Our Old Manager.

When attention turns heavy.

The evening unraveled slowly, the way gatherings did when everyone sensed it was time to go but no one wanted to be the first to say it. Chairs were eased back into place. Coats were lifted from armrests. The room shifted from shared stillness into gentle movement.

Kwangjoo was the first to step forward. He clapped his hands together softly once, a habit more practical than cheerful. "It’s late," he said, glancing at Y/N. "You should rest."

Jinho nodded in agreement, already slipping on his jacket. "We’ll check in tomorrow," he added, his tone lighter than the weight of the day allowed.

Nayeon lingered near Y/N, arms crossed loosely as she studied her cousin. Then she leaned in, lowering her voice just enough. "Text me when everyone’s gone," she said, eyes flicking meaningfully toward one woman. "You look... busy."

Y/N shot her a warning look, "Nayeon."

Nayeon grinned, unapologetic, before pulling Y/N into a quick hug. "I’m kidding. Mostly." She stepped back, her expression softening. "Get some sleep."

Yujun waited by the door, keys in hand, watching the scene unfold with quiet awareness. As people began to file out, Jennie stayed where she was.

Her attention returned to Daniela, who had paused near the couch, phone in hand, as if unsure whether she should move yet.

"Are you heading out too?" Jennie asked.

The question was light.
Polite.
Almost thoughtful.

Daniela looked up, surprised. "I," She hesitated, then glanced at Y/N.

Before an answer came, Jisoo’s attention shifted. Her eyes moved across the room in a quick, assessing sweep toward the chair, the side table, the entryway.

No bag.

Rosé followed her gaze, her brow furrowing slightly as she reached the same conclusion. Lisa, standing near the doorway, leaned forward just enough to look down the hallway that led to Y/N’s bedroom.

Nothing there either.

Lisa straightened slowly.

Daniela seemed to understand the real question beneath Jennie’s words. Her shoulders relaxed as she answered, voice steady. "I’m staying."

Y/N didn’t interrupt.

Jennie nodded once. "I see."

Her gaze flicked briefly to her members. Jisoo’s lips pressed together. Rosé looked away, adjusting her bag strap. Lisa’s jaw tightened, almost imperceptibly.

"Then we’ll leave you to rest," Jennie said, her tone courteous, composed.

The word lingered.

Yujun cleared his throat lightly. "I’ll wait outside," he said, looking at Jennie. "Take your time."

Jennie inclined her head in thanks.

As the apartment emptied, coats brushing past the doorframe, Jennie remained still for a moment longer. Her eyes traced the familiar space.

The couch.
The kitchen counter.
The hallway Daniela had already disappeared into once tonight.

Then, she reached for her jacket.

Nothing had been raised. Nothing had been challenged.

But when the door finally closed behind them, everyone who left carried the same unspoken understanding with them.

The next afternoon.

Lunch was set up in one of the smaller conference rooms at Jennie’s company, glass walls catching the afternoon light. The city stretched below them, distant and indifferent. The food arrived neatly arranged, still warm, and yet none of them reached for it right away.