Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 40: Tokyo and Seoul (Jennie 29; Rosé 32)

Rosé had just performed the last show of her asia-tour in Tokyo, and the energy of the night was still coursing through her veins. The final concert had been a roaring success, the fans had screamed her name, and the stage had felt like home. But now, all she wanted was to take off her stage makeup, get into something comfortable, and relax before flying back to Seoul the next day.

As she went backstage, still riding the high of the night, a familiar voice called out to her. "Rosie!"

Rosé turned and spotted Lisa, one of her closest friends from their early idol days, grinning widely with a bouquet of flowers.

"Lisa!" Rosé beamed and rushed over to give her a tight hug.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming!" Rosé said, playfully smacking Lisa on the arm after they pulled apart.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Lisa said with a wink. "I just so happened to be in Tokyo too! Figured I'd show up for the last show and steal you away for the day tomorrow."

Rosé laughed, feeling a wave of warmth and nostalgia wash over her. Lisa had always been spontaneous and full of life, and it had been too long since they'd had time to spend together.

The next day, they met up for a full day of sightseeing and catching up. Tokyo was their playground. They strolled through the bustling streets of Shibuya, took selfies in front of the famous crossing, and even visited a few of their favorite shopping spots. For lunch, they tucked into sushi at a quiet restaurant tucked away from the tourist spots, reminiscing about their early idol days, swapping industry gossip, and laughing about the chaotic memories they shared.

But back in Seoul, Jennie was anything but relaxed.

She sat by Hayoon's bedside, her heart heavy with worry. Her little girl had been burning up with a fever for the last day and a half, her usually lively energy reduced to quiet whimpers. Jennie gently wiped Hayoon's forehead with a cool cloth, her mind spinning with all the things she had to do but couldn't focus on.

The grand opening of her second ice cream parlor was just one day away. This wasn't just any opening—this one was huge. It had taken months of planning, and the buzz around it was incredible. Celebrities, influencers, and media were all expected to show up. Jennie's shop had become a massive hit, and the pressure to make this event perfect was immense.

But all of that paled in comparison to her concern for Hayoon. Watching her daughter, usually so full of life, lying weak in bed tore at her heart.

"Mommy," Hayoon whispered, her voice small and tired. "Can we read my favorite story?"

Jennie immediately nodded, her voice soft and reassuring. "Of course, baby. Which one do you want?"

"The one about the bunny and the stars," Hayoon murmured, her eyes barely open.

Jennie fetched the book from Hayoon's bookshelf and settled beside her on the bed, her voice soothing as she began to read. But even as she read aloud, her mind was distracted. The shop, the guests, the fever—everything was piling up. And Rosé. She hadn't heard from Rosé all day.

Jennie glanced at her phone. She hadn't gotten a single message from her girlfriend. Trying to ignore the feeling of anxiety that came with that thought, she finished the story and kissed Hayoon's forehead before stepping out of the room.

She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Rosé's number, hoping to hear her voice, to ground herself in the midst of all the chaos.

The phone rang. Once. Twice.

No answer.

Jennie frowned but told herself not to worry. Maybe Rosé was busy with post-concert interviews, or maybe she was just taking a well-deserved nap. She waited a few minutes and called again.

Still no answer.

Now, the pit in her stomach began to grow. Jennie texted her: "Hey, babe. Hayoon's fever is worse, and it's been crazy here. Can you call me when you get the chance?"

She watched the message go through but saw no response, no "read" receipt. Nothing.

An hour passed, and with each minute, Jennie's unease deepened. She tried to distract herself, scrolling through her phone, checking social media, hoping to occupy her mind.

But as she scrolled, her thumb froze over a photo that popped up in her feed. Under "Photos You Might Like," there was a picture of Rosé. And beside her was Lisa.

Jennie blinked, her heart suddenly thudding in her chest. She clicked on the photo, her eyes widening as she saw more pictures in the post—Rosé and Lisa laughing, their arms around each other, taking selfies, looking carefree and close. Very close.

The comments were flooded with fans gushing over the duo. "Omg, they're so cute together!" "I ship them!!" "Lisa and Rosé are friendship goals!"

But it wasn't just the comments. It was how Rosé looked so comfortable, so at ease with Lisa. Jennie's mind spiraled.

Did they plan this? Why didn't Rosie tell me she was meeting Lisa? Why hasn't she called me back all day? Is this why she didn't answer my calls?

Her thoughts raced, a knot of insecurity and confusion tightening in her chest. She hated feeling like this—jealous, paranoid—but she couldn't help it. The stress of the shop, the exhaustion from taking care of Hayoon, and now this? It was too much. She didn't know if she wanted to cry or sleep or throw her phone across the room.

Jennie clenched her jaw, trying to push down the rising tide of emotions. She told herself it was nothing. Rosé and Lisa were just friends. They'd known each other for years, long before Rosé and Jennie had gotten together. There was no reason to feel this way.

But the pit in her stomach wouldn't go away. She looked down at Hayoon, still asleep in bed, her little face flushed from the fever. Jennie ran a hand through her hair and sighed deeply, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

I just need to talk to her, Jennie thought. I just need to hear her voice.