The flowerbed - Aespa's Giselle x M!Reader

The petals close and colors blend

The elevator ride to Studio C felt longer than usual. When I walked in, Karina and Ningning were in the middle of a cosmetics shot, the photographer directing them to angle their faces slightly."Perfect!" the photographer called out. "Let's take five while we change the lighting setup."Ningning immediately bounced over to me, her energy seemingly unaffected by hours of posing. "Manager-nim! Look at the previews!" She thrust her phone in my face, showing behind-the-scenes shots she'd taken between sets.

"Ning, let them breathe," Karina chuckled, approaching more calmly. "How's Winter doing with her vocal training?"

"She's pushing herself hard," I replied, noting how Karina immediately picked up on team-related matters. "But she'll be fine."

"And Giselle?" Ningning asked innocently.

"Still probably practicing, I have to check on her as well after you guys" I said neutrally, suddenly very interested in my schedule notes.

"Our manager is so dedicated," Ningning teased, plopping down on a nearby couch. "Checking on everyone, making sure we're all okay..."

"That's their job, Ning," Karina reminded her, but she was smiling too. "Ladies, we're ready!" the photographer called.

As they returned to their positions, Ningning grabbed my arm. "Stay and watch! I want to show you my professional poses too!" Her eagerness was infectious. Ningning seemed extroverted and it took no time for her to cozy up with me, which I am glad for.

"Our maknae, professional?" Karina raised an eyebrow, but her tone was fond.

For the next hour, I watched as they transformed in front of the camera. Ningning, despite her playful nature off-set, commanded attention with each pose. Karina, unsurprisingly, moved with natural grace, but what struck me was how she subtly guided Ningning with small gestures and quiet words.

Between shots, Ningning kept running over to show me poses she was proud of, while Karina asked practical questions about tomorrow's schedule. It felt... normal. Comfortable.

"Last set!" the photographer announced. "Finally!" Ningning stretched dramatically. "Manager-nim, after this, can we get food? I'm starving!"

"Ning, they probably need to check on Giselle" Karina started.

I felt my ears grow warm. "Y-Yeah, I need to check on her practice is going. But..." I checked the time, "we could all get dinner after? If you're not too tired?"

"Yes!" Ningning pumped her fist in victory. "Unnie, see? I told you our new manager is the best!"

Karina shook her head fondly at Ningning's enthusiasm, but gave me an approving nod. "Dinner sounds good. We can discuss tomorrow's schedules too." As they returned for their final shots, I couldn't help but smile.

Somehow, in just two days, these girls were already becoming more than just assignments on my schedule. Even if one of them was becoming a bit more than that.

I walk over to where Giselle was practicing. From the first day, I wasn't able to take my eyes of her. Her charm, her small yet warming smile. Practice Room 4's door was slightly ajar, the familiar beats of their latest track spilling into the hallway. I paused outside, taking a breath to compose myself. After all, I was just checking in on a member - something any manager would do.

Giselle was marking through the rap break we'd discussed earlier, her reflection focused in the mirror. She caught sight of me in the doorway and smiled, not missing a beat in her routine. "How was the photoshoot?" she asked, continuing her practice.

"Good. Ningning only made the photographer laugh five times," I leaned against the doorframe, maintaining a professional distance. "How's the new approach to the rap break working out?"

She finished her sequence before answering. "Better. That tip you gave me yesterday really helped." She grabbed her water bottle, taking a sip before adding, "You seem to have a lot of hidden talents, manager-nim." "Just doing my job," I said, though I couldn't help but smile at her comment. "Like how you 'just did your job' staying late to help me with that transition?" There was a hint of playfulness in her voice, but she quickly added, "I really appreciated that, by the way."

I cleared my throat, trying to stay professional. "Speaking of staying late, don't overwork yourself. We have an early schedule tomorrow."

"Are you worried about me?" she asked, starting to pack up her things.

"I worry about all the members," I replied diplomatically, though we both knew how long I'd stayed that night to help her.

"Right, of course," she nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "All the members."

The moment felt dangerous, so I checked my phone, grateful for the distraction. "The others want to get dinner. You should join us if you're done here."

"Dinner sounds good," she shouldered her bag. "Though I might need to workshop that rap break again tomorrow..." she glanced at me briefly before looking away. "If you have time to observe, that is."

I nodded and smiled, as my heart was about to break out of my chest. I muster some control over myself, holding the door for her. "We should catch up with the others."