Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 12: Wish for Happiness (Jennie 22 & 24; Rosé 25 & 27)

Rosé sat in the dimly lit recording studio, she had been in this room countless times, but today felt different—there was an inexplicable tension in the air. The latest track she was working on played softly through the speakers, her voice layered over a haunting melody. Normally, she would be lost in the music, but today her mind was elsewhere.

Her phone, resting on the edge of the mixing console, buzzed with a new notification. Rosé glanced at it absentmindedly, expecting yet another reminder from Mrs. Choi about her upcoming schedule. Sure enough, there was a message from Mrs. Choi, reminding her about a dress fitting for an upcoming awards show. But another notification caught her eye—this one from her fake fan account. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was a reply from Jennie.

Rosé quickly opened the message, her pulse quickening. She had been waiting for weeks, checking the account daily, hoping for some sign of life from Jennie. And now, finally, there it was. She read Jennie's message once, then twice, and again, each word sinking in deeper.

"Hi! I'm doing all good! No broken bones or anything hahaha. Thanks for checking in, I just decided to give up the fan stuff for a bit after graduating college and everything. Please still support Rosie for me!!!"

Rosé stared at the screen, a mix of emotions washing over her. Relief that Jennie was okay, but also an aching sadness that Jennie had moved on. The realization hit her hard—Jennie wasn't coming back. Rosé had always known that fans come and go, but this felt different. Jennie had been special, a constant presence in her life during some of her most challenging years as an idol. And now, she was just...gone.

A soft knock on the door pulled Rosé from her thoughts. Mrs. Choi entered, her expression shifting from professional to concerned as she noticed the pensive look on Rosé's face.

"Everything okay?" Mrs. Choi asked, her voice gentle.

Rosé hesitated, her eyes flicking back to the message on her phone before she finally spoke. "I finally got a text back from Jennie."

Mrs. Choi walked over and sat down beside Rosé, her curiosity piqued. "What did she say?"

"She's doing well... She said she's given up the fan stuff after graduating. It's not an exact answer, but at least she says she's doing good. She even asked for me to keep supporting... If only I could tell her I'm the one behind the account." Rosé's voice was barely above a whisper, the weight of her words hanging in the air between them. There was a faint smile on her lips, but her eyes betrayed a deep sadness.

Mrs. Choi placed a comforting hand on Rosé's shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "Sometimes, people grow and move on. It doesn't mean they've forgotten you or what you meant to them. It just means they're on a different path now. You have other fans who really support you as well. You should focus on them instead of worrying about one person, or you'll end up losing all of them."

Rosé nodded slowly, trying to absorb Mrs. Choi's words. "I know... It's just—" She paused, searching for the right words. "It was so abrupt. No goodbyes on any social media page. And I was just worried for her, that's all."

"I understand." Mrs. Choi said softly, her voice laced with empathy.

A week passed, but the thoughts of Jennie stayed in Rosé's mind, no matter how much she tried to distract herself with work. One evening, sitting in her apartment after a long day of rehearsals, she found herself opening the fake fan account once more. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she typed a quick message, asking if Jennie was really okay. Days turned into weeks, Rosé checked the account occasionally, each time hoping to see a new message, but Jennie remained silent. It was clear that she had signed out—perhaps for good this time.

——

Two Years Later...

Mrs. Choi was out running errands in the city when she spotted a familiar face through the glass window of a bridal store. Jennie, now looking more mature and confident, was inside, talking with a friend. Mrs. Choi paused, her breath catching as she recognized her almost instantly. She watched discreetly as Jennie laughed, her face glowing with happiness. They were discussing something in detail, and then Mrs. Choi heard Jennie mention something about her upcoming wedding.

Later that day, Mrs. Choi returned to the office, where Rosé was in the middle of a meeting. She waited until it was over before pulling Rosé aside, her expression one of quiet excitement.

"You won't believe who I saw today—Jennie. She's getting married soon," Mrs. Choi exclaimed.

Rosé's eyes widened slightly in shock. "Jennie? Really? It's been a while since I've heard her name." She couldn't hide the note of disbelief in her voice, as if the idea of Jennie getting married was something she hadn't quite been prepared for.

Mrs. Choi nodded. "Yes, she seemed really happy, talking about her wedding plans."

Rosé leaned back in her chair, her mind reeling. "I can't believe how much time has passed. It's strange to think of her getting married. Feels like just yesterday she was at all the fan events... I feel old." She trailed off. The memories of Jennie standing in the crowd, always smiling, always supportive, flooded back, and for a moment, Rosé was lost in the past.

Mrs. Choi, sensing Rosé's emotions, suggested gently, "Maybe we should send Jennie something... you know, to congratulate her."

Rosé chuckled softly, "It might be kinda weird to send one though... she might think we're stalking her."

Mrs. Choi agreed. "Yeah, she might, but I don't think she'll mind."

Over the next few days, Rosé and Mrs. Choi carefully selected a gift, something that would convey their well-wishes without crossing any boundaries. They finally settled on a delicate piece of jewelry—a necklace, understated but elegant, with a small, personalized engraving of Rosé's signature on the back.

When the gift was ready, Rosé held it in her hands, her thumb brushing over the engraving. It felt strange, she wondered how Jennie would react, if she would even recognize the gesture for what it was—a quiet goodbye, a wish for happiness, a thank you for the memories.