synopsis || Hi 👋🏻 can you do a Drabble for ATEEZ jongho who has feelings for one of the younger staff members? (Between his age and 1-2 yrs older) But the staff member acts cold to him at first but gradually opens up, and accepts his offer to go out to a cafe (gender neutral please)
pairing || idol!jongho x makeup artist!reader
You had started working as an assistant makeup artist for Ateez for a couple of months now. You had spent some time shadowing the other artists to see how the whole process went down and you fit right in. Your job was simple — just make the boys look good. You knew how to do that. After a few weeks of shadowing, were assigned to be Seonghwa’s makeup artist. You enjoyed it; He spent most of his time in your chair either catching up on sleep or talking to the camera that was being shoved in his face.
But after 3 weeks, you were assigned to do Jongho’s makeup. It wasn’t because you weren’t doing your job right, or Seonghwa asked for a new makeup artist or anything, it was just what happened. You were still new, so you were expecting any changes that came your way. You didn’t really know that that well but from what you had seen, he was nice, so you weren’t nervous.
When you made your way backstage to start his makeup, he was sitting in his chair, almost waiting for your arrival.
“Hey!” he greets you, a big smile plastered on his face. “You’re my new makeup artist, right?”
“Oh… uh, yeah,” you reply, grinning. You set down your things on the vanity in front of him.
Jongho sits back in his chair. “I’ve seen you around for some time now. We haven’t really got the chance to meet properly. But if you’re going to be working with us we should, right?” he asks.
“Of course… that makes sense.” you reply. “Well, I’m (y/n).”
“I’m Jongho… it’s really nice to meet you.”
It falls silent. Does he want you to continue the conversation? He does know he’s an idol, right? You’re not supposed to be anything more than his makeup artist.
But he continues the conversation himself. “We’re close in age, I think. Not to sound like a creep, but I heard the other makeup artists talking about you. They said they’re really impressed by you.”
“Mmhmm?” you reply, pinning his bangs back. You try and tune him out and focus on his makeup. Of course you were given the member who’s the opposite of Seonghwa. You sigh.
“Oh. Am I boring you?” Jongho asks. What was he talking about?
“No.” your voice is more harsh than you expected it to be.
But Jongho takes the hint, falling quiet. You finish doing his makeup with a pang of guilt in your chest the entire time.
For the past week, Jongho still tried to talk to you. Everyday. And unlike the first day, he didn’t stop talking if your answers were short, or completely nonexistent.
But you were so close in age that it was becoming harder and harder to ignore him. You had a lot more in common with him than you thought, and there was no denying that he was cute. But this was your job. You couldn’t risk that or Jongho’s career just because he was charming. You had to keep up the wall between you and him.
As you were doing his makeup, he suddenly opened his eyes. “Jongho,” you sigh, trying to suppress your smile. “What are you doing?”
“I just wanted to look at you.” he grins.
“Don’t say things like that.” you tell him sternly. “Now close your eyes so I can finish your makeup.”
Jongho keeps his eyes for just a moment more before shutting them again. You shake your head. Why was he making this so difficult?
“I’m sorry.” Jongho says softly.
Great. You made him feel bad yet again.
“It’s… fine.” you reply awkwardly. “I just don’t want to get in the way of you and your career. I’m just your makeup artist. I didn’t come here to be friends with idols.” you tell him.
Even though he doesn’t show it, you can tell Jongho is disappointed. You didn’t like having to be so stern with him. You wanted to be friends with him, but it was made very clear that you weren’t supposed to.
But you might have to make an exception.
A few days later, you saw Jongho again. His makeup was already done because they had an event to do earlier that morning, but you still had to do some touch-ups before he went out on stage.
You brushed a lip product onto his lips and tried to avoid eye contact.
“I love days like this where we have events early in the day. We’re usually finished by noon.” he tells you.
“Is that so?” you ask. “So waking up at 3 am is worth it?”
Jongho sighs. “No… not at all. That’s the only downside.”
You grin but can’t help but feel bad at Jongho’s hectic schedule. He was probably more exhausted than he ever let show. You finished touching up his makeup.
“After this, I’ll probably need some caffeine. Just something to help me get through the rest of the day.” Jongho says.
“I can get you something from a vending machine maybe?” you suggest. “I might have time to run to a nearby store or something, although that isn’t really my job… I might have to ask a manager to do that.”
“How about we go to a cafe after this?” he asks.
Was he really going to ask you that so suddenly? You stare at him for a moment, stunned at his bravery. Every fiber of your being is telling you to say no. But you can’t do it. You can’t.
You sigh. “Alright, fine.” you reply, keeping your tone low. “But don’t tell anyone else, okay? Especially not the other members. If you tell them, the whole world's gonna know we have a coffee date.”
Jongho smiles. “Of course.”
Hongjoong comes backstage and tells Jongho it’s time for them to get mic’d up. He gives you a smile before quickly heading out.
“By the way…” Jongho says, looking at himself in the mirror to make sure he looked good. “You’re the one you called it a date. Not me.” he grins before leaving the dressing room, leaving you once again stunned.
