More Than You Know

23 : Something to chew on

But she stopped herself, instead flicking open Rosé's latest message-a blurry selfie with the caption: Thinking of you, unnie. Don't let idiots get you down.

Jennie giggled softly, the sound muffled as a makeup artist leaned in to prime her skin.

Alison, meanwhile, kept talking, her eyes darting between her clipboard and Jennie's reflection. "Remember, smile. They're expecting warm Jennie, not ice queen Jennie. We don't need Twitter exploding with think pieces today."

Jennie rolled her eyes lightly but kept the corners of her mouth curved upward. She knew Alison was right.

And so, while her hair was combed, her lips tinted with soft gloss, and outfits paraded in front of her for approval, Jennie sat in her chair-half-present, half somewhere else.

Her phone buzzed once on the counter. She glanced at it, heart skipping, only to see another notification from Jisoo. Not the one she wanted.

Still, her fingers itched to pick it up, to check again, to scroll until the nerves in her chest steadied.

What she didn't know-what neither of them knew-was that only a few doors away, Lisa sat in her own dressing room, staring at the same kind of mirror, carrying the same storm inside.

The stage was set. They were closer than they realized.

-

The studio buzzed with the unmistakable hum of anticipation. Bright overhead lights glared off the polished stage floor, cameras swiveled into place, and the audience's chatter crescendoed into cheers as the intro jingle rolled.

"Annyeonghaseyo, everyone!" Yoo Jae-suk's the main host greeted, voice booming. "Welcome back to Weekend Playhouse! Today, we have an insane lineup of guests-" He paused, drawing out the suspense as the crowd cheered. "-idols, actors, singers. It's going to be unforgettable!"

The assistant host, Shin Bong-sun, clapped her hands together, smiling. "Yes, yes! I honestly can't believe we managed to get all these stars in one place."

The audience roared louder, anticipation at a peak.

"Let's not keep them waiting," Jae-suk said, sweeping a hand toward the entrance arch. "Our first guest-beloved by fans worldwide, with a solo career and endless charms-Jennie Kim!"

The familiar beat of her song-solo, played as Jennie stepped onto the stage, her smile warm but reserved, the kind she had perfected for cameras. The audience erupted, chanting her name. Jennie bowed politely before joining the lineup of chairs.

"Wow, Jennie-ssi, it's been a while!" Jae-suk said. "We're so happy you're here."

Jennie smiled, voice soft but clear. "Thank you for inviting me, oppa. I'm excited."

Cheers rose again.

"Next," Bong-sun grinned, "the golden maknae himself-Jungkook of BTS!"

The crowd's roar doubled. Jungkook bounded out, casual in denim and white tee, waving like the boy-next-door. He sat beside Jennie, greeting her warmly.

"Noona," he chuckled, nudging her arm.

Jennie smiled, "It's been a while, Jungkook-ah."

The Jae-suk immediately leaned forward. "Oho, comfortable already! We like this energy."

Next came rising stars: Katseye's Sophia, radiant in pastel pink; Yoonchae, all shy smiles; Daniela, vibrant and bubbly. Each introduced themselves nervously but were met with cheers.

Then the established entertainers: Han So-hee, glowing and poised in a tailored dress, waved elegantly. Lee Do-hyun, the charming actor, drew a chorus of squeals as he adjusted his jacket. Comedian Park Na-rae sauntered in last of that group, immediately cracking, "Am I the only one over thirty here? I feel like the class chaperone!"