Make Me STAY

Charmer

Rose was wrong. Eight soulmates were too much, and she couldn't believe she had let one evening of pampering make her believe otherwise.

First, she woke up late. Someone had turned off her alarm. Rose jumped out of bed. She wouldn't have time to make breakfast for the boys. Frowning, she wondered where Minho had gone. As far as she knew, he didn't have an early morning schedule that day.

When she left the room, Rose found her missing soulmate. Minho was cooking breakfast. And he wasn't the only one in the kitchen.

"Noona!"

Felix headed straight for her and wrapped his arms around her. She returned the hug, but was still a little startled to see them all up so early.

"Morning."

He took her hand and led her to a seat, pecking her cheek after she had sat down. 

Jeongin came over carrying a mug.

"Thank y-"

She went to take it from him, but he pulled it back and blew on it first before handing it over. Rose narrowed her eyes at the youngest as she took a sip. She was relieved he hadn't insisted on holding it for her.

Glancing around, she wondered what Seungmin was busy doing in the kitchen when Felix placed a plate and cutlery in front of her.

"Eat up, Noona."

She was almost finished eating when suddenly, a hand reached out and wiped her lip. Rose looked up at Minho.

"Jam."

That was all he said before walking away, licking the jam off his thumb as he turned away. Such a simple action shouldn't have affected Rose the way it did. After everything she had experienced with Chan and then the others, she thought she would become immune to these kinds of gestures. Obviously, she hadn't, as she felt heat bloom on her cheeks.

As she went to leave for work, Seungmin handed her a bag.

"What's this?"

"Lunch."

Rose didn't get to question the singer any further, but the mystery of what he had been doing in the kitchen was solved.

Before she could reach the door, she was stopped again.

"Wait, Noona!"

"Yes?"

Felix bounced over to her and pressed his lips to her cheek.

"Bye! See you later."

One morning, when she got to work, there was a flask on her desk. It had a sticky note on it.

Have a great day!

And then when she opened her diary, she found another one.

Don't forget to take a break!

Inside her desk drawer was another note and one of her favourite snacks.

You deserve a treat!

Rose lined up all the notes she found and stared at them. Who had written them? Seungmin had been bringing her drinks and snacks. Minho had left her gifts before. Or she could imagine Felix writing cute little notes. 

One afternoon, the management team had a meeting with the members of Stray Kids. Rose was regretting leaving her cardigan at her desk. The meeting room had the air-con on full blast, and it was freezing. She discreetly rubbed her arms and repressed a shiver. 

Suddenly, something was draped over her. She looked up. Changbin had given her his hoodie. He said nothing as he went back to his seat. Rose glanced around the room and saw one of the other managers smiling. They were used to the Idols being affectionate towards her. It didn't even faze them anymore.