People always imagine industry management as a glorified job(sort of). You get to work with top tier idols everyday, influence cultural trends if you’re lucky enough, or generally, have fun while working with the industry top tier visuals.
But working with Illit? Totally different experience.
Of course, there were things I expected such as the never ending scheduling or the last minute changes that always occurred despite a sunbae signing off and reassuring the team that “there won’t be any last minute changes“. And don’t even get started on the coordination of five different people whilst surviving on iced coffee and sheer will. Just…don’t ask how many Mega Coffee points I have(also I might have a caffeine addiction but don’t worry)
What I never expected to occur was being the official complaint department for one very dramatic Japanese maknae.
I was sitting in the Illit practice room with my laptop open, three schedules spread across the table, phone wedged in between my shoulder and ear while discussing transportation arrangements for an upcoming event.
“Yes six-thirty pickup. Not six-forty like last time. If they’re late, the girls will get mad and make me buy them Dubai Chewy Cookies. Again”
“…"
“That was a joke. But please don’t be late. Thank you!“
I rubbed my eyes after finishing the call and checked on my emails. I should really get some eye drops. I already use the blue light filter but I should really use some PTO to get some time away from my screens. Maybe going to the mountains and taking a hi-
“MANAGER-NIM!!!!“
I close my eyes like the IShowSpeed meme because I knew exactly who that was. Because there was only one Japanese maknae, amazing dancer person who shouts my title like that. And there she was: Iroha. The eighteen year old dancing troublemaker who frequented me when she became a professional victim of completely harmless teasing.
She stomped over dramatically before collapsing onto the couch like a Victorian era child.
“Manager-nim“
“Yes Roha-ya?“
“They’re being mean again.“
“Mm.“
“Mm? Is that all you have to say?“
“Then what would you like me to say?“
She seemed to think. Genuinely think about what I could say to a kpop group with an average age of twenty until she landed on:
“I don’t know“
“Then we’re done“
“Manager-nim!!“
I tried stifling a laugh. Failed spectacularly.
“So what really happened?“
I heard a lot of grumbling and mumbling.
“What was that?“
“I said…they were teasing me for falling over“
“Are you hurt? Did you break a bone? Are you bleeding anywhere?“, I asked
“Yes, but emotionally, no andddd no.“
“Then there’s no issue“
“APPA!!“
Ah yes, the rare APPA treatment. For some reason, being 28 managing a bunch of 20 years olds qualifies me as their “appa“ for some reason. Why? I have no idea. Maybe it’s because my joints creak when I walk, maybe it’s my caffeine addiction, or maybe it’s because every photo a fan takes of me and Illit involves me buying them something or them treating me like I’m their actual father. Wonhee once actually called me appa on a stream, they once collectively said manager appa’s here with food on another stream another time, and I actually had to carry Moka through a parking lot because she fell asleep in the waiting room. A total mystery to be honest.
Anyway, Iroha was now delivering a speech about how she was all alone.
“Does anyone care about the maknae getting teased? THIS IS PRETTY MUCH A SECOND J*B!!“
I had to stifle my laughter but I was fighting a losing battle.
At this point, the other members had come back from the restroom, listening to Iroha’s speech while giggling. The glare Iroha shot them was as effective as a lion cub’s growl.
Then Yunah walked over and gently patted her head. Then Minju joined in, then Moka, and then Wonhee. And also me. I just couldn’t help myself.
Iroha looked around at all of us and narrowed her eyes. “This is why I have trust issues with you people“
I said, “You’re only eighteen“
She shouted back," I HAVE EXPERIENCES BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TRAUMA!!”
“From who?”, asked Wonhee
“FROM YOU ALL!!”, Iroha shouted back.
Again, normal member shouting = loud noise but maknae shouting and pouting = awww moment. The members collectively cooed but they did stop their harmless teasing.
Iroha still had her arms crossed incoherently mumbling things like “I’m watching you unnie“ or “betrayal“
And just like that, peace had returned to the Illit practice room. At least until the end of the session.
During their break, I quietly excused myself to head down to the local bakery. It was a cozy little bakery, also smelled so nice in the morning, amazing coffee too. I’ve certainly played my part in supporting this small business. The bell chimed as I entered the shop and the owner, a 62 year old Mr Ahn recognized me.
“Ah Mr Y/n! No daughters today?“, he joked.
“Unfortunately not Mr Ahn“, I replied.
“So what will it be today? More of the lemon yuzu tarts? Or perhaps a chocolate croissant? I also have fresh loaf of milk bread.“
“I’m sorry Mr Ahn but I’m not here to buy bread. I was wondering if you had any dessert options. Perhaps a mini cake? Or macarons?“
“Hmm. I don’t have macarons but I’ll do you one better. How about some tiramisu?“
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