SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

7. A Dance of Uncertainty

As Jennie settles into the seat across from Y/N, she feels an unexpected but comforting warmth. The dim lighting casts soft shadows, making the setting feel close, almost private. The sound of rain pattering against the window fills the quiet between them, adding to the sense that the world outside has faded away.

Jennie glances at Y/N's glass and raises an eyebrow. "So, what are you drinking tonight?"

Y/N gives a small grin, holding up her copper mug. "Moscow Mule. Thought I'd go for something simple but classic. And you?"

Jennie hesitates, feeling slightly self-conscious. "Usually... wine. I guess I'm not very adventurous."

Y/N's eyes spark with mischief. "Not adventurous? I don't buy that for a second." She gestures to the bartender. "One Moscow Mule for her, too. Let's add a little variety to your night."

Jennie smirks, but there's a small flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Are you sure about that?"

"Absolutely. It's on me," Y/N says, winking. "Trust me—you'll like it."

The bartender places the drinks in front of them, and Jennie wraps her hands around the cool mug, studying it for a moment. She glances up at Y/N, who's watching her with a faintly amused smile, and finally takes a sip. The zingy taste of lime and ginger fills her mouth, and she nods appreciatively.

"Not bad," she says, grinning. "You're right. I like it."

Y/N raises her glass in a casual toast. "To trying new things."

Jennie clinks her glass against Y/N's, unable to hold back a small smile. They sit back, sipping their drinks and watching the light rain outside. A comfortable silence settles between them, broken only by the occasional murmur of other patrons in the bar.

After a few moments, Jennie glances sideways, taking in the way Y/N's expression softens as she stares out the window, her guard momentarily down.

"So... what do you do when you're not performing?" Jennie asks, curious.

Y/N shrugs, her eyes flicking back to Jennie with a hint of amusement. "Honestly? Anything I can do without being spotted. Usually, it's late-night drives, hole-in-the-wall food spots... stuff that lets me feel like myself without all the noise."

Jennie's eyebrows raise. "Late-night drives?"

Y/N nods, a wistful smile touching her lips. "There's this weird freedom to it. Empty streets, just me and the city lights... it's like everything else fades away for a while. Know what I mean?"

Jennie's gaze softens as she nods slowly. "Yeah, I think I do. I love the city late at night, when it's quieter. Sometimes it feels like you can almost disappear into it."

For a moment, they simply sit in understanding. Jennie finds herself surprised by how easy this is, how natural it feels to talk with Y/N. The usual guardedness she keeps up with most people is slipping away.

Y/N breaks the silence, turning her glass between her hands. "Alright, what's your favorite spot in Seoul?"

Jennie thinks for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "There's this tiny café in Insadong. It's hidden in an alleyway—really quiet, with old bookshelves and mismatched chairs. They make the best ginger tea." Her voice softens as she describes it. "It just... feels like home."

Y/N nods, her eyes warm. "I'll have to check it out sometime." Her gaze lingers on Jennie, sensing the vulnerability in her tone, and she feels an unspoken connection growing between them. "What about food? Are you picky?"

Jennie laughs, shaking her head. "Not really. But I am obsessed with anything matcha."

"Matcha?" Y/N's eyebrows raise, a grin spreading across her face. "I didn't expect that. Okay, I'll remember that next time."