Minji x Reader x Hanni

ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ｏｎｅ

"Next!"

"Excuse me...? Hello, can I assist you?" The lady behind the front desk greets you politely.

"I'm here for a meeting, I guess, about a staff position?" You explain, still unsure of the scenario. "Manager Park should be able to explain."

"Your name please," she inquires with a practiced accent.

"Y/n l/n."

She appears perplexed while swiping down the touch-pad. After, she steps away to make a call. That phone conversation hits a momentary pause, punctuated only by her rhythmic clicking of keys. She clears her throat when she reappears. "It appears that you've been reassigned."

"What does that—"

"..Please wait for someone to come and assist you further."

"Sure..." You take out your phone to put some music on while you wait. Your nerves cause a slight tremor in your hand, the whole situation still feeling surreal.

..!

It probably wasn't your fault, but as you're lost in thought, you suddenly feel a body crashing into your back. You stagger forward a bit before turning around, coming face-to-face with a girl who seems utterly engrossed in her own phone, oblivious to the collision.

"Sorry," you quickly apologize. She finally takes her eyes away from her phone and locks her gaze on you. It's almost as if she's peering deep into your soul, or perhaps even reading your mind, because as you open your mouth to speak again—

"That's a good song," she points to your phone out of nowhere.

"Yeah..." you pause, taken aback by her unexpected remark. Her voice has a softness to it that makes you wonder if you heard her correctly.

"Y/n!"

The two of you are abruptly snapped out of the staring contest you found yourselves.

"Manager Park" she addresses them with a respectful bow.

"Y/n, this is Haerin," her manager formally introduces the girl. "And Haerin, this is y/n. They'll be joining us as a staff member beginning today."

"Nice to meet you.."

"Anyways, you should go up to the others before they get worried.. You know how Dani gets. I have to give y/n here a bit of a talking to."

Haerin acknowledges the introduction with a nod, exchanging glances between you and Manager Park, before departing.

"So, how are you feeling?" Manager Park presses the button, motioning you into the lift.

"I'm still trying to figure out why the company still wants me," you admit, your skepticism apparent. "I mean, is this some kind of scam or..?"

"Do you really not want the job?"

A huff of disbelief escapes as you quickly retort, "What? No. Of course I want the job, it's just–"

"Great," Manager Park's voice enthusiastically cuts you off. "But... y/n... I'm going to be straight with you. Someone pulled some strings to save your ass."

"Yeah," you respond, your tone reflecting your appreciation.

"So, I hope you're not planning on messing this up and getting yourself kicked out again," Manager Park warns, their voice carrying a note of caution. "Seriously, higher-ups in this industry have the power to erase people like us."

"Understood," you reply but can't help but pout a little. It wasn't entirely your fault that your previous boss was a pain in the neck.

"Good," Park says, and the heavy air between you appears to lift. "Besides, this is a fantastic opportunity for you. The girls are extremely talented— like, skys the limit type of potential, and we get to be a part of it." Their enthusiasm is contagious, and you can't help but pick up on it.