The soft hum of the jet's engines filled the cabin as the afternoon sunlight filtered through the tinted windows, painting everything in warm, golden streaks. Jennie, dressed in a casual oversized sweater and her signature round sunglasses, settled into her seat with a sigh, tired but excited. She had been up since early morning, finishing last-minute rehearsals for the Tokyo concert, and now, with her carry-on tucked beside her and her headphones dangling loosely, she finally allowed herself a moment to exhale. Tomorrow would be her birthday, her thirtieth, and although she hadn't really said much about it—she wasn't the type to demand grand celebrations—there was a quiet hope she clung to, one she hadn't admitted even to herself.
That hope, of course, was Jisoo.
Jisoo had spent the better part of the morning in the crew's prep room, whispering instructions to the flight attendants and staff, ensuring every detail was perfect. It wasn't that Jennie demanded it, but Jisoo knew her better than anyone. She knew Jennie's soft spots, her little reactions to surprises, the way her lips quivered when she was truly moved. And so, with Rose's quiet giggles of excitement as her accomplice, Jisoo had orchestrated a private, small, intimate celebration in the jet itself. She wanted Jennie to feel cherished before the whirlwind of concerts, fan events, and interviews began.
By the time Jennie stepped onto the jet, her attention was on her phone, replying to the last batch of fan messages. She barely looked up until a burst of color caught her peripheral vision—streamers cascading from the overhead compartments, delicate fairy lights twinkling like tiny stars along the walls, and a single bouquet of lilies and roses resting on the first seat beside hers. There was a small cake, carefully boxed but decorated beautifully, sitting atop a folded cloth, and the letter balloons draped gently across the side reading "Happy Birthday Jennie ❤️".
Jennie froze. Her phone slipped from her hand. Her eyes glistened, and before she could process the emotions flooding through her, Jisoo appeared beside her, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips, her hand reaching out instinctively.
"Jennie-ah," Jisoo whispered, almost shyly, "Happy early birthday."
Jennie didn't even hesitate. She lunged forward, arms wrapping tightly around Jisoo, burying her face into Jisoo's shoulder. The warmth, the familiarity, the sheer thoughtfulness of it all made her heart swell. Tears pricked her eyes, threatening to spill over.
"Jisoo... you... this... oh my god..." she choked out between sobs and giggles, clinging to her as if letting go would undo this perfect moment.
Rose, standing nearby with a mischievous grin, had to step back as Jennie released Jisoo only to turn and hug her tightly as well. "I knew she'd cry," Rose whispered quietly to Jisoo, who simply laughed softly, rubbing gentle circles on Jennie's back.
The rest of the flight passed in a blur of whispered conversations, shared snacks, and quiet laughter. Jisoo made sure to keep the mood light yet intimate, chatting about the upcoming concert, reminiscing about funny backstage moments, and teasing Jennie gently about turning thirty. Jennie, for her part, leaned into her in a way she rarely allowed herself in public, hands finding Jisoo's constantly, fingers laced, arms draped over shoulders. There was a safety here, an intimacy that made even the small hum of the engines feel like a lullaby.
⸻
By the time the jet landed in Tokyo, Jennie's spirits were high. The first day of the tour would be nothing but fluff, and she couldn't help but cling to Jisoo at every turn backstage, whispering excitedly about tomorrow, about her birthday, about how she couldn't wait for Jisoo to be there when the clock struck midnight. Fans might notice, sure, but Jennie didn't care. Today, she was happy, and it was all because of Jisoo's careful thought, quiet planning, and heartfelt attention.
