Unwritten Melodies

Chapter 7

A week after their encounter.

Daou had an exclusive event to attend today—a private affair hosted by Gucci to mark the brand's 103rd year in the fashion industry. Celebrities, runway icons, and high-profile models were set to fill the venue.

As both a guest and performer, Daou's presence was more than just casual. He sat with his team as they prepped him for his first look of the day: a laid-back yet effortlessly stylish Gucci ensemble, saved for the early hours of the event. Later tonight, he'd change into a sleek, formal suit for the grand finale, which was set to carry on until midnight.

"I wonder who'll be here today," Rinda mused, interrupting his thoughts as she worked her fingers through his hair.

"You think Pentor and Diamond will make it?" she asked, carefully maneuvering her brush.

Daou shrugged. "Not sure. I haven't been in touch with them yet."

"Hm..." She looked at him in the mirror, a flicker of curiosity in her eye. He could sense the question she was itching to ask.

But instead, she pivoted, a sly smile playing on her lips. "What about Joong and Est? They attended last year, right?" The question was casual, but he could tell it was her way of probing. 

"Yeah, I think they'll be attending," he replied, glancing at her in the mirror.

Rinda only shrugged with a knowing smile.

"Ohhh! He's so handsome!" someone whispered from across the room, though Daou still heard it. 

Daou grabbed his water to drink, trying to ease the curiuosity he's feeling.

"Yeah, he was my favorite on the runway. I hope he makes a full comeback! He was born for the stage," someone else replied.

"Ugh, I want more pictures of him! I hope there'll be plenty today," another voice chimed in.

"Who are you all talking about?" Rinda asked.

"Offroad!" they chorused, grinning as they said his name.

Daou, mid-sip of water, suddenly choked, sputtering as he coughed.

"Oh my god, Daou! Are you okay?" his assistant Pear cried, rushing over.

"Good thing you're not in your outfit yet! Jeez, what happened?" Pear asked, patting his back as he caught his breath.

He waved them off, clearing his throat. "Nothing, just... wrong pipe," he managed, trying to compose himself.

Rinda stifled a laugh, her amusement barely hidden as she watched the scene unfold. Daou caught her eye in the mirror and shot her a glare.

"What's so funny?" he asked, irritation creeping into his tone.

"Oh, nothing," she replied innocently, a playful glint in her eyes. "I just found it funny how our interns over here chorused Offroad's name like that." She tilted her head, glancing at the two interns. "So, are you both fans of his?"

The interns exchanged looks before one of them spoke up. "Yes! We both admire him so much, especially in the fashion industry. We actually applied for internships at his studio, but they said he's not taking on interns right now since he isn't fully focused on his modeling career at the moment, we won't be able to learn things working there." Her face fell slightly at the memory, but realizing Daou was there too—their current boss—she quickly added, "But we're huge fans of Mr. Daou, too! That's why we jumped at the chance to intern here when we heard he needed assistance." She let out a nervous laugh.

Daou raised an eyebrow, slightly bemused, while Rinda watched the interaction with a knowing smirk.

"Hmm," Rinda hummed, looking pointedly at Daou in the mirror.