The weeks following the fan meeting, Rose tried to keep herself as busy as possible at work. This was difficult sometimes, since the company's biggest act, ATEEZ, was still on tour. She felt more like an assistant than she usually did, and she couldn't wait for the day that she became a full-time makeup artist.

Something that had become an unexpected part of her day was the messages from Felix. Rose wasn't sure what she had thought when the Idol had asked her for her number, but she had been surprised the first time he contacted her. Yet, it couldn't be considered a distraction as the young Australian often reminded her of his older counterpart, and that was without including all the times that Felix had talked about his beloved leader.

Rose wasn't sure what had been thinking when she had invited Felix over for dinner. In a way, it was all her fault as she had been reluctant to meet up with the Idol in public. Working in the entertainment business she knew how important an Idol's reputation was and she didn't want to do anything to risk Felix's, or Stray Kids's, career.

In the end, she had wanted the young Idol to at least have one decent meal whilst his group was busy preparing for their comeback. Rose had made sure to swear Felix to silence about any details as she wanted to be completed surprised like the rest of STAY when the content dropped. Although he had only had enough time to stay for dinner, he had much appreciated the homecooked meal. Sometimes Rose felt like a mother with all the young Idols she seemed to always be looking after, especially now that she was expanding outside of ATEEZ.

When ATEEZ finally arrived back from their tour, Rose didn't know whether she was smiling because she was happy to see them, or because of how happy they were as they told her all about their travels.

"We had so much fun, Noona!"

"So many ATINY came to see us!"

"I miss their screams already."

Before Hongjoong could ask her about how her plan went, privately, Wooyoung spoke up.

"So, Noona, do you have any good news to tell us?"

It didn't escape Rose's notice that the young dancer was looking at her expectantly as if he was expecting her to say something in particular. At the time, she had been distracted by everything else that she hadn't analysed exactly why Wooyoung would have asked his friend for a favour like this. His currently knowing and smug expression gave her a hint that he somehow knew more than she thought.

Since she knew that Hongjoong would never have shared her secret, perhaps it was possible that she hadn't hidden it as well as she thought. Whatever the reason, whatever Wooyoung had been expecting to happen hadn't, and Rose didn't feel like sharing the details of that day with him.

"No, nothing interesting happened here. I just waited around for my favourite boys to come home."

"Aww, Noona, you really missed us that much?"

"Of course, I -"

"Really? Nothing happened while we were gone? Didn't you go to Stray Kids' fan meeting?"

Rose had watched Hongjoong's frustration grow every time he had to try and get Wooyoung to behave. She was well versed in his methods. Her no-nonsense personality and unphased exterior annoyed him, but also generally stopped him from misbehaving around her.

"Yes... oh, and Changbin says you owe him one."

"I owe him! More like he owes me! So, what happened? You got to meet everyone?"

Wooyoung was very determined. He knew something had happened since Changbin had asked him for Rose's number, but he didn't know what since his friend wouldn't reveal anything on the phone. It didn't make sense that she wasn't telling them that she had met her soulmate, and he wanted to know why she was still hiding it. After all, it was his plan that had allowed her to finally meet Bang Chan.

"I did. You know, you really didn't need to do that for me, Wooyoung, but thank you."

"Noona, why aren't you saying anything about -"

Hongjoong cut off his troublesome group member and gave him a dark look.

"Maybe Rose-Noona doesn't want to talk about it, Wooyoung."

"What? I just want to make sure that even if Noona's soulmate works at a different company, we'll still be her number one group. Right, Noona?"

He said it jokingly, but Wooyoung had failed to notice the staff member who had entered the room.

"Your soulmate works at a rival company, Rose?"

She hesitated. Did Chan count as her soulmate if they hadn't bonded, or even acknowledged the bond, yet? What about the small part of her that was convinced she had created the whole thing in her head? If it was right, then the answer would be no.

"I, er, well you see-"

"Yes, or no?"

"Yes."

The other stylist sighed.

"I have to report this."

"I understand."

Rose bowed her head as the staff member left.

"Noona, I -"

"I don't want to talk about it."

The boys of ATEEZ watched in various stages of sadness, shock, and confusion as Rose left the room. Some of them were still processing the reveal of Rose knowing who her soulmate was, let alone that he worked in the same industry as them. Others couldn't believe how suddenly the atmosphere had changed, minutes ago they had all been happy and laughing. Hongjoong, however, was worried about what exactly had happened to Rose when she had met her soulmate.

"You went too far this time, Wooyoung."

The leader shook his head in disbelief, he didn't understand why the younger had felt the need to keep pushing Rose for answers and then to reveal part of her secret like that. Hongjoong was disappointed.

"I didn't mean for her to get in trouble, Hyung."

Wooyoung was on the verge of tears as the consequences of his words sunk in. San wrapped an arm around his soulmate in comfort.

"What do we do?"

Yeosang grabbed Hongjoong's arm, staring at his leader and soulmate with hopeful eyes. Rose was their favourite staff member. They felt comfortable with her, and she was always looking after them more than she was required to.

Hongjoong ran his hand over his younger soulmate's head and wished that he could give Yeosang the answer the leader knew he wanted.

"I don't think there's anything we can do."

Quicker than she thought, Rose was called for a meeting with HR and the head of her department.

"How long have you known that your soulmate works at a different entertainment company."

"Since before I worked here."

"You didn't mention this when you were hired."

"I didn't think it was relevant. We technically hadn't met yet, and we're not bonded. We don't have any relationship at all, so it won't affect my work."

"Your loyalty is to your soulmate. You can't guarantee that you won't share information with them at some point."

"I would never do or say anything to hurt ATEEZ or this company."

"I'm sure, but we can't take that risk. I'm sorry, but we're going to have to let you go."

The next few minutes were a blur and Rose barely remembered how she ended up in the boys' practice room. They all gathered around waiting to hear what had happened with bated breath.

"Never forget how amazingly talented you all are. It has been a pleasure working with you and watching you grow-"

"No! No, they can't do this. It's all my fault if I had just kept my mouth shut... Noona, I'm so sorry!"

"It's not your fault."

"But-"

Rose rested her hands on Wooyoung's shoulders.

"Wooyoung, listen to me. I don't want you to blame yourself, okay? Promise me that you won't."

The young dancer pouted slightly but nodded his head.

"Okay. I promise, Noona."

"Good. If you ever need anything, I'm just a phone call away."

"We'll miss you."

"I'll still be here cheering you on, just from a little further away."

Sobs broke out and everyone looked at the culprit in surprise.

"Oh, Jongho... come here."

The Maknae waddled over to Rose as he wiped away his tears. She held her arms out, asking if he wanted a hug, and was a little surprised when the young Idol wrapped his arms around her with some strength. She stroked his hair soothingly with a small smile, she was going to miss these boys so much.

"Not fair! I want a hug from Noona too!"

Suddenly Rose found herself in the middle of a group hug. A tear ran down her cheek, the past few months she had cried more than she ever had in her whole life. She tried not to analyse why that was and instead appreciated the love and comfort that she felt at that moment.

Because who knew what was going to happen next.