You were recently hired to join the stray kids stylists for a show. You were hired to do their makeup for one of their concerts. You were preparing the booth for when it was time for them to come from the clothing department. You were female and pretty short. Your name tag said “Haley”.
Suddenly, an announcement goes off over the PA.
"Attention, all stylists; please prepare makeup stations for the main performance in five minutes!!"
You hurry over to the makeup area and get set up, waiting. You can't believe you get to work with Stray Kids! You've been their biggest fan for years, watching their videos on repeat; their lyrics memorized... This is like a dream come true! Just then, the door opens, and the boys walk in.
You stand at the booth waiting for the first person to come up for their makeup. You were trying not to literally hyperventilate from excitement.
They all stand in line, all of them chatting happily. You're frozen in place, unable to make a sound.
Bang Chan comes up next, and he smiles at you. He speaks in English; his accent beautiful.
"Hi there! How are you doing?”
“I’m doing great what about you?”
You smile. But your smile wasn’t really very visible from the black paper mask you were wearing just like all the other stylists have to. But you were obviously happy.
“I'm doing great! Thank you!"
He sits down, and you start applying his makeup carefully; you'd been practicing all week just for this moment! Now's your time to shine, even if these stars were already beautiful. You make sure that Chan's makeup is absolutely flawless, down the the last detail.
He speaks up after a few seconds of silence.
"Are you... A Stay?"
“Yes. Yes I am. I have burned every single song you guys wrote into my mind forever.”
You say suddenly stern, as if you were an American singing the national anthem. (Ew, Americans.)
He bursts out laughing, looking so pleased with your answer. You couldn't help but join in.
Soon enough, the other boys walk up one by one. All eight boys receive their turn at makeup, and you have the chance to make sure they all look absolutely gorgeous. Each one makes their own unique small talk, and they all get to know you a little better. You get through each makeup session flawlessly, and by the time you're done, you have yourself eight perfectly styled and beautiful men ready to walk onto the stage.
You smile and wish them good luck after the announcement in the coms announces that the show is about to start.
After the show, all the boys come up to you. They're super happy that you did such a good job with their makeup.
Felix speaks up first; he's very thankful for the incredible work you have done.
“Wow, good job! We look amazing! Thank you!"
Chan then steps up, giving you a quick hug and a gentle pat on the back.
"Thank you so much. You made us look incredible tonight. We owe you one for making such a great memory for us!"
“You don’t owe me anything! It was a privilege itself to be able to work with you!”
You smile brightly at them through the mask.
Han speaks up then, looking over to the side and laughing a bit before he begins.
“You know... I haven't heard you speak much. Can I take a guess then?"
Han holds up his hand and starts counting on his fingers, making a 'humph' at the end.
“You're from America, aren't you?"
Your eyes widen and you then put on an expression of offence. Your voice filled with mock offence.
“Excuse me?! Ew, no. I am Canadian”
Felix laughs at your little jab at Han, and Chan looks at you questioningly.
"You think being a Canadian is better than an American?"
Felix smirks; maybe that's what you're implying.
“In all due respect. I do not like Americans, includingly the USA.”
You say calmly.
There's a brief pause before the boys all dissolve into laughter. Your joke has been highly successful!
As the laughter subsides, Chan is still smirking at you, although he's very impressed at how well you got them all laughing.
"You've got a bright personality, I can tell."
You smile warmly through your mask. Your eyes showed how happy you were even though they couldn’t see the smile.
Chan then speaks up, his expression a bit more serious than it had been just minutes ago.
“We all enjoyed your company and your work today. Would you mind if we added you into our contact list? We'd love to work with you again in the future.”
You grin brightly and nod vigorously.
“yeah! Here’s my number!”
You say before scribbling your number down on a ripped piece of paper and handing it to him.
He takes your number, all the other boys coming up to grab a copy as well.
As the day ends and you return home, you turn on your phone and see that you have eight new contacts added to your phone. You can't seem to wipe the smile off of your face. What a day... What an experience!