SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

10. Unraveling Connections

The quiet streets of Seoul were unusually serene that night, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows across the pavement. Jennie walked slowly, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets, Kuma trotting along beside her. The crisp air was soothing, a stark contrast to the chaos and noise of the day. She needed this walk—needed to clear her head after the emotional highs and lows of the event.

As she turned a corner near the park, Kuma's ears perked up, his pace quickening slightly. Jennie followed his gaze, her eyes landing on a familiar figure standing under the soft halo of a streetlamp. Y/N, with her Doberman Apollo sitting obediently by her side, looked almost ethereal in the quiet night.

"Jennie?" Y/N's voice carried softly through the stillness, laced with pleasant surprise. A gentle smile spread across her face as their eyes met.

"Y/N," Jennie responded, her breath hitching for a moment. "Hey... I wasn't expecting to run into anyone tonight."

Y/N chuckled lightly, her hand idly brushing Apollo's head. "Yeah, same here. Apollo was getting restless, and honestly, I needed to clear my head too." She paused, then added, "Mind if we walk together?"

Jennie felt a small flutter in her chest but quickly nodded. "Sure, Kuma could use some company. He's a little picky about friends, though," she joked, glancing down at her Pomeranian.

Y/N smiled, looking down at Apollo. "Apollo's the opposite—he's way too friendly for his size. Let's see how they do."

They began walking side by side, their dogs leading the way. The comfortable silence between them was broken only by the soft padding of paws on the pavement and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Apollo, with his large frame and regal stance, seemed to contrast sharply with Kuma's smaller, fluffier form, but the two dogs moved in sync, occasionally sniffing at each other in a cautious truce.

Jennie glanced down, watching as Kuma sniffed Apollo's massive paws, his little tail wagging in hesitant approval. She smiled, feeling a strange sense of pride. "I think Kuma approves," she remarked softly, looking over at Y/N.

Y/N grinned, her hand still resting lightly on Apollo's leash. "That's a good sign. Apollo's got a soft spot for small dogs, believe it or not. He usually scares them off without meaning to."

Jennie knelt down briefly, scratching behind Kuma's ears. "He's brave, but only until he realizes how big the other dog is," she said with a laugh. She looked up at Apollo, who was now observing Kuma with quiet interest. "Hey there, Apollo," she murmured, holding out her hand.

Apollo's ears perked up, and after a moment of careful observation, he stepped closer, his nose gently brushing against Jennie's outstretched fingers. Jennie smiled, running her hand along his sleek coat. "Wow, he's so calm. Kuma could learn a thing or two."

Y/N chuckled, kneeling down to stroke Kuma's fluffy back. "Kuma's adorable. I'm kind of jealous—you've got this perfect little companion."

Kuma tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as if deciding whether to accept Y/N's affection. After a few seconds, he gave a tentative sniff and allowed her to pet him, his tail wagging just a little faster.

"Looks like you've won him over," Jennie said, her voice soft, almost impressed.

Y/N looked up at Jennie, a playful glint in her eye. "What can I say? Dogs have good instincts about people."

Jennie felt a warmth spread through her chest at the comment, though she quickly looked away, focusing on Kuma again. "Yeah, they do," she murmured.

They resumed walking, the conversation flowing more easily now. The tension from earlier seemed to dissipate as they shared stories about their dogs—Apollo's tendency to chase squirrels during photoshoots, Kuma's habit of barking at his own reflection. Each tale brought more laughter, the lighthearted moments serving as a balm for the weight of the day.