Dave was the only child of his parents, which made him feel as fragile as an egg in their eyes—handled with excessive care, as if he might shatter at the slightest misstep.
Seated at the dining table, his mother served his food, and he wasted no time digging in; the nightmare had drained all his strength.
"Dave..." his mother called.
"Mm?" he responded, mouth full.
"Your father and I have something important to tell you..." She hesitated, carefully choosing her words.
"And what's that about?" He set his spoon down, giving them his full attention.
"We're moving to Emberland the day after tomorrow... We're relocating," she revealed.
Dave stared at them, his expression unreadable before scoffing and sipping his orange juice.
"You must be joking, right?" His soft, melodious voice carried a tinge of disbelief.
"No, dear, we're serious. There's business to handle there, but it's temporary. We'll return once it's settled," his mother reassured, but Dave remained unconvinced.
"No, Mom. What about my friends and everyone I care about? I'll miss them. It's not as easy as you think," he pouted, unwilling to accept the news.
"Please, sweetie pie, try to understand. You know how our business works," his father added.
Dave's parents were high-profile business moguls, constantly traveling from country to country. They exuded wealth, power, and influence, always dressed in designer attire and moving with a commanding grace that left people in awe. Their presence alone carried an air of exclusivity, an effortless blend of intelligence and strategic acumen.
Despite their absence, they adored Dave, showering him with every luxury imaginable. Yet, their love never quite filled the void their physical absence left.
While his parents were esteemed in the business world, Dave was the adored gem of Lyralis—his name whispered with admiration by both men and women alike. He had a presence that turned heads wherever he stepped, a confident, mischievous charm that made him a proud, playful show-off.
Walker was known for their refined elegance and captivating aura.
"Don't worry, dear, we won't be gone for long. We've already arranged everything in Emberland. You can start your university there, and everything is set up for your classes to begin once we arrive," his father assured.
"Please, sweetie, try to understand. We know this isn't easy, but please," his mother pleaded, noticing his continued sulking.
Dave, who had graduated from high school a year ago, sighed in resignation.
"Okay, okay, fine. But on one condition," he stated firmly.
"And what's that, my baby boy?" his parents asked in unison, curious about his demand.
"You're going to upgrade my car to the latest sports model—the one I've been eyeing for the past week," Dave declared confidently.
His father chuckled. "That's not a problem, dear. We'll get it for you once we settle in."
Smirking in satisfaction, Dave finished his meal with renewed enthusiasm before heading out to meet his friends.
Dave announced his departure with a dramatic sigh. "I'm relocating in two days."
His friends gasped in unison.
"Are you serious?!" Andy, the the other guy in the group, blurted out.
"Yes, and I feel like crying right now. I'm going to miss you all," Dave pouted, his voice laced with exaggerated sorrow.
His inner circle consisted of six—four girls and two guys. They were inseparable, sharing every detail of their lives.
Dave, with his flamboyant confidence, always gravitated toward female friends rather than male ones. His love for beauty and elegance extended beyond himself—he appreciated refinement in everything around him. His androgynous, ethereal looks only added to his magnetic appeal. His slender build, flawless skin, and delicate features made him a striking figure, often admired yet envied.
Everything about him oozed perfection—the cinched waist, the graceful posture, the plump pink lips, and the dark lashes framing his deep-set eyes. Girls dreamed of possessing his beauty, but none could replicate his effortless charm.
Examining his freshly painted, light pink nails, he sighed. "I'm going to miss my nail artist the most," he lamented, fluttering his mascara-coated lashes dramatically.
The restaurant's patrons couldn't help but steal glances at the mesmerizing figure seated in their midst. Dave was a vision of grace and allure, a living testament to beauty that transcended mere gender norms.
If a male beauty deity existed, Dave would undoubtedly be its embodiment.
After breaking the news to his friends, Dave returned home to begin the exhausting task of packing. His wardrobe alone was a challenge—countless designer outfits, luxury accessories, and beauty products cluttered his room. Though he could easily have ordered the maids to handle it, he preferred sorting through his personal belongings himself.
Arriving at an empty house—his parents already at work—Dave sighed at the all-too-familiar solitude. They loved him, but their careers kept them distant.
He retrieved his glossy pink travel suitcase and began the tedious process of sorting through his things. Clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories piled up around him, each item holding sentimental value.
After packing his prized possessions, he summoned the maids to handle the rest. He despised the stress of organizing but trusted their efficiency.
By dinnertime, a maid had prepared a delicious meal for him. Despite his sassy nature, Dave maintained a friendly dynamic with the household staff and his personal drivers.
Following his meal, he indulged in his usual nighttime routine—an opulent shower with a scented cleanser, followed by a meticulous skincare regimen. As he slipped under the silk sheets of his bed, his mind wandered to Emberland, to the new life awaiting him.
Would it be as glamorous as Lyralis? Would he still shine just as brightly?
Only time would tell.