{21} "Lights! Camera! Action!"

"To design, to create, to give life to something new is more than just a job; it's freedom, a way to escape, a way to let go, a way to remain sane. Whether it be through song, dance, drawing, writing or poetry, through an art form is the only way they know how to live." —Icychica_

Finally, the long awaited day arrived, everything was in place, even the rehearsal two days ago ran smoothly, but... strangely I could feel my anxiety growing, things were perfect, too perfect. Maybe that's why I felt things would soon go wrong.

I then felt a sudden tap on my shoulder that awakened me, I turned around. "Are you okay? You're biting your nails rather aggressively." Ren —the fashion designer— said to me.

"Yes, I'm fine, just a few nerves before the show, you know." I responded smiling.

"Right, I was just reminding you that the show starts soon, all the guest have arrived, including the paparazzi so we're all set." she reminded me and I nodded, breathing out one last time.

Without a doubt that meant all the higher-ups, including Kazuchika's father had also arrived.

"Let the show begin." Were my words to the staff when I reached backstage after making sure everything was in place.

I watched from a screen backstage as the music started and the first model strutted down the runway.

The crowd was entertained as they watched the show begin, cameras eagerly beginning to flash.

On the other hand everything became a bigger mess backstage as other models got prepared, thanks to Tan and his makeup artists' quick and skillful ability to apply makeup, the models walked the runway without delay one by one.

Ren double checked all of the models outfits which was important to make sure nothing was wrong, before giving them the 'okay' to walk.

Out of curiosity I peeked at the audience, Ian, Yunho and Hanseok were sitting together and seemed to be in conversation; Kazuchika was with his father as they both kept their eyes on the stage and Gokk do was standing at the back, doing his job as a guard.

I suddenly wondered where Namjun was, I had invited him as well as the others, I even made sure they were next to each other; however, he was no where to be seen, so I searched for him with frantic eyes, scanning the entire seating area, until I finally found him standing to the back almost out of sight.

I started to wonder why he was standing so far away from everyone, almost like he was hiding. While I was lost in my thoughts staring at him, our eyes met and he smiled and waved at me, making my heartbeat skip as it occurred to me that he had caught me staring at him, I smiled back a little embarrassed.

I went back inside to check on things. The Casual Collection, was underway and the highlight of the fashion show was drawing nearer, just a few more models to go until things reached the climax.

I admired Ren's work, her outfit designs were flawless. The Casual Collection consisted of: red, black and brown leather boots; leather skirts, tiger-printed shorts, jackets and small leather purses. My absolute favorite was the model who wore the oversized gray sweater with a brown overcoat, matching boots and handbag.

I was all for the comfortable-yet-stylish effect it gave off, as well as the way the model portrayed the outfit on stage, with her long blonde hair expertly pulled into a ponytail and her tall figure. It really suited her.

Another model who stood out to me wore a silk blackish-gray mini dress with light-green floral lace, both on the bodice and at the hem of the dress. She also carried a black purse, wore black thigh-high boots and had a forest-green sweater tied neatly around her waist. They even gave her a shopping bag to make it seem as though she was just out and about the city. Which was fitting because casual meant clothing that could be worn almost anywhere at anytime, if the situation called for it of course. But I've seen many wear sneakers to formal events so I guess it depended on personal taste.

Fashion was like that; free. It meant freedom to me. You could be as crazy and innovative as you wanted and no one would dare to judge you. Even if they did, you'd just strut and sashay down that runway with confidence.

When the last model for The Casual Collection finally left the stage we all prepared ourselves for the moment of truth, what we had all planned together, all taking a deep breath looking at one another and nodding indicating it was time. I snapped my fingers and the entire garden was plunged into darkness suddenly, including the stage, the audience all looked around in confusion followed by confused whispers.

But those whispers were soon replaced with 'Ouu's and ahh's' as they all saw the garden come to life at long last.

The surrounding trees and plants all lit up as commanded. With lights dangling from their branches and trucks, shimmering and shinning through the darkness.

The fountain sprung to life shooting water upward with colourful lights, telling everyone of its beauty.

The stage too announced its presence, joining the fun, lighting up, it was unexpected, that was the idea, and the crowd was loving it.

A model was then sent out and the finale Neon collection commenced.

All the clothes in this collection were made from florescent material, so they glowed in the darkness along with the accessories as the array of colours lined the stage; it was as though you walked into a fairy tale, it was beyond magical.

As the models walked, that area of the runway lit up in different colours beneath their feet almost like a motion sensor, I had explained to them at the rehearsal to walk in time with the beat of the music so that the runway stage would look as though it was moving to the beat.

Watching everything, it gave me an eerie feeling.

This fashion show was just like the one I was scheduled to have in a month, the outfits and designs were just like mine, it made me realize this world was indeed overlapping with mine and even though I wasn't around... someone, no matter who, would eventually accomplish the things I was meant to and take my place.

Life went on, whether you were in the picture or not.

At least being here right now, watching from the sidelines, that's how I felt.

The crowds loud clapping awakened me and I too started clapping as I saw the models give their final walk and Ren joined them on stage symbolizing the fashion show's end. I smiled brightly to myself feeling a huge relief.

The fashion show went off without a hitch!

...