Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 58: Catch My Hints (Jennie 32; Rosé 35)

It had been a year now, though things were far from stagnant. Their relationship had grown deeper, more complex, and so had the challenges they faced. But as always, they faced them together. It was hard to believe four years had already passed since they first started dating. Four years filled with laughter, growth, and endless love—not just between the two of them, but with Hayoon, who was now seven years old and blossoming into a bright, curious child.

Rosé had taken a much-needed break from releasing new music, her current hiatus giving her more time with Jennie and Hayoon. She had also signed with Pacific Records, a highly respected label in the U.S. Meanwhile, Jennie had been expanding her ice cream empire. With her third, fourth, and fifth parlors recently opened, business was booming, and Jennie found immense pride in balancing her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and partner.

Yet, amid the thrill of her growing businesses, there was one thing Jennie couldn't stop thinking about—marriage.

Jennie had never been the type to fantasize about weddings as a little girl. But now? Now, she found herself thinking about it more and more. Maybe it was because they had been together for so long, or maybe it was the sense of stability and love Rosé had brought into her life, but Jennie wanted to take that next step. She wanted to be Rosé's wife. She wanted them to be a family in every possible way.

Subtly—or maybe not so subtly—Jennie had been dropping hints to Rosé. Whether it was showing her pictures of friends who had recently tied the knot or casually bringing up the idea of destination weddings in places where they could legally marry, Jennie's desire was becoming clearer with each passing day.

South Korea didn't recognize same-sex marriage, but Jennie often fantasized about moving abroad. She imagined them living somewhere they could be free, where their love wasn't hidden or questioned. Sometimes, her thoughts drifted back to her first marriage with Minwoo. The memories stung, but that past also made her appreciate the love she had with Rosé even more. This was different. This was real. It was forever. She didn't just want to marry someone; she wanted to marry her Rosie, the woman she knew with absolute certainty she would spend the rest of her life with.

What Jennie didn't know was that Rosé had been thinking about marriage, too—more than Jennie realized. In fact, Rosé had already made plans.

For months, Rosé had been quietly preparing to propose. She wanted it to be perfect, a moment Jennie would never forget. Rosé had already spoken to Jennie's parents, who had grown to love her deeply over time. When Rosé nervously asked them for their blessing, they smiled warmly and gave their approval without hesitation. Jennie's parents had come to see how much Rosé meant to their daughter and to Hayoon. They had watched Rosé become a stable, loving presence in both of their lives, someone they could fully trust with Jennie's heart.

Rosé didn't want just any proposal, though. This moment had to be grand yet intimate, special but private—because their relationship was still kept out of the public eye.

Rosé had chosen their anniversary as the day, during an upcoming trip abroad. It would be the first time the three of them traveled together outside of South Korea, a milestone in itself. She had found the perfect location—a secluded, luxury beachfront villa, tucked away in a remote and breathtakingly beautiful island. The sand stretched endlessly underfoot, the sunsets painted the sky in vibrant shades of gold and fire, and the waves gently lapping at the shore. It was peaceful, private—a world away from their bustling lives in Seoul.

In her mind, Rosé could already see it all. She pictured the three of them walking hand in hand along the beach, the warm breeze brushing through their hair, the golden light of the setting sun casting an ethereal glow around them. She imagined them playing in the water, Hayoon laughing as she splashed around, her little feet leaving imprints in the wet sand. And then, at the perfect moment, Rosé would turn to Jennie, take her hand, and kneel. She had already chosen the exact spot where she would ask the question that would change their lives forever.

Rosé had been planning every detail with Mrs. Choi, who had helped her prepare a proposal that would be memorable yet subtle, beautiful but deeply personal. The ring Rosé had chosen was simple but elegant, with a design inspired by Jennie's love for nature—a delicate band adorned with a single, perfect diamond, representing the strength and purity of their bond.

As the day of their trip approached, Rosé grew more excited, though she kept her cool around Jennie, not wanting to give anything away. Jennie's hints about marriage were sweet, but little did she know that Rosé was already ahead of her, counting down the days until she could finally make her dream a reality.

Their anniversary was just around the corner, and Rosé could hardly wait to surprise Jennie with what she had planned. It wasn't just about the proposal; it was about the life they had built together and the future they both wanted. Soon, Jennie would see that Rosé had been ready for this step all along.

For now, though, Rosé kept her secret, excited for the moment when she would reveal it all.

As they packed for the trip, Jennie's excitement was palpable. "I can't believe we're finally doing this—our first real trip abroad!" she exclaimed, holding up a wide-brimmed sunhat and twirling around with it playfully. "I've been dreaming about this for so long."

Rosé smiled, watching her. "You have no idea how much I've been dreaming about it, too," she said softly, her eyes glinting with the secret she carried.

Jennie laughed, completely oblivious to what was coming. "I'm just saying, Rosie... the beach, the sunsets... maybe we should think about moving there after we... you know."

Rosé raised an eyebrow, enjoying the game. "After we what?"

"After we get married, duh!" Jennie threw her head back, laughing, her hair spilling over her shoulders. Rosé's heart swelled, her chest tightening with affection. If only you knew how soon that wish would come true, she thought, barely able to contain her excitement.

As Jennie hummed a soft tune, folding Hayoon's tiny clothes into neat piles, Rosé felt a surge of emotion wash over her. Soon. Soon, she would ask Jennie the question that would change their lives forever. Soon, they would start the next chapter of their love story—the one she had been dreaming about for so long.

The trip was only days away, and Rosé could hardly wait. Everything was falling into place, and soon, Jennie would know just how much Rosé had been planning and dreaming of this moment. The proposal wasn't just about asking Jennie to marry her—it was about their future, the family they had already become, and the life they were going to build together.

And soon enough, Jennie would be hers forever.