Love in the Spotlight - Bangchan

Chapter 1

Maya's POV

7:22am, Monday

"Mum, have you seen my black pants?" I yelled, rummaging through my walk-in closet.

"I think your sister wore them for class today" she responded.

"I am going to kill her. She knew how important this day was for me" I grunt in annoyance, stepping away from the closet.

Today was the day I interview for my new job. JYP Entertainments makeup artist for idols.

I've been told it's a difficult company to get into. Not everyone is cut out for it. Their criteria is quite strict. Which is why I was fortunate enough to be dating someone at the company. My current boyfriend, Jake, was part of the production team. He and his crew are in charge of stage lighting and special effects.

When I told Jake I did not enjoy my current job as retail assistant, he offered to speak to the hiring team into getting me an interview. Which brings me to today; running around my room like a headless chicken because my sister had taken my pants that I had laid out neatly.

"Of all days, she just had to pick today" I sighed.

Brushing the last few locks of my damp hair, I start on my makeup. Today wasn't just an everyday soft glam look. I had to dress to impress. Literally. These people are experts in this department. My makeup look today will count for half my interview marks.

Setting my face with one final spray, I grab my bag and head downstairs, leaving the messy room a problem for later.

"Well don't you look beautiful?" mum states as I take a seat on the kitchen stool.

"Aw, thanks mum" I smile, grabbing a piece of toast and spread.

"You've been doing great so far and I promise they will love you there too" she reassures me.

"You really think so?"

"I know so. Don't stress over it. Go in there and do your best. That's all they want" she hands me a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you mum, I appreciate the support" I take a large sip of nervousness.

Finishing up my last bite, I kiss my mother on the cheek goodbye. On the way out, I see my Ragdoll cat standing by the window, observing nature. Her favourite thing to do.

"And goodbye to you Miss Toffee. Wish mommy luck" I give her a sweet peck on her soft fur, just above her big blue eyes.

Locking the door behind my, I check my phone for the time. I still had a good five minutes till the bus would arrive. By the time I had reached the bus stop, it had arrived on time. I stepped in and took the first available seat by the window. I had been practicing the questions in my head as I repeated them to memorise like a script. How hard could it be? It wasn't my first interview.

'I'm almost there. I'm so nervous!' I texted Jake as I sighed and looked out the window with a shaky leg.

'You'll do amazing babe. Show them what my girl is capable of' I receive a fast response.

My destination had arrived within a matter of minutes. Stepping off the bus, thanking the driver, I walk towards the building and through the doors. I headed straight towards the reception desk.

"Hi, I'm here for my 9:00am interview. My name is Maya" I smile at the receptionist.

"Yup, we've got you here" she scans the screen in front of her. "Have a seat Maya, you should be next" she smiles.

While I waited, I attempted to calm my nerves with a few sips of water. It wasn't long before a lady stepped out and called my name.

"Maya? We're ready for you" she says.

Stepping up, I follow her into the interview room.

"Just in there, good luck" she lets me in as she steps out the room and walks away.

There I see three professional makeup artists ready for me at the interview desk. One of them looked highly familiar.

"Have a seat Maya" she states.

"Thank you" I smile as I sit down, fixing myself up into the right posture.

"My name is Mona and these are my colleagues, Melissa and Anthony" she gestures to the two sitting beside her.

"Nice to meet you" I tell them individually. "My name is Maya Clarke. Thank you for having me here".

"We'll get straight into it. Tell us a bit about yourself Maya. What made you want to apply for this place?" Mona asks.

I knew I had this first and last chance to truly impress them. Make sure that my answers would stand out from the other hundreds of candidates that had also applied.

"My previous job was in retail. I love makeup and everything about it. However, I felt as if I couldn't reach my full potential. I want to challenge myself" I confidently say.

"So you thought doing celebrity makeup was the way to go in a new direction?" Melissa asks.

Crap. Not the answer I expected.

"I like variety. When it comes to artists, their makeup is constantly changing. I have attended multiple concerts and have always noticed what stands out in their visuals. Male or female. For example, an artist's stage look is not the same as their photoshoot look. You need to take into consideration their foundation base and if it will oxidize faster depending on their environment" I state, noticing Anthony writing on a piece of paper and quickly divert my eyes to the two women.

"Okay, that's fair. Now I will show you two products and a male idol. You tell me what you feel is best to use" Mona pulls out two concealers of different brands.

Along with a head shot of Lee Felix of Stray Kids as she places it on the table.

"You like Stray Kids?" Anthony asks.

Like them? I love them.

"I do" I smile.

I take the two concealers and read the packaging of both. Then I look back at the photo of Felix on the table.

"I would say this one" I raise the tube in my right hand.

"Although both would suit his face, we need something long lasting. Something that can stay through sweat and tears. Felix's complexion is a lot brighter than the rest of the members and I confidently believe this would also suit his skin undertone" I confidently finish my answer.

The rest of the interview seemed to fly by. I was confident in my answers and didn't choke on my words like I thought I would. Finishing up, they lead me out of the room.

"Thank you for this opportunity, Mona, I highly appreciate your time today".

"Thank you for coming in Maya. You will receive an email by the end of the week with our response and how you performed. Keep an eye out" she says.

I nod my head and say my goodbyes.

The rest of the week was a drag. I sat at home everyday, nervously waiting for a response from the company. I made sure to refresh my mail app every few hours in case I receive a response. As of yet, nothing.

It was finally Friday and my laptop was open, along with my emails. I stared at the screen in complete focus. I did not want to miss a minute of it.

Friday, 5:31pm

'1 unread email' – JYP Entertainment.

My heart was racing as I clicked on the email.

'Thank you for your time in the interview process. We would like to congratulate you for landing this role-'

I did not bother reading the rest. A loud squeal leaves my lungs as I jump from my bed and jump up and down in excitement. The first person I call is Jake.

I did it. I landed my dream job. Nothing can ruin my focus now. Absolutely nothing.