K-pop Idol Imagines - Chapter 64: Chapter 64

Jennie stood nervously in front of the mirror, smoothing down the skirt of her dress and trying to ignore the knot in her stomach.
She and Jongin had been engaged for three years now, and while she loved him, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. Jongin had been distant lately, and sometimes even harsh with her, making her wonder if he was losing interest in their relationship.
As she finished applying her lipstick, Jennie heard Jongin's voice from the other room. "Hurry up, we're going to be late," he called out, his tone impatient.
Jennie took a deep breath, trying to steel herself against his cutting words. She knew that he was stressed from his job, but she couldn't help feeling hurt by the way he was treating her. She finished her makeup and stepped out of the bathroom, trying to put on a brave face.
Jongin looked up as she entered the room, and his expression softened slightly. "You look nice," he said, but his words were devoid of any real warmth.
Jennie forced a smile, feeling the weight of their strained relationship bearing down on her. She knew that tonight was important for Jongin's career, and she didn't want to mess it up for him.
But as they left the apartment and headed to the party, she couldn't help feeling a sense of dread in the pit of her stomach.
Jennie sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window as they drove through the city streets. She tried to focus on the passing scenery, but her mind kept wandering back to her relationship with Jongin. They had been engaged for three years, but lately, she had been feeling more and more unsure about their future together.
She thought about her parents, who had always urged her to settle down with Jongin.
They saw him as a successful businessman with a bright future, someone who would provide for her and give her stability. But Jennie wasn't sure if that was what she wanted. She still had dreams of her own, things she wanted to accomplish before settling down.
As they turned onto a busy avenue, Jongin spoke up, breaking Jennie's reverie. "You know how important this party is for me, right?" he said, his tone serious.
Jennie nodded, knowing that he was right. But even as she nodded, she couldn't help feeling a sense of resentment bubbling up inside her. Why did everything have to be about Jongin's career? What about her hopes and aspirations?
As they pulled up to the entrance of the party, Jennie took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.
She knew that she had to put on a brave face and be supportive of Jongin, but at the same time, she couldn't help wondering if there was something more out there for her - something beyond the life of a dutiful wife to a successful businessman.
Jennie and Jongin stepped into the grand ballroom, and Jennie's eyes widened in awe at the sight before her.
The room was expansive, with towering ceilings and glittering chandeliers that cast a warm, golden light across the space. The walls were adorned with elegant artwork, and the polished marble floors gleamed beneath the soft glow of the lighting.
As they made their way further into the room, Jennie felt her nerves start to bubble up again.
Jongin was all smiles, waving and greeting people that he knew from work or had worked with in the past.
But Jennie felt like an outsider in this sea of businesspeople and executives. She didn't know anyone here except for Jongin, and even then, she felt like she was just tagging along on the fringes of his social circle.
Jennie tried to put on a brave face, faking a smile and nodding politely as Jongin introduced her to his colleagues. But she couldn't help feeling like a fraud like she didn't belong in this world of suits and business cards.
She was more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, surrounded by her friends and pursuing her passions. But here, in this grand ballroom, she felt small and insignificant.
Jongin seemed to be enjoying himself, chatting easily with his coworkers and acquaintances. But Jennie felt like a fish out of water, nervous and self-conscious in this world that was so foreign to her.
She wished she could disappear into the shadows, slip away and find a quiet corner where she could be alone with her thoughts. But for now, she had to soldier on, to keep up the facade of the happy, supportive fiancee, even as her heart felt heavy with doubt and uncertainty.
After a while at the party, Jennie stood beside Jongin, trying to look interested as he introduced her to the old man with a glass of champagne in his hand.
The man smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and took her hand in his. Jennie felt a wave of nausea wash over her as he kissed the back of her palm, his lips wet and unsure. She pulled her hand back as quickly as she could, hoping the man wouldn't notice her discomfort.
Jongin, meanwhile, was busy trying to impress the potential client, talking animatedly about his work experience and the projects he had overseen. He didn't seem to notice Jennie's unease, or if he did, he didn't care.
Jennie's head was spinning with the noise and the chatter of the room. She felt like a puppet, being pulled along by Jongin's need to build his reputation and make connections.
She couldn't help feeling like a prop in his grand scheme, something to be trotted out and displayed when it suited him.
As soon as she saw an opportunity, Jennie slipped away from the meet and greet, grateful for the excuse to escape.
She made her way over to the bar counter, leaning against it with a heavy sigh of relief. She ordered a drink, sipping it slowly as she watched the crowd of people swirl around her.
For a moment, she felt a small measure of peace, away from the expectations and obligations that seemed to be closing in on her from all sides.
Jennie was lost in thought, nursing her drink at the bar counter when she felt a sudden, subtle tap on the glass next to her. She turned to her side, surprised to find a familiar yet unfamiliar face staring back at her.
Jennie found herself staring, unable to look away from the woman's piercing gaze. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, suddenly self-conscious of her appearance in her simple cocktail dress and minimal makeup.
Before she could look away, the woman spoke, her voice low and husky. "Long time no see, Miss Popular."
Jennie blinked, trying to place the woman's face. It took her a moment to realize that she was one of the nerds from her high school, someone she had never paid much attention to.
But now, seeing her in a new light, Jennie felt a sudden spark of attraction, a tingle of excitement that she hadn't felt in a long time.
"Y/N...?" Jennie said, unsure if she was correct or not.
The woman chuckled, her full lips quirking up in a playful smile. "Bingo. Got it in one. How have you been?"
Jennie felt her pulse quicken at the sound of Y/N's voice, rich and velvety like honey. She couldn't help but stare, taking in the woman's stunning features and impeccable sense of style.
Y/N was dressed in a fitted blazer that hugged her curves in all the right places, paired with sleek trousers and sky-high stilettos that elongated her legs. Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, framing her striking features in a soft glow.
"You have... changed. Like a lot," Jennie said, trying to underplay her high interest.
Jennie felt her heart skip a beat as the woman spoke, her voice soft and melodious. She watched as Y/N swirled the wine in her glass and took a sip, her full lips closing around the rim in a simple motion that was somehow incredibly attractive to Jennie.
Y/N caught her staring and gave her a small smile. "I'm surprised that you even remember me," she said, her tone light and playful. "I didn't remember if we even talked once in high school."
Jennie felt a pang of guilt as she remembered how she had ignored Y/N and the other nerds in school, too focused on maintaining her popular status and hanging out with the cool kids. But now, seeing Y/N in a new light, Jennie felt a sudden desire to make amends.
"I remember you," she said softly. "You were always at the top of the class, and I was always so jealous of you."
Y/N chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I don't think you have anything to be jealous of, Jennie. You were the one everyone wanted to be friends with, the one who had all the boys chasing after her."
Jennie shook her head, feeling a sudden rush of honesty. "I was never really happy, you know. I always felt like I had to live up to everyone's expectations and be someone I wasn't. But now... now I'm starting to realize that maybe there's more to life than just being popular and getting married."
Y/N nodded in understanding, taking another sip of her wine. "I know what you mean," she said. "Sometimes it takes a while to figure out who you are, and what you want."
Jennie couldn't tear her gaze away from Y/N, who seemed to exude nothing but professionalism and sophistication. She watched as Y/N took another sip of her wine, her long fingers wrapped around the stem of the glass, her posture straight and confident.
But then Y/N's next words pulled Jennie out of her beautiful trance. "I heard you got engaged?" she said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
Jennie felt a pang of guilt as she remembered her fiancé, Jongin, who was somewhere in the crowd, schmoozing with his colleagues and trying to make a name for himself. She had been so focused on Y/N that she had almost forgotten about him.
"Yeah, I did," she said, her tone uncertain. "Jongin proposed to me a few years ago, and we've been engaged ever since. But...I don't know if I'm ready to settle down yet."
Y/N nodded in understanding, her eyes warm and sympathetic. "It's okay to take your time, Jennie," she said. "Marriage is a big commitment, and you don't want to rush into it if you're not ready. Take all the time you need to figure out what you want, and who you want to be with."
Jennie felt a sudden rush of gratitude towards Y/N, who seemed to understand her better than anyone else in the room. She smiled at the woman, feeling a newfound sense of connection. "Thank you, Y/N," she said. "You always seem to know just what to say."
With a smile full of admiration and hopeful eyes, Y/N gently asked Jennie, "Would you like to leave this place? It's quite noisy here, don't you think?"
Jennie found herself taken aback by the proposition, feeling a mixture of surprise and intrigue. She looked around the crowded ballroom, feeling a sense of claustrophobia that she had not noticed before.
Y/N's eyes were warm and inviting, and Jennie found herself nodding before she could even think of a response.
"Sure," she said, her voice sounding uncertain even to her ears. "That would be nice."
Jennie hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but the warmth in Y/N's eyes was too inviting to resist. Slowly, she placed her hand in Y/N's, feeling a jolt of electricity as their skin touched.
Y/N gave her hand a gentle squeeze and offered a small smile, and Jennie felt a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over her.
As they made their way towards the exit, Jennie couldn't help but steal glances at Y/N, admiring her confidence and grace.
Once they were outside, the cool night air hit Jennie's face, and she let out a sigh of relief. Y/N offered her arm, and Jennie took it, feeling a little shy and nervous but also excited for the unknown adventure that lay ahead.
As they walked in silence, Jennie felt a strange sense of ease and comfort with Y/N. It was as if they had known each other for years, even though they had barely spoken in high school.
They walked towards the empty balcony and Jennie leaned against the railing, her mind buzzing with thoughts.
She couldn't help but compare Jongin and Y/N in her head. Three years of engagement with Jongin, and yet their relationship felt like it was stuck in a rut. On the other hand, after just a few moments with Y/N, Jennie felt like she was experiencing something entirely new.
After a while, Jennie's eyes lit up as Y/N asked about her job. "Oh, I love my job! I work in marketing, and it's so exciting to come up with new ideas for campaigns and see them come to life," she said, smiling.
Y/N leaned forward, her expression softening as she listened to Jennie speak. "That sounds amazing. You must be talented," she said, her tone sincere.
Jennie blushed at the compliment. "Thank you. It's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it when you see the results."
Y/N nodded, still smiling. "I can imagine. It's always fulfilling to see your efforts pay off."
Jennie found herself nodding along, feeling a sense of ease in Y/N's company that she hadn't felt in a long time. She realized that it had been a while since she had talked to someone who wasn't just interested in her status or connections.
Jennie smiled and turned to face Y/N. "So, what do you do for a living?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Y/N chuckled softly. "I own an education hub," she replied.
Y/N grinned, "It's called 'The Learning Curve'. We have the best tutors for every subject, and we make sure that our students get individual attention and the resources they need to succeed."
Jennie nodded, "I've heard of it before, but I didn't know you were the owner. That's impressive, Y/N!"
Y/N blushed at the compliment, "Thank you, Jennie. I know it's not the most glamorous job, but I love it. I get to help students achieve their dreams, and there's nothing more rewarding than that."
Jennie laughed, "You're still a nerd, aren't you?"
Y/N playfully nudged her and laughed, "Hey, being a nerd is cool. It got me where I am today."
As their laughter subsided, they both looked at each other with newfound intensity, and the air between them seemed to thicken with every passing second.
Jennie felt her heart racing, and she couldn't help but notice how close they were standing, almost touching.
Y/N's eyes locked onto Jennie's, and the intensity in her gaze made Jennie's breath hitch. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Y/N's hand reached out and lightly touched her arm.
"I can't believe I'm standing here with you," Y/N whispered, her voice soft and low.
Jennie's eyes widened at the confession, feeling her cheeks heat up. She couldn't deny the attraction that was growing between them.
"I know what you mean," Jennie replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
They both stood there in silence for a moment, lost in their thoughts and the tension building between them.
Jennie could feel the tension in the air, thick and palpable, as they leaned closer to each other. The soft touch of Y/N's breath on her skin sent shivers down her spine, and her heart raced in her chest like a wild stallion.
Their bodies seemed to move on their own accord, magnetically drawn to each other, and Jennie could feel her lips tingling with anticipation as she closed her eyes.
It was as if time stood still, and at that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them, their attraction, electric and undeniable.
Jennie and Y/N were on the verge of sharing a passionate kiss when Y/N's phone abruptly rang, causing them to jump apart in surprise.
Y/N quickly fished out her phone from her blazer pocket and silenced the ringing, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she apologized for the interruption.
And then, Y/N could see the horror dawning on Jennie's face as she ran a nervous hand through her hair.
Jennie realized that what they were about to do was so wrong, and she abruptly pulled away from Y/N, taking a step back.
"I can't," Jennie whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry, I can't do this."
Jennie shook her head in denial, feeling confused and guilty all at once. She couldn't believe she was considering cheating on her fiancé, but at the same time, she couldn't deny the intense attraction and connection she felt with Y/N.
Sighing and unsure of what to do, Y/N took out her business card from her clutch and held it out toward Jennie. "Take this. You can contact me anytime you want," she said, with a gentle smile on her face.
Jennie hesitated for a moment before taking the card from Y/N's hand. "I don't know if I should do this. It's not right," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Y/N reached out and placed a comforting hand on Jennie's arm. "I know it's complicated, Jennie. But I also know that there's something between us. Something real. And you feel it too," she said, looking deep into Jennie's eyes.
Jennie felt her heart race at Y/N's words and the intensity of her gaze. She then nodded slowly and took a step back, clutching the business card tightly in her hand.
"Thank you, Y/N," she whispered, as Y/N leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
With that, Y/N turned and walked away, leaving Jennie standing there with her thoughts swirling around in her head.
Suddenly, Jennie's phone rang in her purse and as soon as she took it out, her heart sank as she saw Jongin's name on the caller ID.
She knew she had to answer, but the thought of hearing his voice made her stomach churn. She looked down at Y/N's business card and thought about what could have been if she had made a different choice.
Was she willing to risk everything for this new attraction? Was it worth breaking Jongin's heart and potentially ruining her future?
Jennie took a deep breath and answered the call, knowing that she couldn't keep avoiding it. But as she put the phone to her ear, she couldn't shake off the feeling of longing and regret for what could have been.