My Best Coincidence (Seventeen S.Coups)

Part 23

The next two weeks were a whirlwind. I was balancing wrapping up my projects at my old job in the mornings and working on hair and makeup for Seventeen in the evenings. My schedule was packed, leaving zero time for anything else.

I missed my friends Minji and Sophia a ton. We hadn't hung out in ages, and I really missed Coups, too. We were only able to see each other at work, where we had to act like we were strangers. Not hugging or even touching him was tough.

Thank goodness I still lived with Hana; at least I could see her.

On my last day at the office, my coworker Sabrina organized a team lunch to say goodbye. We had Korean BBQ, complete with drinks and games—it didn't feel like a work lunch at all. Sabrina even made a toast to wish me well. I realized I'd really miss them.

By the time I headed to Hybe afterward, I felt relieved that I could now fully focus on my new job.

It was my fifth time with the hair and makeup team, and even with only a few shifts, I'd already learned so much. Last time, Mimi let me do Joshua's makeup. I was nervous but ended up doing a good job, and that gave me a boost of confidence.

In the elevator, I ran into Sophia, and we both squealed and hugged like kids.

"Are you here to see Coups?" she asked, excited.

"Well, yes and no," I said. "I'm part of the makeup team now, so I'm heading there to work. The boys have a schedule."

Her eyes lit up. "Joshua told me! You're going on tour with them—so cool!"

We caught up on each other's lives. Sophia's hair was shorter, and she had this glow about her.

"He mentioned they asked you to pretend you don't know them. That must be so hard..." She looked sympathetic.

"It's rough, but it's temporary," I told her. I knew the guys were super busy, so I didn't want to stress Coups out about it. Plus, I was going on tour with him—how lucky was that?

After a quick catch-up, we agreed to meet soon with Minji. I needed that girl time.

When I got to the makeup room, the space was packed with stylists and artists. Mimi spotted me and immediately called, "Where were you? I need you with Coups! Just hair, go!"

I hurried over. Seungcheol was sitting in the chair, absorbed in his phone. He looked up after a moment, and we exchanged quick smiles.

"Hi," he said, teasingly.

The next two weeks were a complete whirlwind. My days were split in half, mornings filled with the final tasks and projects from my old job and evenings focused on makeup and hair for Seventeen. Each day was a blur, packed from start to finish, leaving little time for much else.

I missed my friends, especially Minji and Sophia. We hadn't had time together in what felt like ages, and I missed Seungcheol—Coups—to a whole new level. Seeing each other only during work hours and having to act like we barely knew each other was almost unbearable. It was difficult to stay so close but resist the simplest things: touching his hand, hugging him, sharing a private smile. But for now, I had no choice but to play along with the rules.

Fortunately, I still lived with Hana, and just knowing I'd get to see her at the end of the day made things easier.

On my last day in the office, Sabrina surprised me by organizing a farewell team lunch. We all went out for Korean BBQ, complete with plenty of drinks and rounds of silly games. It didn't feel like a work event at all—it felt like a celebration. Sabrina even made a toast to wish me success in the new adventure ahead. As we laughed and clinked glasses, it struck me how much I'd miss this place and everyone here.