Just a few weeks after the official debut of the JYP Entertainment's newly formed girl group TWICE, (L/N) (Y/N), a fresh out of high school graduate, gets hired by JYP himself to become one of Twice's managers, due to their innate skill and work eth...
The employee stared in complete disbelief. "Huh...?"
"My manager has had a rough morning today after working non-stop these past couple of weeks," Mina said firmly. Before the employee could reply, she stepped closer, her voice colder now. "Them passing out in the elevator should be proof enough."
"I-I see..." the employee stammered, shrinking beneath Mina's glare. It was the kind of look that made you wonder if she was staring straight through your soul.
"Next time, think twice before judging someone so quickly. Come on, manager-san," she said, turning to you. "Let's eat somewhere else."
Without waiting for your response, Mina grabbed your wrist and started dragging you out of the cafeteria. You barely had time to bow apologetically to the bystanders as you stumbled after her.
The halls were alive with silent stares. Workers, trainees, idols, even the clerks behind the reception desks glanced over in surprise. After all, it wasn't every day you saw Mina—the famously quiet, elegant member of TWICE—storming through the company like a determined gust of wind, dragging her manager in tow.
Her brows were furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line. Her grip on your wrist was tight, like she wasn't just leading you away from a confrontation, but from something far deeper. You watched the faint strain in her jaw, the distant focus in her gaze.
You cleared your throat softly. "Err... Mina-san? You can let go now. We're safe."
She blinked as if waking from a trance and glanced down at her hand. Her eyes widened. "Oh! I'm so sorry, manager-san! I didn't mean to—"
"It's alright," you assured with a small chuckle. "You definitely got your point across back there. Just... maybe let's avoid becoming the topic of gossip today, huh?"
Mina lowered her head and bowed deeply, a faint pink hue coloring her cheeks. "I got carried away. I didn't mean to cause you more trouble. It's just..." Her voice softened. "I couldn't believe they were badmouthing you like that. It's so unfair."
Still reeling from her unexpected burst of protectiveness, you offered a quiet smile. "Thanks, Mina. But criticism kinda comes with the job."
She frowned. "Doesn't mean it's okay. You've been pushing yourself too much lately. Passing out in the elevator... that's not something to ignore."
You gave a sheepish laugh. "Maybe. But I'm here to support all of you, and that makes it worth it."
Mina looked at you intently for a moment, then sighed. "I know, but still... I don't like seeing you get treated like that."
You reached out and gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about me. Let's just get a good meal for now—somewhere without spectators."
Her face brightened. "I know a place."
As you walked side by side, your shoulders brushed more than once. She didn't shy away from the contact, and for a brief moment, neither did you. Eyes still followed, whispers trailed behind, but none of that mattered. For now, you both just needed a moment of peace.
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