SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

29. A New Resolve

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the pale curtains of Jennie's hospital room, casting a muted glow across the sterile walls. The soft hum of machines broke the otherwise still air, punctuated by the faint, rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. Y/N stirred in the armchair by the bed, her neck aching from a restless night spent slumped in the same position. She stretched slightly, trying not to disturb the silence.

As she blinked away sleep, her gaze settled on Jennie. Her chest tightened at the sight of her—frail, pale, but peaceful. For the first time in what felt like forever, Jennie wasn't wearing her usual armor of perfection. The vulnerability in her expression even while asleep tugged at Y/N's heart. She hadn't allowed herself to relax last night, staying alert to every shift in Jennie's breathing, every small sound in the room. Now, in the soft light of morning, exhaustion threatened to take over, but Y/N fought it off.

The events of the past day circled in her mind like a relentless storm. Jennie collapsing, the frantic drive to the hospital, the hours of waiting, the tension with Blackpink's members and Jennie's mom—it was too much. She couldn't shake the image of Jennie lying unconscious in her hospital bed when she first arrived, the heart monitor a harsh reminder of how close things had come to spiraling even further out of control.

A soft rustling sound pulled her from her thoughts. Jennie's fingers twitched slightly against the pristine white sheets, her breathing changing just enough to signal she was waking up. Y/N sat up straighter, her tired body immediately on alert.

Jennie's eyes fluttered open slowly, her gaze unfocused at first. Her lips parted slightly as she took a shallow breath, her brow furrowing in confusion. Then her eyes found Y/N, and recognition flickered across her face.

"Y/N?" Jennie's voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines.

Y/N felt a rush of relief so intense it left her momentarily speechless. She leaned forward, her voice soft but steady. "Hey. You're awake."

Jennie blinked at her, her expression dazed. "What... what time is it?"

Y/N glanced at her phone. "Early. Just past seven."

Jennie closed her eyes briefly, as though trying to process where she was and why. "I... what happened?"

"You collapsed," Y/N said gently, her throat tightening as she spoke. "Exhaustion, dehydration... Jennie, you scared the hell out of everyone."

Jennie let out a faint sigh, her eyes drifting to the ceiling. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

"You don't have to apologize," Y/N replied quickly, her voice firmer now. "Just... don't do this to yourself again. Please."

Jennie's gaze returned to Y/N, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles. "You stayed," she said softly.

"Of course I stayed," Y/N said, her tone tinged with disbelief. "Where else would I be?"

Jennie's smile faded, replaced by a flicker of something more vulnerable. "You didn't have to," she said after a moment, her voice wavering.

Y/N hesitated before reaching out, her hand brushing against Jennie's. "I did," she said simply. "I needed to make sure you were okay."

Jennie stared at her, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. For a moment, it seemed like she wanted to say something more, but she held back, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"You should've gone home," Jennie murmured instead, her voice tinged with guilt.

Y/N shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You don't get to tell me what to do right now. Not when you're the one lying in a hospital bed."