Falling For My Manager

2

Laura: (It has been two years since I've seen her.)

She flips through her pages of contestants, finding yours.

Laura: (Last name: Vang. Birthday: 11/22/05. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Oh my... there's no way.)

You: I actually just quit this year.

Laura: (What? Did she say she quit ballet this year?)

JYP: So, what made you follow K-pop?

You: I really liked the whole culture itself, but the dance aspect intrigued me because it was a mix of a bunch of different genres, and it's not just one or the other. There's a lot of different things about it.

If it weren't for your best friend, you wouldn't discover K-pop.

Laura was still shaken after finding her childhood in the same place as her.

After a few minutes of singing and dancing, it was time for a decision, and JYP made his choice without hesitation.

JYP: Come here.

You walk up to him, and he places the necklace on your head.

JYP: So I'll see you in LA.

You: Oh my god.

Laura stood up, applauding along with the production team.

You: Thank you so much. Thank you.

JYP: Congratulations.

You: Kamsahamnida.

Laura watches you exiting the room, but she decides to chase after you.

She was almost at the exit, but she remembered there was a door on the other side, so she waited for the right time.

You open the door, finding your mom.

You: I passed.

You tear up as you hug her.

You: I knew I would do it.

Mom: You did really well.

You look at the camera.

You: I've always wanted this, so I'll work harder from here on. Thank you so much!

The camera person ends the recording.

Camera: Thank you, and congrats on passing.

They walk away.

Mom: Let's go to the hotel.

You: But Mom, what about Laura? I could have sworn I saw her.

As if on cue, the door swings open, and you and your mom turn your guys's heads.

Mom: Hello. Do you need something?

Laura: I...

She starts to remove her mask, causing you to be shocked.

Laura: Hey, Lexus. It has been a while.

You: L-Laura? I-Is that you?

Laura spreads her arms.

Laura: The one and only.

You embrace her in a hug.

You: I can't believe you're here! What are you doing here? I thought you were in Korea.

Laura: Well, I do work in Korea; I'm just here helping the production.

You: Does that mean you help the J. Y. Park?!

Laura: Something like that. Listen, I know it's been two years, and I'm sorry I haven't communicated with you. I changed my number a few months after I moved.

You: What's your new number?

Laura: 032-###-####, but you have to download KakaoTalk.

You: Are you able to hang out since my audition is over?

Before your friend can reply, you hear something on her earpiece.

Staff #21: Has anyone seen Haeun? She just walked out.

Laura: I'll be right out.

She turns to you.

Laura: I wish I could, but duty calls.

You: Oh, okay.

Laura: I'll call you when I get to my hotel room. Congrats once again.

You: Thanks.

Laura quickly hugs you tight but heads back to work.

...

A year later...

After Vcha was announced, they started making their way to the meeting room to meet with their Division team.

Kaylee: I hope the staff is friendly!

KG: I can't believe we're going to our first Korean music show next Friday!

Your friendship with Laura increased considerably, but during your time together, you started to have an unusual feeling in your stomach.

You: (There's no way I can crush on her. She's my childhood friend.)

Camila: Does anyone want to knock?

Kendall: I'll go.

She knocks.

JYP: Come in.

Savanna: That's J. Y. Park!

The six of them bow as they open the door.

CM, LX, KD, SV, KG, & KL: Annyeonghaseyo.

You look around the room and spot Laura staring at you.

You: (What is Laura doing here at JYP?)

JYP: Girls, this will be your management team for Korea promotions, Division 3!

You and Laura's eyes go wide.

You: (LAURA WORKS FOR JYP?!)

Laura: (I AM MANAGING LEXI'S GROUP?!)

JYP turns to the group.

JYP: I've assigned you your manager in case you have solo schedules. Starting with Lexi... Haeun will be your manager.

You: Haeun? Who's that?

That's when your surroundings froze as you spot your best friend raising her hand.

Laura: I'm used to hearing my Korean name, Lexi-ssi.

You make your way to your best friend, whispering while JYP assigns the other members.

You: When you first told me your name, I thought it was your middle name.

Laura: Yeah... Laura is my Western name, and Haeun is my Korean name.

You: Why didn't you tell me you worked for JYP when we were in Chicago?

Laura: I applied for this job as soon as I turned 18, and when I got an email back, I had to move. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. I'm sorry, Lexi.

You secretly grabbed her hand.

You: Hey, I understand. I'm not mad. I'm just upset you didn't tell me; I would've been proud of you.

Laura squeezes your hand.

Laura: At least I'm your manager. You'll be in good hands.

You smile at her.

You: (I'm starting to have feelings for her...)