SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

9. Unscripted

The soft chime of her alarm echoed through the dim light of her bedroom, pulling Jennie out of sleep. She groaned, turning over, half-tempted to bury herself back into the comfort of her blankets. But as she glanced at her phone, the date stared back at her, a reminder of what was to come. Today was the meet-and-greet, and though she'd been through dozens of these fan sessions before, this one filled her with a familiar twist of unease that had kept her tossing and turning all night.

Jennie sat up slowly, hugging her knees to her chest, trying to gather herself in the quiet of the early morning. Today wasn't just any event. Her mind replayed the reminders her management had given her in their most recent meeting: she and Y/N needed to look "comfortable," affectionate even. Every moment they shared—every look, every word—would be captured and studied. Jennie closed her eyes, taking a slow, deep breath as she reminded herself that this was all just part of the act.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her gaze drifting out the window to the early sunlight filtering through the curtains. Normally, mornings were her sanctuary, her moment of peace before the day's noise began. But today, there was no peace. Her nerves buzzed just beneath the surface, making her feel like she was preparing for something much larger than a fan event. It's just for the fans, she told herself, but the words felt hollow.

Her thoughts drifted to Y/N, and she frowned, feeling a strange combination of excitement and apprehension wash over her. She barely knew Y/N, yet they were expected to act like they shared an unspoken connection. Comfort, she thought bitterly, remembering how her management had used the word so casually. How could she be expected to feel comfort with someone she barely knew?

Jennie absently reached for her phone, scrolling through her notifications. Her messages were flooded with reminders, fan messages, and photos from the group chat with the Blackpink girls. A small smile broke through her worry as she read their texts—supportive, playful, and full of little jokes that only the four of them shared.

Lisa had texted first: "Nini, make sure you don't actually fall for Y/N, okay? We don't need another fan scandal here, LOL!" The teasing tone was clear even through the screen, but Jennie knew Lisa well enough to feel the love behind the joke.

Next was Rosé, offering a steadying presence as always: "Remember to breathe and just be yourself. We'll be there if you need anything! Love you, Nini 💕."

And then Jisoo, straight to the point, but with a warmth that Jennie always found reassuring: "If all else fails, just hold my hand and pretend it's Y/N's 😆 You've got this!"

Jennie chuckled, feeling her anxiety ease, if only slightly. She replied with a quick thank-you, but the messages stayed with her, filling her with a quiet reassurance that only her bandmates could bring. No matter how strange the day turned out to be, she knew she wouldn't be going through it alone.

With a small sigh, Jennie stood and made her way to the bathroom, beginning her morning routine. She turned on the faucet, splashing cold water onto her face, trying to shake off the last remnants of her nerves. As she looked in the mirror, she mentally prepared herself, running through the expectations in her head: Smile naturally, look comfortable, don't let on that it's all an act.

Yet beneath her efforts to center herself, a quiet thrill lingered—a feeling she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge fully until now. Y/N's presence had started to feel like something solid she could hold onto in the unpredictable whirlwind of public life. She didn't know if it was trust, or simply the calmness Y/N exuded, but whatever it was, she felt herself drawn to it.

Just then, a soft knock sounded on her door. Jennie turned, surprised, and went to answer it. Jisoo stood there, already dressed in her casual, effortless style, giving Jennie a wide smile. "Morning, sleepyhead," Jisoo greeted, her voice bright. She stepped inside, glancing around Jennie's room before fixing her eyes on Jennie. "You look... tense."