Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 23: Radio Song (Jennie 28; Rosé 31)

Now, more than a year later, Jennie had built a new life. Her focus was on Hayoon and her ice cream shop, a dream she had poured herself into. The small, family-friendly parlor had grown into a cherished neighborhood spot, bustling with customers who appreciated the warmth and care Jennie put into everything, from the carefully crafted flavors to the bright, welcoming atmosphere.

In the months following their divorce, Minwoo had made several attempts to reconnect. He would show up unannounced at Jennie's ice cream shop, offering small gestures—toys for Hayoon, pastries from her favorite bakery, or an awkward smile that never quite reached her eyes. But with each visit, Jennie's doubts resurfaced, gnawing at her like a persistent ache. She wondered if his efforts were genuine or if they were merely an attempt to ease his own guilt.

Every time he would ask, "How's Hayoon? How's the shop? Do you need anything?" Jennie felt torn. Part of her wanted to believe he had changed, that maybe they could rebuild some kind of relationship, even if it was just as co-parents. But deep down, she couldn't forget the emotional distance that had crept between them during their marriage. The arguments, the constant tension, and the moments when he seemed more invested in his career than in their family stayed in her mind.

She had been patient for so long—waiting for him to meet her halfway, hoping he'd realize what was slipping away. But in the end, she had been left feeling alone, even when they were together. It was that loneliness, more than anything, that had driven her to ask for a divorce.

One late afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting golden light across the tables, Jennie moved about the shop with practiced ease. Hayoon sat perched on her hip, babbling away about anything and everything while Jennie wiped down tables. The scent of vanilla, chocolate, and freshly made waffle cones filled the air.

"Mommy, go playground peas?" Hayoon's sweet voice interrupted her thoughts, her small fingers tugging at Jennie's hair with playful insistence.

Jennie smiled down at her daughter, brushing a lock of hair from Hayoon's face. "Of course, sweetie. After we close up, okay?"

"Yay! Playground!" Hayoon clapped her hands, her face lighting up with excitement.

Jennie couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's enthusiasm. Moments like this made all the struggles worth it. But even as she busied herself with cleaning up the shop, her thoughts drifted. The radio hummed softly in the background, and soon, a familiar voice filled the air.

Rosé's latest single.

Jennie froze, her hand resting on the counter as the soft melody wrapped around her like a forgotten memory. She hadn't followed Rosé's career in years, not since she had packed away her fan accounts and boxed up her memorabilia. Yet, as the music played, she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The lyrics spoke of renewal, of moving forward, and it was as if the song had been written for her life now.

"I wonder how she's doing," Jennie murmured aloud, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. Even though she had let go of that part of herself, Rosé's music still had a way of reaching deep into her soul. It stirred memories of a time when Jennie had lived and breathed every note, every lyric, hanging onto Rosé's every word.

As the song played on, Jennie continued her tasks, trying to shake the strange pull it had on her.

When the shop finally closed for the day, Jennie strapped Hayoon into her stroller, the toddler bouncing with excitement for their promised trip to the playground.

"Ready to play?" Jennie asked, her voice filled with affection.

"Yes, Mommy!" Hayoon squealed, kicking her legs in anticipation.

Jennie smiled, pushing the stroller out into the cool evening air. The sky was painted in soft hues of pink and orange, the perfect backdrop for their walk. As they made their way to the playground, Jennie's thoughts kept drifting back to Rosé's song. The melody, the lyrics—it all felt so familiar, yet distant.

Watching Hayoon play, her laughter filling the playground, Jennie found herself lost in thought. She wasn't the same girl who had been obsessed with Rosé's every move. She was a mother now, a business owner, someone who had built a new life from the ashes of her old one. But as much as she tried to push the memories away, Rosé's voice lingered, pulling at something deep inside her.

Maybe that part of me isn't gone after all, Jennie thought, watching her daughter slide down the small play structure. Maybe it's just... waiting.

With a sigh, Jennie shook her head. "Come on, Jennie," she muttered to herself. "That's all in the past."

But as the evening wore on and the playground lights flickered to life, Jennie couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, the past wasn't as far behind her as she thought.