FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT| JJENINII

8

"Here." Taehyung reached out as Jennie blinked in surprise, eyeing his face, his hand, and then back up to his face again.

Gently, she placed her hand in his as she stepped out of the car, cringing at the uncharacteristic camera flash momentarily blinding her.

The recent announcement of their engagement had evidently sparked more than just corporate gossip; it had stirred a media frenzy.

Jennie felt her heart rate quicken as they approached the airport entrance, her hand instinctively holding onto Taehyung's for support. The pair were greeted by a trio of staff from their airline, two people taking over the bags from security while the third proofread their documents needed prior to their entrance to the VIP area.

"Looks like we underestimated their interest," Taehyung murmured, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. The corners of his lips twitched upwards in a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Underestimated is an understatement," Jennie replied, her voice tinged with nervous energy. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the role she needed to play. "Ready to put on a show?"

"Remember, just follow my lead," Taehyung whispered, his voice calm and reassuring. He smiled at her, a warm, genuine expression that helped to ease Jennie's nerves.

As their documents were being validated, Taehyung casually draped an arm around Jennie's shoulders, pulling her slightly closer.

The gesture was intimate yet protective, perfectly pitched for the cameras clicking frantically just meters away. Jennie leaned into the embrace, allowing herself to fit snugly against his side, showcasing a natural couple's dynamic.

Taehyung then leaned down, his lips close to her ear, ostensibly whispering something private. In reality, he murmured, "Maybe we'll make the cover of vogue like this." His breath tickled her ear, and Jennie had to suppress a shiver—not entirely from the chill of the air conditioning.

Jennie responded with a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree, as if Taehyung had shared something amusing. She then looked up at him, her expression filled with affection, giving the paparazzi a picture-perfect moment of a couple sharing a private joke.

He whispered with a grin, "Think of this as just another bizarre team-building exercise. Last month it was zip-lining, today it's dodging paparazzi."

Jennie chuckled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "I think I preferred the zip-lining. At least then I only had to worry about gravity, not headlines."

"Fair point," Taehyung replied, his tone light and teasing. "But hey, if you survive today, I'll make sure the next team-building is something low-key, like a pottery class."

"Deal, but only if you promise not to recreate that scene from 'Ghost,'" Jennie quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Taehyung laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "No promises. My Patrick Swayze impression is pretty legendary."

"Now I'm nervous." She smirked as she reached up to fix his tie, simultaneously eliciting a flurry of camera shutters from the other side of the glass.

"Nervous? Or excited?" His teasing grin only grew wider as she playfully pushed at him with a shake of her head. 

Finally, their documents were handed back, all checks completed. As they were ushered through the VIP entrance, Taehyung kept his arm around Jennie, guiding her with a light touch on her back.

Just before they disappeared from view, he turned her towards him and planted a quick but firm kiss on her forehead—an act of affection that felt surprisingly comforting to Jennie.