Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 53

"Are you really sure you want to go?" Chan asked, his voice tinged with that familiar, brotherly concern. It felt like a broken record at this point. Ever since I had vaguely mentioned needing some time away, wanting to disappear somewhere... secluded, my brothers had been holding onto the hope that I would change my mind.

"Yes, Chan," I replied, dragging out the word with a sigh as I speared a piece of kimchi with my chopsticks. "And you are definitely not coming with me," I added, anticipating his next response.

He rolled his eyes, a classic Chan reaction. "I never said I wanted to go with you."

I chuckled, more fondly than I meant to. I knew he was worried-worried about me, about the news, about the implications of the... situation. If my secret got out, it could be disastrous. Headlines blaring my name, careers ruined, and the delicate fabric of Blackpink unraveling before us. It wasn't just my life on the line; it was theirs too. And someone else's as well.

San, ever the realist, spoke up from across the polished dining table. "But I'll arrange for a doctor to look after you, J." His tone carried that familiar, unwavering finality that left no room for debate. I wanted to argue, to insist I could take care of myself, but the truth was, I couldn't. Not really. Not anymore.

"You can visit whenever you like," I suggested, softening my tone. I noticed a flicker of a smile on Chan's lips, though he quickly hid it. He was concerned, not just for Brand Safety reasons, but for me as well. "Just... not the whole crew, okay?"

"J, have you even thought about baby names?" Chan blurted out, his eyes widening with almost childlike excitement.

Lisa, bless her chaotic spirit, burst into the dining room with Rosé, shouting in frustration. "Chan! She hasn't even checked the gender yet!"

Chan visibly deflated, disappointment etched on his face. Honestly, they were all a bit overwhelming-a constant whirlwind of concern and excitement, a stark contrast to the quiet desperation I felt inside.

"I want it to be a surprise," I said, rolling my eyes, though a small smile crept onto my lips. They cared. They really, truly cared. I glanced at San and noticed a fleeting shadow of sadness cross his face. He was still hurting from his breakup with Jisoo. I made a mental note to try to mediate somehow. Seeing him so... unlike himself was unsettling.

"Fine, whatever you decide," Chan sighed, picking at his toast.

"Meaning we have to plan for both boy and girl names," Lisa declared, her earlier frustration forgotten, replaced by bright-eyed enthusiasm.

"Guys, relax," Rosé said, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "Her baby bump hasn't even shown yet, and you're already picking names. It's like a baby shower planning committee."

"But I get the final say because I'm the godmother," Rosé declared, shrugging her shoulders with an almost arrogant confidence.

That, of course, created immediate chaos. Lisa shot me a look that could melt steel.

"I didn't say she was," I stammered, raising my hands in a defensive gesture.

"Are you implying I'm not?" Rosé retorted, raising her eyebrows, her tone playful yet tinged with a genuine threat. The last thing I needed was a full-blown argument between them.