The Make Up Artist

Prologue

Hoseok's POV Junior Year of High School

"You're going to be the prettiest model ever, those girls are jealous of you." I said to my friend Tara who was crying her eyes out. Some girls from our school had cornered her in the bathroom and ripped up her clothes and told her she was ugly. This was the second time this month and I knew it was greatly affecting Tara. I held her tighter in my arms and rocked her back and forth while she cried.

"Please stop crying. Don't believe anything they say, you are so much better than them." I kissed her forehead and her sobs got heavier.

We sat there for 10 minutes before I realized she had fallen asleep. She had always found comfort whenever I held her and would fall asleep; a fact I took pride in. I gently shook her awake. It was almost 5 and I knew her parents would be worried but I also had dance practice at 7. She looked up at me with sadness still in her eyes. It broke my heart knowing I couldn't make her feel better about herself.For years she had insecurities about her appearance because she was one of the tallest girls or her eyes were naturally hazel or her shape was too curvy. I thought she was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen but it wasn't for me to believe, she had to believe it too.

"We should get home." she pulled herself from my arms and stood up."I'm sorry you had to sit here with me again, I made you late for practice last time." she smiled sadly and brushed a stray tear from her face.

"You know I don't mind. Practice can wait, let me give you a ride home." I gathered both of our things and headed toward my car. I stopped myself and remembered that her clothes were torn and her bra was exposed. I quickly put our stuff down and took off my shirt and gave it to her. I noticed her blush at seeing my muscular arms. I looked down at my tank shirt and smiled realizing she had never seen me like that.

I pulled her to me and put the shirt on for her. Her cheeks got even more red. I made sure she was decent before picking our things up again and going towards the car. We get in and leave the campus. 

I head towards her house and turn on the radio. We start singing along and she starts smiling. I sing my favorite part of the song way out of tune and she burst into giggles. Please always keep that smile on your face Tara, I think to myself. I turn down the radio as another song begins to play and somehow the car's atmosphere becomes serious. She broke the awkward silence.

"You know it's not that they call me names or tear up my clothes, it's the fact that they believe it's ok to do that to someone." she said quietly. I reach over and rub her head.

"You're gonna be a star and they can't handle it." I pull into her driveway and park.

"Yeah. Maybe. So um, guess what?" she said turning to look at me. I turned towards her and began making silly faces, she laughed and reached over to grab my hand. I immediately got serious. "I have an interview for a modeling agency in the United States." she gave me a hesitant smile. I was silent. I knew she wanted to be a model and that eventually would go on to become one but all the way in the United States? I wasn't ready for that but I would become a trainee soon too. I came back out of my thoughts and responded.

"I'm happy for you, when is it?" I realized my silence deterred the little bit of excitement she may of had when she let go of my hand. I quickly grabbed her hand again. "I'm sorry I froze. It's just the US is so far away and I was hoping we would at least be in the same country while living out our dreams.

"It is pretty far but I need a new place to grow. South Korea has started to suffocate me and the bullying will only get worse." Her face showed her hopefulness for getting out of the country. I had to try and understand her.

"I guess I understand, it's just so far and I'll..." I stop myself from saying I'll miss you. There was so much I wanted to say and I didn't want to hold her back from going as hard as she can for her dreams. So I kept my thoughts to myself.

"You'll what?"

"I'll be cheering for you Tara. I'll buy all the magazines you are in and I'll try to buy all the clothes you model. You are gonna be the best model in America." I squeezed her hand before getting out and opening her door and walking up to her door.

"I know we're both going our separate ways to chase our dreams but I want you to know that you have been the best friend I've ever had." Tara said as she stood on her tip toes to kiss my cheek. 

"Let's promise to always keep in touch. We probably can't talk on the phone but let's always write each other or email each other." I laugh nervously hoping she wants to stay in contact.

"I would have it no other way Hobi. I'm really going to miss you and as sad as it makes me knowing we won't be near each other, I know this is for the best." I noticed her eyes swelling with tears.

"Please don't cry. We still have time to hang out until one of us leaves so lets make the best of our time together." I pull her into a hug.

"Hobi loves Tara?" she asked. This was our cute way of showing affection since we were kids. But this time it felt like something more serious.

"Hobi loves Tara the most." I kiss her forehead and hold her tighter. Hobi is in love with Tara. I thought silently.