The camera . The person became nervous as she hit the record button. “Hello everyone. This is day 1 of me recording my daily vlog of being Itzy’s new manager. Well okay, as an assistant manager but it’s something.” The girl shrugged. “My name is Xuan Tran. I am currently 22 years old, studying or at least trying to study Marketing. I would like to open this vlog on how I ended up in this position. Well…”

 

It was just a normal school day for Xuan. She was just chilling in the study room in her school’s library, reviewing her notes with her earbuds in and listening to her usual music. Suddenly, the door swung open as another person kicked it loudly, startling the girl. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU BEAUTIFUL !”

 

Xuan glared at the girl. “Thi… you better have an excuse for why you’re yelling and trying to get us banned from the library.”

 

“Geez, Xuan. I wasn’t that loud.”

 

“You kicked the goddamn door which I’m pretty sure it’s broken and the school might press charges for damages and tuition is already expensive. In addition, we’re on the goddamn quiet floor! Students are trying to study.”

 

“Details, details.” Thi closed the door behind her and happily sat next to her friend. “Anyway, I have a surprise for you for your birthday.” Xuan raised an eyebrow at her friend. “So, I know how much you love Itzy so I got you something special related to Itzy.”

 

Xuan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “You got me their album?” Thi nodded and reached out to her backpack, giving Xuan a brand new sealed album. She happily grabbed the gift, “Oh my god! Thank you so much!”

 

“But that’s not your main surprise…” Xuan looked at her with a confused look. Thi smirked and grabbed her laptop, turning it on and typing furiously. She pulled up her email and showed Xuan a specific email sent to her. “I managed to win you a 1:1 video call with… Lia!”

 

Xuan gasp. “No way! You’re not joking with me right?” Thi shook her head. Tears started falling from Xuan’s eye and she jumped out of her to hug her best friend. “I seriously don’t deserve a friend like you! You’re so amazing! I love you so so much.”

 

Thi smiled as she hugged her back. “Happy birthday again Xuan! I’m glad you like your birthday gift.”

 

A couple days later, Xuan was looking into her clothes, indecisive about what clothes to wear for her video call for Lia. “Should I go casual or should I go for a cool look? Hmmmmmm…” Xuan looked through all her clothing options at least 10 times, still being indecisive on what to wear. Suddenly, she heard her alarm go off on her phone, signaling her that she has 30 minutes before she meets with Lia. Xuan sighed and decided to go casual: a simple white T-shirt, black bomber jacket, black joggers, silver necklace and a couple of rings. Of course the outfit wouldn’t be complete with her signature bar earring.

 

Xuan was ready. Well, as ready as she can be as she waited for the call to happen on her phone. Xuan was waiting patiently at her desk, doing some notes for her class because she might as well be productive if she’s gonna be a nervous wreck. Suddenly her phone rang which made her drop her pencil. She quickly grabbed her pencil and set it on the desk. She took a deep breath before answering the call.

 

“Hello! Congrats on being one of the lucky winners for this video call.” Lia said as she smiled at Xuan. 

 

Xuan could feel her soul leaving her body as she couldn’t believe she’s meeting her bias in real time. “H-hello Lia. I’m happy to be her and I just wanted to say how big of a fan I am with Itzy and you of course. You’re my favorite!”

 

“Awwww I’m happy to hear that! Thanks for your love and support.” Xuan could die at any moment and she wouldn’t care. “Now remember that you have only 3 minutes to talk to me but feel free to talk about anything.” The manager started the time.

 

“Uh okay well… My name is Xuan Tran. I was born in 2000.”

 

“Oh! You’re the same age as me!”

 

“Yes, actually my birthday passed a couple of days ago. My friend actually got picked for the video call but this is her birthday gift to me.”

 

“Awww what a sweet friend! You must be very lucky to have her. Also, happy late birthday!”

 

Xuan smiled and bowed, “Thank you! Also, i am grateful to have her, she’s been with me since forever. Anyway, I am currently going to college right now.”

 

“Wow, college student. What do you study?”

 

“I am studying business with a concentration in marketing so hopefully, I get to do something fun with my degree. I was actually doing some notes while waiting.” Xuan picked up her notebook and showed it to Lia.

 

Lia giggled. “Are you sure you’re taking notes? I see some cute doodles there.” 

 

Xuan's eyes widened and she flipped her notebook towards her and saw the random doodles she did. Xuan blushed and laughed awkwardly, “Y-Yeah, sorry about that. I like to doodle sometimes.”

 

“No worries.” Lia smiled again, “Have you thought about what you want to do in the future with your studies?”

 

Xuan hummed in thought. “Honestly, I would be happy with any industry for marketing. Right now, I’m just focusing on trying to find an internship since I’m almost done with school.”

 

“Have you thought about working within the entertainment industry?”

 

“I mean… again I’ll take any industry but the entertainment industry sounds fun to do.” The two girls carried on with their conversation until time was up.

 

“Well, time is up I’m afraid.” Lia pouted as her manager signaled her to wrap up the video call. “It was nice talking to you.”

 

Xuan bowed. “It was an honor to talk to you as well.” 

 

“Oh before I leave, I just wanted to say… nice hair. You kinda look like The8 from SVT.”

 

Xuan blushed as she received the compliment. “T-Thank you!”

 

Lia smiled once more. “Bye bye Xuan.”

 

“Bye Lia!” And just like that, the call ended. And it was safe to say that Xuan was the happiest girl alive.

 

A couple weeks later and Xuan would soon hear the most shocking news of her life. It was another normal day for Xuan. Her usual routine: sit in the study room, listening to music and reviewing her notes. Thi kicked down the door again which Xuan is used to at this point. “HOLY XUAN!”

 

Xuan sighed. “I am really surprised we are not banned yet.” Xuan put down her pencil and took out her and pulled out one of her ear buds. “What now?”

 

Thi sat next to Xuan and hurriedly pulled out her laptop. Typing out until she reached her email. She pulled out an email and showed it to Xuan. “I think this is for you.”

 

Xuan looked and her eyes went wide as she saw the email subject. ‘Hiring for JYPE.’

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“So that’s pretty much how I ended up here. Apparently Lia was the one who requested me to work on the manager team. Which is weird because I told her I was studying marketing but hey a job is a job and I get to work with Itzy which is like a once and a lifetime opportunity. It was an awkward time because I was in school and my classes were in person so I had to make special arrangements to accommodate so I’m still a student for now but after this semester, I’ll be taking a break to focus on managing Itzy. Also fun fact: I used to work in a boba shop while going to school, so that also meant I have to put in my two weeks.” 

 

Xuan laughed, “Anyway, I have actually been working as their manager for a few months now. So why vlog now you might ask. Well… I guess I’ve caught a lot of attention. There’s been a few articles that’s going viral and also 1. Being a young manager 2. A foreign manager and 3. I guess people like me because apparently there’s like a small group of people who are like ‘fans’ of me. Honestly, I don’t know what I did. I’m just a manager you guys.”

 

“However, that did pop an idea in my head. As a marketing major, you have to think creatively on how you market your products and your brand. So I used the attention to my advantage. I would like to stress to you guys that I don’t like attention I’m very much an introvert but I pitched the idea of vlogging my experience with working with a kpop idol group.”

 

Xuan ran her hand through hair, “You see. You don’t really get to see behind the scenes of what managers do in their lives when they work with idols. So I pitched the idea to the company that by vlogging, people can be more interested in the behind the scenes and make it more personal which could help with views, promotions and give the girls attention, hopefully pulling the attention away from me.” 

 

Xuan nervously laughed. “Anyway, they loved the idea but they did set some ground rules especially since… I am living with Itzy in their dorms.” Xuan sighed, “I’ll tell you guys that they weren’t happy at first. Not just because I am their manager and that living with them is weird but because…” 

 

Xuan laughed out loud as she remembered the details. “Because they thought I was a guy.” Xuan wiped her tears, “All those months of me being here, they didn’t realize I was a girl. I mean yeah, I don’t look the most feminine and my voice doesn’t help but like… My official documents say I’m a female. Needless to say, they still weren’t happy with the idea, especially since I get my own room. But it’s not like I can share a room with one of the other girls since you know… I’m still kind of a stranger.”

 

Xuan shook her head, “Anyway, we had to move to a bigger dorm to accommodate the living space. Of course, I have the smallest room because it’s just me here. Currently, Lia, Ryujin and Chaeryeong share the biggest room while Yeji and Yuna share the mid size room. It was definitely awkward the first week but I think they’re starting to warm up to the idea. Maybe because I bribe them with food.”

 

“Okay enough of that! Let’s get into the rules about my vlogging experience.” Xuan cleared her through as she looked at the document on her phone. “Rule 1: I’m not allowed to vlog the girls without their permission. That should be a given since they still want to live their private life. Rule 2: All vlogging should be done either outside of the dorms, in my room or when I’m all alone, then inside the dorms but only in the public space. Also, very understanding. Rule 3: If requested, I shall join the girls’ vlive. This will be hard for me because I don’t like attention and me being in vlive feels weird. Lastly, Rule 4: anything related to Itzy that is supposed to be confidential shall not be shared. Which means I can’t help you guys in spoiling their events.” Xuan laughed. “If anything the girls do that already without knowing. You know how idols are, sometimes they spoil their comebacks.”

 

“Anyway, that’s pretty much it for this vlog. It’s not much but I just wanna tell everyone what’s been happening and what’s going on. If you want to follow my journey in my work with Itzy then support and follow. Love y’all.” Xuan blew air kisses at the camera and turned off the recording.

 

Xuan put down her camera and sighed as she sat in her private room. She looked around at the decoration and pictures on her wall and desk. It’s only been a few months and even a few weeks of living with Itzy but… I still miss home. Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang notifying her of a video call. She looked at it and smiled when she saw the caller ID. She accepted the call.

 

“Good morning you beautiful !” 

 

“Good morning? It’s night over here Thi.” Both of the girls laughed. “It’s good to see you too.”

 

“How’s everything over there so far?”

 

“Good good. A little stressful but that comes with being a manager and being a full time student so yeah.”

 

“Well make sure you don’t overwork yourself okay? I know how you are. You overdo things and next thing I know, I get a call from the hospital saying you have 24 hours to live.”

 

“Hey! That was one time and stop exaggerating. I just passed out and I wasn’t dying for crying out loud.”

 

“They way that you were in that condition make it seem like you were.” Thi laughed out loud while Xuan just rolled her eyes.

 

“How about you? Are you doing okay? How about the others?”

 

“The others are fine. They miss you a lot, especially Iris. She keeps telling me to tell you that if you ever come back to tell her first because she wants to give you the biggest hug when you visit.”

 

Xuan couldn’t help but giggled, “I know I know she keeps telling me that too whenever I text her. She also keeps asking me when I’m coming back and I’m like ‘girl I don’t know I’m barely functioning right now’.”

 

“Well, be prepared when she gives you a hug. She might send you to the hospital. If it’s not you overworking then it’s her hugging you too hard.” Thi laughed, “Anyway I’m gonna visit Jian soon. My flight leaves in a couple of days so I’m excited to see him.”

 

Xuan’s smiled so faded away when she heard about Thi visiting her boyfriend. “Ummm…”

 

Thi looked at her with concern. “What’s wrong Xuan? Did I say something wrong?”

 

Xuan shook her head. “It’s just… have you heard anything from… her.”

 

Thi groaned. “Is she still not talking to you? Girl, why can’t you just break up with her and move on?”

 

Xuan glared at her friend. “How can you say that so casually? She’s my girlfriend. I’m just giving her space and time to talk to me again.”

 

“Dude, I know she’s mad at the long distance but it’s been months. MONTHS! And she still isn’t responding to your texts and calls.” Thi sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, “Look I know you love her and I can’t convince you to break up with her but just… think about it. I don’t want your heart broken.”

 

Xuan smiled sadly. “I’ll think about but I still want to give her a chance. She’ll respond back… eventually.”

 

“Whatever floats your boat. Anyway on a lighter topic, how is it living with Itzy? Are they causing you trouble?”

 

“Well… living with them has been interesting.”

 

Thi raised her eyebrow. “How so?” 

 

Before Xuan could answer, screaming could be heard from outside of her room. “MANAGER-NIM!!!!!!!!!”

 

Xuan sighed heavily as Thi giggled. “Sounds like they need you right now. I’ll let you go for now but I’ll call you again when I have free time. Bye Xuan!”

 

“Bye Thi! Take care.” Xuan ended the video call and exited her room.

 

“Alright what happ- HOLY GOD JIHYO!” Xuan saw a fire from the kitchen while the girls were gathered at the dining room, holding onto each other in fear. Xuan quickly ran into the kitchen and saw the fire on the pan. She quickly rummaged through the cabinets and found a lid. She swiftly covered the pan and put it in the kitchen sink. 

 

Xuan sighed in relief as the fire was gone from the pan. She turned her body and crossed her arms, glaring at the girls. “What happened here?”

 

There was a moment of silence between Xuan and the Itzy girls, all of them avoiding her gaze. Then, Lia spoke up, “Yeji tried cooking and the pan went up in flames.”

 

(Bold words are in Korean.)

 

“Yah! Why do you have to rat me out? Yuna made the situation worse.” Yeji said.

 

“Don’t pull me into this, unnie. You started all this!” Yuna exclaimed.

 

“Alright enough!” Xuan yelled in a stern tone which made the girls go silent again. Xuan rubbed her temples and sighed, “Yeji, why were you trying to cook? Didn’t you burn chocolate on a vlive?”

 

“I uh…” Yeji was trying to find the right English words. “You were… sad… so I was trying to cook something for you to make you… happy.”

 

Xuan's expression softened as she heard the sincere reason. Okay now I feel bad.

 

“Don’t be mad please.” Chaeryeong said softly.

 

Xuan sighed again. “I’m not mad. I’m just… having a hard time adjusting to everything.” She rubbed her neck, “I’m sorry for yelling at you girls.”

 

Yeji bowed. “No no I’m sorry. I just wanted to make you feel… special.” 

 

Xuan raised an eyebrow. “Special?”

 

Lia spoke up again. “She means she wanted to feel at home. I know it’s hard living in a new environment so we wanted to cheer you up and feel at ease.”

 

Xuan giggled at the girls’ attempt to make her happy. “Okay well, thank you girls. But I think I should make a rule that I should cook from now on. At least for now.” The girls nodded in agreement. Xuan took the pan from the sink, “Also, this pan is totally unusable so I’ll get a new pan tomorrow in my free time. How about we eat out for now?”

 

Yuna happily clapped her hands. “Pizza?”

 

Xuan couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess we’re having pizza.” The girls cheered while Xuan grabbed her hoodie. “I’ll go and get it myself. I’ll be back girls.” Xuan took her keys and went outside the dorm.

 

As she closed the door of the dorms, she sighed as she was deep in thought. I guess this is my new home from now on. This will be a long year for me. Xuan left the dorms and went to the nearest bus station to get the pizza for dinner.

 

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Hey guys! I hope you all enjoy this story. This type of story has been in the back of my mind now so I decided to write it. I want to say that the timeline of this story is purely fictional but I might try to line it up with real like events. Anyways I hope you enjoy reading this and look forward to more fun events hehe.