Why her? [CHAENNIE]

49

As promised, Jennie typed a message to Rose that she was already home, in the middle of the night. The guys spent a nice evening at karaoke, and then took a cozy stroll through the night Toronto, chatting about everything. Stopping on a bench in a nearby public garden, beautifully lit with lights, they watched the night sky and had a heart-to-heart talk. For the first time in a long time, Jennie was getting the most enjoyment out of spending the evening with her friends. Perhaps it was the best birthday party ever.

Rose never waited for a message from the girl, but upon waking up early in the morning, she immediately checked the direct for them. Still sleepy, with one eye open, Rose spread a smile at the cute messages from the girl. The blonde couldn't escape the feeling that she was pleased when she and Jennie let each other know that everything was fine at home or with them. Even though it was already late, Jennie still let Rose know that she had successfully made it home and for the blonde not to worry. They're not in a relationship, but every time after a call or a text like that, it feels like they are. This state of a relationship is not to Rose's liking and she realizes that she has to make a choice eventually.

She had plenty of time to think it over and not to make a rash decision. With each day without her family, friends, Jennie, the obvious choice became clearer to her. Despite a good, high-paying position at her current company, Rose realizes she can find options just as good in Toronto, given that she's had time to gain experience that will come in handy for growing startups in her own country. The new offer from her and Jisoo's friend sounded good and a great fit for Rose on all terms. An answer was expected from her and the blonde hung on the last drops of doubt, but after talking to Jisoo the girl was finally able to make a decision. Having voiced aloud to her friend all her thoughts and desires, it was as if Rose heard herself.

-So you haven't given an answer yet?- Jisoo clarifies, after she and Rosehave discussed both contracts from all sides.

-No.- The blonde replies, being in a local cozy cafe with large windows and a view of the central streets of Seattle.

There was a short silence, and Jisoo continued to speak more softly, trying to get an answer out of her friend that she could not voice herself.

-Will you sign it?- Kim asks again.

Rose put her hand on her head and stared unfocused at the people walking by. The weather in Seattle was nice and sunny today, and the people walking by looked happy-it made her feel good.

-I'm not...- Rose sighs, rubbing her forehead and eyes with her fingers, then returns her gaze to the crowded streets of Seattle.- I'm not sure.

-Rosie, I knew we'd come to this conversation.- Jisoo said after a short silence, intent on helping her friend finally voice her decision out loud and accept it.- You miss her, and I know it. This contract is really great, but ultimately its value pales if it makes you mentally tired and tormented. It doesn't have to be that way. Yes, if circumstances were different and there was no Jennie, I'm sure you would have renewed it without any qualms at all. But things are different now, and you need to look at the situation differently, okay? I'm sure you've made up your mind, and I knew you'd come to it sooner or later, so I'm just gonna ask you now, and you answer me, okay?

Jisoo holds a brief pause, giving the girl a few seconds to finally give an answer to her friend, herself, and subsequently her superiors.

-Do you really want to stay in Seattle?

It didn't take Rose long to provide an answer to her friend's question:

-No...

There was silence again, and somehow Rose was sure that her friend on the other side was smiling. Saying her final decision out loud, the blonde was finally relieved. When she accepted the offer for this contract months ago, Rose couldn't escape the haunting thoughts and feelings that the decision was wrong. It had been the right one, no doubt, but the euphoria Rose hadn't felt was mostly because of Jennie. But in deciding not to renew, she felt for the first time in a long time that she was actually doing the right thing for herself and her future, deciding that it was time to prioritize something more.