Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 6: Hyunjae (Jennie 21; Rosé 24)

Rosé slipped quietly into the dimly lit room, the soft glow from the kitchen illuminated Hyunjae's silhouette as he moved around, preparing dinner. She leaned against the doorframe, watching him. They had been seeing each other for a few months now, though she couldn't exactly pinpoint when or how it all began. One moment they were exchanging casual greetings at a release party, and the next, they were sneaking around for secret meetups. It all seemed to blur together in Rosé's mind, like a dream she couldn't quite grasp.

Hyunjae was older than her by five years, a respected and well-known figure in the industry. He was the kind of idol who made fans swoon with his maturity and level-headedness, often praised for his pure-hearted nature and quiet determination. Rosé couldn't deny his appeal; he was, after all, the nation's heartthrob. Yet, despite his high-profile status, Hyunjae was surprisingly down-to-earth, preferring the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals and quiet evenings away from the spotlight.

"Hey," Hyunjae greeted her with a warm smile, breaking her trance. "Dinner's almost ready. You hungry?"

Rosé nodded, stepping into the kitchen. "Always, especially if you're the one cooking."

He chuckled, shaking his head modestly. "I'm just glad you like it. It's nothing fancy, though—just some kimchi stew."

Rosé slid into a seat at the small dining table, her eyes following his every movement as he plated the food. There was something endearing about the way Hyunjae took the time to make sure everything was just right, even in the privacy of his own home.

They ate in comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional clink of spoons against bowls. As Rosé took a bite of the stew, she couldn't help but tease him, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're too good at this. You should be the one hosting those cooking shows."

Hyunjae laughed softly, "I'd rather stay out of the spotlight when I can. This," he gestured around them, "is more my style."

Rosé nodded, understanding what he meant. Their relationship was low-key, far from the passionate and intense affairs often depicted in the media. They took turns having dinners at each other's homes, enjoying the little life they had carved out for themselves, away from prying eyes. Sometimes they watched movies, other times they played video games, occasionally inviting a few close friends to join them. It was simple, easy, and comfortable.

But as much as Rosé appreciated the calm, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Hyunjae was kind, considerate, and everything she thought she should want in a partner, yet there was no spark—no overwhelming, heart-racing excitement. Their relationship lacked the intense passion people might expect from two famous idols. Even their moments of intimacy were limited to a few chaste kisses, more out of habit than desire. It felt more like a close friendship than a romance, and though Rosé was grateful for the companionship, she often found herself wondering if this was really what love was supposed to feel like.

One evening, after a particularly long day of back-to-back schedules, Rosé was lying on Hyunjae's couch, staring at the ceiling while Hyunjae played a video game. It was a peaceful moment, the kind that should have been soothing, but instead, it made Rosé feel strangely lonely.

"Hyunnie," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hmm?" Hyunjae replied, his attention still on the game.

"Do you ever feel like... something's missing?" Rosé's question was unexpected even to her own ears. She hadn't planned on saying it, but the words had slipped out before she could stop them.

Hyunjae paused the game, setting the controller down as he turned to face her. His eyes were soft, filled with a gentle concern that made Rosé's heart ache. "What do you mean?"

Rosé hesitated, trying to find the right words to express the tangled emotions inside her. "I don't really know," she admitted, her voice wavering. "I just feel like there should be more, you know? More excitement, more... uhm..."

Hyunjae studied her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. He didn't seem upset, just curious, as if he were trying to understand her. "I get what you're saying," he said finally, his voice calm. "But maybe that's what makes this work for us. We're both so busy, so caught up in everything, that when we're together, we can just... be. No expectations, no pressure."

Rosé nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. She wanted to believe that their relationship was enough, that the calm and comfort Hyunjae offered were exactly what she needed. But deep down, she knew she was yearning for more—a connection that went beyond companionship, though it didn't necessarily mean more intimacy, just something that would make her heart race and her soul feel alive.

As Hyunjae resumed his game, Rosé curled up on the couch, her thoughts drifting. She cared for him deeply, and she appreciated the peace he brought into her life, but the doubts in her mind continued to grow. As much as she wanted to believe that the life they had was enough, a part of her knew that she was still searching for something. And the more she tried to push those thoughts away, the more they consumed her, leaving her to wonder if this quiet kind of love was really all she was meant to have.