A Flower's Design

Chapter 1

     The night was warm, and the air was crisp. The moon shined bright, surrounded with glimmering stars in the pitch black sky. The soft breeze carried the subtle sound of car engines that passed by through the open windows of his home, the white curtains fluttering about. Jung Wooyoung adjusted his blazer jacket over his tanned collar bones. His silver chain necklace accentuated the lines of his neck down to his slight cleavage that showed. He leaned forward a bit, taking a small strand of his black and white split-toned hair and twisting it so it sat nicely over his forehead. His single lip ring and eyebrow piercing shone under the vanity light, adding a bit more edge to his more formal yet sensual attire. Today was a special day. After spending quite a bit out of his savings, he and his best friend Kang Yeosang were attending a high-profile modeling runway show, and Wooyoung just knew he had dressed to impress
     As he finished examining his reflection with a light smile, he heard his phone ring from on his bedside table. Seeing that it was said friend calling him, he tapped the answer button and held the phone up to his ear. "Hey Yeosang, are you ready for me to come pick you up?" He asked as he held the phone in place with his shoulder so he could put on his watch and spray some of his favorite cologne. "Yea, I'm just about ready to go. What did you decide to wear? I opted for a more casual look since I don't own anything too fancy." Yeosang responded. As Wooyoung grabbed his keys and headed out the door to his car, he explained his outfit to Yeosang, who then said he figured Wooyoung would decide on something over the top.
     As Wooyoung and Yeosang finally arrived at the venue, they fixed their clothing to look a bit more presentable. Wooyoung handed off his keys to the valet and turned to walk with Yeosang across the parking area to where the line into the building was. Wooyoung felt some amounts of adrenaline pulsing in his veins as he looked around at all the people in designer clothing. Coach purses and Chanel earrings. Gucci blazers and Doir shoes. He internally felt a little out of place but made sure to hold his head up high. The line gradually shortened, and the two were finally able to see the interior of the building. Wooyoung noticed how Yeosang's eyes glimmered when he looked up at the multiple chandeliers and smiled, lightly nudging his friend with his elbow to get his attention. "Excited to see the show?" He asked in a tone laced with amusement.
     Yeosang turned to look at him and nodded eagerly. "I still can't believe we're actually at one of the shows of THE Choi San." He emphasized the fashion designer's title with an almost childishly excited expression. "Thank you for coming with me. It really means a lot, Woo." Wooyoung wrapped an arm around Yeosang's shoulders as the two walked through the people in the venue lobby. "You know I wouldn't miss it for the world! This is a once in a lifetime event. And I know he's your favorite designer so I, of course, had to come support you." He said as he lightly bumped the side of his head with Yeosang's as an affectionate gesture. As they pushed their way through the crowd, Wooyoung noticed a poster on the wall that he found interesting. He stepped away from Yeosang and disappeared in the bustle of well-dressed strangers. Yeosang looked around once he realized Wooyoung left his side. He called out his name a few times, but not too loudly, and stood on his tiptoes to see if he could spot the distinctive hair his friend adorned. When he found his attempt unsuccessful, he let out a sigh of defeat, shaking his head. "He'll find his way to our seats at some point." He muttered to himself, then making his way into the audience room where their seats were set up around the runway.
     A little ways away from where the two friends split up, Wooyoung was admiring one of the posters of a model on the wall. He took a photo of it with his phone so he could look at it in closer detail, but just as he opened the image to check it out, a woman went up to him. She wore a t-shirt that had the word "staff" in bold white lettering, and she carried a clipboard in her hands. The woman grabbed Wooyoung's arm and led him away from the crowd of people, beginning to scold him. "You can't be out here showing off your outfit to the public before the show! What are you thinking? And look, your makeup is smudged on the side of your face.. tsk.. we need to get you fixed up." She said to him as she brought a very confused Wooyoung back to a dressing room in the restricted part of the venue. Wooyoung looked at the woman incredulously and tried to explain that he wasn't one of the models, but the middle aged woman wasn't having any retorts and quickly walked away as she spoke to someone over her walkie.
     Wooyoung sat there in the nice swivel chair staring into his own eyes of his reflection as a few makeup artists touched up the makeup he had done on himself. He was absolutely bewildered by the fact he was mistaken for such a high and prized person. In the back of his mind, Wooyoung knew it was wrong, but he decided to play along with what everyone else thought and crossed his legs, leaning into the model persona. The makeup staff finished quickly, and Wooyoung was suddenly rushed to an area where multiple models stood, ready to head out onto the stage. Wooyoung heard an announcer speak over an intercom, explaining who San was as a designer and talking about the new collection that Wooyoung was suddenly thrown into being a part of. The announcer made a few more comments, and the music began over the loud speakers. The adrenaline that Wooyoung had felt earlier was nothing compared to what he felt now in this moment. His heart was racing in a mixture of fear and excitement. He knew he could get into so much trouble for what he was doing, but that only fueled his rebellious nature
     Anticipation filled his mind as models walked out from behind the curtain one by one, each wearing a stunningly made outfit that accentuated each of their features. It was almost as if the outfit was specially made for them individually. Wooyoung was stuck in his own little world of admiration when a staff member snapped their fingers in front of his face. He was almost up for his turn. Little did he know, as he fixed his necklace to sit properly over his collarbones, a tall silhouette had its eyes on him, a piercing gaze full of amusement and interest. Finally, it was Wooyoung's time to shine. With a deep inhale and a slight posture adjustment, Wooyoung stepped out. The overhead lights that danced around the stage flashed with faint colors, and all eyes were fixed on him. He looked forward, putting on an expression of sensuality and immense charisma as he started down the runway. He passed by where Yeosang and his seats were, and where his friend was staring with wide eyes and a bewildered expression. Wooyoung happened to glance over at him and gave his friend a small smile, mischief dancing in his bright brown eyes.
     At the end of the runway, Wooyoung struck a few poses. Some hint at a sense of maturity and flirtatiousness, and some leaning more towards sophistication and grace. Cameras flashed all around him, snapping photos of him at every angle, and Wooyoung made the absolute most of it. He then continued back down the runway towards the curtains he had emerged from. As he stepped back through the curtains, the next model stepped out, and Wooyoung let out the heavy exhale he didn't realize he had been holding the whole time he was out on the stage. He looked around at the staff. Still, nobody seemed to notice anything off about him, and he felt a sense of relief, running his fingers through his carefully styled hair. Making his way back to the dressing room he had been in earlier to have the staff touch up his makeup, since he could feel small beads of sweat forming at his hairline, he turned a corner and almost ran right into a taller figure.
     He paused in his tracks, and his eyes quickly took in the visuals of the man who stood in his way. A strong stature, dressed in a pair of black dress pants and a fitted black turtleneck long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A thin silver chain hung around his neck and contrasted against the dark fabric. As Wooyoung's eyes made his way upwards, sharp, almost cat-like eyes met his gaze. The man had structured features, a nice firm jaw and a pair of pretty lips that fit perfectly with his eyes and nose. Wooyoung's throat ran dry as the man spoke, and he was left a little speechless. "You aren't one of my models. What do you think you were doing randomly walking into my show, as if no one would notice?" Any words escaped Wooyoung, and his lungs felt void of any air. This was it. This was the moment he would be arrested for something so dumb that he would never hear the end of it from his mother.
     As he struggled to find the words to say, the man gave a small smile. "You aren't in trouble. At least not too much trouble. You looked like a natural out there. Have you had any experience in the industry?" He asked, his voice deep, yet melodic at the same time. As Wooyoung listened to his words, he felt a small bit more calm, and he finally found his voice. "I haven't had any experience in the modeling industry, no.. I just like showing off a little once in a while. I'm sorry if I messed up your show. You must be the famous Choi San that my friend adores." He said as a smile tugged at his lips. The man nodded, holding out his hand for Wooyoung to shake. "That I am, and you are?" Wooyoung firmly shook his hand and introduced himself politely. "Jung Wooyoung. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Choi." In which San responded. "The pleasure is all mine. I have to say, that suit looks immaculate on you. Was it tailored? I haven't seen it anywhere but it looks designer." He remarked, scanning Wooyoungs outfit with a gaze of admiration. Wooyoung nodded, holding his arms out and doing a little spin to show off the outfit a bit more. "My mother actually made it for me. She's a seamstress as a hobby, and she's made me clothes my whole life." San was visibly impressed, and he gave a slow nod. "She's incredibly talented." He complimented, which made Wooyoung break into a smile.
     A few moments passed as the two continued to chat, and San reached into his back pocket, pulling out a sleek black business card, handing it to Wooyoung between his index and middle fingers. "If you would like, we could arrange a meeting and I can see if you can get a place in my agency. You're due to be back on stage here shortly for a last walk through from all the models. I hope to be able to work with you sometime in the future, Jung Wooyoung." Wooyoungs eyes widened a little in surprise when San handed him the business card. His heart lept, and he took the card, analyzing it in his hands as San spoke to him about being a model for his agency. Wooyoung smiled and looked back up at San. "Thank you. It means a lot that you think I have what it takes." He said graciously, slipping the card into his own back pocket and bidding farewell to the designer as he headed back over to the curtains for one last walk with the rest of the models.
     The show ended with an easy success, and Wooyoung slipped away from the back part of the venue, back to where Yeosang would be. He spotted his friend and went over to him, the biggest, brightest grin plastered on his face. Yeosang turned around and saw him, unable to hide his own smile from how contagious Wooyoung's was. "What was that? You were on stage with the other models! How did you even manage it?" He asked, still baffled at the fact his best friend actually walked the runway. Wooyoung gave a small shrug as the two began walking out within the crowd of people to Wooyoung's car. "I was simply looking at a poster on the wall when a staff lady came and dragged me to the back area with the other models. She mistook me for one, I guess, since my outfit matched the collection by pure coincidence. Figured why not, and joined in on the fun. And you'll never believe what happened after. Try not to fan boy, but I ran into Choi San himself, and he gave me his business card." He pulled the card out of his pocket as he gloated excitedly, showing it to the now even more shocked Yeosang.
     Yeosang took the card with his jaw slack in awe. "No way.. you're not messing with me right now, are you?" He looked at Wooyoung, scanning his expression for any sort of hints that this was a prank. Wooyoung shook his head with a sincere smile. Yeosang huffed and ran a hand through his hair. "This is amazing, Woo! You have to call him. This is a once in a lifetime moment. The guys are going to be so jealous." He looked at Wooyoung, his eyes glimmering with immense excitement and awe. Wooyoung nodded and took the card when it was handed back to him, looking at it again himself as they walked up to his car on the respective sides. "I'm definitely going to call him. He told me I have the talent for it, and his aura that he has is so nice to be around. Working with him seems amazing. He wasn't mad at me or anything for jumping into his show." He opened the driver side door and sat down, buckling his seat belt and looking over at Yeosang, who sat in the passenger seat. "I feel like today opened a door for so many new opportunities, and I'm so excited to see what'll happen." Yeosang nodded, and Wooyoung started the car, driving off back to drop Yeosang off and make his way back home.
       Later that night, Wooyoung laid awake, staring at the blank ceiling, unable to sleep. He was lost in thought, so many things swimming around in a cluster in his mind. He was filled to the brim with excitement about what was to come in the near future. A smile came to his face as he thought about how well off his mom would be if he made it big in the industry. He could take care of her, and she wouldn't have to work so hard. His crew would have more recognition if his name made it out there. He was so ecstatic thinking about this new opportunity and how it could do well for all the closest people in his life. His thoughts drifted, and the familiar image of a tall, sophisticated man appeared in his mind. Wooyoungs gaze softened a little as he looked at his ceiling, his eyes flicking over to his phone that was on the charger, and the business card that laid right next to it on his nightstand. He was so glad San offered him such a position. He seemed so kind and understanding, unlike some other well-known designers who were all stuck up and entitled. Wooyoung's heart did a subtle flip when he remembered the way San smiled at him, a small dimple forming in the middle of his cheek.
     Realization hit him hard like a solid brick, and he sat up quickly, shaking his head to get rid of such thoughts. Of course, San was attractive, but he literally just met him today, and if he was his potential boss, that would not fly. With a deep exhale, Wooyoung laid down again, closing his eyes. He imagined himself on posters and wide screens around Seoul. Doing shoots for top brands and his dance crew going to events and tournaments all around the world. Now, these thoughts were nice. They made him feel all fluttery inside with happiness and content. And as the quiet moments led on, the faint ticking of his clock on his bedroom wall being the only noise aside from his gentle breathing, Wooyoung fell asleep.

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Thank you all for reading! I'm so excited to write this story for you all to hopefully enjoy 🩷