Chapter 19

The apartment was unusually quiet—something that rarely happened when Jennie Kim was home.

Lisa noticed it the moment she stepped inside.

“Love?” Lisa Manoban called softly, slipping off her shoes and setting her bag down. No immediate teasing reply, no dramatic complaint about how long she’d been gone, no little pout waiting for her.

Suspicious.

Very suspicious.

Lisa followed the faint sound of rustling to the living room, where she found Jennie curled up on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, one hand resting unconsciously over her slightly rounded stomach. A half-finished glass of milk sat on the table beside her.

Lisa’s entire expression melted.

There she is.

“My Nini…” Lisa murmured, walking over quietly like she was approaching something fragile, sacred. “Why are you so quiet today, hm?”

Jennie looked up, her eyes instantly softening. “You’re late.”

There it was—the tiny pout.

Lisa smiled, crouching in front of her and gently brushing a strand of hair behind Jennie’s ear. “Traffic,” she said, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “But I’m here now.”

Jennie hummed, clearly satisfied, and shifted slightly. Lisa’s eyes immediately dropped to her stomach, her gaze filled with something deeper—something warm and almost overwhelming.

She still couldn’t believe it sometimes.

Jennie noticed and rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re staring again.”

“I can’t help it,” Lisa whispered, carefully placing her hand over Jennie’s. “Our baby is in there.”

Jennie’s expression softened, her fingers intertwining with Lisa’s. “You say that every time.”

“And I’ll keep saying it,” Lisa replied with a small grin, leaning in closer. “Because it’s true. And because… I’m still amazed you’re carrying our tiny human.”

Jennie huffed lightly, though her cheeks flushed. “I’m the one doing all the hard work, you know.”

Lisa gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? I’ve been doing important things too.”

“Oh really?” Jennie raised a brow.

“Yes,” Lisa said seriously. “Like… making sure you eat on time. And reminding you to rest. And—”

“And hovering,” Jennie cut in, amused.

Lisa grinned sheepishly. “That too.”

Jennie tried to look annoyed, but it didn’t last long. Not when Lisa leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her stomach.

“Hi, baby,” Lisa whispered softly. “It’s Mama Lisa. Be nice to Mommy today, okay? Don’t make her too tired.”

Jennie’s heart practically melted on the spot.

“You’re so cheesy,” she muttered, though her voice was fond.

Lisa looked up with a playful smile. “You love it.”

“I do,” Jennie admitted quietly.

There was a pause—comfortable, warm—before Jennie shifted again, her expression turning slightly softer, more vulnerable.

“Lisa…”

“Hm?”

“I feel… different today.”

Lisa’s playful demeanor immediately disappeared, replaced with concern. “Different how? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the doctor? Are you in pain? Should I—”

Jennie laughed, grabbing Lisa’s arm before she could spiral. “Hey, hey. Relax.”

Lisa blinked. “You said different!”

“I mean emotionally,” Jennie clarified, squeezing her hand. “I don’t know… I just feel more sensitive today.”

Lisa’s face softened instantly. She moved up onto the couch beside Jennie, wrapping an arm around her carefully and pulling her close.

“That’s okay,” Lisa murmured. “You can feel whatever you need to feel. I’m right here.”

Jennie leaned into her, resting her head against Lisa’s shoulder. “What if I’m not a good mom?”

Lisa didn’t even hesitate.

“You will be,” she said firmly.

Jennie looked up at her. “How do you know?”

Lisa smiled gently, brushing her thumb against Jennie’s cheek. “Because you already are. You worry, you care, you love so much it scares you—that’s exactly what makes you a good mom.”

Jennie’s eyes softened, her lips trembling slightly. “And you?”

Lisa chuckled softly. “I’ll just be the cool, supportive under-wife.”

Jennie snorted. “Under-wife?”

“Yes,” Lisa nodded seriously. “The one who follows orders, cooks when told, gives massages on demand, and worships both mommy and baby.”

Jennie laughed, the tension completely breaking. “You’re ridiculous.”

“But you married me,” Lisa shot back with a grin.

“Best decision I ever made,” Jennie whispered.

Lisa leaned in, pressing a slow, tender kiss to Jennie’s lips—soft, careful, full of warmth.

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

“I’ve got you,” she whispered. “Both of you.”

Jennie smiled, her hand finding Lisa’s again and guiding it back to her stomach.

Their baby.

Their little world.

And in that quiet moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth, everything felt exactly right.