FRAMES OF FATE 🎥

THE SPOTLIGHT BURNS

The lights of the runway were blinding, as usual, casting everything else in shadow. Hyunjin stood backstage, glancing at himself in the mirror as he adjusted his outfit—a sleek, black backless top that hugged his torso, leaving his shoulders and back completely exposed. The stylist had paired it with tailored trousers that elongated his figure, giving him an air of elegance mixed with edge. The outfit was daring, but he knew he could pull it off. He always did.

Hyunjin didn't usually get nervous before a show, but tonight, there was a strange energy in the air. Maybe it was the exclusivity of the event, or maybe it was the buzz of top models backstage, all at the peak of their careers. But he suspected it had something to do with the fact that Minho was here, too.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted him in the crowd, leaning casually against a pillar as if he owned the place. His piercing gaze and smug smirk seemed designed to get under Hyunjin's skin. Every few minutes, Hyunjin could feel Minho's eyes darting over to him, lingering on his exposed back before quickly looking away.

Probably just trying to psych me out, Hyunjin thought, rolling his eyes. The whole industry knew Hyunjin was the headliner tonight—the top model who'd close the show. It was a privilege he'd earned, one he wore with pride. And he was certain Minho was more than a little envious.

Hyunjin brushed his fingers over the fabric of his top, feeling the cool air on his skin. He could practically feel Minho's gaze again, scrutinizing him, and he smirked to himself, determined to let Minho see just how untouchable he was.

"Not bad, Hyunjin," came Minho's voice, low and amused. He'd somehow appeared at his side without Hyunjin noticing, his presence sharp and unnerving. "The backless look suits you."

Hyunjin looked over, meeting Minho's eyes with a defiant stare. "I know it does," he replied, refusing to let Minho rattle him. "Why, feeling a little overshadowed?"

Minho chuckled, the sound infuriatingly smooth. "Overshadowed? Hardly. I'd say it takes guts to wear something like that, though," he said, letting his gaze slide over Hyunjin's exposed back once again. "Or maybe it's just a cry for attention."

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. "I don't need attention," he said, giving Minho a once-over. "I have enough of it already. But you seem to be giving me plenty, don't you?"

The smug grin faltered on Minho's face, if only for a second, before he regained his composure. "Just admiring the confidence," he replied smoothly, though his gaze lingered a moment too long. "It's impressive. Even if it's all for show."

Hyunjin took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "It's not for show, Minho. This is what talent looks like." He held Minho's gaze, daring him to say otherwise. "Some of us don't need cheap tricks to make an impression."

Minho's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained unreadable. "Cheap tricks, huh?" he murmured, voice soft but laced with challenge. "Funny, coming from someone who's all flash and no substance."

Hyunjin's eyes flashed, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. "If that's what you think, then you clearly haven't been paying attention."

"Oh, I'm paying attention," Minho replied, his gaze flicking to Hyunjin's exposed back once again, then back up to meet his eyes. "More than you know."

There was something in his tone, something charged that made Hyunjin's heart beat faster despite himself. But he quickly shook it off, refusing to let Minho get the upper hand. "Save your flirting for someone who cares, Minho," he said with a smirk, stepping back and folding his arms across his chest.

Minho let out a low laugh. "Flirting? Believe me, Hyunjin, I'm just as uninterested as you are."

"Good," Hyunjin replied sharply, though he knew neither of them believed it. The tension between them was unmistakable, and it grew with each passing second.

Just then, the stage director called out, signaling that Hyunjin was up next. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind. This was his moment, and he wouldn't let Minho or anyone else distract him from it. With one last glance at Minho, he strode towards the runway, his confidence unshakable.

The crowd fell silent as he stepped onto the stage, the lights illuminating him as he walked with practiced grace. Each step felt powerful, commanding. He knew eyes were on him, admiring the elegance of his movements, the boldness of his outfit. He didn't have to look to know Minho was watching too, his gaze undoubtedly tracking his every move.

As he reached the end of the runway, he turned, casting a smoldering look over his shoulder that seemed to send ripples through the audience. He held the pose for a moment, letting the cameras capture every angle, every detail. And just as he began to turn back, his eyes flicked to the sidelines—where Minho stood, arms crossed, watching him intently.

Hyunjin felt a rush of satisfaction. This was his show, his spotlight. And there was nothing Minho could do about it.

After the show, Hyunjin felt the energy buzzing through his veins as he navigated the maze of hallways backstage. He was still riding the high of his performance, replaying every step, every look he'd given the audience.

Distracted, he barely noticed the crowd of models and crew bustling around him. He turned a corner sharply, lost in his thoughts—and collided straight into a warm, solid chest.

Before he could even react, a strong hand caught him by the waist, pulling him upright and pressing him firmly against a warm, solid chest. Hyunjin froze, feeling the cool touch of fingers against his bare skin, the heat of Minho's palm resting at the small of his back.

"Careful," Minho's voice murmured, a mix of amusement and something else, something that sent a shiver down Hyunjin's spine. "You could hurt yourself if you're not paying attention."

Hyunjin's heart pounded, the proximity between them suddenly overwhelming. He could feel Minho's breath against his ear, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the firm grip that anchored him, fingertips grazing the exposed skin on his waist. His mind raced, and he struggled to come up with something—anything—to break the tension.

But as he looked up, meeting Minho's gaze, he found himself momentarily speechless. Minho's eyes held a mischievous glint, but there was something softer there, something almost... protective.

Hyunjin swallowed, his voice barely a whisper. "Let go."

Minho's hand didn't move. Instead, his fingers brushed lightly along the curve of Hyunjin's waist, almost like he was testing the boundaries. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and challenging.

Hyunjin's cheeks flushed, both irritated and disarmed by Minho's touch. He wasn't used to feeling this exposed, this vulnerable. But he lifted his chin defiantly, forcing himself to hold Minho's gaze. "Yes, I'm sure."

Minho's smirk softened, and he leaned in, his lips close enough that Hyunjin could feel the warmth of his breath. "You're so stubborn," he murmured, his thumb brushing over Hyunjin's skin in a way that sent a jolt through him.

"Maybe," Hyunjin shot back, trying to regain control, "but at least I know how to let go."

With that, he stepped back, freeing himself from Minho's grip, though he could still feel the lingering warmth on his waist. He held Minho's gaze for a heartbeat longer before turning away, his pulse racing as he walked down the hallway, determined to put as much distance as possible between them.

But even as he left, he couldn't shake the feeling of Minho's touch, the memory of his hand against his bare skin. And as much as he wanted to dismiss it as nothing, the thrill in his chest betrayed him, leaving him wondering if maybe—just maybe—there was more to this rivalry than he'd let himself believe.