The Clandestine Us

Thirty-three

───── ❝ Jungkook's POV ❞ ─────

My manager informed me that Jennie was already home. Just hearing that made me feel a rush of excitement, I suddenly couldn't wait to go home myself, knowing she was already there.

After dinner with the members, they each started saying their goodbyes one by one, heading out to go home. The atmosphere was warm and light, filled with laughter and lingering birthday wishes.

As soon as they left, I began preparing to go live—something I had been looking forward to doing. It started out just like my usual lives, but then J-Hope showed up unexpectedly, bringing cakes to celebrate my birthday. His gesture caught me completely off guard, and I was genuinely touched.

During the live, I even ended up creating a song—one inspired by ARMY and of course... by her. It was unplanned, but the emotions were flowing, and everything just came together naturally.

I didn't even realize how much time had passed. By the time I wrapped up the live, it was already past midnight. The small dinner we had planned to do after the live actually happened earlier, right after dance practice.

So, with everything done and my heart still full from the surprises and music, I finally headed home.

━━ •⩊• ━━

The whole house was quiet, with only a few lights left on. It made sense—Jennie was home alone, since the housekeepers were on their day off. I didn't call her. I wanted to surprise her. I even recorded myself singing the impromptu song I made during the live, just so I could brag that it was inspired by ARMY and by her.

As I headed to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, I noticed a sleeping beauty curled up on one of the couches in the living room. One arm rested across her stomach, while the other was hanging off the edge. A few strands of hair had curled out of place, but her legs were stretched straight. Her breathing was soft and steady, she was clearly in a deep sleep.

She didn't even stir as I approached. Maybe she was exhausted, but none of it showed on her face. She still looked so beautiful.

I quietly went upstairs to grab a blanket, but then I noticed something on the table—a small white cake, a bouquet of tiger lilies, a Chanel paper bag, and another paper bag from Château Lafite Rothschild resting neatly beside it all.

I didn't touch anything. I simply smiled and took a picture, heart full. Written on the cake—a minimalist design with black ribbons and goofy photo cut-outs of me that I'd sent her before we were officially together—was a simple greeting: Happy birthday, Kookie.

It made me so happy knowing she had prepared all this, even though she must've been tired from her busy day. She even got me my favorite flower. I was so touched, I nearly teared up. Part of me wanted to scream to the world that she did this for me.

I headed back downstairs and gently covered her with the blanket. She didn't stir. I walked to the downstair bathroom to quickly wash up.

After finishing, I suddenly realized I hadn't brought any clothes with me except the towel around my waist. But I shrugged it off. It was just Jennie and me here.

I sat on the table right in front of the couch and just let myself take her in, watching her sleep so peacefully. I didn't know how long I had been staring when she stirred, blinking slowly, and then her eyes flew wide open.

"Oh my God. Why didn't you wake me?" she said, her voice still groggy with sleep and clearly surprised.

"I was still enjoying the view. Why would I? You'd never let me stare at you this long if you were awake," I said, pouting like a child.