6:00 a.m.
Jennie picked up her phone and dialed her secretary. "Later, I am supposed to have dinner with Mr. Kim Taehyung. Can you contact him and send him my address? Tell him we'll be having dinner at my house to make my daughter more comfortable," Jennie instructed with a smile but a stern tone.
Her secretary responded promptly, "Of course, Ms. Kim. I'll take care of it right away."
As Jennie hung up, Ari entered the room, her voice soft and sleepy. "Mom, are you going to work today?" she asked, hugging her mother as Jennie leaned against the bed's headboard.
"No, love. I'm taking a break today," Jennie replied, hugging Ari back and placing her phone on the nightstand.
"How about you? Time to get up, kiddo. You have class today."
"Mom, it's Saturday!" Ari whined, making Jennie chuckle.
"Oh, haha. Mommy's getting old," Jennie teased, ruffling Ari's hair.
5:00 p.m.
Jennie and Ari spent the day at home. Jennie was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner, while Ari helped out. Cooking was a shared passion for both of them.
"Ari, can you set three plates on the table?" Jennie asked.
"Sure, Mom," Ari replied with a smile, happily following her mother's instructions.
Jennie's phone rang just as Ari finished setting the table. The caller ID was unknown.
"Hello?" Jennie answered.
"Hi, Jennie. I got your number from your secretary. I'm on my way. Do you need me to bring anything?" Taehyung's voice came through the line.
"Ahh, hi there, Taehyung. Just yourself. We're all set here," Jennie said, a cheeky smile spreading across her face as she blushed.
After the call ended, Jennie touched her face, feeling the heat rise as she blushed. "Gosh, why do I feel this way about him? Get a grip, Jennie," she mumbled to herself.
Ari noticed her mother's flustered state and reached out to pat her back. "Mom, when are you going to take a bath and make yourself pretty?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jennie widened her eyes, realizing she was still a mess. "Oh, sh*t," she mumbled.
"Mom? Did you just curse?" Ari asked, her eyebrow still raised.
"No, baby," Jennie said nervously with a forced smile. "If someone knocks on the door while I'm still bathing, open it. It's your Uncle Tae."
6:00 p.m.
As Jennie rushed upstairs to get ready for a couple minutes, the doorbell rang. Ari ran to the door, knowing who it was.
"Hi, Uncle Tae!" Ari greeted excitedly as she opened the door.
"Hi, there! It's great to see you," Taehyung said, stepping inside. He handed her a small, beautifully wrapped gift. "This is for you."
"Wow, thank you! Can I open it now?" Ari asked eagerly. "Of course," Taehyung replied with a warm smile. Ari quickly unwrapped the gift to find a delicate necklace. "It's so pretty, thank you!" she exclaimed, giving Taehyung a big hug.
Just then, Jennie came downstairs, looking refreshed and elegant.
"Hi, Taehyung. Welcome," she greeted him, trying to keep her composure despite the blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Hi, Jennie. You look wonderful," Taehyung said, his eyes lighting up.
"Thank you. Come on in, dinner is almost ready," Jennie replied, leading him to the dining room.
The three of them sat down to a beautifully set table, the atmosphere warm and inviting. Jennie had outdone herself with a delicious meal, and the conversation flowed naturally.
"This smells amazing, Jennie. You've really outdone yourself," Taehyung complimented. "Thank you. I hope you enjoy it," Jennie said, smiling.
Ari, eager to join the conversation, asked, "Uncle Tae, do you like working with my mom?"
Taehyung smiled at her. "I do, Ari. Your mom is very talented and smart."
Jennie blushed slightly. "We will make a good team," she added.
As they continued to talk, Jennie felt herself relaxing. Taehyung's charm and genuine interest in her life and Ari's were evident.
After dinner, they moved to the living room for dessert and coffee. Ari showed Taehyung her drawings, and he was genuinely impressed.
"These are fantastic, Ari. You're quite the artist," he said. "Thank you, Uncle Tae! Mommy helps me sometimes," Ari replied proudly.
"It's clear she has a natural talent," Jennie said, beaming at her daughter.
The conversation turned more personal as the night progressed.
"Jennie, I've been thinking a lot about our last meeting. I want to apologize again for any misunderstandings," Taehyung said softly.
"It's in the past, Taehyung. Let's focus on the present and the future," Jennie replied, smiling.
There was a comfortable silence before Taehyung spoke again. "I'd like to get to know you and Ari better, if that's alright with you."
"I'd like that too," Jennie said, her heart feeling lighter.
As Taehyung left later that evening, Jennie and Ari stood at the door, waving goodbye.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening. I had a great time," Taehyung said.
"So did we. Let's do this again soon," Jennie replied. "Yes! Can we, Mom?" Ari asked eagerly.
"Of course, sweetie," Jennie said.
Taehyung leaned in and gave Jennie a warm hug, then knelt down to hug Ari. "Goodnight, Ari. Goodnight, Jennie."
"Goodnight, Taehyung," Jennie said.
As Taehyung left, Jennie closed the door, feeling a mix of emotions. She and Ari headed to bed, both thinking about the night and what the future might hold.
_____
They're making a good progress :))
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Balancing Hearts (Taennie)
Fanfic[Ongoing] Jennie Kim is a dedicated professional and a loving single mother to her daughter, Ari. Balancing her demanding career with parenthood is already a delicate act. When Taehyung, a charming colleague, enters her life, Jennie finds herself ju...
