MANAGER | newjeans x reader

Chapter Four

Y/n's POV
Surprisingly early, I found myself at the dance practice room, relishing the tranquility of an empty space. It was like a slice of responsibility pie – I felt like the poster child for diligent work ethic. Settling onto the sofa, I was just about to reach for my phone when, BAM! The door burst open, sending me jumping up in a panic.

"Oh, you're early," Minji remarked, recognizing my deer-in-the-headlights expression. I managed a sheepish smile in response, only to be greeted by Danielle popping up out of nowhere.

"Hi!" she chirped, her smile infectious.

"Hello, Danielle," I greeted back, trying not to let my surprise show too much. She covered her mouth dramatically. "You remember my name!"

I chuckled, nodding in confirmation. As I glanced around, I felt a distinct weight of someone's stare. Looking over, I met the gaze of the cat-eyed girl again, feeling like she was reading my soul. Suddenly, a tap on my back jolted me out of my thoughts.

"I hope you don't mind if we blast the music a bit," Minji said with a slight grin, to which I waved off any concerns.

"Not at all!" I assured her, feeling like the cool, laid-back manager I was supposed to be. With that settled, they set their belongings down by the couch.

"Manager-nim., how old are you?" the youngest member piped up, her curiosity evident.

"Well, I was born in 2003, so I'm currently twenty," I answered, feeling a tad self-conscious suddenly.

"You're old," someone quipped as they passed, making me jump with their abruptness.

Wow, she just roasted me. It's clear she's not my number one fan, I thought, giving her a side-eye as she rejoined her group. Just as I tried to regain my composure, another voice startled me from behind.

What's with them and popping out of nowhere?! I wondered to myself, feeling slightly frazzled by the unexpected interruptions.

"Is it true that you've already met Hanni Unnie before?" Haerin asked, her expression unreadable.

"H-her? Probably not. Her face isn't ringing any bells," I explained, feeling relieved when she nodded and went back to her group. Taking a deep breath, I settled back onto the couch, watching as they stretched and shared laughs, grateful for the lively atmosphere – even if it did come with a side of surprises.

As I watched them practicing tirelessly for three straight hours, with lunchtime looming, I decided to make myself useful and approach Minji. After all, she seemed to be the one steering the ship.

"Hey Minji, do you guys want drinks or food perhaps?" I offered, earning a slight widening of her eyes.

"That would be really nice, Manager-nim," she replied, her groupmates nodding in agreement, except for Hanni, who remained aloof as ever. I chuckled to myself and brushed off the slight pang of rejection.

"What would you guys like for me to buy?" I inquired, giving them a moment to ponder their options before they finally reached a decision.

"What's your number, Manager-nim?" Danielle suddenly asked, prompting a teasing nudge from one of her fellow members. "Danielle unnie be making moves."

My eyes widened at the unexpected question, feeling a flush of shyness creep up my cheeks. Danielle shot a playful glare at Hyein.

"I was just asking because I'll send her the list of foods she'll be buying!" she explained, earning a round of laughter from the group.

"Want someone to tag along with you?" Minji offered kindly. I glanced at each of them before shaking my head.

"Let me handle it. You guys look tired, so probably get some rest first," I insisted, receiving nods of agreement from Minji, Hyein, and Danielle. Meanwhile, Hanni made her way to the sofa and took a seat, while Haerin continued to stare at me with her piercing gaze.

"I'll go now," I announced, bidding them farewell. They smiled appreciatively and thanked me for offering to buy them food. It was a relief that Sajangnim had sent me money for manager-related expenses. After all, feeding a hungry girl group could turn out to be quite the investment!