FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT| JJENINII

11

The next morning dawned with a cool, crisp light filtering through the hotel curtains. Jennie sat by the window, absentmindedly sipping on her coffee while staring at the skyline of the city.

She was nervous.

Visiting her mom wasn't just another outing; it was a full-blown test. A test to prove the authenticity of this fake relationship she and Taehyung had meticulously curated.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen.

Taehyung: Ready? I'll meet you downstairs in ten.

With a sigh, Jennie stood up, setting her cup down. She quickly brushed her hair and checked her reflection.

There was no room for cracks in the facade today. Her mother wasn't like the media—she was sharp, and she would see through anything less than perfect.

Jennie had barely given her any explanation since the news of her "engagement" hit the media, and that had made her mom both suspicious and upset.

Her mom had always been involved, wanting to know every detail about her life, especially when it came to something this life-altering.

Once she finished getting ready, Jennie grabbed her coat and purse, taking a deep breath. This was going to be a long day.

In the lobby, Taehyung was already waiting, dressed impeccably as usual, his calm demeanor steadying her nerves just a little. He turned as soon as he saw her, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth.

"You ready for this?" he asked, his voice soft, but there was a knowing look in his eyes. He knew how nervous she was.

Jennie nodded, though she didn't entirely feel ready. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

He chuckled softly, but the lightheartedness didn't last long. "Don't worry. We'll handle it. If we can convince the world, we can convince your mom."

She hoped he was right, but Jennie knew her mom was a completely different challenge. The media bought into images, appearances, and perfectly timed stories.

But her mom? She could see right through her.

As they pulled up to Jennie's childhood home, a cozy brick house tucked into a quiet, leafy neighborhood, the atmosphere shifted.

Taehyung's usual confidence seemed to waver just slightly as he took in the scene. This wasn't the glamorous world of boardrooms and social events. This was real life—Jennie's life—and for the first time, they were stepping into it together.

Jennie could sense his tension and offered a reassuring smile as they stepped out of the car. "Don't worry," she teased. "My mom's bark is worse than her bite."

He gave her a half-smile, though his eyes were serious. "I'm more concerned about passing the test."

Jennie swallowed hard as they walked up the path to the front door. She took a deep breath before knocking, her heart pounding in her chest.

The door swung open almost immediately, and there stood her mother—sharp-eyed, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of surprise and wariness.

"Jennie," her mother said, her tone clipped but not unkind. "And Taehyung."

She knew his name. Of course, she did. Jennie had explained the situation, at least the fabricated parts, but her mom hadn't been thrilled with finding out about an engagement through the media. 

Still, she was being polite.

That was a good sign, right?

"Hi, Mom," Jennie said, leaning in for a hug, though it was brief and stiff. "Thanks for letting us come by."