YOU, ME, & SHE • |KTH AU| •

thirteen

"Woah." Is all I can manage as I become enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury and style when Taehyung and I step into the reception area of the V'esper building.

Coppery constellation designs glitter on the high ceiling, as if we're right under the galaxy. Black and gold inlaid marble make a huge pentagonal pattern on the floor. With a dazzling crystal chandelier above, the polished stone gleams so brightly it hurts my eyes.

In the center of the spacious room stands an ornate, black lacquered reception desk that mirrors the elegance of the floors. Behind it and the tailored suit clad team of receptionists, a large, illuminated V'esper logo hangs on the wall.

"Welcome to V'esper," Taehyung says, beaming with pride.

I hum as I scan the room, glancing at the stylishly dressed individuals milling around, going about their business. Some of them bow their heads at Taehyung as they hurry past us, admiration glinting in their eyes.

"Come on," He says, placing a hand on my shoulder and nudging me forward. I let him guide me to the set of elevator doors across the room.

As we drop by various floors of the building and amble through the corridors, I catch glimpses of the inner workings of the empire: a bustling design studio - the creative heart of the building - the space abuzz with focused energy as designers and creative teams work on developing new collections; the atelier, where tailors and seamstresses work to bring sketches to life; a luxurious fitting room for clients; a runway space; a grand hall for events, and my most favorite, the showroom.

It's like walking into a realm of glamor. The central display immediately steals my attention: this deep blue, gorgeous haute couture gown, its intricate lacework and delicate beading shimmering under the carefully placed spotlights, making it look like if it was made from stardust. The gown is displayed on a sleek mannequin, perfectly showcasing its flowing silhouette and celestial beauty.

Racks upon racks of designer outfits stretch out before me, each piece more chic than the last. I run my fingers delicately over a velvet blazer, feeling its fancy texture. Am I dreaming?? This place is a shrine for materialistic souls like me - I'm ready to worship at the altar of fashion...

As Taehyung and I stroll through the showroom, I can't help throwing curious glances at the fancy clients among us; An elegant lady in a designer pantsuit examines a bejeweled clutch purse in her hand by the accessories' glass shelves. A group of guys banter near a display of tailored suits, their laughter echoing through the room.

In a cozy corner, there's a small seating area with plush velvet sofas and a gleaming coffee table topped with glossy fashion magazines. A couple sits there, engrossed in a serious discussion, their fingers tracing the pages of a lookbook spread open before them. A well dressed salesman discreetly approaches them, probably to offer some advice, a charming smile on his face.

Throughout our walkabout, Taehyung spills his passion for fashion, peppering our chat with anecdotes about the inspiration behind the designs. And with every single word he says, I fall for him harder and harder.

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"Stacey, have heard from Taehyung by any chance? I've been waiting for him for quite a while."

The prim secretary casts an apologetic glance at Jennie as she places a stack of papers on Taehyung's desk. "Oh- I just heard some girls talking outside - apparently he's giving this lady a tour of the place, or something. I don't think he'll be stopping in any time soon."

"Oh?" Jennie says, her tone laced with curiosity. And then with one last glance at the clock hanging on the wall, she stands up from the couch and strides out of the room. Stepping into the lobby, she gathers information from the staff nearby before continuing past and heading for the showroom.