Knock knock, Baby! || JJK

-39-

The days that follow are a blur of runway show preparations and rehearsals. Nayeon, my manager, is in full force mode, coordinating fittings, interviews, and photo shoots with a whirlwind energy that leaves me slightly dizzy but also incredibly grateful.

"You're a star, Y/n," she keeps saying, her eyes shining with excitement. "This is it. This is your moment. Just go out there and be you."

"Easy for you to say," I mutter under my breath, but deep down, I'm starting to believe her. The excitement is building, a nervous, jittery energy that keeps me awake at night and makes my heart race during fittings. This is big, bigger than anything I've ever done, and the thought of stepping onto that runway in front of so many people is both terrifying and exhilarating.

Juggling this with Munnie's needs and the day-to-day of our unusual life isn't easy, but Jungkook is a rock. He takes over more of the baby duties without me even having to ask, making sure I have time to rest and prepare whenever he's home. It's as if he senses the pressure I'm under, and his quiet support is a lifeline. Especially when he also has his own work aside from college stuff.

"Don't worry about anything," he says one evening, as he helps me pack my bag for a late-night fitting. "I've got this. You just focus on shining out there, okay? And try to get some sleep."

"Thanks," I murmur, touched by his thoughtfulness. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He gives me a small, almost shy smile. "You'd figure it out. You always do."

His confidence in me makes me feel stronger, more capable. And it also makes my heart ache a little. Because every kind gesture, every supportive word, just makes it harder to ignore the growing feelings I have for him.

•••

The day of the runway debut descends upon me like a whirlwind. My apartment, usually a haven of relative calm, is a flurry of activity. Nerves dance in my stomach, a jittery mix of excitement and pure, unadulterated terror. This is it. The culmination of months of hard work, the moment I have been dreaming of and dreading in equal measure. My runway debut.

Munhee, blissfully unaware of the high stakes, is in his usual cheerful state, babbling and exploring with endless curiosity. I play with him as I watch Jungkook go over the baby bag with snacks, toys, and a spare outfit for Munhee. His movements are practiced and reassuring. He gets the full milk bottle out and hands it to me. I take it and place it in Munhee's little mouth. He sucks on it like he'd been hungry his whole life.

"Ready?" he asks, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of concern.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel. "Just don't let Munhee make too much of a fuss."

He chuckles, a low, warm sound. "We'll be fine. I've got this under control."

Haewon arrives next, a burst of energy in a brightly colored dress. "Showtime, darling," she declares, her eyes sparkling. "Are you ready to dazzle?"

"Trying, like, getting used to the idea." I say, forcing a smile.

"Don't try, just do it. You're going to be amazing," she says, grabbing my wrist since my hands are full. "I'm so proud of you."

The thought of Jungkook's family being here adds another layer of complexity to my nerves. Mrs. Jeon (whom we are still pretending is Munhee's grandmother and my future mother-in-law because of her health. She seems to be doing well these days, thankfully). Mr. Jeon, a man of few words but with a keen observant presence. And Yoongi too. Our other friends couldn't really come because i, unfortunately, didn't manage to get that many invites. I shift the baby bottle in Munhee's mouth slightly. His eyes are getting heavy as they did almost every time after we fed him. Cutie.