Unwritten Melodies

Chapter 11

Offroad held the bouquet in his hands, the delicate scent mingling in the room. It was his favorite flowers. He traced the curve of a petal absentmindedly, his heart wrestling between surprise and a warmth he didn't want to feel too deeply. It was just flowers, he told himself—simple congratulations from an old friend. That's it.

A knock broke his thoughts. Nu poked his head around the door, his gaze landing on the bouquet. He raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Offroad, press is here in five."

Offroad nodded, snapping back into the present. With a final glance, he set the bouquet gently on the desk. "Let's go," he said, stepping past Nu and heading toward the event floor.

Nu fell into step beside him. "Are you ready?" he asked, glancing at Offroad as they walked down the hallway.

"Always," Offroad replied confidently.

They stepped through the doors into the store's main showroom, transformed for the launch event. Banners hung elegantly against the exposed brick, the Chasing Echoes logo shining under warm, atmospheric lighting. The shelves showcased his perfume line, each scent meticulously displayed, their glass bottles catching the light. The energy in the room shifted the moment he walked in—the press, fans, and industry guests all turned, their attention solely on him.

Flashes sparked as cameras clicked, capturing his entrance. Offroad took a deep breath, allowing the confidence he'd practiced for years to take over. He felt Nu and his team's supportive gaze from the sidelines.

For a moment, he glanced out over the crowd, almost involuntarily searching for a familiar face. But he quickly pulled his focus back, greeting the press with a smile. He knew the questions would come—about the inspiration behind his new line and about his journey. Each inquiry would be an opportunity to redefine himself, to showcase not just his brand but the man he'd become.

He took his place at the front, facing the crowd with ease. His voice was steady as he spoke, introducing Chasing Echoes with pride, explaining its significance—a tribute to the memories that linger, to the moments that echo long after they've passed. He shared his inspiration, the hard work that had gone into creating something so personal, something that symbolized everything he'd built in the years since stepping back from the spotlight.

A reporter raised her hand. "Offroad, could you tell us how life has been since you went on hiatus from the runway? Many fans wonder what you've been up to."

He chuckled, leaning into the mic. "It's been... different," he started, choosing his words carefully. "I don't have any dramatic story to share, really. During those.. almost two years of not being in the runway, I dedicated myself to building Chasing Echoes, as well as my clothing line, Memories of Yesterday. It was a challenge, no doubt. Running a business is tough, and I had to learn the hard way. "But" he paused, a mischievous glint in his eye—"I do love money, so that keeps me going." The crowd broke into laughter, and Offroad felt his own grin spread wider.

As the press conference neared its end, a fan in the crowd called out, "We missed you, Offroad! Will we see you on the runway again?"

He smiled, a bit taken aback by the suddenness of the question. "I'll never say never," he replied, his tone lighthearted, which drew applause and cheers from the crowd.

Nu stepped forward to thank the press, and Offroad offered a respectful bow to the crowd before heading offstage. He had invited a select few to join him for a small, private celebration—his business partners, a few celebrities, close friends from the runway, and, of course, his old friends from LAZ1.

Just as he stepped into the private lounge, a familiar voice called out, "My friend! I am so proud of you!" Before he could turn, he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind. Pentor's familiar laughter echoed as he pulled him into a bear hug.