Balancing Hearts (Taennie)

Chapter I - Bonding and Revelations

"Jen, please. I am sorry," Chaeyoung pleaded with Jennie for forgiveness after confessing that she was the one who gave the address to Jungkook.

"Jen! I can't control it though. Jimin won't be sleeping with me for one week if I don't tell the address to his best friend," Chaeyoung whined, twisting the edge of her shirt nervously.

"Unbelievable, Park Rosé," Lisa muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really sometimes cannot control your hormones, Chae," Jisoo butted in, raising an eyebrow at Chaeyoung's excuse. "How can I also resist that horny shorty tall guy?" Chaeyoung chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Well, I'm not really mad at you, Chae. I'm just worried that Ari hasn't been talking to me for three days already, and today is the fourth day," Jennie whined, rolling her body on the carpet and fidgeting with the fringe of the rug.

The four of them were in the living room, the three girls watching Jennie being a baby and sulking about her daughter's silent treatment. "I think Ari has a boyfriend. I saw her with a guy yesterday," Lisa exclaimed, leaning forward with curiosity.

"Foolish things, Lis. She's just twelve. You're so dramatic. Maybe he is just her best friend," Jennie defended, crossing her arms defensively.

"Would best friends kiss each other?" This moment, when Lisa questioned sarcastically, it angered Jennie, her nostrils flaring in irritation.

"What do you mean they are kissing?!" Jennie banged her hand on the table, making them flinch. Jennie is scary when she is mad, her eyes flashing with intensity.

"She's too spoiled by you, Jen," Jisoo spoke, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Jennie's shoulder.

"She'll be turning thirteen next week," Chaeyoung claimed, trying to divert the conversation away from Jennie's rising anger.

"It's normal," Lisa smiled, attempting to ease the tension with a reassuring grin.

Their cheeky smiles suddenly faded as they saw Jennie already fuming in anger. "And I had her when I was sixteen!" Jennie shouted, her voice echoing in the room.

For some minutes, Jennie calmed down, making the three feel at ease. "Lis?" Jennie called, her voice softer now, seeking reassurance from her friend.

"Yes?"

"How are things going on between you and Jungkook?" Jennie questioned boldly without looking at Lisa's doll eyes, her gaze fixed on a spot on the wall.

"Jennie, I'm sorry if I didn't tell you right away, but promise I never told him about Ari and your address." By emphasizing the word 'address,' she averted her gaze to Chaeyoung, who smiled nervously, shifting under the weight of Jennie's scrutiny. "Well, we're doing great, but he always asks about you and how you're doing. It made me jealous, but do I have a choice? I love him, Jen," Lisa confessed, her tone tinged with guilt.

"But I cannot love him anymore, Lis. You have him already. I can't take him away from you," Jennie said, her voice filled with resignation as she accepted the reality of the situation. The three girls awed as they embraced each other, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Guys, I have one last thing to say," Lisa giggled playfully, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere with a touch of humor.

"I'm pregnant."

Jisoo gasped, her eyes widening in excitement. "Lisa, that's amazing!" she exclaimed, reaching out to give her friend a congratulatory hug. Chaeyoung grinned, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I can't believe it! This is going to be so much fun!" she chirped, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

A wave of happiness washed over the room as they celebrated the news, their laughter filling the air with warmth and excitement. Jennie's smile was radiant as she looked at her friends, her heart full of love and gratitude for the bond they shared.

————

"Mom, I met him," Ari spoke, hanging her head in front of her three aunts and her mom still in the living room.

"Ari, how many times do I have to tell you never to have a boyfriend until you graduate from college?" Jennie crossed her arms, furrowing her eyebrows. "Mom, let's talk about that later. What I mean is I met dad. He's a nice guy and even told me that I'll be having a little sibling soon," she grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Congratulations, Aunt Lisa," she smiled at Lisa and hugged her afterward. "But, mom. I'm sorry for giving you the silent treatment," she hugged Jennie, her voice filled with sincerity.

"I'm sorry for everything and about having a boyfriend, but, mom. He's nice and kind. I promise I will know my limits."

"Still, Ari," Jennie warned, her tone softening slightly. "But mom-" Ari argued, pleading her case. "Break up with him or you will stop going to school?"

With a minute halt, Jennie stomped her feet going upstairs, leaving the girls behind. "Don't mind your mom, Ari. But how did your dad know about you? We never told him about your existence," Lisa asked out of curiosity, along with the girls who agreed.

"He read your group chats accidentally," Ari claimed, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "Aunt Lis, can you bring me to your house? I want to spend time with my dad, please. I want to scold him again and —" Ari said jokingly after seeing Lisa warned at her.

"Sorry, Aunt. I was just kidding," Ari chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You can visit us anytime; you can also sleep with us there. Always ask your mom for permission," Lisa warned, her voice tinged with amusement.

"Agree, your mom is a dangerous human being, lady," Chaeyoung exclaimed, earning a playful smack from Jisoo. "Guys, I have an idea," Jisoo speaks out of nowhere, making the three girls turn their heads toward her. "My fiancé has a single handsome younger brother who's also working in their own company. How about we set up a friendly date between him and your mother," Jisoo faced Ari.

"Is that fine with you, Ari? You'll be having a new dad," Chaeyoung asked, again earning a playful smack from Jisoo. "Don't do that to the kid, Chae," Jisoo whispered-yelled at Chaeyoung, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I don't mind at all for my mommy's happiness," Ari smiled, her heart filled with warmth. "She's always bad-tempered," Ari continued with a chuckle, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.