Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 39: It's okay Hayoon (Jennie 29; Rosé 32)

Jennie sat across from Minwoo in a small, cozy café, watching Hayoon fidget in her seat next to her. Minwoo had arrived first, looking more put together than Jennie remembered. He seemed nervous, shifting his gaze between her and their daughter. Hayoon, who had been so curious about dads and why she didn't have one, now sat quietly, her hands gripping the edge of the table.

"Hi, Hayoon," Minwoo said softly, leaning forward slightly.

Hayoon looked up at Jennie for reassurance, her big brown eyes wide with uncertainty. Jennie gave her a small nod and squeezed her hand gently.

"Say hi to... your dad," Jennie said, her voice calm but carrying the weight of years of separation.

Hayoon peeked at Minwoo and whispered, "Hi." Her voice was barely audible, and she quickly looked down at her lap.

Minwoo smiled, though it was a nervous one. "You like pancakes, right? I remember when you were a baby, your mommy used to eat a lot of pancakes when she was pregnant with you."

Hayoon glanced up, unsure of what to say. She had always wanted to know what having a dad was like, but now that she was sitting in front of him, she felt scared. This man, who everyone said was her dad, felt like a stranger.

Jennie remained quiet, her face neutral, though her heart was pounding. She could feel Hayoon's discomfort, and it tore at her. This meeting was supposed to be about giving Hayoon the chance to know her father, but the awkwardness between them was palpable.

As they ate their food, Minwoo tried making small talk, asking Hayoon about her favorite toys and what she liked to do. She answered in short sentences, still shy and unsure. At one point, Minwoo made a silly face to try and make her laugh, but Hayoon just stared, unsure of how to react. She had wanted to meet her dad, but now that he was here, she didn't know what to do.

Minwoo glanced at Jennie, his eyes asking for help. Jennie took a deep breath and spoke gently to Hayoon.

"You know how you always ask about dads?" she began softly. "Well, this is your dad, and he's here now because he wants to spend some time with you."

Hayoon nodded slowly but kept her eyes on her plate.

Minwoo spoke up, his voice tender. "I know this is a lot, Hayoon, but I've always thought about you. I wasn't around before, but I want to be around now, if you'll let me."

Hayoon glanced up at Jennie again, confused. "Mommy?" she asked in a small voice. "Why didn't I see him before?"

Jennie's heart clenched, but she kept her tone even. "It's complicated, baby. But what's important now is that you're meeting him, and we'll figure things out together, okay?"

Hayoon didn't respond, just nodding as she shifted in her chair.

After a few more minutes of hesitant conversation, Minwoo finally asked if Hayoon wanted to play in the nearby park for a little while before they left. She hesitated but nodded. The three of them walked to the park together, but Hayoon stayed close to Jennie the whole time, unsure about Minwoo and this new reality.

When it was time to leave, Minwoo knelt down in front of Hayoon. "It was really nice to meet you today. I hope we can spend more time together soon," he said, his voice gentle but thick with emotion.

Hayoon just nodded again, her small hand clinging tightly to Jennie's.

As they parted ways, Jennie could feel the heaviness of the situation settle over them like a cloud. She had kept it together the whole time, but now, as she drove home with Hayoon in the backseat, she felt the weight of the day pressing down on her.

At home, Hayoon followed Jennie around the apartment, her curiosity bubbling up now that they were alone.

"Mommy?" she asked, tugging on Jennie's shirt as she was preparing dinner.

"Yes, sweetie?" Jennie turned and crouched down to her level.

"Why did I meet Daddy today?" Hayoon asked, her innocent eyes wide. "Why not before?"

Jennie bit her lip, thinking of how to explain this in a way her four-year-old could understand. "Well, sometimes grown-ups make mistakes, and Daddy wasn't ready to be with us before. But now, he wants to get to know you."

Hayoon frowned, her little eyebrows furrowing. "But... where was he?"

"He was... somewhere else," Jennie said carefully, choosing her words. "But now he's here, and we'll see how things go, okay? You don't have to do anything you don't want to. If you want to take things slow, that's okay."

Hayoon seemed to think about it for a moment before nodding. "Okay, Mommy."

Jennie smiled and gave her a hug. "I love you so much, my little star."

"I love you too, Mommy," Hayoon mumbled into her shoulder.

That night, after Hayoon was asleep, Jennie sat on her bed, staring at her phone. She had already told Rosé about the meeting through a few texts, but she hadn't gone into detail yet. Rosé's name appeared on her screen, and Jennie picked up, immediately feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

"How are you, Love?" Rosé's voice was soft, full of concern.

Jennie sighed. "I'm okay, I think. It was tough, but we got through it. Hayoon was confused, of course. I mean, how could she not be?"

"She's still so little, Jen. It's a lot for her to process," Rosé said sympathetically. "How do you think it went?"

Jennie hesitated. "I don't know... Minwoo seems sincere, but it was so awkward. Hayoon barely talked, and she didn't know what to make of it all. I felt like I was forcing her into something she wasn't ready for."

Rosé was silent for a moment before speaking again. "You did what you thought was best. And if Minwoo really is genuine, maybe it's good that he's trying now. But you'll know what's right for Hayoon. You always do."

Jennie smiled softly. "I hope so. Thank you, Rosie."

"Of course, Love. I wish I could be there with you. I miss you both so much."

"Just one more week," Jennie said, her voice brightening a little. "I can't wait."

"Me neither," Rosé replied. "I'll see you soon. Get some rest, okay?"

Jennie nodded, even though Rosé couldn't see her. "I will. Goodnight, Hon."

"Goodnight, Jen. I love you."

"I love you too, Rosie."

As she hung up the phone, Jennie felt a sense of calm wash over her. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, she let herself relax, knowing that Rosé would be home soon and that together, they'd face whatever came next.