Kiss & Make Up | Lee Jeno

5.

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"Areum, why are you just standing—" Byeol's voice cut through Areum's daze, her eyes narrowing in irritation until they landed on Jeno beside her. Her expression immediately shifted, surprise flashing across her face. "Oh! Jeno! There you are."

Jeno smiled politely, dipping his head in a small bow. "Hello."

Byeol's gaze flickered between Jeno and the pile of supplies in his arms. "Why are you holding all this?" she asked, clearly confused. Without waiting for an answer, she reached out and swiftly took the supplies from his hands. "Go sit in the empty chair over there. The makeup artist there is ready for you."

Jeno gave a soft nod, his smile never faltering. But before he moved, he turned to Areum, catching her off guard once again. "I'll see you around?" he asked, his voice casual yet somehow still leaving her flustered.

Areum blinked, trying to keep her composure as she nodded quickly. "Yeah, uh... I'll be here...in the same room," she muttered awkwardly, immediately cringing at her own response.

Jeno chuckled softly at her words, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Good to know," he said with that same eye smile, before walking toward the vanity where one of the makeup artists awaited him.

As Jeno walked away, Byeol's sharp glare cut through Areum like a knife. "What is wrong with you?" she hissed, clearly annoyed. "How could you let him carry the supplies?"

Areum blinked, still rattled by the recent encounter. "He offered to help," she explained.

Byeol threw her hands up in frustration, but kept her voice low to avoid a scene. "That doesn't mean you should let him! He's an idol, not an assistant! We're already behind schedule and you two took forever to get here."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mea—"

"I don't care," Byeol snapped, cutting her off sharply. Her expression was tight with irritation. "Just drop those things on that table in the corner, grab a look book, and go to Jaemin's station. He's been waiting for someone to do his makeup, but you decided to take your sweet ass time."

Areum instinctively bowed again, mumbling another apology. "I'm really sorry, I—"

"Go!" Byeol's whisper was harsh, and the frown never left her face as she turned away to tend to something else.

With another quick, nervous bow, Areum hurried to the table in the corner, her mind racing as she placed the supplies down as neatly as she could despite her shaky hands. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm herself, trying not to let the frustration bubble over.

I am calm. I am not mad. It's just early in the morning, don't get irritated Areum.

Grabbing the look book from the table, she made her way over to Jaemin's vanity, stealing one last glance at the chaotic room around her. "Here goes nothing." she muttered under her breath as she approached his station, trying to push her nerves aside.

As Areum moved to her station, she noticed Jina working on Haechan next to her. Jina gave her an apologetic smile, her hands moving quickly as she adjusted Haechan's foundation. "Sorry, I told Byeol your name. She was asking about you earlier."

Areum shook her head, offering a small smile. "It's fine. She would've found out eventually."

Before she could say more, Jaemin suddenly turned his chair in her direction, catching her completely off guard. "Is Byeol that mean lady over there? The one who doesn't stop shouting at everyone?"

Areum blinked, feeling her heart get stuck in her throat. She hadn't expected him to join the conversation so casually. His playful tone and sudden attention made her cheeks flush. "Um, y-yeah, that's her..." she stammered, trying to keep her cool. "She's...definitely intense."

Jaemin grinned, lounging back in his chair, clearly amused by her flustered state. "Intense? More like terrifying. Keep me away from her, please."

Areum let out a laugh, her fingers fidgeting with the makeup brushes in her hand as she tried not to freak out over the fact that Jaemin was talking to her. "Agreed." she managed to say.

Jaemin leaned forward a bit, resting his chin in his hand as he watched her. "So, what look are you going for today, Miss Makeup Artist?"

Areum smiled shyly, lifting the look book to show him a few styles. "Well, there's a bunch of different options we could try. But, honestly, I think you'd suit any of them." She glanced up from the book, feeling a bit more confident in her answer, only to freeze when Jaemin's eyes lit up with playful mischief.

"Oh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are you flirting with me, Miss Makeup Artist?"

Areum's eyes widened in panic, and she immediately began waving her hands frantically, her face turning a bright shade of red. "No, no, no! I swear, I wasn't! I didn't mean it like that! I'm—"

Jaemin burst out laughing, the sound light and teasing, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction. "Relax, I'm kidding," he said, still chuckling.

Areum blinked, letting out a small breath of relief as her shoulders slumped slightly. "Oh... right," she mumbled, feeling her face heat up even more, though this time with a mix of embarrassment and awkward amusement.

Jaemin leaned back in his chair, a grin still playing on his lips. "So, does Miss Makeup Artist have a name? Or should I just keep calling you that? Cause I'm a little sad that Byeol knows your name before I do."

Areum hesitated for a second, then let out a soft chuckle, feeling a bit more at ease now. "It's Areum. Seo Areum."

Jaemin smiled wider, reaching out his hand in a playful, exaggerated manner. "Well, Seo Areum, it's a pleasure to meet you. Na Jaemin, at your service."

Areum couldn't help but laugh at the gesture, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you too, Jaemin."

Jaemin released her hand with a grin. "Now that we've officially met, I'll leave my face in your hands, Areum. I trust you won't make me look too handsome, right? Gotta keep my fans on their toes." He winked, making her flustered all over again.

Areum laughed softly, shaking her head as she reached for her brushes. "I'll do my best... but no promises."

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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DOUBLE UPDATE 🤩

Okay, we got Jaemin and Areum besties🤞
They're a little chatty but i'm glad to see my bby areum getting a bit more comfortable. thank you jaemin.

guys, what abt jaemin second lead? would that be sad? because i think it would be, but i'm kind of loving the idea.