The flowerbed - Aespa's Giselle x M!Reader

The roots relax under the sunlight (Part 4)

The digital sales board in the company lobby flickered with another update, each new number a reminder of Executive Producer Jung's threat from last week's screening room confrontation. Six hours into Whiplash's release, and my career hung by a thread of streaming statistics and chart positions.

"Still think you know better than thirty years of industry experience?"

Jung's voice cut through the early morning quiet. He stood there in his usual grey suit, arms crossed, expression cold despite the impressive numbers on display.

"The numbers speak for themselves," I replied carefully, keeping my eyes on the board.

"Numbers." He scoffed. "One good day doesn't validate reckless decisions. You undermined my authority in that meeting. Made me look weak in front of the board." He stepped closer, voice dropping. "Don't think this success means you're untouchable. One mistake, one misstep with their next comeback, and you're done. I'll make sure of it."

The elevator chimed before I could respond, and the doors opened to reveal all four members. Their excited energy faltered slightly at the tension they'd walked into.

"Congratulations on the charts," Jung said, his tone professionally pleasant but eyes still cold when they flickered to me. "Let's hope your next release maintains these numbers. Some of us can't afford if it doesn't." With a pointed look in my direction, he turned and walked away.

Ningning bounced forward first, breaking the tension. "We're trending everywhere! Have you seen the fan reactions?"

Winter's observant gaze lingered on Jung's retreating figure before she gave me a supportive smile. Karina maintained her composed leadership presence, but there was concern in her eyes – she'd caught the undertones of the conversation.

Giselle hung back slightly, her expression worried. She'd been there for the screening room confrontation, had seen how close I'd come to losing everything defending their artistic vision.

"Don't worry about him," Winter said quietly, pulling out her phone to show me more positive responses to their release. "He's just mad because he was wrong."

"And because you stood up to him," Karina added. "No one does that."

"Well, someone should," I replied, earning small smiles from the group. The numbers updated again – another record broken.

"Coffee?" Giselle's soft voice drew my attention. She gestured toward the door, offering escape from the lingering tension. "We should celebrate properly, all of us."

"Always," I answered, catching Winter's subtle thumbs up behind Giselle's back. "I want their new frappe!" yelled Ning with joy. "I think i'll have that too" replied Karina, Winter trying to quiet Ning down, "Ning, we are still in the company there are other groups here please quiet down.." to no avail.

Giselle still had that conversation that we never had together, hopefully with the comeback winding down we can talk about... us.

The morning sun was breaking over the city as we stepped outside, leaving behind both the climbing numbers and Jung's threats. Whatever came next – award shows, promotional tours, new challenges, or Jung's attempts to undermine me – we'd face it together.

But, walking beside Giselle and the rest of the girls towards our usual café, I couldn't bring myself to regret standing up to Jung. Our friendships deepening, and maybe something more happening. Watching Giselle talk animatedly about their fan reactions, I knew some things were worth protecting at any cost.

Even if it meant making some enemies along the way.