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absentcaryatid · 3 years ago

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Spectrum

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

You and Jongho are building Spectrum, a queer-inclusive salon and spa designed to make all people feel welcome. It will take seven other well-chosen staff members to complete the team for this important job.

7.6K words, Content note: gender neutral and autistic reader, no pronouns used for reader, innuendo present but safe for all Tumblr using ages, nonjudgmental mention of foot fetishists, fat people, disabled people, prostitutes, and homeless people, a reference to a death, mention of mastectomy, a mugger, and polyamory, embarrassing situation, food

This story has benefitted greatly from the encouragement and beta reading support of @sorikkung. Their masterlist is available here for more stories celebrating queer life.

You woke to the soothing voice of Jongho. “Good morning, love.”

Eyes wide, you turned to him and asked, “What are you doing here?” Taking note of his bare shoulders, you made a quick peek under the covers to verify your own pajamas were present. In doing so, you unintentionally learned your bed partner's underwear preference and heat rose in your cheeks. “Last night, we didn't, um, did we?”

Jongho sighed dramatically. “Alas, no. Not yet. But we will someday.” He smirked, “You know, we do have time before the plumber arrives, we could always....” The arch of his eyebrow completed the thought.

You knew that 'someday' was coming soon, but not here yet. At this point about the only thing holding you back from making him more than your business partner was how smug Jongho was in the certainty you would become a couple. Well, that and how busy you both were preparing the new business to launch.

“Now I remember. The burst pipe.” Groaning as you rubbed your face, it came back to you how Jongho ended up spending the night at your side. You had been out to dinner together the night before. Not a date, not one you would admit to anyway, but a celebration of how close you were to completing renovation on the location.

After the meal, it had just been a quick pop-in to get some papers from your office to prepare for an interview today when the sight of water puddling at an alarming rate greeted you upon entry. While you had sprung into action cutting off the water to one of the salon sinks, Jongho wrestled heavy cartons of supplies safely into the back room. He then returned to mop up the thankfully waterproof cement floor. It was pure luck the tiles had been delayed and would be put in later on. Once set they would of course be fine with moisture too, but if the original schedule had held, the grout would have been trying to dry at this moment.

“Far better to deal with this now than once open for customers,” you wearily murmured after surveying the room.

“I have always liked that about you, finding a silver lining in every situation.” The way Jongho gazed adoringly while his chin rested on the mop handle left you warmer than the praise had.

It was very late by the time everything had been dealt with so you had invited your friend to stay for the night. Giving up your apartment and moving to far smaller quarters above the shop had been a money saver to help with the cost of starting a business, but meant far less room for guests. You had jettisoned the spacious hand-me-down couch upon moving, and would eventually buy a loveseat, but for now there was just an old recliner. Jongho had expressed sincere comfort with the well-padded chair for the night but had easily been won over by insistence that sharing the bed was fine by you. In fact, you had fallen asleep far easier than usual and it was not just due to exhaustion but the rare treat of a nighttime companion more substantial than your plushies.

Now fully awake with the dawning light, you made your way to the kitchen leaving your would-be boyfriend to dress as you padded about the cramped kitchenette pulling together a quick breakfast for two. He reappeared buttoning his shirt while commenting how useful it would be to keep a toiletry kit here, “Just in case I sleep over again.”

“We aren't a couple and this isn't happening again.” Your words were emphasized by a threatening wave of the toast tongs as Jongho nodded along.

“Yet. I know you too well to think you could want anybody else but me.”

He was arrogant, but entirely correct, and the evidence was all over your face. Jongho would never have joked like this otherwise. You were doomed, but happily so, and you both looked forward to the inevitable outcome when the timing was right. Jongho was a patient man, and knowing he had already won your heart long ago made all the playful denials easy to bear.

Ever since you and Jongho had met in cosmetology school you had been brainstorming the concept of a queer and disability friendly spa. Wanting to serve the people who might be hesitant about those kinds of services, you made it a goal to center customers from the margins. You planned a place where trans, fat, disabled, and elderly clients would know their non-conforming bodies would not be seen as out of the ordinary. Prospective staff had to understand that before you even would look at their resume.

Being autistic yourself, the design of Spectrum took your own sensory needs into account with variable lighting controlled in sections, noise reduction measures including headphones, and robust ventilation to ensure scented products did not linger between customers. The fact that these workplace accommodations would attract autistic staff and clients was an added bonus.

With breakfast under your belts, you headed downstairs to the salon. On the lookout for the plumber, Jongho parked himself on the windowsill in the absence of seats until the tile was in place and you busied yourself in the office. Five minutes ahead of schedule Jongho escorted Kang Yeosang, secretarial prospect, to the empty chair facing your desk. They were the only person to express an interest in the job and you hoped they were up to the task.

With a hand out in greeting, they introduced themself, “Kang Yeosang, my pronouns are they/them. What may I use for you?”

Given the deliberately queer inclusivity of your business plan, their approach pleased you. Even their knowledgeable subtlety spoke well of them as they asked what to use rather than what your pronouns are since being out was situationally variable for many people. There was a smile on your face as you gave them your information in return. “I take it you will be comfortable in an atmosphere that seeks to welcome a diverse audience. We are going to heavily market our services to disabled and queer people who might otherwise avoid the intimacy of beauty treatments.”

Yeosang's expression was joyful. “Actually, your focus drew me to the business. Jongho lured me into conversation at the pride festival's job fair when he saw the black, gray, white, and green stripes of my agender flag shirt. He also commented positively on my aromantic and asexual buttons. Jongho seemed very knowledgeable. It felt really good not to have to explain what it all stands for.”

In a quick change of mood, their shoulders slumped, “I'm not comfortable being out where I currently work. People there mean well, but it takes a toll to be misgendered or asked if I have a girlfriend yet. It is not the friendly conversational topic people see it as.”

Having fended off your own share of invasive dating questions over the years, sympathy for their position was evident on your face. Realizing you needed to clarify you wanted Yeosang for their skills rather than their labels you mentioned, “If chosen for the position, you could be as out as you wish here, but it is not a requirement.” After some typical interview questions you had asked from the cheat sheet printed out after an online search, you hoped you had passed the test of appearing a competent enough employer to be worthy of Yeosang's efforts.

With honesty others might have been put off by but appreciated by your own blunt taste, they summed up, “I am better with numbers than people but I believe I can be a good fit for the position.” The hands in their lap twisted anxiously as they added, “Honestly, I need the job to bankroll my accounting classes. That is really what I wish to do, but in the meantime I hope to serve your business well.”

“Thank you for coming in today,” double checking the application to make sure you had the correct honorific, “Mx. Kang. I will consult with Mr. Choi and have an answer for you by this evening.”

They left with a bow and you texted Jongho. Once the plumber was oriented to the problem, Jongho left her to the work and was in your office asking about Yeosang. “You liked them, right? I got a good feeling about them at the fair. All the others I met there too. Tell me what you think.”

Disclosing the one reservation that Yeosang was not looking for a secretarial career, you passed on your positive recommendation. “They strike me as a competent person, and if they choose to be open about it, I think having a non-binary greeter will put a lot of our clients at ease that we truly are a queer-friendly space.”

Jongho looked pleased. “While it would have been nice to sound out a few options, I think Mx. Kang is perfect for Spectrum. Your assessment of them is good enough for me. They're hired. Would you like to tell them or shall I?”

Yeosang answered the joint call on the first ring. Their voice cheered over the speakerphone as they accepted the job, ending with a laugh that was best described as 'hehet.' With one staff member on board it was now a race to find the remaining staff in time to open. As important to you as customer rapport was going to be, Jongho suggested opening up the beauty stations over time instead as the best people were hired to ensure only the right ones for the job were in your employment. You agreed with his intelligent suggestion and set to work getting interviews lined up for the other positions.

The next staff member to join was Yunho. His arrival was heralded by a snort from Yeosang at the reception desk while sorting office supplies into the drawers. At their suggestion, an order of pronoun stickers had been made from an independent artist with many of the common options plus some blanks to meet the needs of every customer. Yeosang gestured to the array and Yunho cheerfully accepted the offer taking up one of the he/him versions. Dropping the sticker backing into the trash then carefully adhering the pronoun label to his chest without looking, Yunho was then led to your office by a smirking Yeosang.

Once you looked up, you too had to hold back a noticeable start for pedicure station candidate Jeong had waltzed in the door with a teal t-shirt vividly declaring, “I love feet!” As if that wasn't enough, the silhouette of two feet pressed close to make a small space between the arches left little doubt as to the meaning of the words above.

Yunho saw you blanch at his chest. When he looked down, his ears flamed crimson and he crouched over to hide the text while a string of curses flew from his mouth. Regaining some composure, he dashed out of the shop leaving you to wonder if you were ever to see him again. It was a shame because his references from the cosmetology school spoke so highly of his finesse with clients.

Fortunately, he did not go far. You and Yeosang watched through the picture window as the tall man stripped off the offending garment, stomped on it a little, then picked it up off the sidewalk while giving it a dirty look. He ran a hand through his hair as if lost in thought then turned the shirt inside out before wearing it again. Yunho re-entered the shop this time with a far less confident demeanor.

Hesitantly taking his hand in a shake, you introduced yourself then Yeosang and invited Yunho back to your office again for the interview. The questioning look Yeosang shot your way let you know they were wondering if you felt comfortable going through with the meeting but you flashed an okay sign. They did seem relieved as you left the office door open. For your own safety with the unpredictable foot fetishist, you too felt better with them able to hear if the conversation became heated. Oddly however, you could have sworn you heard Yeosang rustling in the desk, then opening a bag of popcorn kept for afternoon snacking.

Getting to the point immediately, you opened with the complaint, “Mr. Jeong, I appreciate the time you have taken out of your day, but you understand of course that someone who derives sexual pleasure from feet, with no disparagement of your own tastes, is not a person I can entrust my pedicure clients to. Surely you understand my side of things and why I can not consider you for the position.”

“May I have a chance to explain before you dismiss my application?”

With a stony face, you answered, “You may make your case.”

Yunho's gulp was audible, but he looked resolved to prove his worth to your business. “You see, my mom has been so supportive of my vocation. Ever since I started clipping toenails for my grandfather as he convalesced from a fall I have come to see every foot tells a story about the owner's life and activities. Despite the impression of this poor choice for today,” he said while gesturing to the t-shirt with a rough version of the design peeking through from the other side of the fabric, “my interest is only an aesthetic one. I don't have a problem with people who are turned on by feet, I am just not among them.”

“I see,” but you hardly did, especially why he had brought up his mother. “Though how am I to trust your judgment with our customers when something as standardized as appropriate interview attire is beyond you?”

“Yes, your point is well-taken and I admit that.” Yunho looked down, sighed, then pushed up his glasses before continuing. “My mother gave me this shirt as a graduation present when I left the beauty school. It was found in her church's charity shop looking brand new. Clearly nobody there recognized it as an item sold during the recent pride festival. Oh, that's where I learned you were hiring by the way.” Yunho's face brightened. “A sturdy looking man was passing out fliers looking for both staff and future customers.” He inclined his head. “I rather liked him. Found him charming immediately as we talked a little. So does he like tall guys? Or men at all really. His rainbow pride pin wasn't giving any hints where he might fall on the, well, spectrum.”

“As far as I know he is pansexual and has always been open about it.” Getting sidetracked like this during an interview spoke to either your newness to the role or Yunho's ability to draw conversation out of people, probably both.

Again Yunho lit up. “I think his name was Jongho if I recall correctly. Do you know if he is single?”

You rubbed your temples. Yunho might have a way with customers if the recommendations were anything to go by, but this looker did seem to have a distractible side and you were still waiting to have his explanation for the unprofessional shirt make any sense at all. “Yes, his name is Jongho and he is my partner.”

Yunho looked like he was going to faint. This interview could not be going any worse for either one of you. “Please don't think I am trying to take your man, I'm not a homewrecker. Forget I said anything.”

In honesty, you amended, “Business partner.”

“Well then, I'm in luck! I could have a chance with that hottie if the job falls through, and well it might.” Yunho leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “I don't mind telling you this is not my best day. I don't know that I would hire me either.”

Tenting your fingers on the desk as your leg developed a bounce, you curbed the conversation with the remark that you were certain Jongho already had someone in mind. “Let's come back to the shirt though. Your mother's innocence does not tell me why in the world it seemed like a good idea for interview wear, especially when it is not the message you want to send with your line of work.”

“It is like this, I love my mother. I would do anything for her. So this morning I got up and had breakfast, just a little kimchi fried rice with a few eggs on top....”

Despite your best intentions, Yunho was growing on you and not just because his smile was so infectious. It was becoming clear how he could be known for customer retention when talk flowed so easily from his slightly askew lips. He could have been a dentist with his skill at carrying on a one-sided conversation and according to the testimonials submitted as part of his application, someone cosmetology school clients felt listened well to their own thoughts. It did not hurt that he was top of his class, but you also figured Yunho's boy-next-door looks probably also contributed to his popularity. If he could manage to pull himself out of the fire on the shirt issue, something you were rooting for, he was a certain hire if he met with Jongho's approval too.

Yunho had continued as your attention was elsewhere, but you picked up the conversation quickly. “Then changing out of my pajamas, they are Spider-Man ones, really comfortable too, I decided to dress temporarily in mom's gift then have a video chat with her as a good luck send off for the day. She was so happy and said the green shade really looked good with my eyes. Well, we got caught up talking about my aunt and her new puppies so before I knew it my alarm was going off to remind me I had better be running for the bus by that point. In retrospect, the looks the driver and passengers gave me are making more sense, also that lady who moved to a seat across from me and started toying with her heels, popping them on and off.”

And there it was. Surprisingly, Yunho had a persuasive, if not entirely likely chain of events, to explain the questionable interview wear for such a position. Conveying thanks for coming in today, you gave him your now standard line he would hear back by the end of the day with your answer after consultation with Jongho. This interview work was becoming easier in some ways every time. Hopefully the next one would be smoother though.

Yunho did look relieved when you said you would be recommending him for the position. With multiple grateful bows, the potential pedicure hire, and to be frank, your only applicant for that position, exited your office. Getting a cheery wave from Yeosang as he passed by the receptionist's desk, Yunho headed out.

Despite the rough beginning, this would be the only time you ever felt awkwardness with Yunho. From his start date and forever onward he was a model employee to the point of becoming the most trusted staff member. His leadership qualities, apart from a few rare missteps, led to Yunho becoming the person left in charge if ever you and Jongho were off the premises at the same time.

The discussion of taking on Yunho had gone smoothly, even when you had shared that the applicant had been fishing for information of a romantic nature. “Yunho then described you as a 'hottie' I believe.”

Jongho grinned broadly at the compliment. “Yunho was the most enthusiastic person I talked to when working our booth. While you were on lunch break he stopped by with his friend Seonghwa. Great guys, I thought maybe they were together.” Pausing to think, Jongho added, “Even with Yunho wanting to ask me out, they still could be a couple. Wouldn't be the first polyamorous people I know if that is the case. Too bad I'll be his boss though, it might have been fun to get to know him romantically.”

You looked at your friend wanting to gauge his level of playfulness. Perhaps you had been taking Jongho's crush on you for granted. It was not a sure thing he would always be there when you wanted to become serious about each other.

With a hand at your shoulder, the gentle voice at your ear teased, “Your eyes went as big as saucers. I think you like me. Maybe you are even in love.” Jongho sauntered away singing a popular romantic ballad as he went back into the storeroom to continue unpacking salon supplies.

The other jobs were far less dramatic to fill. All the interviewees were felt out for their ease around people with disabilities and trans customers. The obvious failures were sent away on the spot. You would rather leave a position unfilled for weeks than expose your clients to people with clear biases that were sure to be revealed in a discomfort around touching those people.

Fortunately, there were also some real winners you encountered. After stellar interviews, Hongjoong was hired for the hairdressing station, Wooyoung would handle massage, and San the waxing and cosmetic tattooing. It had surprised you how quickly Wooyoung and San became friends, but the more outgoing of the two seemed to charm everyone he met, and far shyer San was no exception. In no time at all while preparing to open Wooyoung had convinced a hesitant Hongjoong to strip down for some massage practice and was teaching San some of the techniques. Later on San would add massage to his repertoire and their four-handed massage in perfect sync became a popular offering.

The small crew was rounded out with Jongho as the manicurist while you were in charge of facials. In time the business might expand to larger staff and a roomier location, but for now this was perfect. Your dream shared with Jongho was finally coming true.

The ideal employees for the job had only been part of the challenge getting the idea off the ground. It had taken an extensive search to find both an affordable and accessible location. The point of the salon and spa welcoming everybody meant nothing if some clients could not even get in the door. The perfect opportunity had arrived at the hands of a closing medical supply store and their level-in doorway with automatic doors. Proximity to the local train and a robust system of wheelchair-accessible busses stopping near the door completed your requirements for the site. Now that renovations were complete, licenses obtained, and staff hired, it was finally time to attract customers.

Yeosang proved themself invaluable at setting up the website, something you had expected to outsource originally. You immediately saw the benefit in online booking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers as well as others with auditory processing disorder, or simply a preference for communication in writing over phone calls to Yeosang's desk.

In a group effort, videos were made explaining the process for each spa service. The YouTube views reflected a popularity with both anxious customers seeking to understand what to expect, and people who found relaxation watching the services performed by and on your admittedly attractive employees. The boost due to word of mouth from fans of the unintentionally made ASMR material helped bring in clients from opening day onward.

In addition to the website and small-scale advertising, Jongho finagled an interview on one of the local news broadcasts looking for some easy to shoot footage while expanding their LGBTQIA+ coverage. Looking handsome in a button-up shirt and tie under the salon overcoat, he spoke like a pro at ease with the spotlight. “People make fun of a man who wants to do this work but I am very good at manicure services and it makes me happy. They can think what they want about my sexuality or gender presentation. There is nothing wrong with being gay or effeminate so why would it matter if someone wonders that about me? The people who are not willing to challenge their stereotyped assumptions aren’t the ones I would be interested in serving anyway.”

Giving a little of his history, Jongho further shared, “I first trained with the visiting manicurist at an assisted living place. I liked the work of paying attention to people, listening, bringing needed touch, and making them feel good about themselves with a small indulgence.” The segment ended with a tour of the facility giving Spectrum quite a lot of good publicity in preparation for the grand opening.

When that day arrived, the staff assembled under the freshly painted sign as of yesterday thanks to quick work from San's steady hand when the original painter fell through at the last minute. For someone as capable as he was with a tattoo machine, the broad brushstrokes of painted letters and rainbow stripes came easily. Cutting the ribbon with your partner Jongho, you declared Spectrum open for business and welcomed clients inside.

Even from the first moment, there were already a few people lined up including a very special guest in the form of an elegant older woman. Jongho introduced you to his grandmother and she revealed that she had renewed an interest in sailing since the death of her husband. The contemplative time on the water refreshed her spirits but was very hard on her hands. The business had opened due in no small part to her loan to Jongho and she also wanted a firsthand look at how her investment was put to use. Sampling the services at Spectrum gave her an excellent view into her grandson's management skills and you could tell she came away satisfied.

In time, many members of her sailing club became regulars at Jongho's manicure station giving the business a multi-generational range of customers. Some of them also patronized Yunho's pedicure treatments for their aging feet and more difficult to cut toenails. He too was popular with people of any age and Hongjoong was just as loved for his ability to work with hairstyles catering to all tastes. More than a few older people left the salon glowing with an unnatural shade they had meant to try sometime in their life but had never gotten around to it.

The same could be said for nail colors Yunho and Jongho introduced people to. They would do toned down looks for those who wanted it of course, but they also found people open to being noticed with bolder colors the better they felt about themselves. So many people went through life worried about what others would think, and true there were times conformity was a better route to getting needs met, but the men working on fingernails and toenails seemed happy to assist those wanting to live a little brighter with the right encouragement.

Already having proven the importance of pronoun displays with the stickers you kept on hand, Yeosang convinced you to spring for buttons for the staff to reserve the sticker versions for customers who wanted to use one. Knowing Hongjoong was genderfluid, you told your employees to pick as many different buttons as they might need day-by-day or worn together. The shipment that arrived with the group order was sizable and included a heartfelt note from the Etsy seller pleased to be shipping so many products to help people share their pronouns. Fannish buttons were the bulk of her business, but the pronoun items were her favorite to put into the world and she had hit the jackpot with this order containing at least one of every type she made.

Yeosang hummed with pleasure as they unpacked the order at the front desk. THEY/THEM was immediately affixed to their shirt and the variety of others they had asked for were pinned to the curtain at their back. Then they eagerly skipped about the store distributing everyone else's choices before returning to their desk to admire the bounty.

Over the following weeks, a comfortably agender Yeosang experimentally tried each of the buttons once to justify their purchase. After some baffling attempts to understand what a gender would do for them, they gave up but kept the assortment visible to the customers. Since the time a xie/xer user joyfully squealed to see xer own rare pronouns on a button, Yeosang got into the habit of slipping it to them before they left. It took a long time, but eventually the curtain was empty of buttons which had now found perfect homes with very pleased users of neopronouns like xe/xem, e/em, ze/hir, and all the others. They were not sneaky about this theft of workplace materials and you sensed it was a highlight of their time as the receptionist.

The HE/HIM button with background pastel stripes of blue, pink, and white went to Wooyoung. He was proud of being transmasculine and very comfortable discussing his transition. It made sense that during the interview he had been able to affirm he would have no trouble accepting massage work on trans clients and treat them with the utmost respect. Wooyoung had disclosed very early on in his employment the day San had lovingly teased him about his chest being so exposed. It became a constant that buttons would be open two or three down and Wooyoung had the place laughing with his reply referencing his prior top surgery, “I paid good money for this chest, of course I’m going to show it off.”

Everyone settled into their routines as the months went on. Hongjoong discovered he liked to sing as he worked on hair colors and cuts. His beautiful voice distracted scared kids getting a first haircut and drew in plenty of admirers who found their way to his salon chair as repeat customers. Hongjoong also became known for his wardrobe with a variety of items he had reformed with fabric markers in a style all his own. Sometimes he wore skirts which were not just reserved for days when Hongjoong was feeling feminine. It led to some of the other employees and customers feeling comfortable trying out the look, whatever their gender.

Born to the role as well, Yunho's foot baths, pedicure, and massage sessions were a popular choice. He had taken dance in high school but decided not to pursue it and knew very well the benefits of foot care and massage. Spectrum gained a good reputation for competent staff of so many gentle men with tender demeanors befitting their service work.

Like the others, Jongho was good at small talk as he worked on beautiful custom fingernail designs with a steady hand. He was just as much of an artist as San. Video games, dramas, and books were Jongho's favorite topics and regulars often came back to report how much they had enjoyed his recommendations.

Wooyoung too was a perfect fit for Spectrum. One of his contributions was keeping a steady supply of decorative tissue boxes in his massage room. It was at least a once-a-week occurrence for someone to need some time after their treatment to compose themselves. It was not just the tension relief, but also emotions unearthed by his work on their muscles. For many of his fat, elderly, disabled, and trans clients there was another reason. Many of them were touch starved, and even if they were able to afford spa treatments at a far fancier location, they were not always made welcome due to their bodies being perceived as difficult or deviant.

Of course, Wooyoung had none of those biases. Comfortable around people with disabilities, he had funded massage school with a job as an in-home caregiver. While he knew early on it was not the work he wished to remain in, it was a great experience to learn about many of the challenges that could make life more difficult for people. It was also an opportunity to learn his personality shone in interpersonal careers. Outgoing by nature, Wooyoung could keep a conversation going all on his own yet was tuned-in enough to recognize when silence was the best option as his hands brought a healing touch. He quickly understood what his clients preferred and was yet another staff member customers loved to return to.

They all were, really, with two exceptions. Yeosang was one. While a fantastic organizer, their people skills were not what one would hope for such a public facing position. As the first introduction to your business on the phone or a walk-in, Yeosang's sometimes brusque nature did little to welcome customers the way you would like, though they seemed to be popular with some of the autistic clients who appreciated the lack of small talk. After a stressful beginning, it was recognized that a change was needed. Yeosang was mercifully moved off the front desk to be replaced by a new hire.

Fantastic at math, Yeosang happily agreed to increase their accounting classes to full-time funded by the salon after you quickly realized the professional currently being used was not a good match for your business. On graduation, Yeosang was installed in the back office and mostly left alone, much to their delight.

The second receptionist was a far better choice for the role. That was Mingi, a sweet-faced ray of sunshine who enthusiastically greeted everyone with a warm welcome. He became known for his fashion sense and always had something complimentary to say about outfits or suggestions if asked for his opinion. To be sure everyone had their needs met, Mingi added some more stickers alongside the pronoun selection. Requests for no eye contact or as little interaction as possible could be wordlessly explained with one of those informative stickers.

Mingi took his job as front man very seriously. The first impression of the business was important, especially for anxious clients. His people skills could calm even the most skittish potential customers. Quickly becoming familiar with the routines of each station, Mingi would spend the time needed to answer every question someone might have about a visit to Spectrum. Some autistic and other nervous clients who benefited from as much advance knowledge as possible about any new element in their lives found an understanding friend in the new receptionist.

As for the other staff member not well-suited to their position, it was you. Sure you had the technical skill to perform adequately and had graduated from beauty school easily, but the customer interaction side of skin treatments was never your strong point. Your stress around the clients who did not desire silence showed and finally making the tough decision, you decided to hire out facials to another new employee yet to be discovered. In the end you were much happier to merely manage the business, a full time job in itself, and the office in the back room gave you a retreat from interaction as needed.

When Yeosang rejoined you upon completion of their accounting studies it was a perfect pairing despite the small space taken up by two desks Able to relax around people they knew well, Yeosang came to be a close friend and destressed you with jokes and snarky commentary, but never inappropriately at the expense of a customer. They were good at pointing out your foibles or their own and your work life became far better with their supportive presence.

“My prince?”

“Yes, love?” Seonghwa turned over in bed to face his boyfriend fully. Yunho's face gave nothing away about the topic to follow but at least he could tell it was nothing bad. Offering a good morning kiss then a loving caress to Yunho's cheek, he settled in to let his partner speak at his own pace.

With the smile of a man head-over-heels in love, Yunho gathered his thoughts hoping to phrase things with the best chance of success. “You know how much I love working at Spectrum.”

“Yes,” Seonghwa agreed, “I have often wished my workplace was as welcoming both to me and a larger variety of clients.”

Propped up on an elbow, Yunho took Seonghwa's free hand and made his case. “It looks like the facial station will be looking for a new staff member and I was wondering if you would consider the position. Not for the sake of the business, although you would be perfect, but because I could see more of you. Bet you would like the co-workers too. I think you'd really hit it off with the hairdresser, Hongjoong - and then there's Jongho. You already know how much I like him, ever since we met him at the pride festival... but I understand if you don't want to leave your high-end spa for our little shop."

Seonghwa mused as his tongue unconsciously skimmed his lips, a habit Yunho found both endearing and attractive. “You think they would hire me?”

“Come on,” Yunho joked, “you would be getting a highly complimentary recommendation from Spectrum's favorite pedicurist.”

Shoving Yunho's shoulder sending him flat on his back, Seonghwa then pounced upon him tickling. Through laughter he teased, “You are their only pedicurist!”

“I would still be the favorite even if there were hundreds,” Yunho argued between tickle bouts. “So, okay to tell my employers I have a solution for their vacancy?”

“Yes, please pass my interest on,” Seonghwa answered between kisses while perched on Yunho's chest. “I would love to work with you.”

Thus the final member joined your team, letting you leave the facial treatment room in Seonghwa's more than qualified hands, freeing you up to manage operations full-time.

By the tiara on his head, you could tell Mingi was having a princess day. Ever since he had complimented one of the drag queens on her spectacular tiara on a manicure visit, you caught how he had been fondly called princess by her and some of the other regulars on subsequent visits. On his recent birthday he had been gifted a tiara by one of them too. It was nothing expensive, just plastic from a party store, but it was a prized possession you noticed Mingi would pop on for the mood lift from time to time.

Chatting with Hongjoong, you caught activity at the front desk reflected in the salon mirror. San made an extravagant bow as he arrived at work and Mingi flushed happily. Their playful camaraderie made you smile as you overheard San ask, “What's on the docket today, your majesty?”

Princess Mingi double checked the appointment book to verify his memory was correct. “It is a flower day.” With two customers already in the waiting area, Mingi had tactfully used their code. Slipping a gift card from the till, Mingi handed it to San for his purchase at the family run grocery store across the street. Despite the small size of their business, they always had a beautiful flower selection.

Once you had caught on that San was buying fresh flowers to brighten his treatment room on days he worked with mastectomy reconstruction clients, you insisted the spa pay for that expense, just as it did for Wooyoung's never ending tissue supply. San's masterful tattoo skills put to use artfully adding areolas on altered breasts was contribution enough without bearing the cost himself. Not only did he have to match the look of his handiwork to the other nipple, it was also a delicate thing to develop the client's comfort disrobing so intimately with a stranger, especially if they were feeling insecure about their changed body. Just as with the other employees, it really paid off that you and Jongho had waited to find people with soothing qualities that put customers at ease.

It was not a surprise when San once admitted 'flower days' were the most rewarding part of his job. It was obvious he also enjoyed seeing clients brighten when his tattoo pen gave them permanent makeup in the form of eyeliner or eyebrows. Message boards for spa recommendations as well as an alopecia support group sung his praises. So did the trans women and others seeking waxing and electrolysis.

San was also the go-to person for anyone looking for the temporary tattoo process to shade areas of hair loss and he worked with Hongjoong who sold a range of wigs in addition to the other hair work. You took pride that everyone on staff knew they were providing much needed services to the region, despite the frivolous reputation beauty treatments often had.

Business grew brisk to the point of frequently being solidly booked. New customers were always discovering the shop due to the generous policy of discounted gift cards if purchased for a first time client. One of your regulars took that opportunity to thank the lady who scared off her mugger a few nights back. From your office you could hear Mingi warmly welcome the woman who walked in with hesitant steps. Her deep voice asked, “Are you sure you want me here?”

Curiosity was evident as Mingi questioned, “Why wouldn’t we?”

“Half the businesses here have banned me and my friends. I turn tricks.”

Coming through the salon and into the waiting area, you joined the conversation. “You have a caring profession like teachers and nurses do, providing a needed service for the people who pay for your time. Not very different from what we do here, really.”

You watched the lady stand a little taller. “I have never heard someone describe prostitution that way. It is not as rosy as you make it sound, but thank you.”

A smile crossed Mingi's face. “Oh wait, now I recognize you. Indoors I couldn't place you, but every time I go by your corner you have been so complimentary of my looks. It's been a real boost.” Leaping from his seat, he ushered her further inside. “Please come in, the only people we would turn away are the scummy landlords buying up the neighborhood for Airbnb rentals.”

“You are exactly who Spectrum is for,” you confirmed. “I wanted a spa where all people are treated respectfully. Mingi can go over the list of services and you can pick what you want to use your gift card on. A few of the guys are even available now.”

It was kindnesses like that exchange, basic decency which should have been the standard everywhere and you found unremarkable, that made your salon and spa a first choice for many.

A year came and went filled with activity. In some ways Spectrum had become a sort of community center. Located not too far from what was considered the “bad” part of town, really just meaning the poorer section, your shop became known as a safe place to congregate or use the restrooms and showers. It was primarily a mix of queer people, ones who were homeless, and prostitutes, with some being all three. As long as the welcome loiterers kept their voices down for customers with noise issues, it worked out well bringing life to the salon on slower days. It also gave the staff an opportunity to get to know the residents of the neighborhood where they worked, leading to a few short term or longer relationships.

It finally felt like you had your sea legs when it came to the day-to-day operation of the business and you felt ready to attend to other matters. Engrossed in going over the books with Yeosang, you caught San in a free moment due to a cancellation from one of his waxing customers. After quiet conversation, he smiled happily, eager to assist in the task asked of him while you were occupied. Returning not too many minutes later, San held a spectacular bouquet in his hands.

With an eye always watching over the shop's activity, even more so without a manicure client at the moment, Jongho nodded at the showy array. “I did not know it was a flower day today. There was nothing on the schedule when I looked over Mingi's book this morning.”

“Correct,” San confirmed. “It's for something else.” Looking up as you approached, he handed the stunning display over. “Here you go, boss.”

“Thank you, San.” You smiled at the best arrangement the grocery across the street had to offer. San had chosen very well for the important task you had given him.

Jongho gave a questioning wave to the flowers. “And those are for?”

“My boyfriend.” The matter of fact way you spoke about such an important concept did not diminish your meaning in the slightest.

After San had tactfully stepped back to gawk at a distance with the other free employees, you watched a grin break out on the man who had remained at your side and was now puffing up his chest. “Oh, and he is?”

With a dreamy sigh, your answer was simple. “The love of my life. He has waited patiently for me to be ready and the time has come.”

Jongho received the flowers and after an admiring glance, held them at his side so he could embrace you.

Offering a chaste peck to his cheek as you luxuriated in an arm around you, next came a whisper only he could hear.

Jongho looked back at you in surprise. “I don't need to put them in water at your apartment upstairs. They should last fine until I get home tonight.”

“I guess you could spend the night at your place, but wouldn't you rather stay with me?”

At this distance you could feel the heat emanating from his face as your meaning sunk in. “I would like that. I'd like that a lot.”

So he did. The next night, too, and every one thereafter until in time a larger apartment nearby became available. You moved in together to finally become both business and domestic partners. Spectrum flourished, just as your romance did, and you credited the successes to knowing when the timing was right.

Jongho Masterlist

General Masterlist

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