During the ride, Chenle had spoken up. "Jaemin?"
"Yes?" Jaemin replied, looking up at the boy who was sitting in front of and facing him. His tone was casual, but his eyes carried a flicker of curiosity.
The rest of the guys had drifted their attention to the two, their chatter fading into an anticipatory silence. "Do you—wait, she can't hear me, right?" Chenle asked, pointing to Victoria behind him. She was leaning on the car door with her legs stretched across the seats, her wired earphones dangling loosely as if they were barely holding on.
"No, she's listening to music. Why?" Jaemin responded, his voice steady but his brow slightly raised.
Chenle leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "Okay, so... do you like Andrea?" His tone was teasing, his smug smile practically daring Jaemin to deny it.
Jaemin laughed quietly, the sound low and amused. "I thought we all already knew," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. He wasn't afraid to express his feelings for the girl lying on his lap, his hand resting lightly on her arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The boys collectively erupted into a chorus of coos and whistles, their teasing relentless. Renjun turned his head to face Jaemin. "Yeah, you're so obvious. It's honestly concerning how she hasn't realized yet. You might wanna keep it lowkey if you don't wanna scare her off," he joked, his words punctuated by the sound of the guys bursting into laughter.
Jaemin tilted his head, his gaze softening as he looked down at Andrea. "Who would ever hide their love from their person? Isn't it supposed to be beautiful?" His voice was quiet but firm, the sincerity in his words cutting through the playful chaos around him.
Jeno and Jisung's faces contorted in exaggerated disgust, their groans loud enough to rival the laughter that followed. Mark clapped his hands, his grin wide. "Yo yo yo, dude, that was actually so poetic though," he said, his voice tinged with genuine admiration.
Haechan agreed with Mark and chimed in, "okay narrator Jaemin, pipe down, loverboy. You're gonna turn into Bruno Mars at this rate."
Jaemin broke into a laugh as the guys continued their bickering.
Unbeknownst to them, Victoria's music had been paused during the entire conversation. Her lips twitched into a small, knowing smile as she leaned her head back against the door, her eyes closed already imagining how she was going to tell her best friend about this.
+++++++
The car ride had been coming close to an end, the air thick with an uneasy anticipation. Andrea was still asleep, her cheek pressed softly against Jaemin's lap as his fingers combed gently through her hair. His movements, once rhythmic and soothing, had slowed as the car rolled to a halt. The faint glow of headlights illuminated a massive maze stretching out before them, its towering hedges casting ominous shadows. The boys and Victoria exchanged puzzled glances; their curiosity mingled with a creeping sense of unease.
The mystery man in the driver's seat turned off the engine with a deliberate click, breaking the silence. He glanced back at them with an unreadable expression. "Alright, guys, follow me," he instructed, his voice calm yet commanding as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.
The group stayed silent but obedient, each of them sensing that this was not the time for questions. As Jaemin leaned over Andrea, he carefully swept a strand of hair away from her face, his touch light and hesitant. "Drea, wake up," he whispered, his voice warm but laced with urgency.
Andrea stirred, letting out an indistinct murmur that sounded vaguely like "five more minutes." Before Jaemin could say anything else, Victoria leaned over the seat with a mischievous grin. "Bitch, get up!!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the stillness like a crack of thunder.
Andrea jolted awake, her sudden movement sending her head colliding with Jaemin's elbow. She groaned in pain, clutching her forehead as Jaemin winced, his face twisting in sympathy. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his hand hovering near her as though debating whether to touch her again.
"I'm fine," Andrea muttered, though her voice was tinged with the frustration of being rudely awakened. Victoria, unbothered, let out a laugh and hopped out of the car, her boots crunching against the gravel below.
The group assembled outside, their breaths visible in the chilly night air. They followed the mystery man cautiously, their steps crunching rhythmically as they approached an enormous pair of doors. The glowing clown face above them leered down with an unsettling grin, its garish lights flickering faintly. The group exchanged wary glances, a mix of confusion and fear reflected in their eyes.
The man leading them approached the doors without hesitation. A low hum filled the air as a scanner embedded in the door glowed to life, recognizing his face with a mechanical chirp. The heavy doors groaned as they parted, revealing a surreal interior that immediately overwhelmed their senses.
The room they entered was like stepping into another world. The lights were dimmed, but they cast an eerie glow against the pink, purple, and green walls, the colors blending into one another like a living painting. The air buzzed faintly, the hum of hidden machinery adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. Bright orange and white furniture dotted the space, their sharp shapes clashing with the softness of the neon walls. Doors to countless rooms lined the perimeter, each one looking more mysterious than the last. Unfamiliar faces moved about the place, their expressions guarded and unreadable.
A tall woman emerged from one of the rooms, her aura commanding immediate attention. Her sharp gaze was softened only by the two bodyguards flanking her, their imposing presence emphasizing her authority. The mystery man spoke first. "I brought them to you, Jaeda," he said, his tone reverent.
Jaeda's lips curved into a smile, though it was unclear whether it was one of kindness or amusement. Her eyes landed on Andrea, lingering as though assessing her. "Thank you, Taeyong," she said smoothly. Then, her attention returned to Andrea, her expression softening slightly. "Taeyong, lead the girl to go get changed."
Andrea stiffened under Jaeda's gaze, her heartbeat quickening. Taeyong followed Jaeda's line of sight, his sharp eyes singling out Andrea's disheveled appearance. He nodded. "Yes, ma'am," he said curtly before motioning for Andrea to follow him.
Andrea hesitated, her nerves evident in the way she glanced back at Victoria. Victoria met her eyes and gave her a firm nod, her expression unexpectedly reassuring. "You'll be okay," she said with quiet confidence.
Taking a deep breath, Andrea followed Taeyong,
They walked into a room with a sign that read 'Transformation' hanging above the door in elegant, swirling gold letters. The room glowed with much clearer lighting, a warm brightness that made Andrea squint for a moment as her eyes adjusted. The space smelled faintly of lavender and vanilla, calming yet somehow slightly surreal, as though the atmosphere itself had been designed to ease anxieties. Every surface gleamed with pristine perfection—the floors, the countertops, even the mirrors that lined the walls seemed to glow softly.
Two women were waiting for her by a sleek styling chair framed by glowing bulbs, their postures casual but alert. They looked to be in their late twenties or early thirties, both exuding an effortless confidence that immediately caught Andrea's attention. One of the women, the shorter of the two, rushed over to her with a radiant smile that seemed to light up the room. She had shoulder-length, dark brown hair that framed her face, tan skin that glowed under the lights, and warm brown eyes that sparkled with kindness. Her makeup was subtle but expertly applied, accentuating her features in a way that Andrea couldn't help but admire—it was, in her eyes, absolutely stunning.
"Hi, Ms. Jeong! We've been waiting for your arrival. Come sit here," the woman said, her voice smooth and melodic as she gestured toward the chair. Andrea hesitated for a moment but allowed herself to be guided over to the chair, where the taller woman waited with a welcoming nod.
As Andrea took her seat, the woman who had led her overturned to her and smiled again. "I'm Kara," she said with a gentle hand on her shoulder, her touch surprisingly reassuring. "And this is Daiyu," she added, motioning to the other woman, who stepped forward with a small wave.
Andrea managed a polite smile, her heart racing. On the outside, she was grateful for the kindness and warmth radiating from these two strangers, but inside, fear still gnawed at her. What if this was all a front? What if they were lulling her into a false sense of security, only to... No, she shook the thought away. For now, there was no reason to assume the worst. And, to her own surprise, she could feel her nerves beginning to settle, albeit slowly.
Daiyu, the taller woman, knelt slightly to meet Andrea's gaze. Her sleek black hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her sharp features carried a natural elegance that was hard to ignore. "Is there anything specific you want?" she asked, her voice steady and professional but not without a touch of enthusiasm. "It can be anything—we'll make it happen!"
Andrea blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn't even considered that she'd be given a choice. She hummed, glancing between the two women, and then shrugged lightly. "You know what? Surprise me," she said, her voice firmer than she'd expected.
Kara and Daiyu exchanged a quick glance, their excitement almost palpable. It was as if Andrea's answer had unlocked something in them—a challenge they were more than ready to rise to.
"We won't let you down, I swear," Kara said, her grin widening. The energy between the two women shifted, their movements becoming quicker and more purposeful as they began gathering supplies from the immaculately organized workspace around them. Andrea watched, curious despite herself, as they prepared for what was clearly going to be a transformation like no other.
The two got to work with a precision and flair that left Andrea intrigued but firmly committed to her earlier promise: she would not look at herself in any mirror until the transformation was complete. The occasional sound of scissors snipping or water running kept her guessing. There were multiple moments where she had to get up and lean over a basin to have her hair rinsed, the lukewarm water streaming soothingly through her scalp. It left little doubt in her mind—they had dyed her hair. She could also feel the soft pull of her hair being trimmed, the sensation leaving her both nervous and excited.
Once her hair was done, Daiyu guided her to another styling chair. This one faced a glamorous vanity, its border studded with perfectly round bulbs that cast a warm glow over a dazzling array of makeup products. Foundations, blushes, palettes of every conceivable color, and tools she couldn't even identify were spread across the counter like an artist's toolkit. Andrea blinked at the sheer variety, marveling quietly to herself. She hadn't realized makeup would be part of the package. With a resigned but amused thought, she told herself, at least it's free.
Daiyu began applying makeup with a gentle but practiced hand, murmuring small reassurances that put Andrea at ease. Meanwhile, Kara took her place beside them, offering a selection of false nails before expertly reshaping and polishing Andrea's hands to perfection. Each of them worked with remarkable coordination, their movements quick and efficient but still attentive to every detail.
When they finished, Daiyu exchanged an excited glance with Kara and then led Andrea to a dressing room. "Your clothes are in there," Daiyu said, her voice brimming with anticipation. "But you also have a completely new wardrobe that we'll bring to you later!" Her warm enthusiasm was infectious, and Andrea found herself smiling despite the flicker of nerves in her chest.
"Thank you," Andrea said sincerely before stepping inside the dressing room and closing the door behind her. The small space was pristine, a sleek full-length mirror dominating one wall. Her eyes flicked to it automatically—and that was when she froze.
Her reflection stared back at her, unrecognizable. She gasped, a startled yell escaping her lips. "Oh. My. God!" she exclaimed, the words tumbling out as she stepped closer, her wide eyes darting over every detail. She barely recognized the person in front of her.
Her once-black curly hair now hung straight in bold, glossy strands, accented with thick yellow highlights that stood out starkly against the dark base. Her makeup was dramatically different from her usual soft glam—now dark, edgy, and striking, with winged eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass and bold shadows that gave her an entirely new aura. Her nails, once short and simple, had been reshaped into a sophisticated almond form and painted a sleek, glossy black.
The outfit hanging in the dressing room had completed the transformation. Andrea pulled on the black mesh top layered over a black tank top, the fabric hugging her figure perfectly. Black cargo pants, yellow high-top sneakers, and a chunky black-and-yellow belt tied the look together with a street-smart edge. A selection of yellow accessories had also been thoughtfully included—bracelets, earrings, and even a choker. She put them on without hesitation, the bright accents adding the final touch of confidence to her new look.
She was in awe. "I'm... in love," Andrea whispered under her breath, spinning to catch every angle of her new reflection. She ran her hands over her sleek hair and smiled at her reflection staring back at her. Without another thought, she threw open the dressing room door and ran out, her grin lighting up the room. "You guys genuinely worked a miracle on me 'cause what—oh my gosh!"
Kara and Daiyu were waiting just outside, their expressions triumphant. They giggled at her reaction, clearly pleased with their work. "It's what we do best," Kara said with a wink. "Now, your friends are waiting for you. Go!"
Before Andrea could respond, Kara gave her a light push toward the door. As she stepped out, she was greeted by Taeyong standing a few feet away, his eyes immediately lighting up when he saw her.
"You look amazing," he said, his soft smile emphasizing the sincerity in his voice. Andrea felt a warm flush rising to her cheeks but couldn't stop herself from beaming back at him.
"Thank you," she said, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Taeyong nodded toward the corridor ahead. "Okay, now let's get you some food," he added, his tone warm and reassuring.
+++++
hey schnookums
long time no see