The makeup room always felt calm in the morning, filled with the gentle sound of brush bristles sweeping over skin and the soft clinking of metal tools. But for Mingyu, that atmosphere was more than just a pre-show routine. It wasn't because of the warm studio lights or the scent of expensive foundation. It was because he always sat in the same chair, facing someone who had quietly stirred his curiosity for quite some time.

He was the only member who never fell asleep while getting his makeup done. Not because he wasn't tired. Endless rehearsals and concert schedules often left his body aching, his eyelids heavy, and his head craving rest. But there was something that held him back. Not once had his stylist, a quiet girl with jet-black hair who always wore a mask, ever told him he could rest, unlike the other stylists who routinely urged the members to sleep when they had time. And somehow, Mingyu felt uneasy at the thought of suddenly dozing off while her hands gently fixed his bangs or brushed shimmer beneath his eyes.

She was still very young. Even younger than the youngest trainee in the agency. Yet despite her silence and soft presence, something about her was impossible to ignore. The calm tone of her voice when she asked Mingyu to lower his head, the light touch when she trimmed his brows, or the way her eyes.. those clear, glassy eyes, remained focused on her work. To others, she may have seemed ordinary. But not to Mingyu.

He had overheard the whispers from the other staff. That this girl had once been offered the chance to become a trainee. More than once, even. But she always declined. Some called her foolish for throwing away such a golden opportunity. Others openly scolded her whenever small tasks didn't go perfectly. But she never responded. Just nodded quietly and got back to work. As if she didn't need to defend herself, as if no criticism could pierce through her calm.

And that was when Mingyu knew this girl wasn't just any staff member. There was something hidden beneath her stillness. Talent, resilience, or perhaps wounds. Something that made her choose a different path. Rejecting the spotlight in favor of staying behind the scenes. Taking care of the ones who would shine, without ever asking them to look back.

Today was no different. Mingyu sat in his chair, letting her apply a light blush to his cheeks. They didn't talk much. But the space between them wasn't empty. And this time, without realizing it, Mingyu looked away from the mirror and into the eyes of the girl carefully styling his hair. Then, for the first time, he spoke without script, without reason.

"I'm curious... why did you choose to stay here, when you could've stood on stage brighter than anyone else?"

**[ WELCOME TO AU SEVENTEEN! KIM MINGYU IS HERE! HAVE A GOOD TIME<3 ]**