Later that night, long after the wrap party had ended—Jinwoo sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone.
Langley Perfumes Launch – Paris.He searched the event, eyes scanning the screen.And the first image that popped up?
Kim Suhyuk.One of the few model friends he kept in touch with—ever since their rookie days.
After a pause, Jinwoo tapped his name and called.
It rang twice before—
"Jinuuuu~ What's this? You finally miss me?"
"Are you in France right now?"
"Whoa, creepy. Are you stalking me?"
"Don't be an idiot. That perfume launch—you're there, right?"
"…Wait, is this your weird way of saying you've always loved me?"
"Shut up. I'm calling about the event.Can I get in?"
"Relax~ The official launch is already over.But I'm heading to the after-party tomorrow.Wanna come?"
"…Would that be okay?"
"Hello? I'm Su. Hyuk.You're with me, no worries.Where are you now?"
"…On my way. I'll call when I land."
Jinwoo ended the call.Without a second thought,he booked a flight to Paris.
📍The Next Night – 9:12 PM, Le Perchoir, Paris Rooftop
The rooftop of Le Perchoir glowed gold under warm evening lights.The Eiffel Tower shimmered in the distance,its reflection dancing across glass, giving the entire spacethe glow of a luxurious perfume bottle.
Jinwoo stepped out of a black car alongside Suhyuk.The Parisian night air was cool, buzzing with tension and anticipation.
At the entrance, a security guard in a sleek black suit stood tall.Suhyuk flashed his invitation with a practiced ease.
"+1. He's with me."
The guard gave a nod and stepped aside.
They ascended a narrow staircase—and at the top,the full view unfolded like a fashion editorial brought to life.
Global celebrities.Luxury fashion CEOs.Art directors, finance ministers, royals, and influencers.It wasn't just a launch party—it was the nexus of Parisian power.
Champagne glasses clinked under chandeliers of starlight.The French Minister of Finance.The artistic director of a legacy fashion house.The head of an Arab royal fund.A world-famous DJ.A YouTube beauty mogul.And even the dean of Paris's top fine arts school.
But all their eyes were fixed on the same point—Celeste Langley.
Poised. Magnetic. Untouchable.Her expression carried a graceful stillness.And beside her, with a glass in hand—Daniel.
The two stood like a painting in black and white.Balanced. Perfect. In sync.
At the entrance,Jinwoo, hair slightly damp, ran a hand through it as he stepped past the threshold.
And then—he froze.
Beyond the crowd,she stood.
Celeste wore an open-back black silk gown,her hair swept low and tied with quiet elegance.She was the definition of complete. Of belonging.And next to her… was Daniel.
There was no space between them.No cracks in the distance that allowed interruption.
For a moment, amid jazz notes and murmuring laughter,Jinwoo could only hear his own heartbeat.
—thump.
The party seemed to stop.
He ascended slowly, step by step.The rooftop stretched wide, the lights kissing the night sky.
Celeste stood at the center of it all.
The silk on her skin shimmered,and the shape of her neck under the soft lighting was almost surreal.Elegance defined her tonight—nothing loud, but utterly commanding.
Jinwoo moved forward, weaving quietly through the crowd,one breath at a time—getting closer.
But just then—two men appeared at Celeste's side.
One: silver hair, black-rimmed glasses, tailored suit. George Langley.The other: stylish curls, honey-blonde waves. Marcel Langley.
They each placed an arm lovingly over Celeste's shoulders.And at the same moment—both kissed her forehead,like proud parents watching their daughter blossom.
Jinwoo stopped in his tracks.
Even with the applause and flashing cameras,that moment engraved itself in him.
Her family.
He realized—Celeste's world was already complete.Firm. Protected. Full.
And the place he was trying to reach?It was higher, farther than he ever imagined.
His face hardened.
Just as he tried to steady his breath,George spotted Suhyuk beside him—and gave a small, polite wave.
And at that subtle gesture,Celeste's eyes finally found Jinwoo.
Her breath caught.Her gaze widened—surprise, hesitation… and something that looked like joy.
A long pause stretched between them.
And Jinwoo—stood there,like someone caught mid-step, unsure whether to move forwardor turn away.