The Clandestine Us

Thirty-six

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

We stayed in the jacuzzi for a few minutes. Some of the members from LE SSERAFIM and aespa were also there. We exchanged polite bows, as expected, but didn't really interact... which was perfectly fine. No one was obligated to make small talk.

"You know what... coming up to the sundeck was a mistake," Rosé said suddenly after a stretch of silence.

"I was just about to say that," Lisa agreed, lightly slapping the water in frustration.

I nodded in agreement. Staying up here kind of made us feel... old and boring. The speakers were blasting, sure, but the vibe just wasn't vibing.

After reconsidering our decision, we all agreed to head back to the inflatable area. We didn't have proper seats or tables there, just floor seating on the inflatable, but we honestly preferred it that way. It was more natural, more fun. Maybe it was just the party girls in us taking over, but it felt more alive watching everyone mess around and enjoy themselves.

The main deck was full of laughter, they were clearly playing charades or something. So we moved fast and quiet, purposely avoiding eye contact with anyone there. We knew that the moment we locked eyes with someone, it would cause a whole new wave of attention.

When we made it back to the inflatable, the boys and the girls were already having fun. They were playing some version of dodgeball using a huge inflatable ball. The wind had picked up by then, colder than earlier as the night continued to deepen.

Not long after, we saw the members of aespa and LE SSERAFIM excuse themselves and board the same boat that had brought us to the yacht. They were among the youngest at the party, so it was understandable that they were heading back early.

"Winter really looks a lot like Taeyeon-sunbaenim, doesn't she?" Jisoo said, adjusting the towel she had grabbed from near the jacuzzi earlier.

"They look like mother and daughter," Lisa chimed in.

"Pretty," I commented, watching as they climbed onto the boat, and Rosé nodded in agreement.

The yacht was scheduled to dock back at shore before sunrise. We had the option of going home early by boat or staying until the end. There were plenty of cabin rooms reserved for invited groups, so it was up to each of us if we wanted to rest or keep partying.

Lisa started talking about her solo promotions, her voice soft but full of excitement. Without realizing it, all three of us had proud little smiles on our faces. Our maknae was really growing up.

"Okay, superstar," Jisoo teased, pretending to wipe away nonexistent tears.

Then Rosé brought up something she had only told Jisoo earlier. We were all surprised by what she said. Rosé was easygoing, sure, but we didn't expect her to even consider settling in that kind of situation.

"I'm going to end whatever's going on with us," Rosé promised after we gently confronted her about accepting less than she deserved.

We tried to get her to confess who the guy was, but of course, she kept it to herself. And then... they all turned to me.

These pretty girls, I swear.

"It's so obvious," I said, glancing at the three of them who were now looking at me expectantly.

"Don't be such a mood killer," Jisoo smirked, taking another shot.

We didn't have personal glasses, just one cup that we passed around. Rosé, who suggested the rule, insisted it was so no one could cheat and everyone would drink equally. So after she poured, the next person had to drink straight from it.