two drinks in both hands and sat beside Lisa, handing one drink to her. The latter thanked her and Jennie’s smile slowly faded when she saw that Lisa’s attention wasn’t on her now. The two were talking and Jennie wasn’t sure what they were talking about because she was meters away from them.

Something tells me that I should stop

Clearly you are too perfect for me

I wish I could just do what my heart tells me to do

’Cause baby it’s you

My heartbeat says that it’s you

I want to be with you

But I’m so sorry baby

I’m not brave enough to say I love you

Jennie couldn’t make herself smile throughout their performance. Lisa and Tzuyu looked like they were discussing something serious and wasn’t even listening to Jennie sing. Gladly for Jennie, the song was almost done. She couldn’t wait to get off of stage and just hide.

Should I just say goodbye to my feelings for you

But I can’t, surely can’t

Turns out I can’t leave you

My heart beats for you, only you, only you, only you

You, I only want to be with you

Maybe in the future

I’ll have the strength that I need

To say these words to you, I love you

As the two finished their performance, their ears were filled with cheers. Jennie put her microphone down in dismay as she was still not taking her gaze off of Lisa. The latter finally put her attention to Jennie and clapped along with the crowd but she got confused by Jennie’s expression. Meanwhile, Henry was glad the the crowd liked their performance and was smiling all the time. The host went back on stage to congratulate the two.

“Once again, Jennie and Henry!” The host cheered and the crowd joined him by clapping. The two didn’t even have their final bow yet when Jennie gave the microphone to the host and ran to the backstage.

“Woah, are you in a hurry?” Jisoo joked when Jennie bumped into her. “You did really well up there. I’m sure she loved it.” She smiled.

“She wasn’t even listening.” Jennie mumbled, not meeting Jisoo’s eyes. “I’m going home.”

“But wait, what about Lisa? Aren’t you going to talk to her?”

“What’s the point?” Jennie tried to pass through Jisoo but she didn't let her. “Let me through.”

“You’re jealous of Tzuyu, aren’t you?”

“It doesn’t matter. Lisa’s clearly not interested.” Jennie bluntly said. “I’m going home, I’m tired.” She pushed Jisoo away with her shoulder and she finally passed through. She got her bag and started walking away.

“Where is she going?” Rosé asked, handing Jisoo a bottle of water.

“Well, I guess I got no kisses from you tonight.” Jisoo sadly sighed.

“What happened?„ Rosé confusedly asked.

“Let’s just leave her alone.” Jisoo said. “What I’m even more sad about is that I couldn’t let you kiss me until I tell you to stop.” Jisoo lightheartedly said to lighten up the mood.

“Who said I couldn’t do that?” Rosé raised an eyebrow with a smirk on her face. She wrapped her arms around Jisoo’s neck and gave her a chaste kiss. “I can kiss you whenever I want, no time limit.” Rosé said in a deep voice.

“Should we get away from here?” Jisoo smirked.

“Hmm, no.” Rosé removed her arms around Jisoo’s neck and walked away.

“Hey, being a tease doesn’t suit you!” Jisoo yelled and chuckled as she shook her head in defeat. Jisoo was about to drink her water when she saw Lisa running towards her. “Lisa!” Jisoo said in anticipation.

“Where’s Jennie?” She asked.

“She said she was going home.”

“Thank you!” Lisa panted and started running again.

“Uh...good luck!”

A/n: I just wanted to share with you that I wrote the lyrics based on Red Velvet’s ’Cause It's You. It’s not really the translation of that song but I interpreted it on my own based on this fic. I’m not creative with words (obviously) so I’m sorry if it’s cringey or corny or rubbish or whatever trash words you can describe it lol.