More Than You Know

23 : Something to chew on

Down the hall, another dressing room door clicked open. Jennie stepped inside, her steps light but her shoulders slightly weighed down. The air smelled faintly of powder and fabric spray-standard backstage scent-but today it felt thicker, pressing against her chest.

She perched on the edge of the chair in front of the mirror, pulling out her phone almost immediately. Her notifications were a flood:

Dozens of unread messages in the group chat with Jisoo and Rosé.

A string of "Are you okay?" "Ignore the noise, unnie" "We're proud of you" from Rosé.

Her inbox was a storm. Jisoo's rapid-fire messages, Rosé's voice notes-both checking on her, fussing over her, trying to make her laugh even while stuck in their own packed schedules

And then one message that stilled her thumb.

Eomma:
Call me later, sweetheart. I saw the news. Don't let them shake you. ♥

Jennie's chest softened, eyes pricking as she read it again. She pressed her lips together, then inhaled through her nose, grounding herself.

Still, she couldn't ignore the empty space in her inbox. No new message from her best friend. No morning reply from her recent message. Not even a little heart.

Jennie frowned faintly, pressing her lips together as she looked at her reflection. Her makeup wasn't fully done yet-just her bare skin, soft and pale under the lights. She tilted her head slightly, then raised her phone. With practiced ease, she snapped a quick selfie, tilting her lips into the faintest pout, eyes warm despite her unease.

Caption: Don't forget me.

She hit send to Lisa, biting her lip afterward, almost embarrassed at herself.

The door swung open then, breaking her small cocoon.

"Morning, superstar," Alison breezed in, tablet under one arm, headset clipped on. Behind her trailed a small parade-stylist, makeup artist, hairdresser-each carrying bags and brushes like soldiers marching into battle. They surrounded Jennie like a coordinated storm, setting things down, unpacking brushes and palettes, laying out outfits for approval.

Jennie smiled politely, tucking her phone back onto the vanity.

"Okay," Alison said, setting the tablet down and swiping it awake, "here's the rundown. First segment: introduction, light banter with the hosts. Second, there's a variety game-you'll be teamed up with a few other guests, so be prepared to get playful. Third, short interview on current projects, then a group challenge at the end. Easy stuff."

Jennie nodded, eyes half on her reflection as the stylist gently smoothed her hair. "Mm. Sounds fine."

"You'll be brilliant," Alison assured her without looking up, scrolling through the segments. "Just keep that smile. You've survived worse."

Jennie gave a tiny chuckle. "Not sure that's comforting."

Alison looked up, one brow arched, smirking. "Take it how you want."

The hairstylist laughed softly, while the makeup artist leaned closer to adjust Jennie's lashes. Jennie simply hummed, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone again, waiting...

For a buzz that didn't come.

Jennie barely moved, only scrolling idly through her phone again while a stylist clipped a protective cape around her shoulders. No reply. Still. Her thumb hovered over the screen, temptation urging her to send another message, something silly, something that might make Lisa smile and nudge her to answer.