Chapter 31

The arena lights were blinding, the roar of the crowd louder than anything Lisa had ever heard—even through her noise-canceling headset.

But she didn’t need to hear them.

She only needed to hear one voice.

“Lili, you’ve got this!”

Lisa smiled—just a little—as she adjusted her keyboard. Even with thousands of fans screaming her name, she could pick out Jennie’s voice instantly. Always could.

Her girlfriend stood in the front row of the VIP section, waving a handmade banner that read “PLAYER LISA #1!!! (also my girlfriend hehe)” with little hearts scribbled all over it. It was embarrassing.

Lisa loved it.

—

“Final round,” her teammate muttered through comms. “We win this, we take the championship.”

Lisa cracked her knuckles. “Let’s end it.”

Her fingers moved like lightning across the keyboard, every movement precise, practiced, and deadly. On-screen, her character darted through the map, outmaneuvering opponents with impossible reflexes. The commentators were practically screaming.

But Lisa? Calm. Focused.

Except—

Her eyes flicked for a split second toward the crowd.

Jennie was bouncing on her toes, hands clasped together, eyes sparkling like Lisa had just hung the stars herself.

Lisa’s lips curved.

Alright… let’s make it pretty for you.

—

“IS THAT—NO WAY—LISA WITH THE CLUTCH PLAY—!”

The final opponent dropped.

Victory.

The screen flashed gold.

The arena exploded.

Lisa leaned back in her chair, exhaling as her teammates shouted in her ears, but her gaze had already found Jennie.

Who was crying.

Actually crying.

Lisa blinked. “Oh no…”

—

The moment the match ended, Lisa didn’t even wait for the full ceremony. The trophy could wait. Interviews could wait.

Jennie couldn’t.

She slipped backstage, weaving through staff and security until—

“LILI!”

Jennie collided into her at full speed, arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Lisa barely had time to react before she was hugging her back just as tightly.

“You did it!” Jennie beamed up at her, eyes glassy, cheeks flushed. “You were amazing! Like—insanely amazing! I almost fainted when you did that last play!”

Lisa chuckled softly, brushing Jennie’s hair away from her face. “You say that every time.”

“Because you are amazing every time!”

Lisa shook her head, but she couldn’t stop smiling. “You were louder than the entire crowd.”

“Good!” Jennie huffed, crossing her arms before immediately melting back into Lisa’s chest. “You need to hear your number one fan.”

Lisa raised an eyebrow. “Fan?”

Jennie peeked up at her. “And girlfriend,” she corrected quickly.

“Hmm.” Lisa pretended to think. “I like that title better.”

Jennie grinned, then suddenly poked Lisa’s cheek. “Also, you looked really cool out there.”

“I always look cool.”

“Yeah, but like—extra cool. Like movie main character cool.”

Lisa leaned down slightly, voice softening. “Only because you’re watching.”

Jennie froze.

Then her face turned red.

“L-Lili…”

Lisa laughed quietly and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead.

—

A few minutes later, Lisa was dragged back on stage for the trophy ceremony—but this time, she didn’t go alone.

Jennie stood just off to the side, hands clasped, trying (and failing) to act composed.

When Lisa lifted the trophy, cameras flashing everywhere, she didn’t shout or boast.

She just looked straight at Jennie.

And mouthed—

For you.

Jennie covered her mouth, tears spilling again, laughing through them.

—

Backstage, after everything had settled, Jennie sat beside Lisa while she absentmindedly scrolled through highlights of the match.

“You know,” Jennie said softly, leaning her head on Lisa’s shoulder, “I started watching esports because of you.”

Lisa hummed. “Yeah?”

“Mhm. At first, I didn’t understand anything.” Jennie giggled. “I just thought you looked really pretty on screen.”

Lisa snorted. “Wow. So supportive.”

“I am supportive!” Jennie protested, nudging her. “Now I understand everything. I know your strategies, your playstyle, even your habits—”

Lisa turned to her, amused. “My habits?”

Jennie nodded proudly. “You always tilt your head slightly when you’re about to make a risky play.”

Lisa blinked. “…I do?”

“Mhm. And you press your lips together when you’re focused.” Jennie demonstrated, earning a soft laugh from Lisa.

“Wow,” Lisa murmured, eyes warm. “You really watch me, huh?”

Jennie softened instantly. “Always.”

There was something quiet in that word. Something steady.

Lisa set her phone aside.

“Hey,” she whispered.

Jennie looked up.

Lisa cupped her cheek gently. “Thanks for being there. Every match.”

Jennie smiled, leaning into her touch. “I’ll always be there. Front row. Loudest one, too.”

“I know,” Lisa teased. “I couldn’t miss you even if I tried.”

“Good,” Jennie whispered.

And before Lisa could say anything else, Jennie leaned forward and kissed her.

Soft. Sweet. Proud.

When they pulled apart, Jennie rested her forehead against Lisa’s.

“My pro player,” she murmured.

Lisa smiled, wrapping her arms around her.

“My number one fan.”