Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 1

I squinted against the dimming light in my bedroom as the morning sun streamed through the faded curtains. It slapped my senses awake, a harsh reminder that the day was beginning whether my pounding head was ready for it or not. A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes, and with each heartbeat, a pulse of pain ricocheted through my skull. I let out a soft groan, pulling the cozy comforter over my face like a shield, desperately wishing for just five more minutes of blissful oblivion.

I closed my eyes again, determined to will myself back into the sweet embrace of sleep. But then, like clockwork, it happened. The sharp, insistent ring of my phone cut through the fog like a siren. I fumbled for it, squinting at the screen, my heart sinking as I saw my manager’s name flash across it.

“Ugh, seriously?” I muttered to myself, a mixture of annoyance and resignation flooding my system. The last thing I wanted was to confront the demands of reality today. But the urgency in his voice left no room for debate. "Jennie, you need to get to the office for a meeting."

“ok,” I replied, even though I felt far from ready to dive into the whirlwind of my life as a member of BLACKPINK. Dragging myself out of bed, I braced for the day ahead, knowing there was no chance of slipping through the streets unnoticed.

"I'll be at the entrance in 30 minutes," I heard before the call ended abruptly, leaving me no chance to respond.

With every step to the bathroom, I could feel the weight of my responsibilities pressing down harder on my shoulders. I shuffled to the mirror and splashed cold water on my face, hoping it might wash away the remnants of a restless night. The reflection staring back at me looked like a ghost, my hair a chaotic mess and dark circles under my eyes stark against my pale skin. A quick shower followed, the steam enveloping me like a comforting hug, offering a momentary escape from the chaos brewing outside my walls.

I emerged, feeling slightly more human, but still groggy. Rummaging through my wardrobe, I grabbed a soft oversized sweatshirt and a pair of leggings—my go-to outfit for days when I had to face the world without a hint of my glamorous idol persona. I stared at my reflection again, running a hand through my damp hair, trying to …what? Become someone else? Or maybe just hide away from all the expectations that clung to me like an invisible cloak?

As I stepped outside, I silently thanked the heavens for sparing me from the eager paparazzi and overzealous fans. The soothing breeze grazed my skin, a gentle reminder that even amidst the chaos of my life, the world could still be beautiful. Yet, as I walked towards the parking lot, the feeling of being watched seeped back into my bones.

And true to schedule, my manager arrived half an hour later to take me to the company.

Luckily, my apartment-thanks to the CEO-was just a short distance away. The moment I approached my car, I couldn’t help but glance around, unconsciously scanning the area. Was there anyone lurking? Cameras hidden behind bushes? I shook my head slightly. Some days, I felt like a wild animal under a microscope, and today was one of those days. I yanked open the car door and slid into the driver’s seat, immediately cringing at the rhythm of the engine as it started with a reluctant grumble. My brain still felt foggy, and I hated that I had to strive for focus when my body just wanted a few more hours of sleep.

The drive to the office was a blur. The familiar streets of Seoul flashed past me in a wash of colors; the garish neon lights of cafes, the chic boutiques calling my name, and the sweet scent of street food wafting through the air. Each corner I turned felt like a tug-of-war between the mundane rhythm of everyday life and the spark of excitement that being a part of BLACKPINK brought.

Soon I arrived at the office—the towering gray building that felt more like a fortress than an office, a place where every floor teemed with creativity, chaos, and the highs and lows of our idol lives. I parked and took a deep breath, summoning whatever energy I had left. The moment I stepped outside, I took the elevator from the parking lot to the floor i was to go with my manager trailing behind me.