Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 2

The hum of the airplane engines harmonized perfectly with the steady beat flowing through my earbuds. It felt like the world below had melted away, leaving only me and the music that echoed my thoughts. As I reclined in my comfortable seat, the soft leather wrapped around me like a warm embrace, I allowed myself to sink into the soothing atmosphere of my playlist. Each song carried me farther from reality, and it reminded me of the long journey we had just embarked on. It was one of those rare instances when time seemed to stand still, the noise of the world replaced by the calming drone of being in the air.

But then, just as I was drifting into another blissful moment, my peaceful escape came to a screeching halt. I felt a sudden intrusion pulling me back to the present—a camera lens appeared right inches from my face! I blinked in surprise, momentarily disoriented, and when I focused, there she was! Lisa, my whirlwind friend, standing there with her mischievous smile that could easily light up a whole room. “Say hi to our fans, Jennie!” she exclaimed, her laughter creating ripples of joy that even made a few nearby passengers glance our way.

“Ugh, Lisa!” I groaned playfully, my cheeks flushing slightly. I was never entirely ready for the camera. While I loved connecting with our fans, the act of being recorded always made my heart race. But Lisa was relentless. “Come on, you two! Say something to the Blinks!” she insisted, her camera now aimed squarely at Rosé and me.

I turned and saw Rosé beside me, her hair spilling over her shoulder as she gently cradled Hank, our fluffy little dog, who was peacefully napping on her lap. I couldn’t help but chuckle; typical Hank! He was always the center of attention, even in his sleep.

Despite my hesitation, a smile stretched across my face as I thought of our fans—our beloved Blinks. They were our heart, our motivation, and the reason we did what we did. In her delightful Australian accent, Rosé stepped up and shared a heartfelt message, “Hey Blinks! We’re so excited to see you all again soon!” Her enthusiasm was infectious.

I added, “Hi everyone, it’s Jennie! I’m doing well. We, the pinks, are taking good care of ourselves, and I hope you Blinks are too!” Wrapping my arms around Rosé, I attempted to pull her close, but she shrugged me off with that cheeky grin of hers. What a meanie!

“Blinks, cherish one another and avoid conflicts with other fandoms; they’re just not worth our energy, okay?’” Jisoo said, her tone calm and maternal, as if she was a big sister talking to her younger siblings. The warmth of her words made me smile.

“I can’t wait to see my French Blinks soon!” Lisa chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Each of us had our special connection to different places and fans, and I loved how we embraced that diversity.

“We love you all! Stay safe, and if anyone gives you trouble, just let me know—I’ll take care of it myself,” Rosé added earnestly, her fierce side coming out with an adorable determination. Her protective nature always made me feel secure.

“Goodbye for now! See you soon, and sending you all our love,” I finished, leaning closer to the camera with a grin plastered on my face. We blew kisses and waved, showering our beloved fans with affection

As the live stream came to a close, the sudden silence that followed felt both liberating and oddly bittersweet. I took a moment to glance out the window, watching the world below become a patchwork of tiny lights and darkened highways. It was beautiful, calming, and a reminder of how much I loved my life, even the chaotic parts. Sometimes, I felt like I was living a dream, and other times, I felt the weight of expectations on my shoulders. But in moments like this, surrounded by my girls and our shared laughter, I could just breathe and simply be, without any expectations.

The announcement of our landing sent a wave of pure excitement surging through me, like electricity crackling in the air. As the wheels finally met the tarmac with a gentle thud, a refreshing wave of lemon-scented anticipation washed over me, filling my lungs with energy that seemed to dance through every cell of my body.