Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 15: Last words (Jennie 24; Rosé 27)

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Rosé's life was unraveling, complete opposite to what Jennie was experiencing. The final thread of her three-year relationship with Hyunjae had snapped, severing a bond that had long since lost its spark. What once held the potential for love had faded into a monotonous routine, devoid of passion or connection. Rosé had finally reached her breaking point and ended it, though the decision left her with a heavy heart.

But Hyunjae did not take the breakup well. His fury, something that had grown more pronounced over the years, finally erupted with a vengeance. The mask of the calm, composed idol fell away, revealing a man consumed by anger and bitterness. "You never cared!" he spat. "You used me! Three years of my life wasted, and for what? You never even valued me."

Rosé remained calm on the surface, but inside, her heart pounded like a drum. The room felt suffocating as if the walls were closing in on her. "Excuse me? I did care, Hyunjae. I really did. But we weren't happy, and you know it," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "You were constantly criticizing me, controlling my life."

"Happy?" he scoffed, his eyes narrowing with contempt. "We could have been if you weren't so cold. You never let me in, Rosé. You kept me at arm's length the whole time. What was I to you, just a placeholder?"

The words cut deep, leaving a sting she couldn't ignore. Rosé swallowed hard, her throat tight. "It wasn't like that, and you know it." she said quietly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "We tried, but we just weren't right for each other. You were always angry, always pushing me away."

His temper had always been an issue, something she had noticed early on but had hoped would improve. But it hadn't. If anything, it had gotten worse over time, festering like a wound that refused to heal. And that final argument had shown her just how dangerous his anger could be. There was a darkness in him that frightened her, a potential for something far worse than harsh words. She knew she needed to get away, to protect herself from what could come.

The next day, Hyunjae, still seething with rage, decided to take matters into his own hands. He marched straight to the press, his mind set on revenge. He painted Rosé as the villain, "the heartless idol who had used him for three years without a care for his feelings." His narrative was spun with calculated precision, designed to ruin her reputation and turn the public against her.

The tabloids seized on the story like vultures, plastering sensational headlines across every platform: "Rosé Ends Relationship with Hyunjae—Cold-Hearted Breakup!" "Rosé Accused of Using Boyfriend for Fame!" The public, fueled by Hyunjae's accusations and his loyal fans, turned on her viciously. Her social media was flooded with hateful comments.

As the storm raged, Rosé sat alone in her apartment, scrolling through the new comments.

"You led him on!"

"How could you waste oppa's time like that?"

"You're so cold-hearted!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Rosé threw her phone across the room, the device clattering against the wall before falling to the floor with a dull thud. She curled into herself on the couch, tears streaming down her face as sobs wracked her body.

Mrs. Choi, her steadfast manager and confidante, was by her side as always. She wrapped her arm around Rosé, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. "This will blow over," Mrs. Choi assured her, her voice firm yet gentle as they sat together in the dimly lit apartment. "People will see the truth eventually. You just need to keep your head high and focus on what's important. His ego is bigger than he is, that bastard."

Rosé managed a weak smile at Mrs. Choi's words, though the comfort felt fleeting. The public scrutiny—it was overwhelming, suffocating her like a dark cloud she couldn't escape. She longed for the days when life was simpler, when she could immerse herself in her music without the constant pressure of the spotlight, without the fear of being torn apart by the public.

Later that night, Rosé lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind full of thoughts. She thought about Hyunjae, about the years they had spent together. Had it all been a lie? Had she really been that cold, that distant? The doubts gnawed at her, eroding her sense of self. But deep down, she knew the truth. She had tried to make it work, had tried to be the partner he needed, but it was never enough. Not for him, not for her.

But now, with the relationship over and the public turning against her, Rosé felt more alone than ever. The future that had once seemed so bright and full of possibilities now stretched out before her like a dark, uncertain path. She didn't know what lay ahead, but for the first time in a long while, she felt truly alone.