Reaching My Star | A Chaennie AU

Chapter 61: Sunsets with You (Jennie 32; Rosé 35)

The next day, after a morning full of excitement and awe watching baby turtles make their first journey to the ocean, Jennie, Rosé, and Hayoon were back in their villa, covered in sand. Hayoon giggled uncontrollably as Jennie helped her out of her sandy clothes, and Rosé, already halfway into the bathroom, shouted back, "Quick showers, ladies. We've got somewhere special to be."

"Where are we going?" Jennie asked, her curiosity piqued. Rosé had been secretive all morning, giving little more than a cryptic smile whenever Jennie prodded her for information.

Rosé peeked out from behind the bathroom door, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Just trust me. Dress up nice, okay?"

After their showers, Jennie and Hayoon stood in front of the mirror together. Jennie helped Hayoon into a small, flowy linen sundress, the same style as her own long, elegant dress. They looked like a picture-perfect pair—mother and daughter, twinning in light, breathable fabrics that moved gently with the breeze. Jennie smiled at their reflection, brushing a hand through Hayoon's soft hair.

"We look pretty, Mommy," Hayoon said proudly, spinning in her dress.

"You're the prettiest, baby," Jennie replied, her heart warm as she kissed the top of Hayoon's head.

Soon, Rosé emerged from her own room, dressed casually but elegantly in light beach attire. Her eyes softened when she saw Jennie and Hayoon, her smile wide and genuine.

"You both look beautiful," she said, stepping forward to wrap an arm around Jennie's waist and kiss her gently on the cheek. "Ready for the surprise?"

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Surprise? Where are you taking us, Rosie?"

Rosé just chuckled, keeping her lips sealed. "You'll see."

Hayoon bounced around, her excitement contagious as they left the villa and headed toward an unfamiliar path. Jennie couldn't help but feel a little uneasy—it wasn't a main road they had used before, and it looked a bit secluded.

"Rosie, where are we going?" Jennie asked again, eyeing the unfamiliar surroundings as they walked further down the path. Hayoon clung to Jennie's hand but continued skipping, though she glanced around nervously.

Rosé didn't answer, just gave Jennie a reassuring smile and squeezed her hand. Jennie trusted Rosé, but the mystery was making her mind race.

After a few more minutes of walking, they passed through a narrow passage that felt like a cave—dark and echoing the sound of their footsteps. Hayoon gripped Jennie's hand tighter, glancing back at Rosé for comfort. Jennie was about to ask again when suddenly, they stepped out into the open, and Jennie's breath caught in her throat.

The view in front of them was stunning. It was a hidden part of the beach, completely private and untouched. The sand was soft and white, the water even more crystal clear than the front beach near their villa. But what truly took Jennie's breath away was the scene waiting for them: a cozy picnic set up just for the three of them. A mat was spread out with fruits, snacks, and a basket, and a small set of sandcastle tools were laid out nearby.

Hayoon gasped in delight. "Look, Mommy! A picnic!" She ran ahead excitedly, her earlier nervousness forgotten as she went straight for the sandcastle toys.

Jennie blinked, completely in awe. "Rosie, this is beautiful... how did you—"

Rosé smiled, her heart swelling at Jennie's expression. "I wanted to do something special, just for us. Somewhere no one could bother us."

Jennie's heart warmed, the love she felt for Rosé filling every part of her. "Thank you," she said softly, leaning in to kiss Rosé, a gentle but lingering kiss that made them both smile against each other's lips.

They settled onto the picnic mat, Rosé handing Jennie a bowl of freshly sliced fruit while Hayoon busied herself building sandcastles. The breeze was cool against their skin, and the sound of the waves lapping the shore created the perfect background for their quiet moment. Jennie's worries from earlier melted away as she relaxed beside Rosé, taking in the beauty of the scene around them.

Rosé watched Jennie laugh as Hayoon shouted proudly about her sandcastle. The image of them, her two girls, happy and carefree under the setting sun, made her heart swell to the point of almost bursting. She loved them more than anything—more than she could ever say in words. This is what I want forever. The thought was overwhelming, filling her with a deep sense of contentment, but also nervousness.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting warm, golden hues across the water, Rosé turned to Jennie. "Let's take a stroll. It's so quiet here."

Jennie nodded, helping Hayoon stand as they all walked along the shoreline. The sand was cool under their feet, and the fading sunlight painted everything in a soft glow. Hayoon, as usual, ran ahead, stopping every few feet to collect shells.

Rosé and Jennie walked in comfortable silence, arms wrapped around each other as they watched Hayoon. The sound of the ocean was soothing, and Jennie sighed contentedly, resting her head on Rosé's shoulder.

"I could stay here forever," Jennie whispered, her voice soft and full of affection.

Rosé's heart skipped a beat. Now was the moment. She had planned everything so carefully, but even now, standing here with Jennie and Hayoon, the nerves crept back in.

She cleared her throat, trying to steady her racing heart. "Jen," she began, her voice slightly shaky. Jennie lifted her head and looked up at her, curious.

"I've been thinking," Rosé continued, "about how far we've come. It's a little embarrassing, honestly... when I think about the days when we first met—when I was just an idol and you were... my biggest fan." She chuckled softly, the memories making her heart flutter.

Jennie smiled, resting her head back on Rosé's shoulder, unaware of what was coming next. "Yeah, we've definitely come a long way," she agreed, her thoughts distracted by the peacefulness of the moment.

Rosé swallowed, her nerves building. "But these last four years..." She paused, looking down at Jennie with a seriousness in her eyes that made Jennie glance up, sensing the shift in tone. "These last four years with you, with Hayoon... I've never been happier."

Jennie smiled, her heart swelling at Rosé's words. "Me too, Rosie. You and Hayoon mean everything to me."

Rosé's heart raced as she took a deep breath. "That's why... I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And with Hayoon."

Jennie blinked, the words not quite registering at first. "What do you mean?"

Rosé didn't answer immediately. Instead, she pulled something from her pocket—a small, velvet box—and opened it in front of Jennie.

Jennie's eyes went wide, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest. "Rosie... what—"

Before Jennie could finish her thought, Rosé slowly dropped to one knee in front of her, the ring sparkling in the last rays of the setting sun.

"I love you more than anything, my Love," Rosé said, her voice thick with emotion. "And I want to spend forever with you, building this life we've started. So..." She smiled, looking up at Jennie, her heart in her eyes. "Jennie Kim, Will you marry me?"

Jennie was speechless. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to process what was happening. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out at first. Finally, she managed to say, her voice cracking with emotion, "I thought you were going to propose at the 'special dinner' you keep mentioning."

Rosé laughed softly, still on one knee. "I knew you'd see right through me if I tried that. So, I had to surprise you."

Jennie's tears spilled over, her heart swelling with so much love she thought it might burst. "Yes, Rosie," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Yes, I'll marry you."

The words barely left her lips before Rosé stood up, pulling Jennie into her arms and kissing her—deeply, passionately, with all the love she had been holding in. The sun set behind them, casting the last of its golden light as they kissed, and Hayoon, unaware of the moment's weight, continued collecting shells nearby.

It was perfect. More perfect than Jennie could have ever imagined.