Left Out Friend

18

“Sunoo, are you ready? Jungwon is almost done with his makeup. You should come out now,” a staff member called, knocking gently on the dressing room door.

Sunoo took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on his reflection in the mirror. His fingers adjusted the knot of his tie, a practiced yet mindless motion. He had to look presentable—flawless, even—but no amount of grooming could hide the unease brewing inside him.

When he finally stepped out, his eyes locked with Jay’s. The intensity of Jay’s stare was unsettling. It wasn’t the usual hunger, the possessiveness he had grown to expect. This time, it was softer, more unreadable.

Sunoo quickly tore his gaze away, dismissing the thought as he moved toward the chair prepared for him. The members were watching him—he could feel their eyes lingering, dissecting, waiting.

“Now, what kind of magic should we work on you today, handsome young man?” the makeup artist teased, squinting her eyes playfully as she prepared her brushes.

Sunoo chuckled softly, allowing himself to relax, if only for a moment.

“I swear, no matter how many times I work with you boys, Sunoo-yah, you always stand out,” she continued, her voice warm. “You’re so kind, so gentle. Absolutely adorable.”

Heat crept up Sunoo’s neck. Compliments like these always left him flustered. He wasn’t used to them—not sincerely, at least.

“Thank you,” he murmured shyly.

The makeup artist giggled. “I’m telling you, girls are lining up for you. Those eyes of yours—pure luck! You’re the kind of man every girl dreams of. Whoever you end up marrying will be the luckiest woman alive.”

Sunoo’s blush deepened. He averted his gaze, pressing his lips together as he fought the urge to shrink into himself. The words flattered him, but they also left an uncomfortable weight on his chest.

“You’re blushing! Ah, you’re even cuter when you blush, Sunoo-yah!”

The lighthearted moment shattered the second Heeseung’s voice cut through the air.

“Do you ever stop talking?”

The makeup artist’s smile faltered.

“You’re hurting everyone’s ears with your high-pitched, annoying voice. Just what exactly are you trying to do?”

Sunoo’s stomach twisted at the icy tone. His wide eyes snapped to Heeseung, whose expression had soured.

“I—pardon me, Heeseung?” she asked quietly, her hands freezing mid-motion.

Before Heeseung could say anything else, Sunoo quickly intervened.

“Ah! Don’t mind him, Miss.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “He’s… always like this to everyone.”

He forced a reassuring smile, hoping it was enough to smooth over the situation.

The makeup artist gasped softly, glancing between him and Heeseung before nodding in understanding. She bowed her head slightly and returned to her work, careful not to say anything more.

Sunoo exhaled slowly, daring to meet Heeseung’s gaze. The older boy simply raised an eyebrow, a silent challenge lingering in his dark eyes.

Sunoo looked away.

“Do your job properly next time,” Heeseung muttered, his voice sharp enough to cut. “Time is ticking, and you’re wasting it by blabbering. If you’re looking for reasons to get fired, you’re doing a great job.”