Kael's life became a whirlwind of sketches, fabric swatches, needles, and long sleepless nights. Each day blurred into the next as he poured every ounce of energy into designing the perfect look. The concept was bold, sleek, and expressive — a representation of shedding the past and stepping into his own identity.
But with only 15 days left until the international competition, the garment was still in pieces. Not once had he tested it on Adrian.
One evening, as Kael rubbed the back of his sore neck, he picked up the phone.
"Hey, Adrian."
"What's up?"
"…Can you stay at my place until the competition ends? I need to start fitting the suit on you, and I can't afford to waste time going back and forth."
There was a moment of stunned silence.
"You? Asking someone to stay over?" Adrian teased. "You hate people invading your space. And I'm still an alpha, you know. Shouldn't you be a little careful?"
Kael gave a tired sigh and replied, "Even if you were the last alpha on earth, it's never happening. So just shut up and bring your things."
Adrian chuckled. "Yes, sir."
---
Competition Day – Z City Fashion Pavilion
The hall was enormous, filled with flashing lights, cameras, designers, and tension thick enough to slice through. Kael stood backstage, mentally rehearsing every stitch and seam — but Adrian was nowhere in sight.
Ten minutes passed. His name was called.
Still no Adrian.
Just as Kael's stomach sank, the crowd shifted. Heads turned. Kael looked up —
— and there he was.
Adrian, tall and poised, walked confidently down the hallway in Kael's suit — a black and silver ensemble tailored to perfection, hugging all the right angles, radiating elegance and controlled power. Gasps filled the room. Even the judges sat straighter.
Kael's heart skipped a beat.
Damn. This monkey actually looks... devastating.
He chuckled under his breath.
Adrian smiled at him as their eyes met, a quiet, proud gleam behind it.
---
All the remaining designs paraded across the runway, each met with polite applause. But the electricity that Adrian's walk left behind still buzzed.
The judges began to announce the winners.
"Third prize goes to…"
"Second prize…"
"And the First Prize — goes to… Kael Valenhart, from Z University!"
Kael froze. He heard his name, but his body refused to move.
Adrian laughed softly, pulled him into a hug, and whispered, "Get up there, winner."
Kael blinked, then smiled as he stepped up, took the award, and bowed — stunned, proud, and breathless.
---
Later that evening, the two of them sat at a cozy BBQ spot.
"Are you sure we can finish all this food?" Adrian asked, looking at the overflowing plates.
Kael smirked. "I may look like this, but I eat like a horse."
They both burst out laughing.
Adrian pulled out his phone, held it up, and they took a quick picture — Kael holding his trophy, chopsticks in his other hand, Adrian grinning beside him.
Kael posted it on his social media with a simple caption:
"Not waiting to be chosen. I'll choose myself."