The concert lights dimmed, signaling the end of another breathtaking performance. The four girls rushed backstage, adrenaline still buzzing through their veins. Jennie felt the familiar warmth beside her before even turning-Jisoo's presence was like gravity, grounding her in the chaos of flashing cameras and screaming fans.
"You were amazing," Jisoo whispered, just for her to hear.
Jennie turned slightly, eyes locking with Jisoo's for a brief second before Lisa's voice broke the moment. "Let's get back to the dressing room! My legs are dying."
The two exchanged knowing smiles before following the others. No one knew. No one could know.
////
It started as friendship, like any good love story does. Late-night talks, sharing secrets in the practice room, sneaking each other's favorite snacks during long rehearsals. But somewhere along the way, Jennie started noticing the way Jisoo's laughter sounded different when it was just the two of them. How her hand lingered a little longer when passing something. How her teasing had an undertone of something deeper.
One night, after an exhausting day of back-to-back schedules, they sat on the rooftop of their dorm, watching the city lights. Jisoo sighed, leaning back on her arms. "Do you ever think about... what comes after this?"
Jennie tilted her head. "After what?"
"This. Us. The group, the career. Do you ever think about what's next?"
Jennie hesitated. "I don't know. I try not to. Thinking too much about the future makes me anxious."
Jisoo hummed in agreement. Then, after a pause-"I know one thing for sure, though."
"What?"
"No matter what happens, I want you in my life."
Jennie felt her heart do something funny. Like it skipped, then raced to catch up. She turned, searching Jisoo's face, but the older girl was just smiling at the skyline like she hadn't just sent Jennie's emotions into overdrive.
She swallowed. "Yeah... me too."
////
Jennie scrolled through her phone, biting her lip to suppress a smile.
Jisoo: Where are you?
Jennie: My room. Where are you?
Jisoo: Missing you.
Jennie rolled her eyes, but her heart swelled. She was about to reply when Lisa suddenly popped her head into the room. "Jennie, why are you smiling at your phone like that?"
Jennie almost dropped it. "I-uh-just watching funny hamster videos."
Lisa squinted. "You don't even like hamster that much."
Jennie forced a laugh. "I do now."
Lisa gave her a suspicious look but thankfully got distracted when Rosé called for her. Jennie let out a breath and quickly typed.
Jennie: Almost got caught.
Jisoo: Hehehe. You're cute when you panic.
Jennie: NOT funny.
Jisoo: It is, though. Can I come over later? I miss you.
Jennie felt warmth spread through her chest.
Jennie: Of course. Always.
////
When the dorm finally settled down, and Lisa and Rosé were in their rooms, Jennie tiptoed to the door and unlocked it. A few minutes later, Jisoo slipped inside, hoodie pulled up, eyes sparkling with mischief.
