Kiss & Make Up | Lee Jeno

14.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Harin casually strolled over to her station, dropping off the makeup products she'd been holding. She moved with quickly but kept it cool, as if she weren't about to embark on a mini mission for her panicking friend.

After a quick glance around to make sure no one was paying too much attention, she headed off in search of the one person who had Areum spiraling.

With each step, she was determined to scope out the situation without drawing any attention. She knew Areum was freaking out in the back, probably pacing and biting her nails.

As she walked through the salon, she kept her eyes peeled, searching for any sign of him, she was racing with excitement. Even though this was for Areum, Harin loved the fact that she could act as a little wingwoman.

"Okay, where is this dude?" Harin muttered under her breath, her eyebrows furrowing as she scanned the room. "Is he still here?"

She wandered around a little more, peeking behind makeup stations and glancing toward the waiting area, but still no sign of Jeno.
Just as she was about to give up and head back to Areum, someone tapped her on the shoulder. Startled, she quickly turned around, and her eyes widened in surprise. It was the exact same person she'd been looking for.

"Excuse me," Jeno said, his voice polite but with a hint of urgency. "You look kinda busy, but do you happen to know who Areum is? She's a makeup artist here, I think."

Harin raised her brows, trying to suppress a smile. "Areum? Seo Areum?"

"Uh... yeah, I think that's her. Her name's definitely Areum," Jeno confirmed, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

Sensing an opportunity to dig for more information, Harin crossed her arms playfully. "Why do you need to see her?"

Jeno hesitated, clearly not expecting to be interrogated. "Was I supposed to schedule an appointment or something?"

Harin shook her head, enjoying his nervousness just a little. "No, I'm just asking. Do you need something specific from her?"

Jeno shifted his weight uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. "Uh..."

Harin noticed his reluctance and gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay, I'll go see if Areum is still he—"

Before she could finish, Hera walked by and interrupted, her tone casual and dismissive. "Areum left a few minutes ago," she said as she breezed past them.

Jeno's shoulders slumped slightly. "Ah, I came too late."

Harin shot a sharp glare at Hera's retreating figure, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

Turning back to Jeno, she offered him a polite but mischievous grin. "Don't worry, I think she's still here. I'm pretty sure she just came back—she forgot something earlier." She lied smoothly, hoping to stall a bit more.

Jeno perked up, looking relieved. "Oh, okay."

"Could you sit down over here and wait? I'll go grab her for you." Harin gestured toward an empty chair nearby, hoping to buy Areum a little more time.

Jeno nodded, sitting down as instructed, while Harin turned on her heel, her blood pumping as she hurried to find Areum, feeling excited for her best friend.

Harin rushed back to the the back of the salon, nearly screaming when she saw Areum standing there. "Oh my gosh, Areum!"

Areum jumped at her friend's sudden entrance, eyes wide with worry. "Did you find him? Is he still here?"