SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

11. Tangled Emotions

Jennie woke up to the soft, pale light filtering through her curtains, casting a gentle glow over her room. She lay in bed for a moment, breathing in the calm silence, before Kuma's small, warm body nudged her hand. She smiled, reaching down to scratch behind his ears, his tail wagging in sleepy delight.

"Alright, alright," she murmured. "I know it's breakfast time."

Kuma hopped off the bed, padding toward the door as Jennie got up, stretching out the slight ache in her muscles. She slipped into her slippers and wandered to the kitchen, where Kuma sat expectantly, eyes locked on his bowl. After filling it, she poured herself a glass of water, leaning back against the counter, her mind drifting to the possible evening ahead. She didn't know all the details yet, but there was a faint buzz of anticipation under the surface, something she couldn't quite place.

It's just a dinner, she reminded herself. Another PR thing. Nothing more.

But as she thought of Y/N, that warmth in her chest grew. Shaking off the feeling, she glanced down at her phone on the counter. No messages yet. She needed to take Kuma out anyway, so she pocketed her phone and slipped a leash on him, pulling a hoodie over her shoulders before heading outside.

The morning was brisk, with a slight chill to the air that seemed to invigorate Kuma, who trotted beside her with his ears perked. Jennie allowed herself to relax into the steady rhythm of their walk, enjoying the peace before the day picked up. She watched as Kuma sniffed every leaf and tree, his little nose twitching with curiosity. His uncomplicated joy always managed to make her smile.

Halfway through their walk, her phone buzzed, and she fished it out of her pocket. It was a message from her manager.

"Dinner finally confirmed for tonight with Y/N. Be there by 7. Make sure it looks natural but coordinated. Nothing too formal."

Jennie sighed, amusement flickering across her face. Nothing too formal? Her manager clearly didn't know her too well if they thought she'd show up at a casual dinner in full Chanel. She sent a quick text back confirming she'd be there, then pocketed her phone, her thoughts already drifting to Y/N.

As she walked back home, she couldn't help but imagine how the night might go. What's Y/N going to wear? she wondered, chuckling to herself at the thought of her own impulse to overthink it. And then a small, reluctant realization hit her: she was excited.

Back in her apartment, she settled Kuma with his toys and took a deep breath, trying to shake off her own expectations. It's just PR, she reminded herself. But the memory of their last few encounters—Y/N's easy laughter, her laid-back charm—kept nudging at her, softening her resolve.

After showering and pulling on a fresh, oversized sweater, Jennie's phone buzzed again. She picked it up, and a smile tugged at her lips. It was Y/N.

Y/N: "So, heard you're actually coming casual. Do I have your manager to thank for that? Or are you just showing off?"

Jennie chuckled, quickly typing a response.

Jennie: "So, no Chanel. Are you really making me go casual."

Y/N: "Yep, but still cute. Don't want to scare the waitstaff with your runway look."

Jennie's lips curved into a smile, her eyes lingering on the text. She could picture Y/N's smirk as she typed it, that teasing, confident expression that always seemed to bring Jennie's walls down a little too easily.

Jennie: "Fine, but I'm expecting a great restaurant."

Y/N: "Don't worry, I'll pick a place that meets Jennie Kim standards. No fast food, promise."