SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

15. Checking In

The room was bathed in the soft, hazy light of dawn, casting a warm glow across Y/N's packed suitcases and Jennie's quiet figure standing beside them. Jennie had woken up early, barely able to sleep, knowing this was the morning Y/N would leave. Her footsteps were light as she made her way to Y/N's side, her heart heavy yet full.

Y/N, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, looked up as Jennie approached. The sight of her standing there, so close yet already feeling a world away, made Jennie's chest tighten. She managed a small smile, reaching out to touch the shoulder of Y/N's hoodie, her fingers lingering.

Jennie's heart felt heavy, the reality of Y/N leaving settling in with each passing second. She swallowed, keeping her voice steady as she crossed her arms. "So... you have everything?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, I think so," Y/N replied, glancing down at her packed bags. "I made a checklist so I wouldn't leave anything behind."

"Well, if you do forget something..." Jennie's voice trailed off as she reached for one of the zippers, her fingers brushing against Y/N's hand. "I'll just have to bring it to you."

A gentle smile broke across Y/N's face. "You'd really come all the way out there, huh?"

Jennie's lips curved in a small smile, but her eyes held something deeper. "If it means seeing you again, yeah... I think I would."

Y/N's gaze softened, the warmth of Jennie's touch calming her nerves. "Careful," she murmured, "I might leave something behind on purpose, just to give you an excuse."

Y/N's hand found Jennie's, their fingers entwining naturally as they shared a quiet, lingering gaze. Jennie bit her lip, trying to keep her composure, but the thought of Y/N leaving made it nearly impossible. She felt like she was on the edge of saying something monumental, but couldn't find the words.

"Y/N..." she began, her eyes searching. "This... us... I just..." Her words trailed off, the vulnerability catching in her throat. "I just don't want you to feel alone out there."

Y/N's hand reached up, fingers tracing a light path down Jennie's arm until they intertwined their fingers. "I won't," she replied softly, giving Jennie's hand a comforting squeeze. "Not as long as I know you're here. Waiting for me."

Jennie looked down, biting her lip to keep her emotions in check. "It's funny," she murmured, a small, self-conscious smile playing on her lips. "I didn't think this would be so... hard."

Y/N's thumb brushed over Jennie's knuckles, grounding her. "Me either," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But it means something, doesn't it? The fact that it's this hard."

Jennie looked up, her eyes shimmering with the weight of everything she wanted to say. Instead, she took a step closer, letting her free hand gently cup Y/N's cheek. She could feel Y/N's breath against her skin, could see the hesitation and hope in her eyes. And slowly, as if testing the waters, she leaned in, her heart pounding as her lips met Y/N's.

The kiss was soft, tender, and filled with a warmth that felt like both a promise and a goodbye. Jennie's fingers tangled in Y/N's hair, pulling her just a little closer as she tried to memorize the feeling—the softness, the gentle pressure, the way their breaths mingled.

Y/N pulled back just enough to rest her forehead against Jennie's, her eyes still closed. She let out a shaky laugh, her voice thick with emotion. "This is going to sound dramatic, but... I think I might actually miss you."

Jennie chuckled, the sound warm but tinged with sadness. "That's not dramatic. That's just... honest," she murmured, her hand still resting on Y/N's cheek as she traced small circles with her thumb. "And I'll miss you too. A lot."