FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT| JJENINII

17.

Jennie pushed the door open, her breath steady as she toweled the light sheen of sweat from her face.

Her morning run had been uneventful, just the way she liked it—until she walked into the living room and nearly jumped out of her skin.

Taehyung was leaning casually against the arm of the sofa, still in his crisp dress pants and shirt from his early global online meetings, his arms crossed as he looked at her.

"Morning," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Jennie clutched her chest, yanking out her AirPods. "Oh my god, Taehyung. What are you doing? I thought I was alone."

He tilted his head innocently. "I live here too, remember?"

She gave him a withering glare, catching her breath. "You're way too quiet for your own good. What do you want?"

Taehyung straightened, his smirk turning into something more mischievous. "Get ready. We're going out for breakfast. Local café. Fifteen minutes."

Jennie blinked, still holding her towel as she processed his words. "What? Why?"

"Because I said so," he replied lightly.

She narrowed her eyes, though there was more confusion than annoyance in her expression. "What, like a date?"

Taehyung's grin widened, his gaze steady as he leaned slightly closer. "Well, now that you mention it... yes. Exactly like a date. Fifteen minutes, Jennie."

Before she could form a response, he turned and walked toward the hallway, leaving her standing there in a mix of shock and disbelief.

Fifteen minutes later, Jennie descended the stairs, her hair tied back neatly and a light, casual outfit thrown together. She found Taehyung waiting near the door, holding his keys.

"Ready?" he asked, glancing at her.

"Not really," she muttered, slipping on her sneakers. "But let's get this over with."

Taehyung chuckled. "You'll enjoy it, I promise."

The drive to the café was short, and as they walked inside, Jennie was greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods.

The café was small but charming, with rustic wooden furniture and a soft buzz of chatter from the handful of patrons scattered around.

Taehyung led them to a corner table, and Jennie couldn't help but notice how naturally he moved through the space, drawing attention without even trying.

They ordered their food quickly—a mix of omelets, toast, and fresh juice—and settled into their seats.

"So," Taehyung said, leaning back slightly as he looked at her. "The gala."

Jennie sighed, pulling the straw from her juice. "Do we have to start the day with that?"

"We need to be on the same page," he replied. "You know how my parents operate. They'll look for cracks. If we go in prepared, we'll come out unscathed."

Jennie took a sip of her juice, nodding. "Fine. What's your plan?"

Before he could answer, the waitress arrived with their plates. She set Jennie's omelet in front of her, followed by Taehyung's meal. A cheerful "Enjoy!" punctuated her departure as she returned to the counter.

Jennie thanked her politely, but Taehyung's gaze was already fixed on her.

She was staring at her plate, her lips pressed together in a tight line as her eyes flicked between their food.