Kiss & Make Up | Lee Jeno

11.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

"You're all set," Areum said with a warm smile, giving her client a final spritz of setting spray. The fine mist settled over the woman's face, adding the finishing touch to the makeover. "Take a look."

Her client blinked her eyes open, waiting for the mist to clear before turning toward the mirror. Her eyes widened in amazement, and her hand instinctively went up to gently touch her cheeks.

"Oh my goodness," she gasped, grinning from ear to ear. "I look amazing! What did you do to my face?!"

Areum chuckled, stepping back with a satisfied expression. "Your face is still the same," she teased lightly. "You've always looked good. I just gave you a little extra glow."

Areum smiled as her client stood up, still grinning at her reflection in the mirror.

"Thank you so much! You've got real talent," the client said, gathering her things.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it," Areum replied warmly, watching as her client headed toward the front desk to check out.

Once the door shut behind her, Areum sat down against her chair and sighed. The look had turned out great, but it kept nagging at her, it could've been even better with that new coral palette they had run out of. It was frustrating knowing that now she had to wait for it to be restocked, and it had only been about 30 minutes since she put in the request.

As she pondered that, she heard footsteps approaching behind her. Turning around, she saw her coworker, Hera, walking toward her with a hopeful expression on her face.

"Hey, Areum," Hera called out. "Could you do me a quick favor?"

"Sure, what's up?" Areum responded, giving her a curious look.

"I need to grab a few things from the back, but I'm running behind. Would you mind organizing my station for me? I didn't get a chance to clean up after my last client," Hera asked, brushing some hair out of her face with a sheepish smile.

Areum didn't hesitate, "Of course, I've got some time."

"Thank you! I'll be quick," Hera smiled in relief before rushing off to handle her errands.

Areum made her way over to Hera's station and started tidying up. There were brushes scattered around, some foundation compacts, and a few palettes that needed wiping down. She carefully organized them, wiping off surfaces and putting things back in their proper places.

The work was soothing, and as she continued to arrange everything, her thoughts drifted back to the coral palette. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too long before it arrived.

As Areum finished organizing the last few items at Hera's station, a voice cut through her concentration.

"Excuse me?" A woman called out as she approached. "I was told to sit here. I have an appointment scheduled right now."

Areum turned to greet her with a smile, gesturing towards the chair. "Oh, sure. Please, take a seat."

The client smiled back warmly as she sat down. "Are you my makeup artist today?" she asked, looking up expectantly.

Areum shook her head gently. "Not today, unfortunately. I'm just organizing this station, but I'll go grab your makeup artist for you."

"Oh, thank you, that would be great," the woman replied, settling in.

Areum nodded, putting the last product in its place before heading to the back to find Hera.

In the supply room, Hera was bustling around, organizing products and muttering to herself. Areum approached her and gave a small knock to get her attention.