Jeongyeon's Turn

I stared at the ceiling for a long time after Nayeon left. The room smelled like her—sweet vanilla and something distinctly musky. My body felt relaxed in a way it hadn’t been in years. It still felt like a fever dream. Had the nation’s girl group really just adopted me as their... boyfriend? It was surreal. I pinched my arm. It hurt. Okay, not a dream.

I dragged myself out of bed and headed to the shower. The hot water washed away the sleep, but it couldn't wash away the stupid grin on my face. I felt lighter. The weight of my breakup, the firing, the frozen bank account—it all seemed a little further away today.

After I dressed in fresh jeans and a t-shirt, I turned my attention to the floor. Nayeon’s pink lingerie set was scattered near the bed. I picked up the delicate pieces, feeling a bit awkward, and folded them neatly.

I walked over to the massive walk-in closet. I hadn't really explored it last night. I slid the door open and blinked. It was huge. But what surprised me was the back wall. It was divided into nine separate sections. Each section had a small, elegant nameplate on it.

Nayeon. Jeongyeon. Momo. Sana. Jihyo. Mina. Dahyun. Chaeyoung. Tzuyu.

My eyes widened. They each had their own space in my room.

I walked over to the section labeled "Nayeon." It was empty. I opened the drawer and placed her folded lingerie inside. It felt strangely intimate, putting her clothes away for her. Like we were a real couple playing house.

I took a deep breath. Time to face the music.

I opened my bedroom door and walked into the living room. I could hear voices and the clinking of plates from the dining area. The smell of toast and eggs wafted through the air. My stomach rumbled. I hadn't eaten since yesterday.

Suddenly, a figure appeared right next to me.

"Morning, Oppa."

It was Nayeon. She was fresh from the shower, her face glowing and scrubbed clean. And she was wearing my white t-shirt. It came down to her mid-thighs, making her look incredibly small and soft. She was barefoot.

She looked up at me and winked. "I told you I was stealing this."

"You look... better in it than I do," I admitted, feeling my face heat up.

She giggled and linked her arm through mine. "Come on. Everyone is waiting."

We walked into the dining area together. It was chaos.

Eight beautiful women were already sitting around a large wooden table. There was food everywhere—eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, kimchi, soup.

The room went silent the second we stepped in.

Then, the noise exploded.

"Oooooh!"

"He’s actually handsome in person!"

"Unnie! You’re glowing!"

"Is that his t-shirt? That is so cute!"

I felt my cheeks turn bright red. I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. I was used to managing idols, but being the center of their attention was terrifying.

Nayeon, of course, loved it. She held her head high, a proud smile on her face. She dragged me toward the table.

"Sit here, Manager-nim," she said, pointing to the chair at the head of the table.

I sat down awkwardly. Nayeon took the seat immediately to my left.

Suddenly, a spoon chimed against a glass. I looked over. Jihyo was standing up at the other end of the table. She looked every bit the leader, calm and authoritative, even though she was wearing pajamas.

"Girls, quiet down," she said. Her voice wasn't loud, but everyone listened instantly.

She smiled at me. "Let’s officially welcome our new manager, John. We’re happy to have you."

Everyone clapped. It was genuine and warm.

"As you know, John has a lot of experience," Jihyo continued. "And you probably don’t need formal introductions. You’re going to know each other much, much better in the upcoming days."

I caught the twinkle in her eye. The table giggled. I knew exactly what she meant. My face burned hotter.

"I’m glad you decided to stay with us despite the... unusual arrangement," Jihyo said softly. "I promise you won’t regret it."

Before I could nod or thank her, Momo leaned forward from across the table. Her eyes were wide with curiosity. She looked straight at Nayeon.

"Unnie," she blurted out. "How was he?"

The whole table leaned in. Even Mina looked up from her book. Dahyun almost choked on her milk.

I stared at my plate. I was going to die of embarrassment right here at the breakfast table.

Nayeon laughed, a bright, bubbly sound. "Momo-yah! Discretion! We don't kiss and tell."

She paused, glancing at me sideways, a smirk playing on her lips. "But... let's just say he is far, far better than our previous managers. In every way."

"Ooooooh!" Chaeyoung cooed.

"Details!" Sana shouted.

Nayeon just shook her head, taking a bite of toast. "No details. You’ll have to wait for your turn."

Cling! Cling!

Jihyo rang her glass again. "Okay, enough teasing the poor man. We have a schedule to keep."

She looked down at her phone, then back up at the group with a serious expression.

"Now," Jihyo announced. "It is time to announce the girlfriend of the day."

I held my breath.

"Jeongyeon Unnie!" Jihyo said cheerfully.

I looked toward the end of the table. Yoo Jeongyeon stood up.