FRAMES OF FATE 🎥

CLASH OF THE TITANS

The backstage of the Grand Palais was a world of its own,buzzing with whispers,hurried assistants and the pulse of runway music echoing off the marble walls.But amidst the chaos,Hyunjin stood unshaken,his expression steeled,his mind focused.He had been in this game too long to let the nerves get to him.Tonight he was the main focus,except there was another one.

Across the room, Lee know leaned against the wall,exuding an unbothered confidence that grated on Hyunjin's nerves. Everyone talked about him as if he were some god, "the next big thing" they said. With his striking aura. Tall,razor-sharp features,eyes that seemed to see through everyone around him, it was hard not to notice him , and that made Hyunjin's blood boil. He was used to being the star. And he wasn't going to let Lee know threaten that.

Taking a steadying breath, Hyunjin made his way over, weaving through a maze of models and assistants until he reached the newcomer. Lee know noticed him instantly his gaze sweeping over hyunjin, a flash of amusement lightning up his eyes.

"Finally decided to come over and say hi?" Lee know asked,his voice smooth and deep with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

Hyunjin met his stare, a sly smile playing on his lips, "I figured I'd get a closer look at my so-called competition."

"Competition?" Lee Know's eyebrow arched, as though the idea were amusing. "I didn't realize you saw me as a threat."

Hyunjin took a step closer, holding his gaze steady. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just here to make sure you know who's at the top. This industry has a short memory for newcomers who don't measure up."

"Funny," Lee Know replied, not backing down. "I thought the same thing about washed-up veterans who hold on a little too long."

A spark of anger flared in Hyunjin's chest, but he forced it down, tilting his head with a smirk. "You talk a big game for someone who's just starting out. I've seen plenty of people like you—flashing confidence one moment, gone the next."

Lee Know leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, challenging tone. "And I've seen plenty of people like you, clinging to their last shred of relevance while pretending they're untouchable."

The tension between them thickened, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply stared, each unwilling to look away, each determined to outlast the other. Hyunjin could feel the weight of Lee Know's gaze, sharp and unyielding, like he was being stripped bare. It made his skin prickle, but he refused to break first.

"Hyunjin, you're up next," an assistant called, breaking the spell.

Hyunjin straightened, giving Lee Know one last, defiant look before turning to step into the spotlight. He pushed away the lingering heat of their encounter, channeling every ounce of his frustration into his stride. The runway was his domain, and he was going to remind everyone of that tonight.

The moment he stepped out, the crowd fell silent, eyes following his every move as he commanded the stage with practiced precision. Each step was calculated, each glance sharp and deliberate. He was a force, an undeniable presence that had everyone mesmerized. When he reached the end of the runway, he threw one last look over his shoulder, as if daring Lee Know to try and match him.

As he returned backstage, he found Lee Know waiting in the wings, watching him with an amused glint in his eye. Hyunjin braced himself, but before he could say anything, Lee Know's voice cut through the noise.

"Not bad," Lee Know said, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "But a little... predictable, don't you think?"

Hyunjin scoffed, crossing his arms. "Let's see if you can do better."

"Oh, don't worry." Lee Know gave him a cocky smile. "I intend to."

Hyunjin watched, his jaw clenched, as Lee Know took his place on the runway. There was a different kind of energy in his walk—one that was relaxed yet intense, every move exuding confidence, like he didn't need to prove anything. The crowd's reaction was instantaneous, captivated by the raw, almost reckless aura that Lee Know brought to the stage. It was infuriating, but Hyunjin couldn't deny that it was working.

When Lee Know returned backstage, he stopped just inches from Hyunjin, close enough that Hyunjin could feel the heat radiating off him. Lee Know's smirk widened, that same infuriating glint in his eyes.

"Not so easy to stay at the top, is it?" Lee Know's voice was barely a whisper, laced with challenge.

Hyunjin felt his fists clench, the urge to wipe that smug expression off Lee Know's face nearly overwhelming. But instead, he leaned in, his voice a low, savage whisper. "You might have caught their attention tonight, but it takes more than one show to be a king. So enjoy your moment while it lasts, because it won't last long."

Lee Know tilted his head, his eyes flashing with amusement. "We'll see about that. But I think I'll be around long enough to watch you stumble."

Hyunjin's smile was ice-cold. "Keep dreaming, Minho. You're out of your league."

Without another word, he turned on his heel, leaving Lee Know behind. But even as he walked away, he could still feel the weight of Lee Know's gaze burning into his back. This wasn't over—far from it. And deep down, Hyunjin knew this rivalry was only just beginning, a dangerous game of dominance and pride that neither of them intended to lose.