It felt like all of time slowed down as you noticed everyone was staring at you, waiting in anticipation for the DJ to speak, knowing the next words he spoke could reveal your identity. You would want nothing more than to be able to go unnoticed if possible.
"Doesn't he... doesn't he look a little young to be a manager?" One of the DJ's waved their finger at you.
"You're right! He looks about their age." The other DJ joked. "Maybe he's dating one of the members." The DJ directed everyone's attention back towards Twice.
"Oh no! Not at all!" Jihyo laughed off the question. "There's no way we would date a manager."
"Oh don't be like that, I bet you just broke his heart." The DJ laughed.
All of the members looked towards you with questions in their eyes, trying to see if what the DJ said was true. You just simply waved your hand with your head down. They all shared a laugh before continuing with their conversation.
"Well speaking of dating, there have been murmurs around the media that there is something goin on between Twice and a certain football player from England. What are your thoughts on that?" The main DJ asks Jihyo.
"Oh... well you see, we, uh... I think..." Jihyo fumbled over her words, as much as she mentally prepared for this question to be asked, she wasn't ready for it in the moment knowing that possibly the entire nation was listening but even worse was the idea that you were listening and she knew what.
"We just happen to all happen really get along with him." Nayeon spoke up in her stead, the older also placed her hand over Jihyo's.
"He's a really good person and we're glad we can be friends with him but there's really nothing to it" Tzuyu added to the comments Nayeon had made.
You tried to hid the smile that was forming on your face but you couldn't help it, you often had people sing your praises but something about hearing it come out of Nayeon and Tzuyu's mouth felt the same way it did as when you first got complements from the Arsenal first team or the media.
You noticed that Mina was looking in your direction, she had a shy smile on her face trying to discretely convey that even though she didn't say anything she agreed with what they said. You knew that they wouldn't lie to you but you still felt something in your chest, it was like your heart was being pressed on and you couldn't look Mina in the eyes.
"So, how's it feel knowing someone that's played with some of your favorite players?" Jeongyeon asked Dahyun as they say in the piano room.
"You're talking about (Y/N) right?" Dahyun said, in between testing out piano cords.
"Yeah, who else?"
"You never know." Dahyun shrugged. "But it was really surreal at first you know? Sure we've met some incredibly famous people but (Y/N) was a different level, he's met some of the most famous people on the planet and now we know him... sooo basically I know Aubameyang."
Dahyun gloated to Jeongyeon with her hands held up in victory. Jeongyeon could only laugh at her actions knowing that for Dahyun, being a long time Dortmund fan, having a friend that knows someone like Aubameyang must be unimaginable.
"Very funny, but you've never met him personally." Jeongyeon said back, sketching down some lyrics into her notebook.
"I bet (Y/N) could pull some strings." Dahyun stuck her tongue out.
The two of them went back to preparing some songs for their next comeback, JYP had reached out to Twice to start producing lyrics, instrumentals, and/or the whole song for their next album. Jeongyeon and Dahyun decided to team up and try to write ballad for them, they knew that not every song would make the album so they thought they'd team up to maximize their chances.
"How about we get some food?" Jeongyeon asked, sitting back on the couch, dropping her pen onto the table.
"I suppose we could use a break." Dahyun said, standing up to take a stretch. "What do you want?"
"How about we just go to the cafeteria?" Jeongyeon suggested.
"Works for me."
The two girls made their way towards the cafeteria complaining about their crazy schedules as they did, usually it would be all nine of them going to schedules but since a few of them were able to go to (Y/N)'s game yesterday the schedules got staggered. As the pair entered the cafeteria they were welcomed with a view of mostly employees, a few idols and trainees, but the best was that there were no fans or media. That's not to say they don't like their fans but, it's nice to not need to act a certain way, kinda like how they feel around a certain someone.
"I'll have the pork curry please!" Dahyun smiled at the worker.
"And I'll have the bibimbap" Jeongyeon added.
"It's good to see you guys again are you doing well?" The cafeteria worker asked. "Maybe a boyfriend for one of you girls~"
"Oh no." Dahyun laughed "We're all still single."
"There's nobody for us to even consider." Jeongyeon waved her hand at the question.
"Aw that's a shame, you're all so lovely it would be a waste not to date anyone." The lady smiled. "Would you like anything to drink?"
"Oh just water."
"Same for me."
"Well here you are." She said as she handed two water bottles, waving them off. "Come back soon, don't be a stranger!"
The two of them silently went to find a table with something weighing on their minds. What the lunch lady said as nothing more than a passing comment was really sticking with them, what was stopping them from dating? Their dating ban had ended about a year ago but none of them really had any serious relationships, maybe a date here and there but nothing serious.
"So unnie..." Dahyun started as the two made their way towards their seats. "Have you ever considered dating anyone?"
"Did what the lunch lady say really bother you that much Dahyun?" Jeongyeon asked, letting her tray down. "You shouldn't think about that too much, you have plenty of time."
"But I'm already 22!" Dahyun whined. "I've never had a real relationship at 22 isn't that crazy to think about?"
"Hyun, I'm 24 and I've never been in one either." Jeongyeon tried to console the younger.
"Exactly, has there been any guys that are ever worth a shot?" Dahyun complained, stuffing a spoonful into her mouth.
The two of them thought for a second about if they knew any guys that either of them would consider dating. They were eating in silent just thinking about the guys they've met, most of them being idols which was more or less the only option given their line of work. Unfortunately a lot of those idols weren't as appealing as their TV personalities made them out to be.
"What about (Y/N)?" Jeongyeon joked, causing a small chuckle out of the girl sat across from her.
"Like he would even want to date us." Dahyun laughed back.
"He'd probably date Chaeyoung before us anyways." Jeongyeon added as they kept laughing.
The two of them quietly finished the rest of their food as they made their way back towards the piano room, even though they weren't talking about it both of them were picturing scenarios with you and them dating. However unlikely they thought it was they couldn't help but picture you and them, 20 years from now, a nice house on the beach, maybe a kid or two...
"How do you think they're doing right now?" Dahyun broke the silence in the room.
"Huh? How who are doing?" Jeongyeon asked, still a bit dazed having been fantasizing about someone a few seconds ago.
"(Y/N), how do you think (Y/N) is doing?" Dahyun reiterated.
"Oh uh, I'm sure he's fine, why don't we turn it on and watch?" Jeongyeon muttered.
"Yeah... sure thing." Dahyun said before pulling up her phone, turning on the radio broadcast.
"And with that, we're going to take an intermission! In the meantime here is Twice's newest song 'I Can't Stop Me'." The DJ announced that was greeted with a n applause from everyone, before slowly fading out.
Everyone got up and stretched as they heard the song come over the speakers. The managers quickly rushed over to see if they needed anything, to which some said that they'd like some coffee. Quickly gathering up the orders, Pinky was about to make his way out of the office when he was stopped by one of the DJs.
"Hey, why not get the new guy to do it? He looks young." He said, pointing in your direction.
"Huh? Oh I don't think he's up for it." Pinky waved off the comment. "I can handle it."
"Oh nonsense, let the kid work!" The DJ said, pushing you out of the door. "You can do it!"
You found yourself staring into a hallway with a piece of scratch paper in your hand, you looked at what was written to find five different orders, an Ice Americano for Jihyo, Nayeon wanted a White Mocha cappuccino, Mina and Tzuyu wanted Green tea and Lemon tea respectively, and Chaeyoung asked for some strawberry water.
You couldn't help but laugh at Chaeyoung's order, you knew she was a fan of strawberries but it seems more like an obsession at this point. You quietly made your way down towards the Starbucks to get their order, struggling to hold all five of the drinks. As you thought about what you were doing you couldnt help but laugh at yourself, here you were, a footballer on loan working for a kpop group and you were even getting their coffee for them.
If you were still in school this would be the coolest summer vacation story ever. Sadly you weren't on vacation, this was actually just your day off and you suddenly started working for Twice, not that you were complaining. Getting to spend time with your favorite musicians was great but you didn't expect to be doing coffee runs.
Walking back into the room you found everyone reviewing the script for the rest of the interview. You silently made your way over to the table, quietly putting their drinks in front of them, some of them thanked you while some apologized for making you do that. You waved off their concerns, you didn't mind doing things for them, besides you were supposed to be their manager so you had to act the part.
You sat back into the corner and watched everyone in 'work' mode, it was very different from what you experienced at work but seeing them act serious for once was a nice change of pace. You were just kinda observing when you saw one of the staff members walking up to you. You smiled as they approached, giving them a slight nod.
"How's it going? My name is Park Eunji." She introduced herself, taking the seat next to you.
"Nice to meet you, I'm... uh... I'm..." You looked around quickly. "I'm S-son Minho...?" You stumbled out.
"Are you not from around here?" She asked, squinting her eyes while she looked at you.
"Ah... no I'm from America." You rubbed the back of you neck in embarrassment.
"Oh that's so cool! I've always wanted to go to America!" She was much more energetic now, washing away any idea that she would recognize you.
"Have you been working with Twice long?" She continued
"Oh no, today is actually like my first day." It wasn't a complete lie, more of a half truth if you had to label it.
"I see, it must be exciting working with a bunch of pretty girls, I'm sure you've thought about putting the moves on them." Eunji elbowed your side as she wiggled her eyebrow.
"Wha-" The sudden comment made you swallow causing you to choke on your spit. The coughing fit that followed drew eyes from most of the people in the room.
Some of those individuals were a certain five girls that noticed how friendly you seemed with this girl. Not that they minded, why would they mind who you talk to? It's not like they would even have a reason to be bothered... okay they minded a little, but not because you were getting along so well with someone else they were just worried about your identity. Yeah... that was why, or that's what they convinced themselves to think.
"Sorry Minho, I didn't mean to startle you there." She said handing you a water bottle which you gladly accepted.
"So tell me, what do you like to do besides work?" Eunji continues the conversation.
"Oh, well I dabble in football every now and again." You say after downing the water.
"Really? That's so cool! I bet you're really good!" You wondered if she was just acting this way or she was just a generally excited person...
"Have you heard that there are plans to have a bunch of idols participate in a football tournament?" Eunji suddenly asked. "Are Twice planning on joining?"
"Oh, this is the first time I've heard of something like this." You shrugged looking towards Twice only to have them shrug back at you.
"Maybe you could coach them or something." Eunji joked getting a chuckle out of you.
"I could never coach them, I've got no experience doing anything like that." You quickly shot down the idea, to which you noticed a few members of Twice pout when you said that so quickly.
"Apparently they're even bring some American high schoolers over to help too, maybe you'll know them." She pointed out.
"Oh I doubt it, I haven't lived in America for years." You explained, much to her apparent disappointment.
The two of you continued to talk for a couple more minute before the producer signaled that the interview would be resuming and for everyone to take their places. You quietly bid farewell to Eunji before joining back with the other managers to monitor the interview, it was a lot of fun to be seeing the interview from this side you had to admit, although the whole errand boy thing wasn't very fun.
"And we're live in 3... 2..." The producer said before pointing at the DJ's signaling them to start.
"Welcome back everyone! If you're just joining us now we're joined by the Nation's Girl Group, none other than Twice!" The DJ announced, signaling everyone to applaud again.
"Following the success of your latest comeback, you actually got the chance to travel to America to promote your English release of the song, tell us about what that was like." The co-host asked.
"Well considering how we've had success touring in Japan JYPE thought it was time to take us abroad and make our debut on American television, honestly it's an honor and we couldn't be happier to be able to meet Onces across the world." Jihyo answered rather politically. (I know they didn't really perform there but let's just go along with it)
"Well how about you each tell us what your favorite thing about the states is?" The host continued.
"Ah for me it's all the good food we get to eat." Tzuyu started.
"I really enjoyed the nice weather, it was very warm and tropical in LA." Jihyo continued.
"I think it was all of the places we got to see during our time there, it was really quite beautiful." Chaeyoung mentioned.
"I definitely think it was all the amazing people we were able to meet." Nayeon says, taking a not so subtle glance in your direction.
"I'd have to agree with Nayeon, people from America are always so friendly and warm." Mina added onto what Nayeon started.
You couldn't help but look away, having a soft smile on your face from a combination of Nayeon's glance and Mina's kind words. Sure they weren't directed at you but knowing that's how Mina saw you, or more like how she saw Americans, was a welcomed surprise.
You honestly couldn't focus very well for the remained of the interview, you were too busy thinking about how Mina had complemented you, although not directly. You would take occasional glances at them talking only to find at least one of them taking a peek in your direction. The next thing you knew, you were packing up all of their things before carrying it out into the van, you had bid farewell and wrapped but a rather successful interview, before settling into the van.
"So where to now (Y/N)?" Pinky asked.
"I thought I was just the manager for today, why are you asking me?" You replied.
"Oh well I thought I'd at least get some of your input before we head off." He laughed, before turning back towards the girls. "How about we visit Jeongyeon and Dahyun at JYPE and give (Y/N) the tour while we're there?"
All the girls cheered in agreement as the van sped off towards your destination. You smiled at the prospect of being able to get a tour of JYP, despite hanging out with Twice for the past week, doing anything more than just hangout wasn't something you imagined you do.
As the car cruised down the road you were just having a chat with the girls as you patiently waited to arrive at your destination, when suddenly Pinky's phone started ringing.
"So is it nerve wracking knowing that thousands are probably listening to the radio?" You asked Mina.
"Well I personally try not to think about it so I don't stress out too much." She chuckled nervously.
"I try to give answers that I think will give Onces something to enjoy." Nayeon smiles at you.
"But don't you guys every think how funny it would be if-"
"Hey, sorry to interrupt but JYP just called and said he needs to meet with Jihyo, Nayeron, Tzuyu, and Chaeyoung about the project." Pinky interrupted you.
"Mina looks like you'll have to show (Y/N) around by yourself, do you think you can handle it?" Pinky asked.
"Yes or yes?" Mina joked, even mimicking the choreography, getting a laugh out of everyone.
Not too long after you found yourself in front of another massive building, this time it was decorated with the letters J,Y, and P and it was covered in windows with what looked to be hundred of fans outside hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite idols.
"Okay we're headed this way." Jihyo said, pointing towards the elevators. "We'll meet up later, be careful."
"We will" "Don't worry Jihyo, I'll show him around."
The rest of the party bid their farewells leaving you and Mina stood in the lobby. Mina led the way as you followed closely behind, trying your best not to act like a rookie.
"Obviously this is the lobby." Mina said, pointing around the rather luxurious space. "We try not to spend a lot of time here since it's easy to be adopted by dispatch and fans alike."
You nod in agreement, following Mina towards the elevator. Looking around like a complete idiot as you did, it's not everyday you got a tour from a genuine worldwide superstar so you took as much of it in as you could.
"For the most part floors 3 to 8 are for all employees, like the editors and pr teams, floors 9 through 12 are where the trainees are, 13 all the way to 17 is where the practice rooms and studios are with floors 18 and 19 being the executive offices and the rooftop respectively. " Mina explained the entirety of the building in one breath, pushing the button with an '11' on it.
"So what about floor 2?" You asked.
"Oh... we don't talk about floor 2..." Mina said suddenly more somber than before, glancing down at the floor.
You were thrown off by he sudden change in attitude. 'What could've happened to make an entire floor have that sort of repeating.' You thought to yourself.
"Nah I'm kidding, it's the cafe and dining hall." Mina slapped your arm and smiled. "Don't be so stiff."
"I'm sorry if I'm a bit nervous." You said in a sarcastic tone of voice.
"Don't be, lemme show you around!" The elevator stopped with a ding as you felt Mina grab your wrist dragging you off the elevator.
Mina dragged you down the corridor lined with both records and picture of artists, ranging from legends like Michael Jackson to picture of newcomers Itzy. She dragged you all the way down to the last door where you noticed a small golden plaque with the word 'Twice' engraved on it.
"And this is where the magic happens." Mina gloated as she opened the door.
The room you were greeted with wasn't something you were unfamiliar with, you had seen it before maybe a few more times than you'd like to admit. The classic red wall that was always shown along with the JYP lights on the ceiling. Despite having seen the room so many times in video you never quite grasped the actual size of it, it's like the the room never stopped expressing back.
"There's really not much to see here but I thought I might as well show you since you might be here on occasion." Mina shrugged.
"Why would I ever be here?" You questioned. "Just because I was your manager today doesn't mean I work here."
"Oh... well I just thought since you were gonna take me to one of your practice session, I could... you know maybe take you to one of ours." Mina said walking closer to you. So close that you could almost feel her breath on your skin, both of her hands cupping her cheeks.
You looked down to notice that Mina was sporting the most adorable pout on her face. You could bare looking at her for too long, unless you want to risk your life.
"Of-of course I didn't." You stuttered out, trying to advert her gaze. "How does Friday sound?"
"Hmm I need to check my schedule but it should work." Mina smiled softly at your invitation.
The two of you stayed there for a moment. Neither of you said anything to the other, not that there was much to be said in the first place. You two just... existed in each other's presence, the only people who knew you two were there were each other.
You stood a few inches taller than her, looking down at the soft blonde hair that flowed down her shoulders really emphasizing her soft features. Regardless of how many times you've seen her on camera being able to stand inches away from highlighted how angelic she looked.
The moment was cut short though with the rattling of the doorknob. The door walked open to show both Jeongyeon and Dahyun peeking their heads in.
"I told you they'd be here!" Dahyun pointed out. Waving to the two of you at the and time. "Hi Mina unnie, Hi (Y/N)!"
"Hi Dahyun." "Nice to see you Dahyun."
Both of you had sprinted to the couch, and were now on opposite ends trying to act as casual as possible. The slight twinge of pink resonating on both your checks, unsure whether it was caused by the last minute sprint or what happened before.
"Why are you guys acting so awkward?" Jeongyeon asked, following Dahyun into the practice room.
"Yeah you were so friendly this morning, you even gave him a hug Mina." Dahyun added, filling in the space between Mina and yourself.
"Ah well... we're just resting." Mina smiled, "The interview really took a lot out of me so I thought I'd rest here, nice and quiet you know?"
"Sure..." Jeongyeon nodded unconvincingly. "How about you (Y/N), how did everything go?"
"Oh it was fun, I got to go on a coffee run for them?" You pointed at Mina.
"Oh? I'm sure it was fun getting a personal butler for a day Mina." Dahyun nudged the girl on her left.
"Oh haha, we didn't make him do anything it was the stupid radio hosts, Pinky was going to do it but they force (Y/N) to intend." Mina pouted again.
"Don't sweat it, it was nice to get coffee for you." You smiled at Mina who returned it with a smile, albeit a shy one.
"Well, now that that's settled we can continue the tour." Dahyun clapped her hands and standing up.
"Rest of the tour? What do you mean?" You asked confused you didn't really expect there to be more than what Mina showed.
"Well you haven't seen where we record our songs and the private rooms!" Dahyun said, dragging you out of the room by your wrist.
"She's really quite excited isn't she?" Jeongyeon said taking the now vacant seat next to Mina.
"She's always like this." Mina chuckled. Getting up from the couch and stretching her arms out. "Welp we should probably join up with them."
"Hey, real quick." Jeongyeon reached out and grabbed Mina's wrist. "What's going on between you and (Y/N)?"
"What do you mean? Nothing is going on between us." Mina said, looking back at Jeongyeon. "We were honestly just taking a rest."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Mina said with a smile.
"Alright... lets go meet up with them." Jeongyeon said, still hesitant about if Mina was lying, maybe she would ask you later.
The two of the walk into the hallway find you and Dahyun bickering about who knows what. You were leaning on the wall while Dahyun was animatedly jumping up and down trying to get her point across. You were rolling you eyes until you noticed Jeongyeon and Mina laughing at the two of you.
"Don't just stand there, Come on." You waved them over.
"What were you two talking about?" Mina chuckled as they walked over.
"Dahyun was trying to explain how Dortmund is the best club is Germany." You chuckled.
"It is! How can you say they're not when you're friends with Aubameyang!" Dahyun whined as the four of you continued towards the elevator.
The four of you made your way down to the cafeteria meeting up with the rest of the members, excluding Sana and Momo who were back at the dorm, turns out that the four of them were working on a special melody project and they needed to finalize the concept and the members taking part.
It appears that Chaeyoung, Mina, Jihyo, Nayeon, and Tzuyu would be having a special stage at the upcoming award season and the song would be produced by Jeongyeon and Dahyun. You were honestly quite excited about the idea, hopefully you would be able to watch the awards live and wouldn't be at practice but who knows what the future hold.
For now, all you could do was look around the table and smile at the people surrounding the table, at first going to a new country and new club was nerve-wracking but you were thankful to have met Chaeyoung on some weird chance flight and now you were sat eating lunch with Twice at JYP. It was quite surreal, almost like that moment you got your first professional contract with Arsenal, thankfully now you were much more experienced with meeting celebrities so you didn't freak out, at least not in front of them.
"So that's how I got a coin stuck up my nose." Dahyun explained as everyone bursted out in laughter.
"Geez you're too wild Dahyun!" "Why would you even do that?" "Did it hurt getting it out?"
"Enough about that, (Y/N) you never explained to us how you were able to become a professional footballer." Jihyo tried to stuff her laughter.
"Oh it's not that exciting." You shrugged. "It was just being in the right place at the right time."
"Hmm, seems like there's more to that." Tzuyu glared at you.
"Don't pressure him Tzuyu, I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready." Nayeon stepped in to save you.
"All I'm saying is that-" Tzuyu was cut off by Pinky before she was able to pressure you anymore.
"Okay okay, enough of that, we need to get moving to our next schedule, unfortunately (Y/N) can't attend since it's not supposed to be known to the public." Pink apologized.
"It's no big deal, I had plenty of fun being with you this morning." You smiled.
The member all moaned in dissatisfaction but to no avail as JYP had already scheduled you to have a ride back to their dorm to pick up your car. You thanked them for today before saying your goodbyes, you made your way towards the car park where you found a sleek black van to take you back to their dorm.
As you lean back into the seat you thought about all the things that happened today, from the kids at training to getting to experience working as a manager. You really got quite the experience, you were looking back at your day when the scene with Mina popped into your mind. You found yourself thinking about her squishable cheeks, her gummy smile, the cute little moles scatter across her skin and the-. You shake your head trying to clear the thoughts from you head, you shouldn't be thinking about things like that.
You lean deeper into your seat with a sigh, what should you do to fill up the rest of your day. You didn't want to just lounge around for the rest of the day but at the same time you didn't know what else to do...
"Maybe something will come to me." You sigh, pulling out your phone and looking at Twitter to see what was going on only to see a message from Aubameyang.
You pulled up the message to see it was a video from your captain. You happily clicked play to see Auba with Lacazette and Ozil.
"(Y/N)! My friend, we just wanted to let you know that Mesut is transferring to Fenerbahçe when January comes around." You captain said.
"Unfortunately you won't be here to say goodbye so we wanted to send you this video." Laca added.
"(Y/N) it was very nice to be able to train with you everyday, good luck in Korea and I hope we can meet again whether it be on or off the pitch!" Mesut smiled. "Let me know when you're in Turkey and I'll get you into a game."
You smiled watching your teammates thinking of you even if you're across the world from them. Although it was sad to know that you wouldn't be able to say goodbye to Mesut, he really took you under his wing when you joined the first team so to see him gone would be a big change going forward. That being said the number 10 was now open so maybe... just maybe...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi everyone, so first off I'd like to say a Happy (belated) Lunar New Year and Valentines day. I'm sorry this update took so long, work and school started to pile up added to the fact that my productivity only starts at around 2am it was hard to consistently write.
Regardless, here is the new update I hope you enjoy it. I hope to bring you more updates in the future :)