All their mouths fell open, stunned as they stood before the towering complex. This complex was no joke and Orion didn''t take a hint. "Is the designer of this atelier… , your friend?" Johnny finally asked, disbelief etched on his face.
"Yeah!" Orion scratched his head awkwardly. "I'm shocked the card still worked. Honestly, I didn't expect it… this service from her." The members' faces darkened instantly. They all started beating him for keeping it from them this whole time.
Then, Staff in sleek black coats, exuding more strength and style than most idols, arrived alongside women in flowing pink designer gowns—so dazzling they could outshine even the most popular stars—as they stepped forward to greet them. The boys grew nervous and sweated themselves —they only had one invitation card. Yet the staff smiled brightly, offering them the way to the elevator without hesitation.
Rei muttered to Orion, "Wait… we're not getting kicked out for this?"
Orion smirked. "I told them back in the van I was coming with my group. Guess they allowed me." The others exploded. Rei, Johnny, and Winner pummeled him in frustration for not telling them. Winner hissed, "Do you even realize this place isn't for idols? It's for billionaires, top celebrities, and entrepreneurs. And Alexia—she's currently one of the top fashion designers in the world. This isn't a joke!"
Johnny added gravely, "She's backed by powerful connections. If we mess this up, we're finished."
Lys, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice calm but sharp. "Then why getting styled by someone this dangerous? Let's back up."
The staff straightened, her tone respectful yet edged with pride. "
"Miss Alexia is gentle, calm, and passionate. Her designing and styling skills are extraordinary—she creates looks that feel untouchable and ethereal. She would never harm her clients or anyone; her talent and dedication speak for themselves. Though she was raised in perfection, trained to protect herself if needed. But it was her love for designing clothes—she left her perfect life behind and her exceptional talent—that allowed her to carve out her own name in this world."
''I never heard her parents' name. Are they billionaires?. To be called her past perfect.'' Winner added in conversation for answer with curiosity.
The staff shook her head, ''More like a Criminal." She bluntly says.
The moment the word criminals left her lips, the group froze. Their mouths went dry, eyes wide in disbelief. Lys's eyes flicked toward the staff, intrigued. "So that's her past…"
The staff gave a small, approving nod."It's thrilling to see someone rise from a life like that and make a name for themselves. But she didn't climb by telling this story to vip, you will experience it by yourselves shortly".
The group exchanged glances, realizing that the woman they were about to meet was not just talented… she was a force shaped by choice, skill, and mystery.
The elevator doors opened onto the top floor. They walked down a silver hallway lined with doors, each labeled for a specific purpose.
"Which one is it…?" Rei muttered, squinting at the golden doors ahead.
When the doors opened, a hall of roses, glittering chandeliers, and fashion displayed like treasures greeted them.
"Whoa… is this real?" Johnny whispered, eyes wide.
Inside, the room was a dream in rose and cream. Fluffy beanbags scattered like petals around three massive Rosa Sue Ryder roses decor blooming at the corners. Chandeliers dripped liquid-gold light, and every inch of the space screamed elegance. Double doors led to racks of high-end fashion, each piece curated like royalty entering a ballroom. Across the grand hall, five luxurious chairs were arranged perfectly at the center.
"Did she… really make all this herself?" Winner murmured.
At the far end, Alexia moved effortlessly, multitasking and passing notes to her staff without missing a beat, heading straight to their meeting. The boys sat nervously, whispering to each other.
"Man… I didn't think she'd be like… so professional," Rei muttered.
Lys, however, couldn't sit still. He wandered, eyes tracing every detail, from the chandeliers to the racks of outfits pieces catching his eye. The staff glanced at him, whispers and faint blushes spreading as he gave them a practiced smile.
Turning away, out of their sight, his smile faded, replaced by something sharper, more thoughtful.
Then the golden doors opened. Alexia stepped in.
The group shot to their feet, breaths caught in their throats not just by her presence, but by the reality of her beauty. They had seen her on covers, in photos, in videos—but seeing her in person… it was something entirely different. She moved through the room with effortless grace, each step commanding attention, her presence flawless and undeniable. Lys turned, and for the first time, he felt his chest tighten as if time itself had slowed. Her eyes met his, and a strange, thrilling spark surged through him.
His chest tightened. A tremor shot through him—foreign, frightening. This wasn't the thrill of a stage, nor the adrenaline of fans chanting his name. No—this was something far more dangerous.
Ridiculous… it's just a designer, he told himself, tearing his gaze away for a heartbeat—only to find his eyes drawn back, helpless, like a moth circling a flame.
A sly smile tugged at his lips, betraying him.
Alexia moved gracefully through the group, her presence calm and commanding with usual cold look at work. She greeted each member with precise attention."Orion, you've grown considerably since we last met," she said, her tone professional yet warm. Orion laughed casually, chatting as if they were old friends. But before anyone could relax, her tone shifted slightly.
But before anyone could feel nervousness, her tone shifted slightly, authoritative yet calm."Please, have a seat," she instructed, gesturing to the luxurious chairs arranged at the center of the room. Once everyone was seated, she continued, her gaze sweeping over them."Now, may I know the purpose of your visit today?"
Rei spoke for the group. "We want the best look possible—something that will make us stand out at the upcoming Idol Awards performance."
Alexia nodded, acknowledging the request. "Understood. Black card clients receive a full, personalized look directly from me." She glanced at a notification that appeared briefly before her—staff saw nothing—but she smirked subtly, continuing without pause.
Lys slid into his seat beside the group, his blue eyes fixated on her.
Johnny leaned closer to Lys, whispering, "There's no way she can make all of this by herself in such a short time."
Alexia caught the words, though her expression remained calm. "I will accept the request," she said, voice steady, professional, yet somehow shocking in its confidence.
Lys raised an eyebrow. "You can't even make one outfit in this time…"
"I've already prepared many idols' outfits at my atelier," she replied smoothly. "So everything will be nearly ready before your show."
Lys's eyes didn't leave hers as she outlined the plan. "Your performance is Friday," she said. "I recommend we begin with your hair today to ensure the entire look is perfected."
Excitement buzzed through the group—everyone nodded eagerly. Lys, however, shook his head. "I'll leave this to you guys. You go ahead with your hair," he said coolly, standing as if removing himself from the situation.
Johnny clenched their jaw, frustrated. He wanted to scold Lys for acting out again, but he held back—showing respect in front of Alexia. Silent sighs and sharp glances passed between them.
Alexia watched him, her gaze calm but unwavering. She stepped closer, each movement graceful, deliberate, filling the space around him without needing to raise her voice.
"Lys," she said softly, almost conversational, "just stay here while your group gets their hair done. You don't need to participate, just watch. It'll be quick, and then you're free."
Her tone was gentle, persuasive, yet carried an unspoken authority. Lys opened his mouth to protest, but the combination of her calm command and subtle presence made it impossible. He realized he couldn't just leave—not without seeming rude, and somehow… he didn't want to.
He sank back into his seat, pretending to wait patiently for his friends, but his eyes kept drifting toward Alexia. The hairdresser stepped into the room, and Alexia moved among the group with effortless grace, discussing haircuts and color with each member personally. Every suggestion she made, every adjustment of her hands, seemed to carry weight—as if the very air around her acknowledged her presence.
The hairdresser took careful notes, but it was Alexia who commanded the attention. Each movement was precise, confident, yet natural, impossible to ignore. Lys found himself staring longer than he intended, drawn in by the quiet authority in her gestures and the subtle warmth in her voice.
He told himself it was just curiosity… just watching her work. Yet beneath that, something unexplainable stirred in his chest, a spark that refused to be ignored.
And even as he tried to look away, he knew one thing: this was only the beginning.