SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

36. Meetings and Feelings

The glow of the laptop screen illuminated Y/N's hotel room in muted blues and whites as she sat at the small desk, preparing for the meeting. The air was still, thick with anticipation, and the faint hum of the laptop's fan filled the otherwise silent space.

The link to the Zoom call blinked on her screen, a single click away from a conversation she wasn't ready to have. Y/N took a deep breath, her fingers hovering over the trackpad. There was no avoiding this, but every fiber of her being told her to run.

She clicked the link, and the screen shifted to show a virtual waiting room before the meeting loaded. Within moments, the window expanded, revealing her manager and a senior HYBE executive, their faces framed by professional backdrops—sleek office walls, crisp lighting, and an aura of authority that felt suffocating even through the screen.

"Good morning, Y/N," her manager greeted, his voice steady and practiced. His sharp features and pressed suit gave him an air of control that immediately put Y/N on edge.

The senior executive, a woman with an immaculate blazer and an expression as cold as ice, nodded curtly. "Thank you for joining us," she said.

Y/N forced a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course," she said, her tone clipped.

The executive wasted no time, pulling up a shared screen. A series of headlines and social media posts filled Y/N's laptop, the words glaring against the white background:

"Jennie Spotted at LE SSERAFIM Concert—K-Pop's New Power Couple?"

"Rumors Reignite: Are Y/N and Jennie Together?"

"Fans Question Y/N's Girl Crush Image After Jennie's Concert Appearance."

"Let's address the issue at hand," the executive began, her voice measured but sharp. "This situation has escalated quickly, and it's imperative that we handle it with care. Jennie's appearance at your concert has created significant buzz, but unfortunately, it's not the kind we want."

Y/N clenched her jaw, the sight of the headlines making her stomach churn. "She came to support me," she said simply, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Her manager adjusted his tie, leaning forward slightly. "Y/N, we understand that. But the public doesn't. To them, this looks like confirmation of the rumors that have been swirling for months. And that perception has consequences."

"What consequences?" Y/N asked, her voice rising slightly. "People speculating about my life isn't new."

"This isn't just speculation," the executive said. "This directly impacts your image—the image we've carefully cultivated for you as part of LE SSERAFIM."

Her manager's tone softened, but it carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. "Your image as the 'ultimate girl crush' is a cornerstone of your popularity, Y/N. Fans see you as confident, untouchable, and aspirational. Jennie's appearance now disrupts that narrative."

"So you're saying my entire worth is tied to how well I can play a fantasy for strangers?" Y/N shot back, her voice laced with disbelief.

"That's not what we're saying," her manager replied, though his expression tightened. "We're saying that your connection to the fans is built on their perception of you. If they feel like that connection is threatened, it changes how they engage with you—and with the group."

The executive nodded in agreement. "This is exactly why the dating ban exists. It's not about punishing you, Y/N. It's about protecting you from situations like this."

"Protecting me?" Y/N laughed bitterly, shaking her head. "This isn't protection. It's control. You're not shielding me from anything—you're just making sure I fit into the box you built for me."