The way the smoke passed between Jennie's lips and out into the air made it a sight better than the movies. She did it consciously, no puff careless or just for the sake of taking a hit, but she really tried to feel it. She enjoyed watching the smoke dance in front of her face, and you loved it just as much.

You thought that after how sweet she was when she asked you to smoke that you'd be having a nice conversation, but she'd been giving you short answers for the first ten minutes. Eventually, she'd asked you to just not talk. You nodded, it was your job to do what she said.

She still passed the blunt to you the same amount as usual, not hogging it or rejecting it too many times. But she didn't look at you. You were used to her cold demeanor outside of your little smoke sessions, but this was where she let that go, at least enough to ask you questions or express a few worries, make a few jokes. But all that came from her was the sound of her inhaling and exhaling.

The time for her to leave you and go to sleep seemed to be nearing, and you honestly felt like she'd be content with you just not being there at all, so you decided you'd just cut it off yourself.

"Uh, I'm gonna go." You coughed awkwardly.

For the first time, she looked at you, eyes questioning. "What? Where?"

"My room." You said, already beginning to step away from her. "I don't really feel like it anymore." She just looked at you, so you took it as your cue to turn around and just keep walking.

"Seriously?" Her voice halted your movements. You turned your body slightly to look at her. Her voice was accusatory, displeased, like you said something awful. But still, you nodded. She scoffed, "Because I won't talk to you?"

"What? No, Jennie." Yes, but you threw out an excuse. "I'm just tired."

"I'm not your friend, you know." Jennie said sharply, her words twisting your heart slightly. You tried not to show it as you nodded slowly.

"Okay, I know. And?"

"Which means I don't have to talk to you if I don't want to." Jennie said, almost sounding like a child complaining about something.

"I'm not forcing you to talk to me." You responded, "I'm going to my room. I'm doing the exact opposite of that."

Your words hung in the air for a few moments, the silence deafening. You were scared she was gonna yell at you, or maybe fire you on the spot. You were ready to apologize for if you stepped out of line before her voice rang out.

"Fine."

And you thought, in some way, that was worse. The way she turned her back from you. A part of you knew that 'fine' didn't actually mean it was fine, and that she was upset you were leaving, but another part of you wasn't sure, either. And you listened to that part of you, turning on your feet and leaving her there. You swore you heard one last disappointed scoff before the elevator doors fully closed.

You didn't feel good about it. You didn't feel wanted, but that didn't mean you weren't. She was right. She didn't need to talk to you, but there was a reason she never just straight up asked you to leave when you brought her the weed. There was a reason she shared it with you. She wanted silence tonight; she never wanted to be alone. She was already alone too much.

For a second you considered going back, but you already said too much. You sighed and hoped she'd be getting enough sleep tonight. They had a photo shoot tomorrow morning, and this time you weren't going to be the one doing the makeup for her. Usually, it was just simple looks, so you could do it, but they wanted a specific look. You would still be there, just on the sidelines, and probably just to make sure she was okay with everything. Sana was right. Everyone knew you could handle her.

You weren't really sure if you could anymore, though.

Making sure not to forget to call the Japanese girl, you picked up your phone as you settled in bed and talked a bit about her life for a change. She was insistent on knowing more about your crush with Jennie, but you'd told her disappointedly that nothing has really changed for the better and she was quick to understand you didn't want to discuss it. She'd apparently told Momo about her crush just like you told her, and Momo had promised to help her get the girl she wanted. That made you happy, at least.

You drifted off to sleep after that, but not before letting Nara take your phone and talk to Sana for a few hours more.

Considering you left your little hangout early and got your extra sleep, the next morning was surprisingly easy to start. You didn't really know why, but since you weren't gonna be working all day you decided you wanted to be a little prettier today. Maybe deep down you knew you wanted Jennie to notice you in a positive way, but like all other feelings like that, you ignored it.

You had yourself take a shower before Nara woke up, as she usually took hours in there. After that, you curled your hair in loose waves, each perfect strand giving you more confidence. You always felt better like that, like you could actually see what people meant when they said they found you attractive.

As for the clothes, you couldn't do anything scandalous, but you could do something pretty. You slid a white turtleneck over your head and paired it with a cream colored polo, tying it into a bow near the waist at the front. You slid a dark brown braided belt between the loops of beige pants, and topped it off with a nice gold necklace (which was probably your nicest thing, a gift).

When you stepped out of the bathroom, Nara had already been there, waiting. Her jaw slightly dropped at the sight of you. It's not like you were an irresistible goddess, but you looked great, and on most days you only looked decent, so you might as well have been one to her at that moment.

"Wow," Nara gasped. "Y/n, you look.. amazing."

You smiled shyly. Compliments never got old. "Thank you."

"Let me take a picture of you, Sana would love to see this."

You chuckled at the thought of them texting about you. You were actually sort of glad they became friends, you loved the both of them a lot and now you all join forces whenever the other needed advice or something. You'd always wanted a trio.

Nara muttered praises under her breath as she took a several pictures of you. She picked her favorite few and sent them to Sana before going in the bathroom to get ready herself. Not even ten seconds after she'd shut the door on you, she was yelling from the other side. "Sana loves it, y/n!"

And Sana was beautiful, so that made you feel good.

"Tell her I said-" you started, but you were cut off from your phone ringing in your pocket. Sana. "Nevermind, I'll do it myself. But I'm gonna be going!"

"Okay!"

You exited the hotel room as you answered the phone, being met with a loud shriek right in your ear. You pulled the phone away from your ear at the sound and hesitantly returned it once you couldn't hear it anymore.

"Jesus christ, Sana." You groaned, "Do you think about how you sound to others sometimes?"

"Who cares?! Y/n, you look so good!" Sana squealed like a little kid on Christmas day. "Are you trying to make Jennie fall for you? Because it's totally gonna work."

"Relax," you chuckled. "I just tried a little bit more than usual. It's not like I'm wearing a gown and heavy makeup. In fact, I'm only wearing concealer."

"And still so pretty." She cooed. You felt yourself blush at her compliments. "You should really try like this everyday. I mean, the comfy look of sweaters and sweatpants is nice to look at when I'm always in uncomfortable outfits, but it can get old."

"Well, glad to know that's how you feel about me on most days." You mumbled.

"I didn't say it was bad!" She reassured you. "But don't you feel more confident?"

"Mhm." You hummed. "I gotta get to the girls now, but thank you for calling to tell me I looked good."

"I couldn't not." She laughed. "Okay, have fun!"

When you walked in, you think your face mirrored the surprise on Jennie's face as she looked at you. She looked stunning. It wasn't the most glamorous outfit, but she made it look that way. It was a simple black dress that clung tightly to her skin, exposing her shoulders and collarbone. Her brown hair was in elegant waves, the dips slightly bigger than yours. Jewelry hung from her ears and rested all over her fingers and wrists, and while you had planned to walk in with a cool attitude, she'd made you fail immediately.

And perhaps you made her fail too. Maybe she was planning on ignoring you the whole day, because as soon as her eyes were done scanning your appearance and met with your eyes, she looked away with tight lips. You sighed, and you allowed yourself to sit back to the side and watch the makeup artist work with her. To your relief, Jennie was being kind, but she wasn't mean without reason— so you could say it was more to your relief that the makeup artist was doing her job well.

Lisa'd called you over somewhere in the midst of your sitting around. You rushed over and she proudly smiled your way, "How do you like it, unnie?"

The formality made the smile on your face irresistible, and you laughed in delight. "I like it a lot, Lisa. And I told you, you don't have to call me that."

She shrugged, "I still will, it just feels natural— if that's okay with you."

"It is." You reassured her. "You look great though, really. All of you do. I can't wait to see you in the photos."

"Aw, you're making me blush!" Lisa giggled, and she reached out a hand to lightly caress your arm. "Look at you, too, unnie! You look so good, you should be photographed too!"

"Me?" You blushed. To hear that from Lisa isn't anything to sweep under the rug, and with the way she was looking at you, her eyes screamed that she was being sincere in her suggestion. You got nervous at the thought of it, chuckling awkwardly. "I- uh, I don't think I'm even allowed to do that."

"Why? Aren't we the boss?" She smirked, then dropped her voice and leaned in as if she were telling a top secret. "Stay after the shoot a little, okay?" At your hesitant look, she jut out her lip, "Please, for me, unnie!"

And who could resist that? "Okay."

"Yay!" She cheered, jumping up to give you a hug. You widened your eyes, and by the time you got your arms around her too she was already pulling away. "Thanks for coming, by the way. I know that we aren't as close as you and Jennie unnie, but it's nice to see a familiar face. I know everyone else feels the same too."

Your heart turned to mush at the thought of you bringing the girl, or any of the other girls, comfort. "Of course, Lisa. I love you girls."

"I know," she amusedly said, "if the weed's to say anything for it."

"What?" You tried to not show the shock on your face, but Lisa giggled at you, so you couldn't have done that well.

"Oh, please." She rolled her eyes playfully, "Jennie unnie's come back to the room high a few times, and I only figured out it was you when she mentioned to me how you were the best for getting her that stuff before she fell asleep on me."

You must've looked appalled. You could lose your job! As if reading your mind, Lisa's eyes turned more serious. "Relax, unnie." She put a comforting hand on your shoulders. "I'm not gonna tell on you or ask for some too. I'm actually glad that you do that for her. Otherwise, she would have a stick up her butt everyday." You tried to laugh and nod, but you couldn't help the twisting feeling in your gut. Lisa looked sympathetic. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you nervous."

"No, don't worry, please."

"If it makes you feel better, she doesn't call anyone the best but us." She whispered, "Even with the weed, that's not enough. If she's calling you the best then she must mean that. You must relax her too. In fact, I know you do."

You looked down at your hands. Mixed with the proud feeling of being that for her, it only made you feel guiltier that you left her last night. "That's nice to know."

After your conversation, the girls were called to start the shoot, and as much as you wanted to, you couldn't tear your eyes off of her. She'd barely glanced at you at all and you wondered if that was a conscious decision or if all was forgotten about last night. Maybe she meant it, you weren't a friend, or someone that she cared about– but Lisa's words made it confusing. She called you the best.

The shoot lasted almost two hours, but you knew as you peeled over the photographer's shoulders that it was worth it. Every shot he flipped through looked perfect and it wasn't even everything. Everyone started packing up, and Lisa shot you a wink before leaning in to whisper in the guy's ear. He turned around and scanned you, and you stood there nervously, insecurity seeping in as he took a little too long to say anything.

Then, he nodded. And Lisa squealed, running over to you and grabbing your hands. You saw Jennie's head snap over to the sight, but you didn't look her direction.

"Yay!" Lisa exclaimed, "You're gonna be so good, unnie."

"You think so?" You asked genuinely, "I've... honestly never done anything like this. I never even pose for normal photos."

"Don't worry." The photographer butted in, nearing you with his hand outstretched for you to take. You did. "I'm Mr. Yang."

"Y/n." You introduced yourself.

"If you don't mind me saying, you're very naturally beautiful, y/n!" He smiled, "You'll be great."

You were surprised by how warm he was, considering you were technically keeping him over what he had to do. But you recognized the passion in his eyes. He didn't mind, just like you didn't mind staying and watching them get photographed because you loved your job.

You nodded in thanks, and slowly walked over in front of the camera.

"What are you doing?"

Your eyes immediately fell on Jennie. Her tone was sharp but her eyes were also curious, and not against whatever was happening. It made you gulp, still.

"Um, Miss Manoban asked if I could shoot your friend here." He explained calmly, "If that's okay with you?"

She looked between you and him for a few moments, before nodding. "If she's okay with it," you tried to keep your smile inside at that. "and she's not my friend." She didn't make that very hard.

The girls obviously were confused by Jennie's need to confirm that you two were not in fact friends, and the photographer's awkward nod only made you more embarrassed, but you stood there anyway, and worse— Jennie stood where she was too.

You weren't sure if you were expecting her to leave or if only Lisa was going to stay, but any insecurity was doubled by her intense stare on you. He'd told you to relax, and you did your best, but if you weren't confident it showed. Lisa bit on her nails, confused on what had you so tense.

The photographer straightened his posture, "Uh, if this isn't going to work out, then we don't have-"

Then, "You look pretty, y/n."

Jennie.

Your lips parted in surprise at the compliment. And they parted even more as she threw you another one, "I've never seen your hair like that, you should do it like that more often." She slowly stepped over to the camera, bent over slightly and squinted as she stared at the screen, and with a small gasp, looked up at you with impressed eyes, "you should see yourself on camera, you look so good."

You knew what she was doing, and it was working. With each breath she used to praise you, confidence spread all over your body like moss on stone. Everyone watched as your shoulders relaxed and your skin seemed to suddenly glow. Was it obvious her effect on you? Clearly, she knew it, somehow, and now everyone probably did too.

Not that anyone minded as you started to get into it, though. Every time you'd glance at Lisa, she'd have a proud smile on her face. Rosé and Jisoo would verbally cheer you on, as well as the photographer. And halfway through the shoot, Jennie suggested an idea.

"Why don't you have her look at me?"

You gulped, "Look at you?"

She nodded.

Mr. Yang shrugged, "I mean, sure, why not?" Jennie smiled at his confirmation, and she straightened herself to look at you. You cleared your throat, to stall a few seconds maybe, then turned to face her. You let yourself sit down on the stool for this one, assuming it would've been a bit uncomfortable if you had to just stand and look at her.

You weren't told to pose or anything. You had no idea what to do, so you just sat there; but you weren't tense. No, in fact, she'd never looked at you that way before. Even before her performance, she had looked at you with those soft eyes that told you how thankful she was that you had said those words to her, how much they meant to her... and maybe how much they meant coming from you. But this time it was different.

Like they seemed to always do, they seemed to be searching yours— asking a question you weren't sure what was. You needed to look away but you couldn't. It was a simple task you were given. You started thinking about what Lisa said again... she called you the best.

It probably didn't mean anything, you thought, but you hoped it did. You knew that you hoped you did even if you wished you didn't. You felt guilty, for feeling anything and for letting yourself leave her on the rooftop. At the same time, you noticed that familiar glint in her eye. She felt guilty too.

Months in, you thought you had her figured out. And in a few days of wanting a little bit more from her, that seemed to go slightly undone. You didn't expect a sweet side and once you got it you didn't want to stop experiencing it. You scanned her face— she was beautiful to you. You didn't want to stop experiencing any side. Her cat eyes, as they described it, revealed herself to you, and you just had to be able to read it.

In all honesty, you felt pity for her. You knew that every insult she ever heard behind her back made her think lower of herself. You knew that she desperately wanted to be seen as anything but cold-hearted, but she had told you herself, she was just as desperate to keep what she had.

You knew why, and it made you feel sad. She clung to Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo, she clung to the success of Blackpink— and she clung to you. Because she had nothing else.

And was it so bad to want to love her? You didn't know if you were asking yourself or her. Asked to you, it came in a frustrated voice. Asked to her, gentle. You weren't sure how you looked, you only knew that you didn't realize the corner of your lips were quirked up in a small smile until you saw her return it too.

"Wow."

You were snapped out of your trance, turning your attention to Mr. Yang, who had an impressed look on his face. He laughed, bobbing his pointed finger up and down at Jennie, "You're a genius," you smiled at the praise as Jennie blushed, "I mean, that was perfect– exactly what I needed from you, Y/n. Come look."

You shuffled over, and you could feel the rest of the girls also crowd around you two as he held his camera in his hands. "I'll show you my three favorites," he spoke. "This one's when you first started looking at Jennie."

Your eyes looked hesitant, and your face was slightly tense, as if put in an awkward situation, and behind the need to leave the situation was a curiosity. "Would make the person wonder what it is you have your eyes on," Mr. Yang commented.