Chapter 20

Jennie had prepared slides.

Not just a few slides.

A full—twenty-seven-slide—presentation.

Lisa should’ve known something was up the moment she walked into their living room and saw the lights dimmed, the curtains drawn, and the TV screen glowing with a pastel title card that read:

“Why We Should Adopt a Capybara: A Proposal by Jennie Kim.”

Lisa blinked.

Once.

Twice.

“…Nini?”

Standing proudly in front of the screen, holding a remote like she was about to pitch to a board of investors, was Jennie Kim—dressed in one of Lisa’s oversized hoodies, hair tied up, and a determined sparkle in her eyes.

“Welcome,” Jennie said formally, “to my presentation.”

Lisa tried not to laugh.

Tried.

Failed.

A soft giggle escaped as she dropped her bag by the couch. “What is this?”

Jennie gasped, scandalized. “This is serious, Lalisa.”

Lisa raised her hands in surrender, already smiling like she’d lost before this even began. “Okay, okay. Go ahead, Professor Kim.”

Jennie nodded, satisfied, and clicked to the first slide.

A picture of the most ridiculously adorable tiny capybara filled the screen.

Lisa’s heart betrayed her instantly.

“No,” she said weakly.

Jennie smirked. “You haven’t even heard the arguments yet.”

“I don’t need to. It’s already working.”

Jennie ignored her and continued, pacing slightly like she had rehearsed this a hundred times.

“Slide one: Emotional Benefits.”

Another click.

Now it was a collage—capybaras sitting calmly, letting birds perch on them, floating peacefully in water, being hugged by other animals.

“They are,” Jennie emphasized, pointing dramatically, “the calmest creatures on earth.”

Lisa nodded slowly, arms crossed. “Like you?”

Jennie shot her a look. “Exactly like me.”

Lisa snorted.

Jennie continued. “Imagine coming home after a long day and seeing this little baby just… vibing.”

Lisa’s lips twitched.

She could imagine it.

Too easily.

“Slide two: Relationship Enhancement.”

Lisa raised a brow. “Oh, this I need to hear.”

Jennie clicked.

Now there were edited photos—very poorly edited—of her and Lisa sitting beside a capybara, holding it like it was their child.

Lisa burst out laughing. “Did you make those?!”

“Yes,” Jennie said proudly. “Visual aids are important.”

Lisa leaned back into the couch, completely entertained now.

Jennie cleared her throat and read dramatically:

“Studies—conducted by me—suggest that couples who co-parent adorable animals experience increased happiness, reduced stress, and more cuddling.”

Lisa tilted her head. “We already cuddle a lot.”

Jennie’s expression softened for a second, cheeks slightly pink.

“…We could cuddle more.”

Lisa’s heart did that thing again.

That soft, helpless melting.

Still, she tried to hold on to some logic. “Nini… it’s a capybara. That’s not like… a normal pet.”

Jennie immediately clicked to the next slide.

“Slide three: Practicality.”

Lisa narrowed her eyes. “This better be good.”

Bullet points appeared:

Gentle and friendly

Gets along with other animals

Can be potty trained

Loves water (bath time buddy!)

Lisa laughed under her breath. “You just want a bath partner.”

Jennie pointed at her. “Don’t interrupt the presenter.”

Lisa zipped her lips, amused.

Jennie walked closer, lowering her voice slightly, switching from “formal presenter” to “soft Jennie mode.”

“And…” she clicked again.

The next slide wasn’t text.

It was a video.

A tiny capybara waddling clumsily toward the camera, squeaking softly.

Lisa’s entire resolve shattered.

“Oh my god,” she whispered.

Jennie watched her carefully, knowing she had her right where she wanted her.

“They’re gentle,” Jennie said softly. “They like cuddles. They’re quiet… calm… just… soft little babies.”

Lisa covered her face briefly, laughing in disbelief. “You’re evil.”

Jennie grinned. “I’m persuasive.”

Lisa dropped her hands and looked at her girlfriend—really looked.

At the way Jennie was practically glowing with excitement, how she was trying (and failing) to stay composed, how her eyes were pleading even though she was pretending this was all “professional.”

Lisa sighed.

Deeply.

Defeated.

“You already decided, didn’t you?”

Jennie bit her lip.

“…Maybe.”

Lisa stood up slowly and walked toward her, stopping just inches away.

“You made twenty-seven slides.”

“Twenty-eight,” Jennie corrected quietly. “There’s a conclusion.”

Lisa laughed softly.

Of course there was.

She reached out, gently tugging Jennie closer by the sleeve of her hoodie.

“You know I can’t say no to you.”

Jennie’s lips curved into that soft, triumphant smile.

“I know.”

Lisa squinted. “So this was all manipulation.”

Jennie shook her head innocently. “It was education.”

Lisa leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “You’re unbelievable.”

Jennie hummed against her. “So… is that a yes?”

Lisa hesitated for exactly half a second.

Then—

“Yes.”

Jennie gasped.

Actually gasped.

“You’re serious?!”

Lisa nodded, laughing as Jennie immediately threw her arms around her neck, nearly knocking them both over.

“We’re getting a capybara?!” Jennie squealed.

“We’re getting a capybara,” Lisa confirmed, holding her steady.

Jennie pulled back just enough to look at her, eyes shining.

“I love you.”

Lisa smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from Jennie’s face.

“I love you more… even if you ambushed me with a full business proposal.”

Jennie grinned. “Wait till you see the care schedule spreadsheet.”

Lisa froze.

“…The what?”

Jennie just winked.

—

A week later, their home was significantly quieter.

Not because nothing was happening—

—but because a tiny capybara, now named Mochi, was peacefully curled up between them on the couch.

Jennie was lying on Lisa’s shoulder, gently stroking Mochi’s back, completely in love.

Lisa watched the two of them—her girlfriend and their tiny, oddly-shaped new baby.

“…You were right,” Lisa admitted quietly.

Jennie smiled without looking up. “I know.”

Mocha squeaked softly in its sleep.

Jennie melted instantly.

Lisa shook her head, smiling.

She really never stood a chance.

And honestly?

She didn’t mind at all.