Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 38: Dad (Jennie 29; Rosé 32)

A year had passed, and Jennie's life had changed in ways she never imagined. Her relationship with Rosé had grown stronger, more rooted in trust, love, and understanding. But with the highs came the inevitable challenges, especially now that Rosé was on a mini-tour across Asia. The fans had missed her, and Rosé had missed performing, so it felt like the right time for her to step back into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Jennie had been busy with the grand opening of her second shop, a project she had poured her heart into for months.

It was a bittersweet time. Both she and Rosé were accomplishing so much individually, but the time they spent together had dwindled. They talked every night when they could, with Rosé sometimes calling Jennie after a late show or Jennie sending voice notes as she worked on plans for their new apartment. The move was something they were both excited about—a new place that was conveniently located between Rosé's agency and Jennie's shops. Jennie had taken the lead on most of the moving arrangements while Rosé was on tour, so Jennie was juggling a million tasks at once: organizing the grand opening, coordinating with contractors for the new apartment, and trying to keep things afloat while Rosé was on the road, it was exhausting. They hadn't seen each other in weeks, but Rosé had promised she'd be home for the opening, just in time for them to move into their new place.

The anticipation of having Rosé back was the only thing keeping Jennie going. She missed her girlfriend terribly. Phone calls and video chats were nice, but nothing compared to having Rosé's arms around her, especially after a long day.

Jennie was reviewing the final details for the shop opening when the door chime rang, signaling a visitor. She wasn't expecting anyone, so she looked up, curious. The sight of her ex-husband, Minwoo, standing in the doorway made her heart sink.

He hadn't been around in a while—thankfully. The last time they had spoken was well before she and Rosé had gotten together, and Jennie had assumed he had finally moved on. But here he was, standing in her shop, looking older, more worn out than she remembered.

"Jennie," he said quietly, stepping forward. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just... I need to talk."

Jennie crossed her arms, immediately on guard. "What do you want, Minwoo?"

He looked down, as if gathering his thoughts. "I want to see Hayoon. I've been thinking a lot... about everything. And I know I've been a terrible person, but I've changed. I'm not asking for anything more than to be a part of her life. Just... as her dad."

Jennie's stomach tightened. She had heard this before—promises, apologies, vows to change. It was always the same cycle. She clenched her jaw, not wanting to give in to the guilt that was already creeping in.

"I told you," she said, her voice firm. "You're not seeing her. I don't care if you've changed, Minwoo. She doesn't need you."

Minwoo's face fell, his eyes pleading. "Please, Jennie. I'm not trying to get back with you—I swear. I know I messed up, and I know I don't deserve another chance, but Hayoon... she deserves to know who I am. I just want to be her father, nothing more."

Jennie stood there for a moment, staring at him, anger and frustration bubbling inside her. She wanted to throw him out, to tell him to stay out of their lives forever. But something in his voice, in his eyes, made her hesitate.

"I won't change my mind," she said finally, her voice trembling. "You've had your chances, and you blew them. I won't let you hurt her the way you hurt me."

Minwoo nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "I understand. But if you ever change your mind... you know where to find me."

He turned and walked out of the shop, leaving Jennie standing there, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched him go, part of her relieved, but another part of her felt... guilty.

As the door closed behind him, Jennie stood there for a long moment, her heart heavy with emotions she didn't want to deal with. Part of her wanted to dismiss him completely. She had been doing fine without him, and so had Hayoon. But a tiny part of her—the part that remembered the good times before everything fell apart—wondered if maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth.

That night, as Jennie tucked Hayoon into bed, the guilt gnawed at her. Hayoon was getting older, and she was starting to notice things. Like how her classmates talked about their dads, or how she was the only one who didn't have one. Lately, Hayoon had started asking Jennie about her dad—why she didn't have one, or where he was. Jennie always told her the same thing: "It's just been you and me, Hayoon. That's all you need to know."

But was that really fair? Was it fair to keep Minwoo out of her life forever? Hayoon had never seen pictures of her father or spent any real time with him, aside from the rare times he showed up at the shop. Jennie had always made sure he never got too close. But was that the right decision?

She knew she needed advice, and there was only one person she trusted to talk to about this.

She grabbed her phone and called Rosé.

"Hey," Rosé answered after a few rings, her voice warm despite the distance. "What's up?"

"Minwoo showed up today," Jennie said, her voice weary.

Rosé's tone immediately shifted, concerned. "What did he want?"

"He wants to see Hayoon. Says he's changed, that he just wants to be her dad."

Rosé was silent for a moment, clearly processing the situation. "And what do you think? Do you believe him?"

Jennie sighed. "I don't know. He seemed sincere, but I've heard that before. Still... I feel bad. Hayoon's old enough to realize that she's different from the other kids. She's starting to ask about her dad, and I don't know what to tell her anymore."

There was another pause before Rosé spoke again, her voice calm and thoughtful. "If you think he's being genuine, maybe it's worth letting him see her. Just once, and only if you're there with her."

Jennie nodded, even though Rosé couldn't see her. "I was thinking the same thing. Just once, to see if he's really changed. And if he has... maybe we can figure something out."

Rosé's voice softened. "I trust you, Jen. Whatever you decide, I'm here for you."

Jennie smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Hon. I'll let you know how it goes."

Later that night, Jennie called Minwoo and told him he could see Hayoon, but only under strict conditions—she would be there the entire time, and it would be short. He agreed without hesitation, grateful for the chance.

For now, she would take it one step at a time. She wasn't ready to trust Minwoo yet, but for Hayoon, she was willing to give him the smallest of chances.