The Maknae Manager | Twice x Reader FF

Chapter 13 - My Little Television

The backstage area of My Little Television buzzed with the usual pre-recording energy. Staff members rushed around with clipboards and headsets, while makeup artists made final touch-ups on various guests. You stood near the craft services table, nursing your third cup of coffee of the day and trying to look more composed than your nineteen years warranted.

Being one of the youngest managers at JYP was both a blessing and a curse. The other staff treated you like a peer, which made coordination easier, but it also meant you felt the weight of responsibility even more acutely. These girls weren't much younger than you—Tzuyu was barely a few years your junior—but somehow you'd been entrusted with their wellbeing during these appearances.

"First time managing a variety show?" asked one of the show's production assistants, a guy who couldn't be much older than you.

"Second, actually," you replied, glancing toward where Tzuyu, Sana, Momo, and Mina were getting their final makeup checks. "Still getting used to it though."

"It's always chaotic. Don't worry, this show's pretty straightforward. Just some games, some talk segments. Nothing too intense."

You nodded, but kept your eyes on the girls. They all looked good—relaxed, even excited. This was still relatively early in TWICE's career, and every variety show appearance felt like a big opportunity. The J-Line members seemed particularly animated today, chattering away in a mix of Japanese and Korean while Tzuyu listened with her usual quiet attention.

Your phone buzzed with a text from the head manager: 

How are they doing? Any issues?

All good so far.

They seem excited.

The production assistant was still chatting. "Your girls seem sweet. The tall one—Tzuyu?—she's been really quiet though. Is she always like that?"

"She's just naturally reserved," you explained, watching as Mina gently adjusted something on Tzuyu's outfit while Sana made exaggerated gestures telling some story. "But she opens up when she's comfortable. The other three are good at bringing her out of her shell."

It was true. You'd noticed how the Japanese members had naturally gravitated toward Tzuyu, perhaps understanding something about being foreign in a Korean entertainment landscape. Sana's bubbly energy, Momo's infectious enthusiasm, and Mina's gentle warmth created a protective bubble around the youngest member that you found endearing.

"That's sweet. You can tell they're close."

"They are," you agreed, feeling that familiar surge of protective pride watching them together.

Your phone rang—this time it's Sadness-unnie calling about scheduling conflicts for next week. You stepped away to take the call, keeping one eye on the girls while discussing logistics. When you hung up, you noticed Tzuyu had wandered over to the catering table, looking a bit lost.

"Finding anything good?" you asked, approaching her.

She looked up with that soft smile of hers. "Everything looks nice, but I'm too nervous to eat much."

"Nervous? You've done plenty of these shows now."

"I know, but..." she hesitated, then continued in that careful way she had. "Sometimes I worry about saying the wrong thing. My Korean still isn't perfect, and if I mess up..."