After five long years of searching for Jennie, Kim Taehyung found nothing but a single letter she left behind-an enigmatic farewell that shattered his world. With no trace of her whereabouts, he had been left to navigate the void she left in his lif...
It was a quiet day in the Korean HQ of Ruby Cosmetics. Jennie sat alone in her office, flipping through files, her mind only half-focused on the endless pages of reports and projections. The silence was comforting, a rare moment of peace in the whirlwind that her life had become.
“Ms. Jane, there’s someone looking for you,” her assistant, Lucy, said, peeking her head in.
Jennie barely glanced up. “Who is it?”
“She said her name was Park Chaeyoung. She… she said she knows you. Should I send her in?” Lucy’s voice was cautious, as if sensing the weight of the name.
Jennie froze, her pen hovering mid-air. Park Chaeyoung. The name stirred a flood of memories—nights spent practicing, shared secrets, laughter that once filled empty rooms. Chaeyoung, Rosé, had been more than a friend; she’d been family.
Jennie took a long, steadying breath, her thoughts scrambling to prepare for this unexpected reunion. “Send her in,” she replied at last, her voice steady, though a flicker of uncertainty passed through her.
Jennie sat back in her chair, her heart beating a little faster as she heard the name "Park Chaeyoung." It had been a long time since they’d last spoken. Chaeyoung, or Rosé as she was known in the industry, had always been one of her closest friends in the group. Despite everything that had happened—the fame, the scandal, the distance—they had once been like sisters.
The door creaked open, and there she was. Chaeyoung stood in the doorway, her warm eyes locking onto Jennie's, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She looked different—more mature, perhaps, with a quiet confidence that only years in the spotlight could bring. But there was still that familiar lightness in her gaze, a reminder of the countless memories they shared.
“Unnie” Chaeyoung said softly, stepping further inside and letting the door close behind her. Jennie rose from her seat, a mixture of emotions flooding her chest as she walked over to meet her.
“Chaeyoung,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper.
They embraced, a brief but heartfelt hug that spoke volumes. When they pulled apart, Chaeyoung took a deep breath, studying Jennie as if she were searching for traces of the friend she once knew.
“Yah, unnie ! ” Chaeyoung said, pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes, a playful pout on her lips. “You couldn’t even bother to meet up with me all this time? I had to hunt you down in your office!”
Jennie chuckled, a little embarrassed. "I know, I know… I’m sorry. Things have been… busy."
“Busy?” Chaeyoung scoffed, folding her arms as she raised an eyebrow. “It’s been years , unnie! If I hadn’t shown up here, you’d probably still be hidden behind all these fancy files and meetings.”
Jennie smiled sheepishly, running a hand through her hair. “Alright, fine, you’re right. I should have made time. But you know how things have been since I took over here. It’s been a lot to handle.”
Chaeyoung’s expression softened, though a playful glint remained in her eyes. “A lot to handle, huh? Well, you’re lucky I’m too happy to see you to stay mad,” she said, reaching out to give Jennie a gentle punch on the arm. “But you owe me a full day of hanging out—no business talk, no meetings, just you and me catching up, like old times.”
Jennie grinned, the weight of her work and worries feeling a little lighter in Chaeyoung’s presence. “Deal. I’ve missed you, Chaeyoung.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Chaeyoung replied, her smile genuine. "Just don't think you can disappear on me again. I’ll come drag you out of here myself next time.”
Jennie laughed, realizing just how much she needed this moment, this connection to the past that still felt like home. “I’d like to see you try.”
As they settled into the seats across from each other, Jennie couldn’t help but feel a warmth bubbling up, memories slipping back into place as if no time had passed at all.
“So,” Jennie began, her voice soft, “how have you been? And the others? Are you still in touch?”
Chaeyoung’s eyes lit up, her smile stretching wide. “Oh, you know how it is—Jisoo is still Jisoo, trying her hand at acting these days. She’s actually really good, though she’s always calling me for help with lines at the most random times!” She rolled her eyes playfully. “And Lisa… well, she’s her usual whirlwind self. She’s been all over, but you know her—she’ll drop everything to show up whenever any of us need her.”
Jennie felt her heart swell. Hearing about Jisoo, Lisa… it was like revisiting a part of herself that had been tucked away, almost forgotten. “I can imagine,” she murmured, a fond smile on her lips. “I miss those days sometimes. It was simpler back then, wasn’t it?”
Chaeyoung nodded, her gaze softening. “Yeah, it really was. But I think, in a way, we’re all still there for each other. We have our own lives now, but we check in, try to keep that bond strong. You know, just like how it used to be.”
Jennie nodded, feeling a twinge of regret. She’d been so wrapped up in her own struggles, her work, that she’d allowed herself to drift away from them. “I should’ve kept in touch more,” she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. “I missed out on so much.”
Chaeyoung reached across the desk, squeezing her hand. “Hey, life happens. You’ve had a lot on your plate. None of us would ever hold it against you. We all know you did what you had to do.”
Jennie looked up, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Chaeyoung. "
“So,” Chaeyoung began, her tone shifting, it was now more serious , leaning forward, “I heard about everything. The scandal, the shareholders questioning you… and then Taehyung.” Her tone was gentle, careful, as though she didn’t want to pry but felt she needed to acknowledge what Jennie was going through. “I just wanted to check on you, see how you’re holding up.”
Jennie let out a small sigh, her fingers tracing the edge of a file on her desk. “Honestly? It’s been tough. I thought I was ready for all of this—taking over, facing the scrutiny. But with everything that’s happened… I’m not sure anymore.” She looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. “And then Taehyung… he’s been supportive, but I keep wondering if getting close to him again is a mistake. If I’m making the same choices that led to so much pain before.”
Chaeyoung reached out, placing a reassuring hand over Jennie’s. “Jennie, I don’t think you’re making a mistake by letting Taehyung back into your life. We all saw how he stood up for you recently. He’s still there for you, even after everything.”
Jennie’s lips twitched into a small smile. “It’s just hard to believe… that he’d still care like that. Part of me is scared I’ll mess everything up again.”
Chaeyoung gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Listen, we’ve all made mistakes. But that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve second chances—especially with people who really matter. If you’re willing to give yourself that chance, I’m sure Taehyung will, too. And so will the rest of us.” Her words hung in the air, a quiet reassurance that Jennie hadn’t known she needed.
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A/N : I am sorry for the delay, I was just way too busy today :,-)
