Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 36

It had been a few weeks since Kai and I wrapped up my solo song, and featuring him on it turned out to be a great choice. I was also excited about the upcoming group track with Exo. I couldn't wait to see how the fans would respond, but being in the limelight also came with its own set of challenges.

Just when I thought I could concentrate on the music, rumors about Kai and me dating began to circulate. Dispatch, the media outlet, caught wind of it, and suddenly, we were being photographed everywhere we went. It felt like we were under constant surveillance. I couldn't help but wonder if our company executives were behind this. The thought made me feel uneasy—like we were mere puppets for everyone to observe. I found myself harboring a quiet resentment over how our lives were being manipulated.

What caught me off guard was the fans' reaction. Instead of being upset or critical like I knew they would be, they were actually supporting us! My social media was flooded with heart emojis and comments labeling us as “couple goals.” It was honestly quite bizarre. One moment, I felt like I was being harshly judged, and the next, I was suddenly viewed as the adorable girl who should date Kai. I struggled to make sense of it all.

I hadn't heard from Kai in ages—no texts, no calls, nothing. This silence was unsettling, and I wanted to reach out, but then I hesitated. Maybe it was for the best. He probably needed some space, especially now that we might frequently be seen together as friends in the public eye.

As I lay on my bed, gazing out the window at the rain creating delicate streaks on the glass, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Amid the chaos of our lives—filled with interviews, fan events, and the constant drama that accompanied our fame—there was one person who brought me tranquility: Taehyung. Our relationship felt like a beautiful secret, as if we were living in a romantic film, savoring small moments of normalcy amidst the madness.

Most afternoons, we found ourselves in charming little cafés tucked away in quiet alleys. The aroma of coffee blended with the soft melodies of local artists, creating the perfect atmosphere. In the evenings, we would embark on spontaneous drives, the starry sky above us serving as a stunning backdrop. In those moments, I could forget our celebrity status; we were simply Jennie and Taehyung, two people deeply in love.

We were a bit reckless, seeking thrills in sneaking kisses under the moonlight or holding hands while slipping into cozy motels. Those fleeting, secret moments were exhilarating. My heart raced at the thought of someone recognizing us. The excitement of possibly being caught was nerve-wracking, intensifying everything, and I found myself yearning for that adventure time and time again.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, jolting me back to reality. It felt urgent, like a puppy begging for attention. My heart raced as I reached for it. It was a message from Taehyung. Taking a deep breath filled with anticipation, I opened his text.

“Hey, beautiful. Open your window.”

I turned to the window and saw him waving at me, drenched and his hair soaked. He gestured with his cellphone, urging me to reply or something. I quickly typed a message on my phone.

Me: Are you practicing for a romcom role?

Love💞: I wanted to recreate your favorite scenes in romance books. You know, the classic break-in through the window.

I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Me: Very fun, but you aren’t Tristan Caine. Good try, though!

Bubbling with excitement, I opened my balcony door to let him in. Taehyung hopped up onto my balcony like it was nothing. The second floor didn’t pose any challenge for him—he was the athletic type, after all. A little climbing was easy when you had a playful spirit.