I'll Show You

Chapter 3

Snow crunched under her feet as Jennie made her way down the alley.

Everyone seemed to be in good spirits today. Children were running around, happily building snowmen. Couples were walking arm in arm, cuddled up as they walked through the cold. It was just a few days after the new year but most Korean companies were still closed for the holiday season so there were many more people roaming the streets this early morning.

She was wished a Happy Holiday by so many smiling strangers, fairly sure that none of them recognized her. Jennie supposed that the only good thing that came out of their long hiatus was that she was now awarded some anonymity when she went out in public in Korea.

After an hour of shopping she found herself smiling like a crazy person, the happy atmosphere of the new year was contagious. Shopping was definitely one of her safe spaces. The feeling she got from finding those hidden gems was true joy. Jennie had always had her own sense of style and when allowed to be creative with her clothes she believed she did a better job for herself than any stylist she's had so far.

She stopped at the corner of the street, taking a moment to close her eyes and inhale the lovely scents that wafted from the bakery across the street and the coffee shops around it. At this moment she realized how much better she felt now, compared to the last couple months. 

She felt that some of the stress of the last year, of the mess with Jiyong, had lightened while her mind had been consumed with their comeback these past couple of days. 

Vlogging has also been a wonderful distraction, something mindless to throw her heart and mind into, but working with her mom has also made her realize how fulfilling it is to have something charitable to work on.

She had wanted to ask her mother if she could possibly one day meet with the women and children in the facilities. She knows that there may not be much she can do to help them heal but even if it's just lending an ear she would want to do it. Perhaps even a performance for the kids if they want to hear it. 

The large clock in the center of the store told her that it was already 10:30 am, she was meant to be at the YG building at 11:00 am. While she could have taken the car this morning, she wanted the fresh air. She quickened her steps, the snow crunching underfoot.

She did get some good items from her impromptu shopping spree on her way to work this morning. Her mum was going to love the ruby earrings and new Louis Vuitton purse she'd managed to hunt down. 

She could perfectly imagine the squeal of delight her mom would let out, when she opened her gifts. While her mother was very humble despite her wealthy upbringing, she did have a taste for the finer things when it came to accessories. It was odd, she could wear department store clothes no problem but always needed to have a designer purse to add to the outfit. 

Soon the sound of joy and laughter faded into the distance as the rows of shops and restaurants were replaced by office buildings, all stern and proud as reflected in the corporate culture in Korea. Here, the air was markedly less festive, but not unpleasant. 

She could see some of the YG staff members about twenty yards ahead, waiting freely in front of the Silver and Grey building. As most people with the habit do, they were taking deep puffs of their cigarettes in the cold open air. 

She felt a fresh wave of nerves hit her at the possibility that HE might be out there as well but that fear dissipated the closer she got to the building. The members of Bigbang are probably the only idols in YG that could do as they pleased without having to face the company's wrath for it, smoking in public included. 

"Good Morning Jennie-ssi," they greeted her. She repeated the greeting, sinking into a formal bow as she passed them on the way into the building. 

She smiled at all the other employees as she made her way into the building towards the elevators.