Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 59: Waiting Game (Jennie 32; Rosé 35)

The airport lounge was bustling with the typical sounds of suitcases rolling, the gentle hum of announcements, and travelers moving through the space. Jennie sat beside Hayoon, their bags neatly stacked in front of them. Rosé sat a few rows away, with Mrs. Choi next to her, and despite being only a short distance apart, the physical separation felt frustratingly vast. Jennie sighed softly, glancing toward Rosé.

"This is so dumb," Jennie muttered under her breath, her lips curving into a slight pout. "We're both women; it's not like people will think anything of it if we sit together."

Hayoon, perched on Jennie's lap, looked up. "What's dumb, Mommy?"

"Nothing, sweetie," Jennie replied, embarrassed, smoothing down Hayoon's hair as she tried to mask her disappointment. Her mind was still on Rosé. Even after four years together, every minute apart felt like a lifetime. She bit her lip, her gaze sliding toward Rosé, who gave her a subtle wink from across the lounge. It was a little moment that made Jennie's heart skip.

Rosé, however, didn't share Jennie's frustrations—at least not today. She needed this brief separation. Mrs. Choi was busy flipping through her phone, double-checking Rosé's plan. The celebrity manager leaned in close, her voice low.

"Everything is set, right?" Rosé whispered, her eyes flickering with a hint of nerves.

Mrs. Choi nodded. "Of course. I've already coordinated with the villa staff for the NDAs. They're used to these things, they've been doing it for years. Once you arrive, they'll make sure everything is perfect."

Rosé took a deep breath, her excitement and anxiety rising in equal measure. "And the ring?"

"In the bag, securely packed," Mrs. Choi assured, giving Rosé a gentle nudge. "It's going to be perfect, Chaeng. Don't worry."

Rosé smiled, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her. Perfect. That was all she wanted for Jennie, for their little family. Her eyes drifted back to Jennie and Hayoon, watching the two of them laugh over something silly. Hayoon had started making faces with her napkin, and Jennie was giggling, probably unaware of how hard she was smiling.

Jennie tried to stay focused on Hayoon, but her mind kept wandering. The signs were all there. The romantic trip, the careful way Rosé had been planning without giving too much away, the way Mrs. Choi kept glancing over at them with a knowing smile. She caught herself smiling too hard, her heart racing. This has to be it, Jennie thought. There's no way she isn't proposing.

But as much as she wanted to believe, she tried to temper her excitement. Jennie shook her head, telling herself not to get too ahead of things. "Don't get your hopes up," she muttered, though her heart was already soaring. It would be so complicated for Rosie, especially with how people find out things so easily—but still, she couldn't help the feeling. This is it.

"Mommy, why are you smiling so much?" Hayoon tilted her head, her small face scrunched up in confusion.

Jennie blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, I didn't realize I was," she said, laughing softly. She leaned down and kissed Hayoon's cheek. "I'm just happy, that's all."

Hayoon gave a little shrug, returning to her napkin game, though Jennie noticed her sneaking curious glances at her every now and then.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they boarded the plane. The seats were still separate, but Jennie and Rosé exchanged glances filled with silent promises as they moved toward their seats. Jennie sat with Hayoon, while Rosé and Mrs. Choi took their spots a few rows back. As the plane took off, Jennie's mind drifted back to the idea of the proposal, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling in her stomach.