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墨書 Inktalez
The day before, the entire team was on high alert.
Final checks, ironing, accessory matching, confirming model positions… every detail had to be flawless. The atmosphere backstage was tense, like a bowstring pulled taut.
Although Ran and I had resolved the knot from three years ago, there was still a subtle awkwardness upon our reunion. It seemed we didn’t know how to face each other. Should we act like old friends? Or maintain the previous professional distance? Neither felt quite right.
We both tacitly chose to avoid each other's gaze, focusing on our respective tasks. He was busy as the most important opening and closing model, trying on outfits, getting his makeup done, and discussing details with the director. I took on the role of overseer, keeping an eye on the costume team, makeup artists, and prop crew… ensuring everything was perfect.
During lunch, Xiao Ya brought me a salad. I had little appetite and picked at it absentmindedly. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ran sitting not far away in a corner, nibbling on an apple. His agent, Linda, was whispering something to him while holding a document. He frowned slightly, listening intently.
Sunlight streamed through the narrow backstage window, casting a soft glow on his sharply defined profile. He seemed… a bit thinner. And quieter. The cheerful boy from three years ago who loved basketball and flashed two little tiger teeth when he smiled felt like a distant memory. Time is indeed a terrifying thing; it can reshape a person beyond recognition.
In the afternoon, we conducted the final full rehearsal. Music played and lights illuminated the space. The models walked down the Runway in my designs, following the established order and path. I stood at the side stage, my heart pounding in time with the beat. This was the culmination of three years of hard work; it was my all-or-nothing creation. Success or failure hinged on this moment.
Ran opened the show. He stepped out of the darkness wearing a fiery red silk shirt named "Ignite," paired with high-waisted black wide-leg pants. As he emerged under the spotlight, it felt as if the entire world had come to a standstill. His stride was confident yet relaxed, his gaze defiant—like a walking flame that instantly ignited the entire venue.
Perfect.
I held my breath as I watched him walk step by step toward the end of the Runway, hit his mark, and turn around. Every movement radiated strength and tension.
He was not just showcasing the clothes; he was embodying the spirit that the outfit represented—breaking free from constraints and being reborn from the ashes. This was the core message I wanted to convey through this collection. He understood me. Even after three years, even with the deep misunderstandings between us, he still... understood my design. This realization sent a jolt through my heart.
The rehearsal went smoothly. The models were in great spirits, and the coordination of the outfits with the lighting and music was gradually reaching perfection. Until the grand finale. Ran changed into the restored White Velvet Suit. The music became soft and melodious. He stepped out slowly, like an elegant prince—cool, noble, with a hint of fragility.
White symbolizes purity and rebirth, while the luxurious velvet intertwined with dark patterns perfectly illustrated the sedimentation and sublimation after burning out. He walked to the center of the runway, and the lights focused on him. According to the routine, he would pause here for a few seconds before turning to leave. But at that moment of turning, it seemed as if he glanced in my direction.
From a distance and through dim light, I couldn't see his expression clearly. But I could feel that gaze landing on me. My heart raced uncontrollably once again.
As the rehearsal concluded, everyone let out a sigh of relief. The Show Director approached me and patted my shoulder. "Xia Wan, you did amazing! Tomorrow will definitely dazzle everyone!" I smiled and replied, "Thank you."
The models began to remove their makeup and change clothes, and the backstage returned to its previous hustle and bustle. I saw Ran take off the White Velvet Suit and hand it to his assistant before walking straight toward me. My heart tightened, and I instinctively wanted to step back. But he had already reached me.
"There’s a spot," he pointed to the cuff of the suit, "it seemed to snag a bit when I turned earlier; could you check it?" I stared blankly as I took the suit from him. Upon closer inspection of the cuff, there was indeed a very slight snag that was nearly invisible unless looked at closely.
"…Okay, I'll take care of it," I said.
"Mm." He acknowledged but didn’t leave immediately. The people around us seemed to sense something and discreetly created a small space for us.
The atmosphere became subtly charged. "Tomorrow..." he paused, seemingly searching for the right words, "good luck."
This was his first time speaking to me in a tone that felt... almost like a friend. No longer formal or distant politeness.
I lifted my head and collided with his deep-set gaze. Within those eyes, it seemed as if many complex emotions were hidden. There was encouragement, concern, and a hint of something I couldn't quite understand.
“...Thank you,” I said. “You too.”
He looked at me without saying a word. We held each other's gaze for a few seconds. Time seemed to stand still until his phone rang, shattering the moment's tranquility.
He answered the call; it was Linda, urging him to attend another brand's gala.
“I have to go,” he said.
“Okay.”
He turned and walked away. I watched his retreating figure, feeling a whirlwind of confusion in my heart. Ran, what exactly do you think of me? Am I just an ex-boyfriend needing to atone for the past? Or perhaps... a partner to fight alongside? Or something else entirely?
I shook my head, trying to cast away those chaotic thoughts. Now was not the time for such musings. Tomorrow was what truly mattered.
I picked up the White Velvet Suit and carefully examined the tiny snag in the fabric. Then I took out my Sewing Kit and began to meticulously repair it—one stitch at a time—like I was trying to untangle the frayed threads between us.
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