Chapter 1
Hi, I’m Y/N! At 20 years old, I find myself swept up in the whirlwind world of K-pop as the makeup artist for the wildly popular group, Stray Kids. Today, they’re gearing up for the shoot of their latest music video, “LALALALA,” and I’m busy setting up my station in the bustling dressing room.
As I arrange my tools meticulously on the table, the door swings open, and in walk Seungmin and the rest of the boys, already dressed and buzzing with energy. Seungmin takes his place in front of me, his warm smile instantly putting me at ease. “Good morning, Y/N,” he greets me cheerfully.
“Morning, hyung!” I reply with a smile of my own, reaching for my makeup kit. With practiced precision, I begin applying Seungmin’s makeup, our easy banter filling the air as we exchange lighthearted jokes and anecdotes.
Amidst the whirlwind of activity, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come since landing this gig. From dreaming of working in the K-pop industry to actually being here, living out my passion every day—it’s a surreal journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
As I put the finishing touches on Seungmin’s makeup, I catch his reflection in the mirror, his eyes meeting mine with a playful twinkle. There’s an unspoken connection between us, a spark that ignites whenever we’re together—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, there’s something more than friendship blossoming beneath the surface.
But for now, as the music blares in the background and the excitement mounts for the day ahead, I push aside any thoughts of romance and focus on the task at hand—making sure Stray Kids look their absolute best as they take on the world, one mesmerizing performance at a time. The day of the music video shoot progresses in a flurry of activity, with the members of Stray Kids shuttling between makeup touch-ups, costume changes, and rehearsals. As their dedicated makeup artist, I find myself immersed in the chaos, ensuring that each member looks picture-perfect before they step in front of the camera.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, Seungmin remains a constant presence by my side. His easygoing nature and infectious laughter help alleviate the tension that often accompanies such high-pressure moments. We share brief snippets of conversation whenever time allows, exchanging playful banter and sharing snippets of our lives outside of work.
During one of the rare breaks in filming, Seungmin pulls me aside, his expression tinged with excitement. “Hey, Y/N, I have something to show you,” he says, motioning for me to follow him.
Intrigued, I trail after him as he leads me to a secluded corner of the set. With a mischievous grin, he produces his phone and taps on the screen, revealing a video clip that sends my heart racing.
It’s a snippet of Seungmin practicing a dance routine, his movements fluid and graceful as he effortlessly executes each step. Mesmerized, I watch as he loses himself in the music, his passion and dedication evident in every motion.
“That’s amazing, Seungmin!” I exclaim, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. “I had no idea you could dance like that.”
He shrugs modestly, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. “It’s just something I enjoy doing in my free time,” he admits. “But don’t tell the others—I like to keep it a secret.”
I nod in understanding, feeling privileged that he chose to share this intimate part of himself with me. In that moment, a sense of camaraderie washes over us, strengthening the bond that continues to grow between us with each passing day.
As we return to the hustle and bustle of the set, I find myself unable to shake the image of Seungmin’s graceful movements from my mind. There’s something undeniably captivating about him, something that sets my heart fluttering with each smile, each glance, each fleeting touch.
But amidst the chaos of the shoot, there’s little time to dwell on such thoughts. Duty calls, and I throw myself back into my work with renewed determination, determined to ensure that Stray Kids’ music video is nothing short of perfection.
As the day draws to a close and the last scene wraps up, I steal a moment alone with Seungmin, our eyes meeting in silent understanding. There’s a lingering question on the tip of my tongue, a question that threatens to change everything between us—but for now, I push it aside, content to savor the fleeting moments we share in the midst of this whirlwind adventure called life. As the chaos of the music video shoot fades into memory, life settles back into its familiar rhythm. Days blur together in a whirlwind of rehearsals, interviews, and public appearances, each moment fleeting yet precious in its own right.
Amidst the hectic schedule, I find solace in the quiet moments shared with Seungmin. Whether it’s stealing glances across a crowded room or stealing away for a brief walk between engagements, our connection continues to deepen with each passing day.
One afternoon, as we find ourselves with a rare moment of respite, Seungmin suggests a spontaneous outing to explore the bustling streets of Seoul. Eager for a break from the confines of the studio, I readily agree, relishing the opportunity to escape into the vibrant pulse of the city.
As we wander through the labyrinthine streets, laughter bubbling between us like a melody, I can’t help but marvel at the ease with which Seungmin navigates the world around him. His infectious enthusiasm and zest for life are contagious, igniting a spark within me that I never knew existed.
Lost in conversation, we stumble upon a quaint café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Intrigued by the promise of aromatic coffee and tantalizing pastries, we step inside, the scent of freshly brewed espresso enveloping us like a warm embrace.
Seated at a cozy table by the window, we while away the hours lost in conversation, our words flowing effortlessly as we share hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future. It’s a moment of serendipity, a fleeting glimpse of the connection that binds us together in this vast and ever-changing world.
As the sun dips below the horizon and the city lights twinkle like stars in the night sky, I find myself struck by a sudden realization—a realization that has been simmering beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged.
In Seungmin’s presence, I feel alive in a way I never thought possible. He sees me for who I truly am, flaws and all, and loves me all the same. And as our eyes meet in silent understanding, I know with unwavering certainty that this is where I’m meant to be—by his side, now and forevermore.
