The Clandestine Us

Thirty-four

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

We were seated at an empty table on the main deck, just a few steps away from the dining lounge where a cluster of boy groups had gathered. After picking out our favorite dishes from the buffet, we were now indulging in dessert—small slices of cake and some fresh fruits served beautifully.

From where we sat, we could hear laughter coming from the nearby lounge. The boys seemed to be playing something, probably one of those chaotic drinking games.

"I just realized... I haven't seen Suga, Jimin, V, or Jin anywhere," Rosé said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"Oh, you're right. It's so unlike them to miss something like this," Jisoo added, narrowing her eyes a bit as if scanning the crowd again.

"Knowing my Pilates buddy, I bet Suga's holed up in his cabin," I joked, grinning.

That made both of them laugh.

"You know what, you're probably right," Rosé chuckled. "We should've asked about VMin instead. It's weird not seeing them at a party like this."

"I'm also kind of shocked that Hobi isn't seasick. He looks like he's actually having fun," Jisoo pointed out.

"Things really have changed," Rosé added, sipping her wine.

We fell into a deeper conversation after that—talking about our comeback, how we wanted it to feel different this time, more meaningful, more us.

Just then, a voice interrupted us.

"Ehem... sorry to bother you, but can I take a picture with you?"

We looked up to see Taeyong standing near our table, looking sheepish.

He immediately raised both hands and gave them a little wave, like he was signaling that he meant no harm.

"Picture with all of us, or with someone in particular?" Rosé asked playfully, already smiling as if amused by what was coming.

"Jennie, actually," Taeyong admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I swear... it was just a dare. We were playing the 3-6-9 game, and I lost."

Jisoo turned to glance toward where his group was sitting.

"Yah, Doyoung-ssi! This better be the last time you send someone over to bother us!" she called out teasingly, before turning back to Taeyong with a look that made his ears go visibly red.

He looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole.

"Go ahead. Let's get this over with," Jisoo sighed with mock impatience, standing up. "Give me your phone. I'll take the photo."

Rosé, meanwhile, was quietly finishing her cake, chuckling at Jisoo's intimidation tactics.

Taeyong quickly handed her his phone, clearly flustered, and I stood beside him with a soft smile. Jisoo took a few shots without much fuss.

"There. I took three. You've got options for your new lock screen," she said dryly, handing his phone back.

Taeyong thanked us with a sheepish grin before hurrying back to his table, where loud cheers erupted the moment he arrived. I just shook my head and smiled.

"You really attract all the Taehyungs," Rosé teased, giving me a knowing smirk.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, rolling my eyes with a small laugh.

───── ❝ Jungkook's POV ❞ ─────

After Jennie left, I actually took her advice seriously—to sober up a little.