The Clandestine Us

Sixteen

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

"Baby, time to go home," Jungkook whispered softly in my ear.

I got so caught up in the moment that I completely forgot about the promise I'd made to Jungkook earlier—that we'd leave before midnight. Honestly, I should applaud him for reminding me; I have another shoot tomorrow, and staying out too late would be a disaster.

"Guys, we're heading out," I announced, raising my voice over their loud, boisterous laughter.

"Already?" Rosé asked, her eyebrows raised, while the rest of the group turned to look at us as we stood.

"I have work tomorrow, hubby," I answered, feeling a hint of guilt.

Jungkook let out a low grunt, clearly unimpressed.

He absolutely hated it when I used terms of endearment like hubby, babe, or love with anyone but him. He's a jealous type—not to the point of being suffocating, but just enough to make it obvious. In his opinion, words like those were meant exclusively for him.

"Ah, yeah. She mentioned that earlier," Lisa chimed in, nodding in agreement. "A very busy girly!"

"But why is Jungkook going with you?" Jimin asked, a mischievous smirk creeping onto his face, clearly teasing their maknae.

"I'm curious about that, too," V added, his deep voice laced with fake amusement.

My girls and I burst out laughing, making Jungkook's forehead crease in annoyance.

"Priority," he replied.

"Well," I said, trying to hold back my giggles, "I have my car and my team waiting for me. He can stay here if he wants."

Jungkook's face twisted into one of betrayal, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"What, babe? No, I'm coming with you," he protested immediately, his tone laced with urgency.

He was pouting now, probably without even realizing it, and his wide, doe-like eyes only added to his unintentional cuteness. His duality really was something else.

Jungkook's hyungs loved teasing him whenever I was around, knowing he wouldn't take it lightly. He always ended up being their target because, as they often said, they couldn't do this when I wasn't there—Jungkook wouldn't let them win otherwise.

The room erupted into laughter as they waved us off. I hugged everyone goodbye, reminding them to take care, while Jungkook simply bowed and waved before holding the door open for me.

"Jendeuk!" Jisoo called out just as I was about to step outside.

"Hmm?" I turned to her.

"Take care," she said with a knowing smile. I understood her underlying message immediately.

I nodded but held her gaze a little longer, silently acknowledging what she meant.

I couldn't let Jungkook leave with me; the producers had been eyeing us all night, and I didn't want to risk rumors. Not now, when his group was at their peak. The thought of unnecessary rumors made me uneasy.

"JK, stay here for a bit. I'll just head to the restroom," I said absentmindedly.

"I'll come with you," Jungkook and Jisoo said in unison.

The others didn't seem to notice, but Jisoo and I exchanged a knowing look. She understood the situation as much as I did.

"Kook, girls only," I said with a sweet smile, making him nod reluctantly.