16ixteen

Jennie POV

I was already in a bad mood.

Paris had been exhausting—meetings, fittings, photoshoots, and barely any time to breathe. I was running on caffeine and attitude at this point. The only thing keeping me somewhat sane was the occasional texts from Lisa. Nothing special, just casual conversation, but it was enough to make my stress a little more bearable.

So yeah, maybe I did want to hear her voice.

I wasn't going to admit that, though.

That's why I texted her first, trying to sound casual. Can we call?

And this girl had the audacity to ask why.

Why? Miss me already?

I rolled my eyes so hard they almost got stuck in the back of my head.

I wasn't going to feed her ego.

Don't flatter yourself. Just pick up.

I called before she could reply.

Lisa answered almost immediately, her voice teasing. "Didn't even wait for me to say yes, huh?"

I scoffed. "You're acting like I need permission."

She chuckled. "Fair point."

Silence settled between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

I didn't even know what I wanted to talk about. I just wanted... company. I was tired, and maybe a little lonely, but admitting that to Lisa would be a huge mistake.

Instead, I ranted about my day, about my annoying stylists, the never-ending fittings, and how much I hated walking in heels all day. Lisa just listened, occasionally making some dumb comment that actually made me laugh.

It felt... easy.

Then, out of nowhere, I heard it.

"I'm sleeping here."

It was a woman's voice.

My grip on my phone tightened.

Lisa hesitated for a second before saying, "Uh—"

Click.

I ended the call.

What the fuck was that?

Lisa didn't even try to explain. She just sat there in silence like an idiot.

I glared at my phone as if it had personally betrayed me. I knew Lisa had other things going on. I knew I had no right to be mad. But it still pissed me off.

Was that a girl?

Was she with someone?

Did she seriously just answer my call while another girl was in her bed?

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.

Whatever.

It's not like I cared.

I tossed my phone onto the bed, but it didn't stop my thoughts from running wild.

Lisa didn't even try to explain. Not a single follow-up text. No, wait or let me explain. Nothing.

The way that girl casually said she was sleeping next to Lisa, like it was the most normal thing in the world, had my blood boiling.

Who the fuck was she?

And why was Lisa so comfortable with it?

I clenched my jaw, staring at my phone as if I could will Lisa to text me. As if I could somehow force an explanation out of her.

But the screen stayed dark.

Lisa wasn't reaching out.

Lisa wasn't chasing.

And that realization stung more than I cared to admit.

I exhaled sharply, pushing my hair back, trying to ignore the way my chest tightened.

I shouldn't even be surprised.

Lisa warned me.

"I hook up a lot, but nothing serious."

"Sex is just sex."

"Don't fall for me, princess."

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

It had only been a few days since we—

Since she had me completely at her mercy. Since she ruined me and left me aching. Since she had whispered things that made my body tremble.

And now?

Now she was probably doing the same thing to someone else.

I let out a bitter laugh, but there was no humor in it.

I was so fucking stupid.

What the hell did I expect? That she'd sit around waiting for me while I was in Paris? That she wouldn't move on to her next little plaything?

Lisa wasn't the type to wait. She wasn't the type to be tied down.

She wasn't mine.

And the worst part?

I had no right to be mad.

This was exactly what I signed up for.

I was gripping my phone when it buzzed in my hand.

Lisa: It's not what you think, princess. Let's talk when you get back here, okay? I'm not feeling too well right now.

I stared at the message, my jaw clenching so hard it ached.

Not feeling well?

Bullshit.

That was the weakest excuse I had ever heard.

If she wasn't feeling well, then why the hell was some girl in her bed? Why was she letting someone else get comfortable in her space?

She must think I'm stupid.

I let out a sharp breath, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.

I wanted to reply.

I wanted to call her out, demand an explanation—make her feel even a fraction of the frustration that was eating me alive.

But what was the point?

Lisa was Lisa.

She did whatever the fuck she wanted.

And clearly, she was doing someone else now too.

I scoffed, shaking my head, my chest tight with something I refused to name.

No. I wasn't doing this.

Not now.

Not when I had a packed schedule in Paris. Not when I had brands and people expecting me to be at my best.

Lisa wasn't worth the distraction.

So, without thinking twice, I tapped her contact and hit block.

At least for now.

I'd unblock her when I was done with work—when I could afford to deal with whatever this was.

For now, I needed to focus.

And Lisa?

Lisa could wait.

--

No distractions. No Lisa.

Just work.

The second I arrived at my hotel, I barely had time to breathe before Allison and Hhuit, my road managers, rushed me off to my first fitting.

"Jennie, Chanel wants to see you earlier than scheduled," Allison said, handing me an espresso as we entered the car. "They want final approval on your couture looks for Fashion Week."

I nodded, already mentally preparing myself.

The Chanel headquarters was breathtaking, as always—grand chandeliers, sleek white walls, and the unmistakable scent of luxury. The designers fussed over me, adjusting the delicate fabric of my dress, making sure every detail was perfect.

"Bellissima," one of the stylists murmured, stepping back to admire me. "You were born for this, Miss Kim."

I offered a small smile, but my mind was elsewhere.

Lisa still lingered in the back of my thoughts.

It had been 15 hours since I blocked her.

Was she trying to reach me? Did she even care?

I exhaled sharply. Not now, Jennie.

Day 2

My schedule was insane.

From the moment I woke up, I was thrown into an endless loop of photoshoots, interviews, and brand meetings. I was styled, posed, and paraded in front of flashing cameras, my face plastered with the same charming smile I had perfected over the years.

It was exhausting.

But I thrived under pressure.

"Jennie, you look stunning as always," the interviewer from Vogue France gushed, adjusting her mic. "Tell us, how does it feel to be one of the most sought-after icons in the fashion industry?"

I tilted my head slightly, my lips curving into a small smirk. "It's an honor," I said smoothly. "Fashion has always been a passion of mine, and being able to collaborate with such incredible designers is a dream come true."

The questions continued, but I answered them all like clockwork—graceful, poised, untouchable.

No one could tell I was running on three hours of sleep.

No one could tell I was secretly wondering if Lisa had tried to call.

Day 3

I walked into the rehearsal venue, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor filling the massive space. Models strutted past, designers barked orders, and the energy was electric.

I was used to this.

This was my world.

But for the first time, I felt... off.

I checked my phone out of habit, only to remember—Lisa was still blocked.

My fingers twitched, tempted to undo it.

Did she even try to text me again? Or had she already moved on, busy with whatever—or whoever—was in her bed that night?

I shook my head, rolling my shoulders back.

It didn't matter.

Lisa wasn't my boyfriend.

She wasn't even supposed to be important to me.

I had work to do.

"Miss Kim, we're ready for you," one of the staff members called out.

I nodded, pushing all thoughts of Lisa out of my head.

At least for now.

Day 4

This was it.

The moment everyone had been waiting for.

I stood backstage in my custom Chanel dress, taking a deep breath as the final touches were made. The energy was electrifying—paparazzi swarmed outside, A-list celebrities filled the front rows, and the entire world was watching.

I was born for this.

As soon as I stepped onto the runway, everything else disappeared.

The cameras, the lights, the roaring applause—it all blurred into the background.

For the first time in days, my mind was clear.

No Lisa.

No distractions.

Just me.

And yet, as I reached the end of the runway, posing effortlessly for the flashing lights, a single thought crept in.

Would Lisa have watched this if she weren't busy bedding someone else?

The moment I had the thought, I hated myself for it.

I shouldn't care.

But fuck.

I did.

-

The moment I stepped off the runway, my team swarmed me, showering me with praise, fixing my hair, adjusting my jewelry. The energy backstage was still buzzing—designers celebrating, models gushing about the show, cameras flashing at every corner.

I should have felt satisfied.

I did feel satisfied.

But then, as I sat in the dressing area, letting the stylists remove my jewelry, the nagging thought crept back in.

Lisa.

Was she watching? Did she even care?

Before I could spiral, Allison appeared, holding her phone with an intrigued look on her face.

"Jennie," she started, crossing her arms. "Kim Taehyung wants to meet up."

I blinked. "BTS' V?"

Allison nodded. "Yeah. He's at the event, and he sent word that he'd like to catch up with you. He's waiting at the VIP lounge."

I leaned back against the chair, considering.

Taehyung and I had known each other for years—same industry, same circles. We had dinner date before, but we were always friendly when we ran into each other.

I hesitated.

Did I want to meet up?

Then it hit me—this was the perfect distraction.

A few drinks, some light conversation... Maybe I'd finally stop thinking about her.

I exhaled and stood up. "Okay," I said, shaking off my lingering thoughts. "Let's go."

-

The VIP lounge was dimly lit, the low hum of conversation blending with the soft jazz playing in the background. The scent of expensive colognes and freshly poured whiskey filled the air, a reminder of the exclusivity of the event.

I spotted Taehyung easily—dressed in a sleek black suit, his long fingers lazily drumming against the rim of his glass as he observed the crowd with an unreadable expression. When his gaze finally landed on me, a small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Kim Jennie." His deep voice carried over the noise, smooth and familiar.

I returned the smile, stepping closer. "Kim Taehyung."

He gestured for me to sit, and I slid into the chair across from him, crossing my legs as I grabbed the wine glass the waiter had just placed in front of me.

"I didn't expect to see you here," I said, taking a slow sip.

"You know how it is," he shrugged, his voice laced with amusement. "Fashion Week pulls in everyone. Even the ones trying to avoid the chaos."

I chuckled softly. "And yet, here we are. Stuck in the chaos."

"Well," he mused, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, "maybe we don't have to be."

I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

Taehyung leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, his sharp gaze never leaving mine. "Want to get out of here?"

I raised a brow. "Where to?"

He smirked. "Somewhere quieter. A walk by the Seine, maybe? No flashing cameras, no industry talk. Just fresh air and normal conversation."

The idea was tempting. I had been suffocating in back-to-back schedules, endless fittings, and events where I had to put on a perfect face. The weight of my own exhaustion pressed down on me.

A part of me hesitated, though. Maybe it was guilt—no, I refused to acknowledge that. Why should I feel guilty? Lisa had been nothing but a distraction, a deal I had made for my own needs. She wasn't even on my mind anymore.

I exhaled. "Okay," I agreed, setting my glass down. "Let me change into something more comfortable first."

Taehyung's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "I'll wait in front of your hotel."

I nodded and stood, smoothing out my dress. Before I could turn away, I felt his gaze linger.

"Take your time," he said, leaning back in his chair, his voice relaxed.

I didn't respond, just offered a small nod before walking away.

As I made my way through the luxurious hallways of the venue, I could already picture my next steps—getting out of this constricting dress, changing into something warm, something casual. A simple girl in a foreign city, taking a break from the life she had built.

For once, I wasn't thinking about Lisa.

Or, at least, I kept telling myself that.

-

The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the river mixed with the aroma of freshly baked bread from a distant boulangerie. Paris was alive even at this hour—soft murmurs of lovers walking along the Seine, the occasional laugh of a group passing by, the quiet hum of the city that never truly slept. The iconic streetlights bathed the river in golden hues, their glow reflecting against the water's gentle ripples.

I had been exhausted just an hour ago, my body heavy from back-to-back schedules, yet here I was, walking alongside Taehyung, my hand inexplicably intertwined with his.

It took me a moment to realize it.

I blinked, my steps slowing slightly as I looked down at our joined hands. His grip was firm, his palm warm against my cold fingers. My heartbeat stuttered—not out of nervousness, but more out of confusion. When did he even...?

"Taehyung," I called, tilting my head slightly to glance up at him.

He looked at me with his usual calm expression, eyes dark and unreadable under the dim glow of the Parisian lights. "Hmm?"

I lifted our joined hands slightly, arching a brow. "When did you...?" I trailed off, not quite knowing how to phrase it.

A lazy smirk formed on his lips, a stark contrast to my bewilderment. "It's cold," he said simply, as if that explained everything.

I scoffed lightly, shaking my head. "That's your excuse?"

He hummed, unbothered. "Would you rather freeze?"

I sighed, not pulling away. I wasn't going to admit it, but he was right—his warmth was comforting, and I was too tired to argue over something so trivial.

Behind us, Allison and Hhuit walked with Taehyung's manager, their conversation low but constant, keeping a reasonable distance from us. Their presence was reassuring in a way—it reminded me that this was nothing more than a casual outing, a moment to breathe after the exhausting whirlwind of work.

Still, I wasn't naïve. If anyone were to see this—my hand in Taehyung's, the two of us walking side by side like this—rumors would spread like wildfire.

"So," I said, breaking the comfortable silence, "why did you really ask me to come out tonight? Just for the fresh air?"

Taehyung chuckled, his deep voice vibrating slightly in the cool air. "Do I need a reason to ask my friend to take a walk with me?"

I gave him a look. "You and I both know it's never that simple."

He exhaled through his nose, a soft amused sound. "Maybe I just wanted to talk to you outside of all the noise. Away from flashing lights and scripted conversations."

I glanced up at him, observing the way his jaw tensed slightly before he turned his gaze toward the river. It was a rare sight—seeing him this unguarded.

"You've been everywhere lately," he added. "Constantly working. I figured you needed a break."

I sighed. He wasn't wrong. My entire life lately had been about rehearsals, fittings, and press events. Even in Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world, I had barely been able to appreciate anything outside of my work schedule.

"I guess I do," I admitted.

A comfortable silence settled between us again as we continued walking, the sound of our footsteps blending into the quiet hum of the city.

I glanced at him again. "And what about you?"

He hummed. "What about me?"

I nudged his shoulder slightly. "Are you taking a break too? Or am I just your excuse to sneak out?"

Taehyung chuckled. "A little bit of both."

I rolled my eyes, but the corners of my lips twitched slightly.

For the first time in days, I felt like I could finally breathe.

--

Narrator's POV

The city of love had a way of making even the most casual moments look romantic. Beneath the soft glow of the Parisian streetlights, Jennie and Taehyung walked side by side along the river, their hands naturally intertwined as if they had done this a hundred times before. The Seine glistened under the moonlight, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the stone embankment filling the silence between their casual conversations.

Their managers, Allison, Hhuit, and V's own team, trailed behind them, keeping a respectful distance while still staying close enough to ensure their safety. To anyone else, it might have seemed like a perfect date—two beautiful people, lost in their own world, wrapped in the dreamy atmosphere of Paris. But for Jennie, this was merely a brief escape, a way to distract herself from the gnawing thoughts she had tried so hard to suppress.

She wanted to forget.

Forget the texts she had ignored. Forget the way her heart clenched every time her mind wandered to Lisa. Forget the fact that, despite blocking her, she still checked her phone more often than she should, hoping for some impossible way that Lisa had reached out to her again.

So, when Taehyung offered this walk, she took it.

"This city looks different at night," Taehyung mused, his deep voice cutting through the chilly air.

Jennie hummed in agreement. "It feels quieter... calmer."

"It suits you," he said, glancing at her with a small smile. "I think you needed this."

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Needed what?"

"A break. Even for just a few hours."

Jennie exhaled, tightening her grip around his hand without thinking. "Maybe."

Little did she know, their every move had already been caught on camera.

From a secluded spot near a café, a seasoned paparazzo had been tailing them for a while now. His camera lens zoomed in and out, capturing the natural rhythm of their movements, the casual way Taehyung leaned in to whisper something, the way Jennie's lips curled ever so slightly at whatever he had said.

He didn't need the perfect shot. The silhouettes, the recognizable managers trailing behind, and the sheer intimacy of the scene were enough.

This will be everywhere by morning.

He had covered enough celebrity gossip in his career to know how the internet worked. It didn't matter if they were simply two friends enjoying a peaceful night—the headlines would twist it into something else.

And just as quickly as the moment had been captured, it was already making its way into the digital world.

Back at the Hotel

After the walk, Jennie and her team returned to their hotel, exhaustion settling into her bones. She had planned to head straight to her suite, maybe soak in a bath before catching some sleep. But the moment she stepped into the lobby, she noticed the uneasy expressions on Allison and Hhuit's faces.

The moment they got inside the elevator, Allison sighed. "Jennie, don't freak out."

Jennie's brows furrowed. "What?"

Hhuit pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward her. "You're trending."

Jennie's stomach dropped. She grabbed the phone, scanning the screen quickly.

was the number one trending topic worldwide.

Attached to it was a blurry yet unmistakable video of her and Taehyung walking hand in hand along the river, their managers trailing behind them. The low-quality footage wasn't enough to capture their exact expressions, but the way they strolled so closely, the way Taehyung leaned in at times—it all painted a picture the public would run with.

Jennie scrolled down, reading some of the comments.

➤ "OMG. ARE THEY DATING???"

➤ "Jennie and Taehyung spotted in Paris looking like a couple... I'm shaking??"

➤ "Okay, but they look GOOD together."

"Should we say something?" Hhuit asked cautiously. "Or just let it die down?"

Jennie took a deep breath, handing the phone back. "Ignore it for now. It'll pass."

But as she stepped into her room, her fingers hovered over her phone.

For the first time in days, she wondered what Lisa would think of this. If Lisa had seen it. If Lisa even cared.

But then she shook her head, scoffing at herself. Why do I care?

Still, as she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't help but feel like she had started a fire she wasn't prepared to put out.

---

Let's relive Teannie Era !