Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 117: A SHOWER OF COMPLIMENTS

THE makeup process was organized efficiently, with ten makeup artists working simultaneously to handle the contestants in batches based on their rankings. Each batch consisted of ten contestants, starting from the lowest ranks. The first group, ranks 60 to 51, had already gone through hair and makeup, followed by ranks 50 to 41. Now, it was the turn of those ranked between 40 and 31.

As the contestants settled into their assigned chairs, each one was paired with a dedicated makeup artist who worked with practiced precision. One artist focused entirely on a single contestant, carefully prepping their skin with foundation before moving on to contouring, eye makeup, and other details. Meanwhile, hairstylists adjusted and perfected their looks, ensuring everything aligned with the show’s styling concept.

As Haneul waited for his batch’s turn, he watched as the process unfolded in a structured sequence. As soon as each group finished their hair and makeup, the staff promptly escorted them out, likely to the filming location.

They took the first batch away immediately after completing their styling, and shortly afterward, they took the next group once they were ready. With each departure, the room grew quieter, leaving only those still waiting for their turn and the steady hum of hairdryers and quiet conversations in the background.

Haneul couldn’t help but wonder why they started the styling process with the lowest-ranked contestants. Normally, higher-ranked contestants would be expected to go first—it should be a natural advantage to get their hair and makeup done ahead of the others. Unless, of course, being among the first to be styled wasn’t considered an advantage at all.

Maybe it was because they would have to wait for everyone to finish before filming could begin. If that were the case, then the top-ranked contestants would have a clear advantage. With summer approaching, the weather was already getting warmer. Those who had their hair and makeup done first would have to sit around for a while, risking their fresh styling fading due to heat and time. Meanwhile, the higher-ranked contestants, who went last, would be camera-ready just before filming began, giving them the best chance to look their best.

He could only hope that wasn’t the case.

"Hyung, I think our turn is coming up soon," Haru said eagerly, his excitement practically radiating off him.

Due to their similar rankings, the two sat next to each other. Like Haneul, Haru was dressed in the same sailor-style uniform, though on him, it had an undeniably adorable effect. With his current build, the outfit made him look even younger than he already was.

Haneul glanced at the contestants currently getting their makeup done. As Haru had pointed out, most of them were nearly finished. So, he nodded and said, "Yeah."

As the last few contestants in the current batch completed their styling, a staff member stepped forward, signaling for them to follow. One by one, they rose from their chairs and were promptly led out of the room, likely to join the others who had already been taken to the filming location.

The moment they were gone, another staff member clapped his hands to gather attention.

"Next group, step forward," he called out, prompting the remaining contestants to move.

It was finally Haneul’s turn.

Haneul stood up and made his way forward, settling into the third chair from the left. Beside him, Haru took the seat to his right.

A female makeup artist stepped in front of him and simply stared, her gaze lingering long enough to make Haneul shift uncomfortably. Just as he was about to ask if something was wrong, she suddenly exclaimed,

"Wow! Your skin looks amazing! I don’t think I even need to use foundation on you," she said, her tone filled with genuine surprise. She leaned in slightly, examining his complexion with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "Seriously, your skin is so smooth and even—almost flawless. You must have a really strict skincare routine."

Haneul wasn’t sure how to respond. He hadn’t done anything special beyond basic care, but thanks to Yeomra’s gift, improving his skin quality was one of the perks. But since he couldn’t tell that to the makeup artist, he simply offered a polite smile.

The makeup artist shook her head, still marveling. "This makes my job way too easy. I’ll just do a light touch-up to enhance your features. No need to cover anything up."

With that, she picked up a brush and got to work, still looking amazed as she applied the bare minimum of makeup to his already-pristine skin. As she moved on to other products, she continued to praise him with every step.

"I swear, your skin is unreal," she murmured while lightly dusting blush onto his cheeks. "Most people need layers of product to get this kind of glow, but you’re just naturally like this. It’s almost unfair."

She then reached for a soft, natural-toned lipstick and applied it carefully. "Your lips are already so well-shaped—I barely have to do anything. A little color, and they’re perfect," she mused, stepping back slightly to admire her work.

Even as she worked on his brows, she couldn’t help but sigh. "I usually spend so much time shaping and filling in eyebrows, but yours are already balanced and defined. You might just be my easiest ’client’ today," she said with a playful smile.

Haneul wasn’t sure how to react to the constant compliments, so he simply chuckled softly and let her work. He was just glad that her voice wasn’t too loud—if everyone in the lounge could hear her remarks, he might have died from secondhand embarrassment.

As the makeup artist added the finishing touches, the hairstylist stepped in and began her work. Much like the former, she couldn’t help but shower Haneul with compliments, marveling at the natural softness and shine of his hair as she carefully styled it.

He had probably heard a lifetime’s worth of compliments just from sitting here and having his makeup done.

Once the hairstylist finished the final adjustments, the makeup artist took a step back to assess her work. With a satisfied nod, she clapped her hands lightly and announced, "All done!"

Haneul looked at his reflection in the mirror and simply stared, momentarily taken aback.