Working as a makeup artist for idols? Definitely not easy. Some act like you’re invisible, others critique every tiny detail, and a few go overboard trying to act friendly.

Still, it’s your job—and your dream. You signed with FNC the moment you turned eighteen, determined to work with idols no matter what it took.

You rotate between several groups under the label, but one in particular keeps pulling you back in: P1Harmony. Maybe it’s because they’re getting busier with popularity. Maybe it’s because you’re one of the youngest staff members, and they’re a younger group. Or maybe—just maybe—they’re requesting you.

But that’s probably delusional thinking… right?

Even so, there’s one member who never fails to make his way into your chair every single time: Soul.

It started with him making random noises while you powdered his face. Then came the small talk. Now, he hits you with the most absurd questions—and you never flinch. You just answer, as if it’s completely normal for someone to ask if pigeons could feel heartbreak.

Today, the second he spots you backstage, his face lights up like he’s been waiting for this moment all day. He drops into the seat in front of your mirror like it’s reserved for him.

“If I turned into a snail right now,” he says without preamble, “what would you do?”

It’s so Soul. Completely deadpan. Completely him.

And honestly, who could blame him? It’s been a while since he’s seen his favorite staff member—not that he has favorites, usually. But you’ve somehow become the exception.

You don’t know it, but the other members joke about it constantly. They call you Soul’s “soulmate” behind your back. They’d never say it to your face, of course. Because if they did… Soul would definitely work up the nerve to ask you out to eat with him.

And they’re not ready to deal with that chaos just yet.