really? • taennie

045 - cutting ties

"Judging your silence, I guess it's all true."

Of course, the girls would be silent in front of a furious Yang Hyun Suk. He may be just sitting down on his swivel chair, but the photos in his table and his astounding voice was enough to frighten the girls. They stood, hands politely in front, heads bowed down.

Jennie was not sure how her CEO traced it, but the three bond papers on the table bore evidence of that Blacktan gathering. On the only A4 was the group photo that Jungkook posted on his private Instagram. The paper in the middle was their photo together. The last one the other photos of the other members, when she was still with Taehyung at the booth.

But whether they were merely traced or someone within their group betrayed her wasn't important. They were caught. That was it.

She can already feel his eyes piercing through the top of their heads as he stared at them one by one. The room felt colder, or her senses probably just heightened. They were called first thing in the morning. She was fighting the urge to cry to not show weakness.

In frustration, the man massaged his temples. "And I had to know it through Bang Si Hyuk himself? You didn't even tell your managers!"

Her eyes were becoming watery, and she gripped the helm of her shirt, as if it would help to control the tears. I can't cry here. But hearing from the man that he knew the news through the other's own CEO somehow made her worry for Taehyung. He was surely reprimanded as well. She was not certain if she would forgive him if he was actually the one who surrendered the photos.

Then it hit her: following how her Joohyun unnie reminding her if what she's about to enter was worth it, it was the first time that she looked at this situation with Taehyung in a different light. Was it really worth it to try with him? To think of it, she was not just a mere, average Jennie Kim; she was a part of a girl group whom the public can endlessly scrutinize. She was, somehow, treated as a property of her fans. To top it all, she should never only think of herself, but of her members and company. She realizes her Blinks might be disappointed at her for dating someone, while her haters might multiply and continuously tell her she is not enough for any man.

Oddly, she thinks it was immature to even think of dating as of the moment.

But she did, with Taehyung. The guy seemed genuine when they talked. Their Friday was one for the books, and she will never forget how pure and lovely the guy was. She loved all those moments when she found comfort in his voice, and when his every pickup line was a flop as cheesy but passes as adorable jokes.

Yes, Taehyung was a dream for her. And he was just a dream. He never reached out to her again.

Should she be bitter for that great almost? Or thankful that somehow she experienced the feeling of being loved?

I should probably just hate him for now. He didn't even give me any closure.

Breaking the silence in the office was the creak of the swivel chair as Yang CEO leaned back. With little mustered bravery, she lifted her head a little to watch him. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, then sighed. "Since you're all not talking, let your phone do the talking. Surrender them to me now."

She was slapped with guilt when she heard the three grunt. They weren't supposed to be dragged on this. They, however, just fished their phones on their pockets. She gripped on the helm of her shirt tighter, controlling her breath, until she breathes deep and looked up straight to the eyes of the man.

"It was just me, sajangnim. Don't drag the others into this."

Jisoo wide-eyed looked at Jennie in shock. Chaeng sighed sympathetically. Lisa whispered, "Unnie..." All eyes were on her. He only stared, awaiting for the next things she'll say.