jennie stepped into the dimly lit studio, jaewon was at the mixing desk, headphones on, nodding to a beat he was fine-tuning. when he noticed her, he pulled them off, giving her a warm smile—though she could see the flicker of sadness in his eyes.
"hey, superstar," jaewon greeted, his voice light but strained. "how'd the meeting go?"
jennie walked over and plopped down onto the couch, exhaling deeply. "it was fine. the usual business talk. they want me for their new endorsement."
jaewon gave a slow nod, though his gaze lingered on her. he was protective, always had been. in an industry full of backstabbing and fake smiles, jaewon was the only one jennie trusted completely. he'd been by her side since the beginning, producing the beats that turned her songs into chart-toppers.
but she knew what was on his mind. the private show. he hadn't outright asked her about it, but the way his fingers tensed on the keyboard said enough.
"i know you're dying to ask," jennie said, breaking the silence, her lips curving into a small, teasing smile.
jaewon's expression darkened slightly, but he tried to play it cool. "yeah, i've been wondering... how was it?"
jennie shrugged, her tone casual. "honestly? it wasn't as bad as you're probably imagining. no one touched me. it was literally just a private show, with only one person watching."
jaewon exhaled a long breath of relief, the tension in his shoulders easing. "thank god. i was worried, you know... these rich creeps with too much money and power." he looked down, shaking his head. "and you being—well, you know."
"a virgin?" jennie finished for him, not shy about the fact.
"yeah," Jaewon admitted, his voice softer. "i just didn't want you to feel like you had to—"
"i didn't," jennie reassured him. "he didn't ask for anything like that. he just... watched."
jaewon's brows furrowed. "who was it?"
jennie hesitated for a second before answering. "kim..taehyung."
jaewon froze, the name hitting him like a punch. "wait, kim taehyung? as in golden lotus ? that guy?"
jennie nodded, watching as a series of emotions played out on jaewon's face—shock, concern, and something else she couldn't quite place.
"jennie, that guy is dangerous," jaewon said, his tone growing serious. "he's not the type to just watch and do nothing. guys like him—they get what they want, no matter what."
"i mean, he didn't do anything," jennie said, slightly defensive. "he just asked me to be the face of their new alcoholic beverage line."
jaewon's jaw tightened. "that's just the beginning, jen. he's up to something, i can feel it. he used girls before—famous ones. when he's done, he throws them away. you don't deserve that. you're not like them."
jennie shrugged, though she could sense Jaewon's worry. "it's just business."
"business?" jaewon snapped, uncharacteristically angry. "your agency is selling you off to the highest bidder, jen! they don't care about you—they care about the money! if i had the cash, i'd take you away from all this bullshit. start my own label, give you what you deserve. not... this."
jennie fell silent, touched by jaewon's passion. he always had her back, always there for her but seeing him so visibly upset over her situation was new. she reached out and placed a hand on his arm.
"i know you would," she said softly. "but I'm okay. really. i can handle myself."
jaewon didn't look convinced, his gaze dark with concern. "just... promise me you'll be careful. i don't trust that guy, and i don't want to see you get hurt."
jennie gave him a small smile, squeezing his arm. "i will, jaewon. i promise."
but as the conversation shifted back to music and beats, jennie couldn't help but think about taehyung—his dark, intense eyes, the way he'd watched her so closely. jaewon might be right about him, but a part of her couldn't stop wondering what would happen the next time they met.
━。゜✿ฺ✿ฺ゜。━
"i need a comeback! It's been months, what the hell is going on?" she yelled, her voice echoing in the room. "I'm not letting Jennie outshine me. do something, now!" nayeon stormed into the office, slamming the door behind her as usual. her boss, mr. park, barely flinched, used to her outburst
"nayeon, we've talked about this. there are other groups scheduled before you. we can't bump them."
"fuck those groups! they can't even sell a damn album. i'm the one bringing in the money, or did you forget that?" nayeon hissed, her voice laced with entitlement.
mr. park's expression tightened. he knew she wasn't entirely wrong. nayeon was the agency's highest-paid idol—not because of her music alone but because of the deals they arranged for her. she had been sold, again and again, to wealthy businessmen who wanted more than just a concert or autograph.
"you know why I'm the highest earner here," nayeon said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "i've done what i had to do, and this is how you repay me?"
mr. park didn't meet her eyes. "we're doing what we can, nayeon. but there's a schedule, and it's set. next year is your time."
she clenched her fists, shaking with rage. "if you don't make this happen, i'll make sure everyone knows why I'm your star"
mr. park finally looked at her, his eyes cold. "careful, nayeon. you're valuable, but don't forget—no one is irreplaceable."
irreplaceable. that's exactly how she felt.
