The Clandestine Us

Forty-three

───── ❝ Jennie's POV ❞ ─────

Holly struck up a light conversation with Kai, nudging me discreetly as if to remind me it would be rude to just walk away.

But the point was, it wasn't just any guy I could openly talk to. It was my ex. And no matter how polite I tried to be, it wouldn't look good to act friendly.

I forced an awkward smile every time I felt his gaze on me, nodding occasionally as he pulled Holly into topics I could no longer follow. My mind spun with excuses, anything that would get me out of there without sounding cold or disrespectful.

Finally, I nudged Holly secretly, signaling that I was about to excuse myself.

"Uh... I'll head back to the table. I think I left my phone there," I lied with a strained smile, hoping my eyes begged Holly to understand.

"Oh, right," Holly said quickly. She turned to Kai, cheerful as always. "So, Kai, we'll head back first. Let's catch up again soon, it's been years."

Kai smiled easily.

"Yeah, sure."

I turned away immediately, eager to put distance between us. The last thing I wanted was for Jungkook to know Kai was here. I could already imagine how much he wouldn't like it.

"Uh... Jen, can we talk?" Kai called after me.

Holly froze mid-step beside me. My chest tightened, but I forced myself to face him.

"I'm busy," I said politely, trying to end it there.

"Is your number still the same?" he pressed, a flicker of hope in his tone.

"I changed it," I answered curtly.

"Then... can I have the new one?"

"No—"

"No."

The interruption came from behind me, calm but firm. My breath caught. It's Jungkook.

I turned quickly, his hand already finding its way around my waist, pulling me close.

Shit.

"I'm sorry?" Kai looked confused.

"Jeon Jungkook," he said steadily, extending his hand. "Jennie's boyfriend."

Kai blinked, clearly caught off guard. But after a moment, he recovered and took the handshake.

"Kim Jong-in," he replied with a small smirk. "Jennie's first boyfriend."

My heart dropped. I froze in shock, Holly's eyes widening beside me.

"What the f—" Jungkook began, anger flashing, but I grabbed his arm and pulled him away before he could finish.

Thankfully, he let me.

Damn it, Kai. What are you trying to prove?

We ended years ago, and it hadn't even lasted long. Yes, I had loved him once, but even at a young and naïve age, I had known when to stop.

We returned to the table, where I quickly excused us, claiming we had to leave. Jungkook remained silent, but still managed a polite farewell.

Once outside, we headed straight to his car where his driver was already waiting. Jungkook signaled him to wait before getting in.

Inside the quiet car, I immediately turned to him.

"Love, are you mad?" I asked nervously.

He exhaled heavily, obviously trying to calm himself.