Jihyun has been working as the manager of Blackpink since debut. She loves her job — after witnessing all hardship the members went through for years, nothing is more rewarding than seeing them get the limelight and love they deserve. Adding to that, the girls are also one of the best artists she has ever managed, even treating her more like a friend rather than just a staff

But still, her job is not always sunshine and rainbow. On top of the crazy work hours and hectic group activities, she also must act as the middleman in all conflicts among her artists, management, and clients

"Again, I refuse to do this commercial” Jennie huffed. “Why would they even release a parsley-flavored milk? That's disgusting!"

Jihyun sighed. Her team has been in a product endorsement meeting with Jennie for hours already, and the girl still refused to budge

"Jennie, our client is testing out quirky new flavors to grab the market's attention. Your endorsement will greatly help them reach a wide range of audience" Jihyun coaxed

"I know. But still, parsley-flavored milk? No thanks" Jennie blenched

Jihyun rubbed her forehead to ease an incoming headache. She agreed with Jennie — why their client chose such an abominable flavor was beyond her. Yet, they had been willing to pay millions for Jennie’s endorsement. So naturally, YG executives were eager to accept it

"And does anyone in this room actually like the product?" Jennie pointed at an intern, "You. Will you even try it? Be honest"

The poor intern shook his head vehemently under Jennie’s interrogation

"Jennie, stop scaring him" Jihyun scolded tiredly. Beyond the grumpy exterior, Jennie is one of the kindest people she knows. But not everyone gets past that, and she doesn’t want to add to the long list of staff who’s terrified of Jennie

“Sorry, unnie” Jennie pouted. “But see? The product is weird! I don’t want my face to be associated with it”

A staff interjected. “But the offer is really good. We can negotiate for a higher payment if you want?”

Jennie crossed her arms. “I understand management’s side. But my answer is still no”

Jihyun glanced over other staff, and they are all silently pleading her to intervene. Everyone knew that once Jennie made up her mind, it’s nearly impossible to change it. Unless…

Jihyun pinched her nose. Desperate times does call for desperate measures — she picked up her phone and sent a quick text

After a few minutes, Jennie stood up from her seat. “If that’s all, I’m leaving already”

Everyone in the room tensed at the statement, inwardly giving up on closing the endorsement deal already

.

.

.

.

"Is Jihyun unnie here?"

Chaeyoung peeked out from the door, blonde hair catching everyone’s attention. The girl quickly spotted Jihyun and meekly walked towards her

"Unnie, I saw your text to bring this pen to you as soon as possible” Chaeyoung carefully handed her the said item. “I don’t know why it’s so urgent, but here you go”

Chaeyoung glanced over other attendees and smiled shyly. “Sorry to interrupt the meeting”

All tension in the room dissipated at that. Everyone seemingly enthralled by the girl’s sweet demeanor. Even Jennie, who was ready to bolt out a few seconds ago, now sat firmly on her seat

“Oh, Jennie unnie! You’re here too!” Chaeyoung beamed

Jennie tried to act cool, but immediately failed by giving a gummy smile and dorky wave back. The staff stifled a laugh at the girl’s mood swings

If there is one person who can turn Jennie from a raging chihuahua to a soft puppy within seconds, that is definitely Chaeyoung. And Jihyun admittedly has used this tactic multiple times to pacify Jennie. Hence, her sneaky text to bring Chaeyoung to the room
 

“Umm right, so if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now” Chaeyoung politely nodded and turned towards the exit

"Wait!" all staff shouted simultaneously, startling the poor girl

Jihyun quickly grabbed a chair, "please stay with us Chaeyoung!"

"But...I don't even know what you guys are discussing?" Chaeyoung tilted her head

Jihyun’s team are all staring at Chaeyoung now, and the blonde furrowed her eyebrows in confusion

Jihyun gently took Chaeyoung aside and whispered, "if you stay with us, I promise I’ll buy you those strawberry desserts you've been craving for days"

Chaeyoung's eyes instantly lit up at that, and Jihyun felt like a monster for taking advantage of the girl’s love for food

"Umm, sure! I’ll stay then" Chaeyoung sat down and looked cluelessly at everyone’s hopeful face

“Great! Thank you!” Jihyun slumped in relief. “Let’s resume the meeting then. Jennie, can you reconsider the deal?”

"Hmm?" Jennie hummed absentmindedly, too busy giving moon eyes at Chaeyoung

Jihyun debated over what she’s about to say next – but the end justifies the mean, right? "By the way, I heard that our client is also giving you six months’ worth of chocolate and strawberry milk if you take this deal”

Jennie was about to retort but Jihyun cut her off by speaking intentionally louder, "Chaeyoung, you love drinking those right?"

At the mention of this, Chaeyoung gave a dreamy look – seemingly lost in imagining a fridge with endless supply of flavored milk already

Jennie hesitated and gazed at Chaeyoung's daydreaming face. She then grimly stared at the offensive parsley-flavored milk on the table

Everyone at the room held their breathe at the silence

Jennie finally sighed. “Okay, I’ll accept this commercial. But make it one year worth of supply, and add mango flavor to that”

“Deal!” Jihyun hastily agreed and all staff cheered. Using Jennie’s not-so-subtle crush at Chaeyoung worked wonders again

Jihyun smiled fondly at the sight of Chaeyoung hugging a blushing Jennie. To be honest, Jihyun has been hoping for the pair to finally confess to each other. But so far, both seem to be contented with pining from afar

Until then, it’s fair for a manager to take advantage of it, right?
 

-----------------------------------------

It's another meeting-filled day for Ji Hyun. She rubbed her eyes and read the text she sent fifteen minutes ago

Ji Hyun: Hi Chaeyoung! By any chance, where are you?

Chaeyoung: Hi Jihyun unnie, I just finished performing on stage. I'm at the backstage room right now. Don’t worry about me, I’ll nap first while waiting for you guys!

Ji Hyun looked up from her phone and stared at her current predicament. Men and women in suits were cramped in a small backstage room presenting a million-dollar deal to Jennie. While the said girl sat contentedly on a couch with a napping Chaeyoung – who’s blissfully unaware of what’s happening around her

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