Illusions of You | BrightWin Soulmate AU

11

"Win, are you busy?"

"No, Bright. Why?"

"So, uh. Toe Laew will open after I come back from Singapore. Will you able to make it to the grand opening?"

"Ohh, February 14, right? Yeah. I think so. NY Fashion Week lasts for a week but we'll just participate for 3 days."

"Wait, you have an event? You don't need to come if you have an event. Don't worry about it!"

"Calm down. I won't cancel an event. Ethereal Couture's last day of exhibit would be on February 13. I'll come. I promised you, remember?" Bright smiled widely as he read Win's message.

"Yeah. Thanks, Win.. I really appreciate it.. and I missed you, I can't wait to see you after 2 years"

"I missed you too, Bright. See you soonest!"

Bangkok Trending @BKKTOfficial: JUST IN! Bangkok's pride, Fashion Designer Win Metawin, participates in New York Fashion Week featuring his styles from Ethereal Couture.

Bangkok Trending @BKKTOfficial: JUST IN! Toe Laew's Chef Bright Vachirawit just landed in Singapore. He will be participating on the Cooking Show Exhibition-Singapore tomorrow at 4 PM SGT. Support and watch him live at CSES Facebook and YouTube page.

February 11, 12:07 am

@chefbvc: 3 days more 'til Toe Laew's grand opening! Who's excited?

February 12, 3:06 am

@WINMETAWIN: No more waiting.

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Today is the day. Damn, I can't wait for this to end. I'm more excited about seeing Win than winning this competition.

4 PM. A knock was heard in the chef's room, it must've been the manager. Bright fixed himself in front of the mirror, then he reached out for the chef hat that Win gave him.

I shouldn't forget my lucky charm. The chef smiled as he wore the hat. He followed the manager along with the other competitors to the ballroom hall.

There were lots of people waiting for the event and the judges were seated on their respective seats as well. Wish me luck, Win. Bright clasped his hands as he approached the cooking area.

"The 5-hour cooking competition starts... now!" As soon as the host gave the cue, the contestants started to pick their preferred ingredients. They should cook three main course meals, appetizers, and desserts. The challenge here is it should be different recipes from different countries.

"Khao, quick! Go to CSES Youtube, the competition is starting!" Love knocked on Khaotung's room to wake him up. It's currently 3 AM in New York and the two promised Win that they would watch the competition for him.

"I'm awake now! Gosh, different time zones suck! I'm still tired, we just finished attending the NY Fashion Week, can't we have time to rest?" Khaotung rubbed his eyes while he opened the door for Love.

"The things we do for Metawin.."

"Do you think he's on the plane, now?" Khaotung asked.

"I guess, so.. let's hope he'll have a safe journey. An 18-hour flight to Bangkok is no joke."

Shit. 1 hour left. I hope I can finish this. Bright panicked, he still hasn't made the desserts. "Reminder, chefs, you only have 1 hour left. Maximize your time and finish everything before the timer. Goodluck."

In a short span of time, Bright prepared the easiest desserts to make. "Time's up!" The contestants put their hands in the air. I made it, I finished it alone.

Bright huffed while smiling. Their plates were then served to the judges. Meanwhile, all the contestants were asked to take a rest first while the judgement was being done.

I'm gonna pee my pants, why am I this nervous? I've been into cooking competitions before, local and international.

"Chefs, this is the moment you've all been waiting for. Let me announce the winners. For the 3rd placer who will take home S$200,000, with a total of 92 points... congratulations, Mexico!" 92 points for a third placer?!

"Let's move on to the 2nd placer, the 2nd placer will take home S$500,000.. let me hear your bet!"

"With a total of 95 points... congratulations, Singapore!" What?! Singapore is only 2nd placer? I mean, people would say it's biased because they got an advantage, but I expected him to be the winner.

"And now, the most awaited revelation.. with a total of 97 points.. the winner for this International Cooking Show Exhibition-Singapore, is..."

"Thailand! Congratulations Mr. Chiva-aree! You'll take home S$1,000,000 and a free stay in this hotel for the next 2 years!" Wait, did I hear that right? I won? I won! Bright stood up from his seat, still shocked from what he heard.

"Oh my God! He did it! Bright won! I hope this is the first thing Win would see when he landed in Bangkok!" Love and Khaotung jumped from their seats and hugged each other to celebrate.

Bright thanked everyone who supported him as well as the judges who voted for him. He waved his hand as he accepted the trophy and the cardboard for the cash prize.

Win, this is for you too. Thanks for being my inspiration, and thanks for your lucky chef hat.

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Bright plopped his body in bed after a long, stressful day. Right after the competition ended, multiple interviews from different media swarmed towards him. He maintained his cheerful aura up until the end despite him being exhausted.

He looked at his phone only to find out 100+ notifications, I can't do this. I'm tired. I'll check my phone after I arrive in Bangkok. He groaned.

The chef took a warm shower and wrapped himself with a bathrobe afterwards. He prepared a coffee since he wanted to relax at the balcony first before he sleeps.

11:11 PM. The cold breeze dampened his skin as soon as he stepped out of the room. Bright took a seat and sipped from his cup. I wonder if Win watched my competition? I think not, it's near dawn in New York and they just wrapped up from the event. I bet he's sleeping soundly now.

Bright chuckled as he thought of Win. "Congratulations, Chef." He heard someone speak from the balcony beside his room.

Without hesitation, he responded, "Thank you." He didn't even know who congratulated him.

"Wouldn't you mind knowing who congratulated you?" Bright glanced towards the person's direction. His eyes widened after seeing who it was. I can't believe this.

"Win?! It's you, right? Why.. oh my god, why are you here?!" Bright panicked as he gripped the railings of the balcony tightly. Win is right across him.

"I'm coming home, Bright. To you." His smile, oh God. I missed that smile of his. He's been longing for him so much and even though he couldn't understand what's happening, he's glad that Win is here.

"I thought it's the last day of your event? Shouldn't you be resting right now? Why are you in Singapore?" Bright asked in confusion.

"I visited my friend here and I was supposed to surprise you, I wanted to arrive in Bangkok earlier than you.. But I guess it's not a surprise anymore." The designer's lips trembled as he spoke. It's not just Bright who's getting emotional.

"Can I go there?" Bright was ready to get his coffee and leave but Win stopped him.

"No, Bright. My flight is a few hours from now, just sleep and get your energy back. Let's meet in Bangkok. I'll wait for you." Win shed a tear as he smiled before going back inside his room.

Wow. What a coincidence? We checked into the same hotel and our rooms were beside each other? What is fate telling me? I guess I'm gonna sleep now. I'm excited to go home.