With a deep breath, my eyes wandered at the glass.
What could go so wrong?
I mean, it shouldn't be that bad right?
Jinae - papa!
My face immediately lit up at the sight of her, where she ran up to me as I opened my arms up to her.
Lifting her up and hugging her ever so close to my heart, my arms wrapped around her where I kissed her forehead.
Y/N - hello munchkin! How was school!?
Jinae - it was cool!
Y/N - oh yeah?
Softening my heart from the mere sight of her, my head turned towards her teacher walking up to me.
Teacher - L/N-ssi
Y/N - ah yes, hello
A soft smile combined with her hand reaching out to me, opening it up and making me look at it. Which was a piece of paper.
Realising I should take it from her, holding Jinae up with one arm and carrying her based on strength. Taking the paper from her, lifting my neck up to look at her
Teacher - we're having a parent's teacher meeting around next week, it would be wonderful if you could make it.
Y/N - oh, yes I can.
Teacher - can your wife come as well?
My spine straightened, making me almost choke on the spot but quickly regained myself as I thought to myself in panic.
Can Jimin come next week?
She shouldn't be that busy right?
Surely, she can't be?
I know she's been doing ads and stuff but I don't know.
Jinae - my mommy can come!
Teacher - oh really? Okay then!
Surprised by Jinae's response, I lifted her up again in my arms where I just smiled and bowed at her.
Y/N - yeah! I think she can come.
Teacher - well thank you for your response L/N-ssi, have a nice day okay Jinae-ah?
Her teacher waved at Jinae, Jinae's response was the same. The both of us thanked her goodbye as I turned around with the destination of the car in mind.
Y/N - muffin, you know what day it is today?
Jinae - uhhhhh.... I go to your work?
Y/N - that's right! Eventhough I don't know why?
Jinae - yay! I get to see mama and all the unnies!
Y/N - and also hang out with papa! But do you want to?
Jinae - I do!
Smiling at her, patting her head gently with my hand.
Today was bring your kid to work day. I thought this shit only existed in the media or something but apparently, it's true here. But only because it's something to do with the new policy? Some charity event or something, I don't really know the odds and ends of it.
With her in my arm, opening the passenger car door for me to put her on the seat. Once opened, lifting her down into the seat and putting on her seat belt for her.
Jinae - I can do it now papa! I'm a big girl!
Softly laughing to myself, patting her on the head again. A warm feeling washing over me
Y/N - arraseo, arraseo Jinae.
Letting go of the seat belt, watching her do it before closing the car door. Walking over to the driver's side and hopping in, where I put my own seat belt on before putting my hands on the steering wheel.
Y/N - are we all good to go sunshine?
Jinae - yes!
Glancing towards the mirror, seeing her fist pumped up and an excited look on her face.
Y/N - alright then!
Putting the stick into first gear and softly stepping down on the accelerator as we made our way towards the JYPe building.
â-----
Her soft hand corresponded with mine, palm and palm together.
The both of us walked through the halls of Division 4, eyes were on us. It was well known that I was one of the very few in the company that actually had children while most were either married or in a current relationship.
Staff - oh my god Y/N!
My eyes looked around for the voice, excited giggles came from her where I just put my hand behind my head, scratching it before awkwardly laughing to myself.
Standing in front of me where she knelt down and waved at Jinae, which Jinae waved back at.
Putting her head up to look at me, it's kind of odd that I don't know their names even though I've been here for a year now if I think about it?
Staff - is this the daughter you were always talking about?!
Y/N - y- yeah.
Jinae - helllllo!
Staff - Kiyowo! Aigoo! You look like an angel!
Jinae - hehehehe
Y/N - sunbaenim, I didn't expect you to be here at all
Staff - ah you know me! I'm just at my table the entire time, I'm on break actually!
Y/N - oh really? Nice, I'm just in now so I'm just gonna stop by sajangnim's office and ask him some stuff
Staff - oh alright! See you then!
Waving goodbye to each other, my mind wandered into how I also didn't know her name.
I think it's like Eunbi or something.
Walking away, leaning my head down as we walked where I glanced at Jinae
Jinae - it's really nice here!
Y/N - it really is munchkin, you've been here a lot, don't you remember?
Jinae - yup!
Y/N - when papa's done with his work, do you wanna go to the cafeteria with me?
Jinae - yes I do!
Her voice echoed throughout the halls which would garner attention especially if it was an unsolicited visit but then again, it's 'bring you kid to work' day so, that shouldn't be a problem.
Walking along a bit further, reaching a door that had his name on it.
Taking a deep breath before opening the door, I felt a bit nervous for some reason but I think that's to be expected especially when you need to talk to your boss for anything.
One mistake and you just feel like your career is going to be gone in an instant.
"Come in!"
My hand brushed the door handle, firmly gripping it. Opening the door widely, seeing his face light up.
His desk is riddled with paperwork, the usual sort of modern wealthy tone in his office alongside the decor of his choice, which isn't too bad to say the least.
Boss - ah! Y/N! What brings you here?
Wavering over to Jinae, he immediately got out of his chair. Going around the desk and walking over to us where he knelt down to Jinae's height
Boss - right! I forgot! That's today! Hello there!
Jinae bowed shyly, her usual enthusiasm now gone.
Jinae - a- annyeonghaseyo-
Boss - don't be intimidated alright? I'm your dad's boss, what's your name?
Jinae - L- L/N Jinae
Sajangnim laughed courteously to himself, putting his hand on Jinae's hair and messing up her hair which made her laugh a bit.
Boss - that's a good name, I'm just going to talk to your dad okay?
Jinae - ok- okay.
Standing back up and meeting eye to eye with him, clearing his throat before speaking again.
Boss - so, what's with the sudden visit for?
Straightening my shoulders before getting the courage to ask him, my intentions were just a bit over myself even though I've done it before but this time, I just needed to so I can have a bit of reassurance for the next few times if it happens again.
Y/N - I'm just wondering if I could drop Jinae anywhere off in the build while I work. I don't want her to get bored while I edit some stuff you know.
Boss - oh right, uhm. You know I'm not one to have kids of my own, yet. But If I had to recommend somewhere, do you know Itzy's manager?
Y/N - I think?
Boss - he's great with kids, great guy too so you wouldn't have to worry about Jinae.
Y/N - oh. Well- I was planning to see if I could drop Jinae instead by NMIXX? If they're not busy?
His face shot up with curiosity, his hand up to his chin. Gently stroking his imaginary beard.
Boss - yeah? How come?
Feeling a bit nervous, swallowing my throat if I want to reveal my relationship to him with the girls.
Y/N - I'v- I've sort of garnered a personal relationship with the NMIXX girls, and they've met Jinae before and they- they're willing to watch her while I work from what they told me.
He got quiet for a second or so, thinking to himself. My nervousness shot up internally, a wiltering feeling laying around until he looked back to me with a response to give me.
Boss - yeah sure. They don't got anything big going on for a while so, sure why not. They're just in the practice room doing their own things since they actually finished up practicing a while ago. You just came in right?
Y/N - yes sir I did.
Boss - I don't have much to give you today so you can leave early before even night comes so you can have some time with Jinae.
Bowing to him as a way of thanks, he waved me off.
Boss - ah it's fine, no gratitude needed. I'm grateful enough that you're still with us. You've saved loads of the company's butts when we needed extra help.
Y/N - that's good to know.
Boss - though, I will need an editor for- you know Yeji from ITZY?
Y/N - I'm aware.
Boss - she's got something planned up so when that time comes up, you'll have about a two week period where you're just working on her entire catalog of work she has planned. Now, I'm not one to say anything about the planning but, I think it'll be fun for you. It's a pretty one on one thing with her, since she's curious about video editing.
Y/N - oh. Okay. That's fine with me.
Boss - I'll keep you updated when though, but for now. Please, take how many minutes you like before starting work unless you really want to get it done.
Y/N - sure, thanks boss.
Boss - no problem, go knock em dead kiddo
Nodding at him, he waved goodbye to Jinae with a big smile on his face before me and Jinae walked out of the office, making our way to the practice room.
Jinae - that man is your boss papa?
Y/N - very much is.
Jinae - he's nice
Y/N - yeah, he kind of is. You hungry?
Jinae - not yet papa.
Y/N - that's good, I'm going to bring you over to mama and the unnies alright? I'm gonna work for a bit and then we can explore alright?
Jinae - okay!
Without even knocking on the door, almost barging in where I let go of Jinae's hand. The girls in the middle of dancing where Jinae carelessly runs up to them
Y/N - Jinae!
Reaching my hand out to catch her even though it was useless to all hell, the girls get caught off guard, watching their reactions from the mirror including their manager.
Jinae hugged Haewon first, the first one to turn around upon seeing Jinae running.
Oh she's going to get pissed at me, or their manager.
Hae - oh! Jinae!
But instead, her reaction quickly changed to a more pleased and happy expression, their manager stopping the music. The girls quickly huddled around Jinae, Haewon picking her up and holding her and saying hello.
I made my way towards their manager where I bowed to him.
Y/N - I'm so sorry about this, I didn't expect her to run u-
Manager - ani ani, it's okay. It surprised me but it's just you and your daughter, so it's alright.
Feeling relieved about his reaction, his hand reached out to me, placing it on my shoulder. Patting it gently.
Manager - it's a good change of pace, it was honestly getting kind of boring since we were just going over all the songs for no reason.
Y/N - o- oh. Cool cool.
Manager - I suppose you're here to drop her off hm?
Y/N - yes, I am.
Manager - then she's in good hands as usual.
Y/N - thanks man.
Manager - no problem, I'm just gonna head out really quickly to grab snacks and drinks. Gotta get more since your daughter is here now.
Softly laughing, he lifted his hand off from my shoulder before walking past me, my eyes focused on the girls.
They walked up to me, greeting me as I greeted them back.
Hae - it's so good to see you
Y/N - it's only been a couple of days Haewon-ah
Lily - it's bring your kid to work day isn't it?
Jiwoo - we brought ours
Jiwoo brought her arms up, pointing to Kyujin who immediately slapped her on the arm
Kyujin - ya!
They immediately laughed, Jinae squishing Haewon's cheeks
Jinae - mama let's do something fun!
Hae - in a second okay?
Jinae - okay!
Y/N - yeah it is, bring your kid to work day sounds like a real pain in the ass for some people, but it's good for me since I can focus on getting work done and she gets to spend time with you
Hae - heh alright, then do your best alright?
Y/N - thank you.
Walking over to Haewon, standing right beside her. I looked around towards the girls for a moment before leaning in and kissing her on the cheek. Her face immediately lit up with a soft smile before kissing me back on the cheek as well.
Hae - bold enough to do it in front of the girls now?
Y/N - at least it isn't your lips
We both softly laugh, turning back around where I made my way back to the door, waving goodbye to the girls.
Y/N - see you later guys! And be good Jinae!
Jinae - I will papa! Bye bye!
Opening the door, stepping out and closing it. With a reassuring sigh to myself, before walking over to my office, undoubtedly unconfident for the next how many hours I'll spend in there.
â----
*about an hour or two later in the office*
My back planted against my chair, leaning back a bit as it squeaks from my weight.
Fingers behind each other, a groan came out of my mouth. Feeling satisfied with the conclusion of my own work in front of me coming from my screen.
Y/N - well that was a piece of shit.
Laughing softly at my remark, I quickly leaned back into my screen, saving everything and exporting everything out and sending it to the media team to handle.
With everything done and said, swift enough to put everything back in my satchel.
My hard drive, keyboard and mouse, all tucked away in my satchel nice and sound before getting up and doing my usual routine of turning off the pc and the lights in the room before heading out.
I wonder what's going on in the practice room.
Double checking everything in the room, once I was done. I made my way out and towards the practice room.
My feet swept through the floor before being met with the practice room door in front of me where I opened without any thought, seeing the girls on the floor talking to each other with Jinae on Jiwoo's lap.
Y/N - hey guys, sorry it's been a while.
They all turned their heads towards me where they smiled softly at the sight of me where Jinsol and Lily gestured to come over to them
Bae - ah you're finally done!
Jinae - papa!
Kyujin - took you long enough
Their manager was not around from what it looked like but he didn't mind.
I stood over them where Jinae got up from Jiwoo's lap, her small feet running over to me as she hugged my waist. My hand lifting to brush her hair.
Y/N - have you been good?
She looked up at me with a proud smile.
Jinae - ne!
Hae - don't worry, she's always good.
Sully - no scolding or anything, it's hard to believe she's your daughter
Y/N - hey come on
The girls laughed at Yoona's joke, making me smile at myself because of her wit.
Squatting a bit and lifting her up into my arms, looking at the girls.
Y/N - you girls hungry?
Kyujin - now you're talking about it, I kind of am.
Jiwoo - yeah me too.
Bae - oh yeah, we haven't eaten.
Lily - yeah for sure!
Hae - you got a plan in mind?
Y/N - I did say earlier, I might bring her over to the cafeteria. It would be nice.
Bae - that's a good idea!
Y/N - cool, you girls down?
They all nodded, me and Jinae watched them get up from the floor, wiping themselves off from the dust.
We all turned around facing the door while walking.
Y/N - you guys got anything planned for the first quarter of this year?
Sully - I don't think so, if anything. Ask Haewon-unnie.
Y/N - Haewon?
Hae - well we're not sure, we do get that notice but right now it's up in the air. Could be anything.
Jinae - mama?
Hae - yes sweetie?
Jinae - can I watch you perform?
Taken aback by Jinae's request, she hesitated a bit. Almost choking on her words while caught up in her thoughts. Glancing towards her, Jiwoo caught my attention, responding first to Jinae
Jiwoo - we can do something with that Jinae! How about the next time, we can get access and tickets to our next concert! How does that sound?
Jinae - yeah!
Haewon softly smiled, nodding to Jiwoo for help. We walked along the halls, all of us in a single file line since the hallways were narrow.
Y/N - stairs or elevator?
Hae - you take the elevator with Jinae, girls?
Jiwoo - can I go with oppa?
Kyujin - me too?
Lily - I don't mind the stairs
Sully - me neither
Bae - ani, I'm too lazy to take the stairs, I'll go with oppa.
Hae - you know there could be other people in the elevator too y'know.
Jinsol groaned a bit, my hand pressed the elevator button, waiting for the doors.
Y/N - it's alright Jinsol, just this one time.
Bae - fine, not because you said so.
Grinning at Jinsol's reaction, Haewon joined along with the three. Waving goodbye to them for the moment, my body turns to face Kyujin and Jiwoo where they smile ear to ear.
Both of them were playing with Jinae on my arm.
Kyujin - so oppa, we're off to a great start to the new year.
Jiwoo - yeah, and you're the only one working their butt off as soon as the year started
Y/N - I know, but I'm used to it by now so I don't mind.
Kyujin - you think you're gonna get all busy this year?
Jiwoo - hey idiot, we don't even know if we're going to even have a comeback yet.
Y/N - maybe, If you guys get a comeback while Sajangnim gives me work for the other groups, then I won't even have free time for a while.
Jiwoo - why can't you ever say no to him? It's not good to be working all the time.
I put my hand, rubbing my index fingers together with a sneer on my face.
Y/N - money, Jiwoo. Money.
They both nodded, sighing from the reason why I decide to torture myself with all this work and packed schedule.
The elevator dings, the three of us walking out to the cafeteria where we saw the girls already lining up. Turning around, they waved at us to come over which we did.
Hae - how did we manage to get up before you?
The three of us shrugged where Jinae suddenly pointed somewhere, making us turn our heads
Jinae - it's her from Twice!
Hae - first she doesn't know NMIXX but she knows Twice, we should really work harder.
They all nodded in agreement, crossing their arms. Looking over to the face she was pointing at, it was Sana? I think?
Y/N - it's alright, let her live.
The girls sighed once more, continuing to line up.
Going one by one, I figured I should share a tray with Jinae as we got our picks on our tray before finding a big open table for us to sit at.
But, to no one's surprise, it was the same one that Sana was sitting at since everywhere else was occupied with idols and staff alike.
Sana - ahh hello!
They all greeted their sunbaenim as I just sat Jinae on my lap, quietly putting a good portion of rice for Jinae in her bowl.
Kyujin - hi Sana-sunbaenim!
Sana - it's good to see you! How are you all?!
They chatted amongst themselves where the little munchkin on my lap was restless, not being able to sit still since she was in the presence of one of her favourite idols.
Jinae - hellooooo!
Putting my head after putting her portion into her bowl, she waved over to Sana which she responded back with an equally ecstatic reaction.
Sana - hellooo there! What's your name?
Jinae - L/N Jinae!
Sana - aigooo you're so cute!
Bae - this is our uh- editor's daughter
Towards Sana's direction, I awkwardly waved to her, nodding my head as well.
Y/N - hey there
Sana - hello! You must Y/N! You helped us out before!
Y/N - yeah I did.
Nodding my head awkwardly, occupied with giving Jinae her utensils. She ate to herself while me and the girls just casually chatted with Sana in the mix.
Sana - oh! Today is bring your kid to work day!
Hae - Y/N didn't seem pretty against the idea at all
Y/N - I don't mind since it's y'know, just company stuff.
Sana - I'm curious now since I wonder what's it like to have a kid, you're pretty young aren't you Y/N?
Y/N - yeah, I'm twenty four years old so I'm pretty young to even have a kid of my own but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sana - what's it like being a parent?
Y/N - hard at times but, everything feels better once you look into your own kid's eyes and see a part of yourself that you cherish the most
Sana - which is?
Y/N - the fact that I'd do anything for them, and for Jinae here. I'd do anything for her, I'd jump in front of a car to save her or jump off the highest building in the world just to protect her.
The girls blushed a bit hearing my sincere words about Jinae, my hand resting on top of her head and caressing it gently while she stuffed her mouth with food.
Y/N - don't eat too fast alright?
Putting my head down to face Jinae, she nodded with chipmunk cheeks. Smiling brightly before looking around at the girls.
Sana - you are admirable, you know that?
Sully - we say it all the time to him.
Lily - this is your first time meeting him right Sana-sunbaenim?
Sana - yup! And you're better in person than what I hear from the staff.
Being flustered a bit, with a warm feeling in my stomach. Putting my hand behind my head, softly laughing from her compliment.
Y/N - is that so? T- thanks.
Haewon immediately looked my way with hawk eyes,
Maybe I should keep to myself about my true feelings around other girls. It scared me a bit while she glared at me, making me get another bite of my lunch.
Sana - and you're pretty handsome as well, so I'm not surprised about you having a child.
My food immediately gets caught up in my throat, choking on it because of the sudden remark from Sana.
Jinae - ah papa!
Jinae immediately got to smacking my back as hard as she could, A+ for effort but Lily who was beside me got to pat my back.
Lily - you okay?
After my coughing fit, I grabbed my cup of water on the table and drank some.
Y/N - I'm alright, I'm alright.
Waving her off and caressing Jinae's hair, reassuring her. I looked at Sana, smiling lavishly with a clear grin on her face.
Sana - are you single Y/N?
Y/N - uhhh......
Looking towards Haewon, she huffed to herself, avoiding her eyes from me. Sticking her chopsticks aggressively into her bowl and eating with a snarl on her lips.
Y/N - n- no I'm not. I'm uh- currently in a relationship.
Glancing back to Haewon, she eased up. Softening her furrowed eyebrows into a more calmer state.
Sana - I'm just messing with you!
She laughed out loud, the girls taking a breath of relief before she took another bite of her food.
Sana - I'm in a relationship myself, but keep that to yourselves alright?
Giggling, putting a finger to her lip to shush everyone, which they all agreed with a nod.
Sully - you are?
Sana - been for a while, a long while. But I won't say whooooo
We all got back to eating by ourselves, making small talk before eventually finishing everything on our trays.
While bringing back our trays and saying goodbye to Sana on our way back upstairs, I asked the cafeteria worker to see if I could bring a chocolate muffin for Jinae, which they agreed.
So here I was, unravelling the muffin's paper holder, giving her a small piece for her to munch on.
Heading up to the rooftop, it was just Haewon and me since the girls wanted to go back to the practice room to grab their stuff.
Y/N - I haven't been up here before.
Jinae - ooooh it's so nice!
We stepped out onto the terrace, a cold breeze hitting our skin. Our eyes looked out onto the city skyline, listening to Jinae munch on the piece of the muffin. Haewon stood beside me, her fingers softly caressing my palm.
Taking notice of what she was doing, readjusting my hold on Jinae. Holding her up with one arm, interlocking my fingers with Haewon's hand.
Hae - it's pretty, isn't it?
Y/N - very.
I don't know what to expect moving on forward, but I wish for more times like this.
Where I truly felt at peace.