It's going to be a long morning.
I got called in on Valentine's out of all days.
Why do I say yes every single time?
But hey, money talks.
My back laid against the chair, the subtle creak of the chair echoing in the room while my eyes laid onto the monitor, feeling somewhat satisfied with my work for today.
It wasn't for NMIXX this time, but for ITZY's Yeji.
Still not familiar with her group at all except for that one time and occasional hello's I get from her member that I met with Haewon that one time.
Ryu something something?
Ryujin?
I think it's Ryujin, I could be wrong.
Either way, work is work no matter what it is.
One of the main things on my mind is how my workflow really affects the product at the end of the day.
If I feel like shit, there's subtle mistakes or hidden mistakes in the product which gets me an earful from sajangnim or the media team, makes me want to clear my fucking ears out everytime.
If I feel good, it'll look good but that's really all to say to that.
Lifting my right leg and putting it over the other on top of my left knee, my hand lifting from the handle of the chair towards the center bridge of my glasses, pushing it up.
Why do I have glasses again?
Oh right, because I spent too much time looking at the goddamn monitor and I'm stuck with astigmatism as well.
Actually you know what, I'm in a bad mood.
It's valentine's and I could've been over to Jinae's school right now where they got all the parents attending so they could get valentine's cutout of hearts and shit but no.
Here I am, stuck in this hot fucking warm ass room, the goddamn window barely open because JYP decided to cut costs on this SINGLE FUCKING ROOM and not have the window open fully.
God, I really hate the weather, it was just as cold as an icicle last night and now I feel like the gates of hell just opened up.
Bringing my hand up towards my hair, the strands almost lowering down towards the top of my eyes. Blocking a bit of my sight.
Settling my palm onto the top, ruffling it gently while I let out an exasperated sigh.
I'm going to go for a break, get a coffee, do that other 'favor' as what Sajangnim likes to call it, then go home and hopefully make it in time for lunch.
Luckily, Jimin's at school with Jinae, Seulg too.
Don't know how that's going to play out at the next parent-teacher conference but I'll bullshit my way out of that one.
Planting my feet against the legs of the table, sliding myself away backwards from my monitor as I stood up and walked towards the couch, reaching into my jacket pocket and taking out my wallet.
Caressing the rivet that opened and closed the wallet for a moment before opening it and sticking my pale fingers into the coin pouch portion of the wallet and took some coins out.
Should be enough, staring at the coins, taking note of how much won was actually in my hand and not just some half assed guess. Throwing my wallet onto the coach and immediately speed walked out of the room, closing the door behind me.
Making my way in the hallway passing by the cubicles, glossing over them with my peripheral vision.
I was suddenly alerted by a tap on my shoulder, making me stop in place and turn my neck to my right where the break room was.
Co-worker - hey there hubae.
Y/N - sunbaenim.
In front of me was a co-worker of mine. She wasn't much older than me, maybe 2 years older than me but had worked longer here.
Co-worker - you don't have to call me that you know~~
Her voice was foxy, almost siren-like. Everyone here knew that she could become an idol if she wanted to, she had the looks, personality and yes, I have heard her sing at those after work gatherings. Not a great dancer though, so no wonder she couldn't get into the very same company she's working at now when she was still in high school.
She dressed fair, sometimes she would come in very alluring. I would admit I have glanced at her a few times but that was before Haewon alright?
Pushing me softly playfully on the shoulder with a giggle, an almost whispery tone oozing out of her.
Co-worker - you finally came out of your cave huh?
Y/N - well it's my job.
Honestly, I just wanted this conversation to be done with. I got a lot more on my mind right now than whatever this is.
Co-worker - you know what day it is?
Y/N - yeah.... *sighs* Valentine's day.
Co-worker - got anyone special lately?
Leaning into my personal space a bit more closer than I'd like, awkwardly pulling my head back a bit for some comfort as I shook my head.
Y/N - nope.
Co-worker - oh. We- well.
It's not like I could tell them 'oh hey guys, let you know I've slept with Oh Haewon, the same leader you've been taking care of this entire time since they were rookies'
That's just fucking stupid, outrageous even.
Her hands tied behind her back, catching wind of it with a quick glance below since I really don't know where to look at all.
Co-worker - uhm- here.
Maintaining eye contact with her, seeing her hands in front of me making me look down, revealing a heart shaped box.
Y/N - o- oh.
Co-worker - just thought y'know. I didn't want to you leave you all alone, I- I got plenty more to share for the rest of the office
I'd take fifty fifty on a blunder that she doesn't have any other chocolates for her co-workers.
Y/N - t- thanks-
Awkwardly taking it from her, looking down at it. A whisper coming through from my left ear.
Co-worker - happy valentine's Y/N~
Making me look up with a slightly open mouth, a bit of disgust and confusion on my face while I watched her turn and walk away. Her loafers clacking with each other at the heels.
With a shrug and turn, whistling while I made my way towards the stairwell, putting the box underneath my armpits.
I'll just give this to Jinae.
Making my way down the stairwell and two floors down, walking into the more spacious part of the building, spotting the coffee machine like a hawk about a few meters in front of me.
Now, usually we SQU4D guys 'aren't allowed' to be on other floors unless you were there for an errand, job, etc but.
Does it look like I give a fuck right now?
And our department doesn't have a working coffee machine right now, it just suddenly broke and it drenched a co-worker in coffee which was funny to watch. I had to be honest since I was next in line to grab a cup.
A satisfied smile across my face, picking up a cup and immediately pouring myself some coffee, but was suddenly overshadowed by an equally tall figure beside me, making me turn to look at the person.
Manager - yo
Y/N - yo
Manager - pass me a cup?
Y/N - yeah sure
Picking up a cup and giving it to him, also pouring it for him before putting the pot of coffee back.
Manager - thanks.
Y/N - long day?
Manager - honestly? Yeah.
Y/N - it's the morning and it already feels like it's night.
Manager - you tell me.
Beside me while we put in sugar and milk to our liking was ITZY's manager, nice guy if I had to say so.
Y/N - how's your work coming along?
Manager - got a headache right now if I had to be honest.
Y/N - sounds awful.
Manager - I'll probably go by the psychotherapist's office, he's usually got something to deal with headaches and stuff
Y/N - we have one?
Manager - great guy, funny too. Jolly honestly.
Y/N - huh, the more you know.
We laid our backs against the counter, taking a sip of our coffee watching over the passing employees.
Manager - you're dealing with Yeji's music videos and promotions right?
Y/N - yeah, just editing all of the videos and stuff
Manager - it's cool, I like it.
Y/N - we do get to listen to the music early just to get a feel of how to edit the video unless we get a say so from the boss on what to do.
Manager - what about the director?
Y/N - him too or she or- ah fuck it.
Manager - it's fine, must be a load of work
Y/N - I'm almost finished on the promotional side of things since I still have to get the master track from the engineer first but that's for another day, what about you?
Manager - ah you know, managing five girls ain't so easy either
Y/N - they tough on you?
Manager - sometimes, but they're sort of annoyed since it's valentine's and I kind of forgot it was.
Y/N - well, good luck man
Patting him on the back, we connected eyes as I gave him a reassuring nod before lifting my hand off from him.
Manager - thanks, what about you? You look like you already got one yourself
Looking down at the box, still in my armpits, waving it off at him.
Y/N - ah it's nothing, just from a co-worker.
Manager - hey I'm just saying man, take the opportunity
Y/N - I'm already in a relationship
Manager - oh. Well, better hope your missus don't see it
Y/N - I'll just give it to my daughter instead
Manager - you got a kid?
Y/N - yeah she's turning six this year
Manager - no shit man, that's nice. You look too pretty young to be a dad though
Y/N - yeahhhh, get that a lot
Manager - failed relationship?
Y/N - not really, I wouldn't put it that way
Manager - hey I won't pry man
Y/N - all good
Manager - how old are you?
Y/N - twenty four, you?
Manager - same age
Y/N - fuck yeah dude
We both dap each other up, laughing at the revelation
Manager - what month man?
Y/N - March
Manager - ooo mine just passed
Y/N - no shit, so you're technically twenty five then?
Manager - ah well, still feel twenty four
Y/N - nah I get it
Manager - fucking A ma-
"OPPPPPPPPPA"
The sudden outburst of voices is very reminiscent of the girls themselves nor Kyujin or Jiwoo but in some cases worse.
Poking my head out a bit to the side, watching the legendary 2Shin sisters jump up on him, Yuna on his back and Ryujin practically pulling him away. I'm surprised his coffee didn't spill.
Yuna - YAHHHH GET BACK TO US!
Ryu - come on! It's been five minutes!
Manager - alright alright! Relax!
Ryujin turned her head, taking notice of my presence where she just smiled
Ryu - oh hey Y/N
Y/N - Ryujin
Bowing at her gently while he was getting dragged, going back to her former self a second ago, his eyes practically begging me to be saved while I toasted my cup in the air to him with a sarcastic smile
Y/N - adios
Manager - ne- next time ma- OW FO-
Taking a sip, getting off from the counter and walking away back to the stairwell.
Turning my head before I pushed onto the door, watching him get dragged away.
Y/N - heh.
â---------
Andddd I'm done.
Export? Check.
Email? Sent.
Hard Drive? Backed up and ejected.
And lastly, is everything back in my satchel?
Absolutely.
Taking in a deep breath, letting out a satisfied sigh with a smile on my face. The sun blinded me at two in the afternoon, the cars still being loud outside my window but I can't tell anyways since they gave us one of the higher floors.
Could be a plane instead.
Grabbing my jacket and throwing it over me and putting it on alongside my satchel over me, quickly escaping the room and almost jogged out of the place, bowing to my co-worker's seeing me with my satchel on
"Happy valentine's Y/N"
"Go spend time with your lady you lucky bastard"
It was mostly joking remarks but noticing that she was looking at me again, a slight lick from the corner of her lips making me turn back to where I was heading.
The stairwell, again.
It was a personal choice to stop using the elevator, get some cardio in.
Running my way downstairs, making sure I wouldn't slip and fall and tumble down since the girls were at a different practice room this time around.
And after a long flight of stairs and avoiding other employee's, I was met with the door but fuck it, I'm not knocking.
My hand gripped the doorknob, turning it and stepping in as soon as the door opened.
Y/N - yello
Their heads turned towards me, music blaring which....
I haven't heard bef-
Oh right, their new comeback completely forgot about that. Which speaking of, Sajangnim and Haewon and the rest of the girls decided to NOT tell me since they were filming in secret and now I get why Haewon couldn't make it to the house sometimes.
And I get told about 4 days before they upload the first teaser so that means....
A bonus, wait right. I get a bonus if I decline any jobs from other departments and just focus on NMIXX content for however the next promotion cycle will continue.
Bae - oppppa! Hey!
Y/N - girls, what's up?
Sully - took you long enough!
Lily - yeah?!
Kyujin - slowpoke!
Walking up to them with a friendly smile, Jiwoo stopped the music abruptly. Staring at all of them in their practice outfits, at least they're getting the choreo done early.
Hae - here for your job mister?
Y/N - you bet
Jiwoo - can't believe they're making us practice on valentine's
They all do a joking cry, making me laugh, patting Lily beside me who was closest on the back
Y/N - cheer up, just one more hour am I correct?
Lily - yep!
Bae - and we're freeee!
Jinsol immediately grabbed hold of Haewon's hands who was beside her, immediately jumping and down in excitement, spawning a chain of the girls doing the same thing.
It's great to see them excited, especially to get out of work soon enough, I feel the same except with less joy, I think I feel the caffeine crashing down on me already.
After a minute or so, they calmed down before turning back to me.
Y/N - well, I'll just set myself up on the coach alright? Just get back to what all of you were doing, any problem just shout okay?
Jiwoo - got it
Kyujin - over
Hae - yup
Bae - gotcha
Sully - suresies
Lily - no problemo
Y/N - cool, then I'll be watching
Turning around to walk to the couch, a tug of my arm makes me turn my head where I was met with a kiss from Haewon but, I scanned around the room where the girls were just checking their phones and what not before she pulled away from me
Hae - I missed you
Y/N - me too
The both of us softly smiled before playfully smacking her on the butt as she turned around and ran back to them.
Y/N - crazy
Muttering to myself, I got to sit down and take off my satchel, taking out my laptop and got back on dealing with some extra details and emails to attend to, whilst keeping a close eye on the girls
*about an hour or so later*
Music blared in the van, almost deafening me but that is how usually I listen to music on the commute over IF I was in my car but since I got called last night from Sajangnim giving me the heads up about this morning and taking care of the girls. Taking the train to the building and having to drop them off in the group van, now I'm on my way back to the building to drop it off and having to get Seulg to pick me up in my car.
They told me to drop them off at my house since they want to stop by to say hello to Jinae who should be getting picked up by Soo-Young-noona so that's going well.
Taking a left turn driving into the garage entrance and saying my greetings to Ji-Woo-ssi, watching him open the door and parking the van into the garage.
Turning off my music and disconnecting my phone from the van, taking the key out and placing it in the glovebox. Getting out of the van and going into the building just to take the main entrance outside where I waited for Seulg.
So I sat around waiting for her, just reading the news on my phone before heading a honk
*honk*
Lifting my head up and looking up to see the window roll down from the car who pulled up right in front of me
Seulgi - get in
Y/N - yes I will
With a smile, getting inside of the car and putting on my seatbelt where she pulls me in for a kiss by my cheek.
Seulgi - had a good day?
Y/N - yeah, you?
Seulgi - the usual, working on solo stuff
Y/N - oh? Cool.
Seulgi - want to see a sneak peek before we go?
Y/N - sure
Watching her take out her phone, looking right at the teaser photo for her next solo work
Y/N - oh.
Seulgi - surprising ain't it?
Y/N - i- it's pretty sexy.
Seulgi - yeah but it's for the concept
Y/N - no I get it but wow
Seulgi - jealous?
Y/N - no just caught me off guard
Giggling, I scratched the back of my head while awkwardly smiling
Seulgi - aw come on, you've seen me butt naked and have been ins-
Y/N - yeah yeah I get it
Seulgi - it doesn't get more sexier than that
Y/N - I know, I'm proud of you. Saved it till today to tell me?
Seulgi - thought it was fitting
Y/N - nice.
Seulgi - off we go then
Y/N - right
She immediately got out of neutral, going onto the road where I glanced at her
Y/N - you getting used to manual?
Seulgi - yeah, it's kind of iffy but I'm slowly getting the shifting right
Y/N - that's good
Seulgi - just let me buy you an electric come on
Y/N - never will switch, I hate those things
Seulgi - it's not good for the environment baby
Y/N - so are electric cars, you know the batteries are just as harmful from being produced and stuff
Seulgi - but so are mining fossil fuels for gas
Y/N - we use that for everything, it won't change anything if just cars and homes are switching to solar panels and shit
Seulgi - okay this is stupid to argue about
Y/N - you're right, moving on
Seulgi - moving on
Y/N - you're hot
Seulgi - oh am I? This a special occasion for you saying it?
Y/N - no? I swear I tell you're hot all the time
Seulgi - only when you're inside of me
Y/N - oh. I swear I do
Seulgi - baby, I'm older than you and your memory is already like a goldfish
Y/N - I'd blame the late night coffees and stuck to the screen
Seulgi - still reels in the money
Y/N - you have money, you could be in a penthouse right now
Seulgi - which I am but-
Pursing her lips, awkwardly humming
Seulgi - I like the comfort of your home more
Y/N - it's pretty average
Seulgi - not too big and not too small, it's perfect
Y/N - you said that before
Seulgi - not about your dick baby.
Y/N - I know
Teasing her, feeling proud of my laid back tone since my work was done. Sliding a bit back against the car seat and slapping my chest with my hands lightly with a triplet rhythm
Seulgi - wanna work on a track for me? Could use it for a b-side on the deluxe we're planning
Y/N - did he say he wants me?
Seulgi - no....?
Y/N - no, unless I get something in return
Seulgi - a threes-
Y/N - no not like that!
Seulgi - oh. Erm- I- I'll think of it
Y/N - heh.
My eyes remained focused on the road, watching the cars pass by us. My eyes blurry from the lights making me feel like I was stuck in a wormhole
*at the L/N home*
Key's into the door, turning the doorknob over while me and Seulg talked
Y/N - hey, I'm just saying, I'll think of what to give you tonight
Seulgi - what about Haewon? You gonna give her something?
Y/N - okay maybe that idea wasn't so bad after all
Seulgi - it's nice to try you know~~
A tingly sensation ran throughout my body, gentle moans came from her mouth as she bit softly on my ear
Y/N - I'll think about it
Upon turning the doorknob and stepping through the door. I was met with I think too many people in my house at once.
Irene - there you are!
Yeri - h- hey....
Ning - oppa!
Kyujin - toooooook you so longgggg
Jinae - papa!
Three whole groups in my house and my daughter with a combined effort of sixteen girls including my very own muffin.
Y/N - what the f-
Wendy - language honey
Y/N - sorry-
Seulg closed the door behind me, stepping along to join the rest of them where I followed behind her.
An almost intimidating presence where I sat on the top of the couch, slouching my back and pursing my lips out of awkward silence from me since I didn't know what to say like a boy was about to get lectured by his mother, but in this case, his mothers.
Giselle - speechless Y/N?
Y/N - I- uhm-
Joy - hey, say something you idiot
Y/N - hmmmmm-
Hae - should we just break the ice?
Staring at Haewon, whispering to the girls individually before she cleared her throat, Jinae playing with Min-Jeong on her lap alongside Yeri.
Hae - well, I'll start it off since we all don't know how to start
Karina - you're his number one
Seulgi - two actually
Win - shushhh
Min-Jeong elbows Karina making her shut up, my eyes focused on Haewon with something behind her back and a proud smile on her face.
Hae - w- well. It's valentine's so.... Happy valentines my love?
Taking it out from behind her and showing in front of me, making me scratch my head and softly laugh.
Y/N - w- well shit. Looks like I got sixteen flowers to get
I stood back up, hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek where the girls cheered out of nowhere
Sully - woohoo unnie!
Her cheeks got blush red, taking the chocolates from her which she gifted to me.
Y/N - thank you, happy valentine's. I'll make it up to you
Hae - and to the next fifteen
Y/N - oh I know.
Then immediately, it was going to be a long line to deal with, starting with the NMIXX girls.
Sully - this is for you oppa, h- happy valentine's
Lily - I- I just wanted to thank you for spending time with me- so- so this is my gratitude- I- It just happened to be valentines
Jiwoo - thanks for bringing me back up oppa, happy valentines
Kyujin - woooooo I like you so this is just for you! From me!
Bae - I- I worked hard on these- I- I hope you like it-
Then it was Aespa
Karina - tradition you know.
Win - hehehehe here you go
Giselle - you know I love you right?
Ning - for being the best oppa ever
Then lastly it was Red Velvet
Joy - you're annoying and a better man than my own boyfriend but, you're also a great brother. So, here.
Irene - I'm proud of you, and take care of those girls alright?
Wendy - whatever Joo-Hyun said and don't break those hearts or I'm punching you alright?
Yeri - I- I- I- uhm- happy valentine's?
Seulgi - tradition or not for us to give you chocolates every year, I do it because I love you.
And every single of their faces as they gave me their chocolates, it warmed my heart as I received them but slowly loathed the thought of how many I gotta give back on a later date. Maybe chocolates as well? Flowers? Since I don't think I have the time right now to really buy what I need to give them right now.
Lastly, with tons of chocolates on the couch where my spot was, came a little angel.
Squatting down and with a smile on my face, she smiled ear to ear, excitedly showing her box to me
Jinae - Happy Valentine's day papa!
Y/N - AIGOOOOOO THANK YOU MUFFFFIN!
Immediately grabbing her and hugging her tightly as I could, kissing her on the cheek and lifting her up into my arms.
Irene - let it be learned girls, the only girl he'll love more than any of us is Jinae.
In synchronized nods, they all quietly agreed.
Surrounded by the people who made me whole and where I am now,
From the past and now and to the future.
They gave me hope.