Maybe I should call someone who’s more skilled than myself, is what Jiwon thought while browsing through the possible items he could buy. He had never been good at picking presents— in fact, he was tactless and distracted. Clueless, if he were completely honest, and that was exactly what he wanted to come across as. A few of his members, when serious, usually answered with ideas at a less-than-face value price so when he first considered texting Jennie, he declined his own proposal. Pride, maybe. Perhaps he was even embarrassed to ask for help.
“Maybe I should call my mom—” he muttered underneath his breath as he poked through a rack of perfume, picking one up to sniff and placing it back just as quickly.
I’m texting Jennie, he thought, tugging at his pockets before giving it another second thought.
You’re such a sap. It suddenly resonated loudly, Jiwon shaking his head and changing his mind within nanoseconds. If he went to her, she’d be calling him that all over again and he didn’t want another episode of it. Still— he couldn’t go to Lisa due to the fact that he knew how bad she was in picking presents. Dragging her to tag along would just result in eight hours of nonstop bickering. If there was anyone who would be able to help him pick out a present, it would be the queen of saps herself. Beats me, he sighs, finally taking out his phone to send a message.
[ sms → k. jennie ] so i’m looking for a gift for my girl— and i figured i should go to the best of the best. think you can share a few hours to help me?
People coming to her, asking for help on what to give their significant other wasn’t a familiar concept which is ironic for someone who searches ‘creative date ideas’ or ‘how to be romantic’ on the Internet. Half the time she didn’t really know what she was doing and she wasn’t entirely aware it came natural to her because of the denial she’d been carrying out for years. Contrary to people’s impression of her, she didn’t have a lot of experience. She owes a lot of her success and confidence on the love department to how meticulous she is. At the same time, she figures it might be because she’s in a really serious, long-term relationship and practically everyone of their peers knew about it — like something of an open secret, so it’s not very surprising.
In some way, she takes pride in that just as much as she does for playing cupid to most of her friends but it’s honestly a lot different to pair up people to get to know each other better than to think of ways to follow up when a tie has been established. She had ideas, and many of those she wishes she could save for herself. Every month, she unnecessarily obligates herself to do something special for her partner and even if she had plenty up on her sleeve, the pressure to surpass her previous surprises blocks her out and gets her scrapping ideas.
The flattery within the text gets her blowing a raspberry, narrowing her eyes down at her screen with scrutiny as she types up a reply.
[ sms → jiwon unnie ] best of the best, really? isn’t that you? weren’t you the one who’s had more dating experience here?
She initially sends just for a reaction. One that consists him predictably denying her claim.
[ sms → jiwon unnie ] do you never give them gifts? is that why?! aigoo… jiwonnie.
She continued to tease and she would go on, obviously having fun with just this. That in itself was the answer, however. She had the time to poke fun at his little request, naturally because she was bored out of her mind and waiting around on something to do. She supposes she should stop, too. After all, if she were to ask for someone’s help, she’d expect them not to make fun of her. Though they do. They always do. Him included. And really, this was nothing but payback.
[ sms → jiwon unnie ] just kidding. sure! anything for bobbers. when and where?