Short update
Jennie's shoulders finally relaxed the moment the door clicked shut behind her.
The quiet of the apartment wrapped around her like a familiar blanket, replacing the constant buzz of meetings, phone calls, and creative chaos from Odd Atelier. Her heels were the first thing to go, kicked off carelessly by the door as she leaned her forehead against the cool wood for a brief second, eyes closed.
She exhaled.
Then—
She frowned slightly.
Something smelled... really good.
Jennie straightened immediately, brows knitting together as the scent reached her properly. Savoury. Warm. Comforting. The unmistakable smell of dumplings—and ramen broth simmering softly in the kitchen.
Her lips curved into a smile before she even realised it.
"Chuu?" she called out, voice light but confused as she slipped off her blazer. "I thought you have a shooting today?"
She walked further inside, and there she was.
Jisoo stood by the dining table, sleeves of her hoodie pushed up, hair tied loosely at the back. The table was already set neatly—steamed dumplings arranged on a plate, a bowl of ramen beside it, strawberries washed and placed in a small glass bowl. And in Jisoo's hands—
A bouquet of flowers.
Jisoo looked up, eyes immediately lighting up the second she saw Jennie.
"Welcome home," she said softly, smiling like Jennie was the only thing that existed in the world.
Jennie blinked, momentarily stunned.
"...Chu?" she laughed quietly, walking closer. "What is all this?"
Jisoo grinned, stepping forward a little.
"Yup! I had shooting today," she said casually. "But I finished early because I miss you so much." She lifted the bouquet proudly. "And look what I got—your favourite dumplings, strawberries, oh, oh—" she leaned closer, lowering her voice playfully, "—and tadaa, flowers for my beautiful Jendeukie."
Jennie's heart did that stupid little flip it always did when Jisoo looked at her like that.
She reached out instinctively, fingers brushing the flowers before she looked up at Jisoo, eyes warm and fond.
"Aww, Chuu..." she murmured. "You know I'll love you even without all of this, right?"
Jisoo hummed, pretending to think for a second.
"I know," she said. "But I still want to do it."
Jennie chuckled, glancing at the food again.
"But how did you know I'm already home?" she asked, squinting slightly. "You just microwaved the dumplings to make them warm, didn't you?"
Jisoo froze for half a second.
Then she laughed sheepishly.
"Okay, exposed," she admitted. "Find My."
Jennie raised an eyebrow.
"I checked so I could track you down," Jisoo continued quickly, holding up her hands defensively. "But—listen! I know you don't really like your food too hot, so I timed it. I heated it now, and you go take a shower, and by the time you're done, it'll be warm enough to eat."
She stepped closer, lifting a finger to gently squish Jennie's cheek.
"And for my favourite chubby cheeks here," she said fondly, "to be fed well."
