Chapter 47: The Media’s Reaction

The morning the new issue of Vogue was published started out like any other, but the internet was quickly blown up with commentary, discussion, and theories. The cover, featuring Kendall Jenner alongside Thomas, her bodyguard with a mysterious past, was plastered all over social media feeds, shared by celebrities, fans, and news outlets around the world.

In the photo, Kendall looked stunning in an elegant dress, in contrast to Thomas's firm, serious posture, who was dressed in an impeccable suit. His intense gaze, full of untold stories, piqued the public's curiosity. His watchful eyes, his expression of confidence and mystery, along with his multiple decorations and military background, gave off an aura that few could ignore.

In the TMZ newsroom, journalists were buzzing, writing headlines to capture the morning's frenzy.

— "Kendall and her mysterious bodyguard on the cover of Vogue! Who is the man behind this facade?" read one of the writers, typing quickly as editors debated how best to break the story.

— "He's more than just a security guard. This guy has an impressive track record in DEVGRU, that elite Marine unit. But why would he agree to be on this cover? What is he hiding?" one of the journalists commented, trying to capture the magnitude of the story.

Over there, at the New York Times, the approach was more serious. In a conference room, reporters discussed how to exploit Thomas's angle as a former special forces operator who now lives a civilian life alongside one of the world's most famous models.

— "It's intriguing, really. He served in secret missions, has impressive decorations, and now he's in the fashion spotlight. It's almost a poetic contrast. We need to explore this story in more depth," suggested one of the investigative reporters.

The New York Times article focused on how Thomas was an enigma to the public, someone who seemed to have a lot to tell but who had so far kept his past a secret. The story explored the impact of someone with such a significant military background entering one of the most public and glamorous industries in the world, highlighting the unusual combination of Thomas and Kendall.

On Twitter, the hashtags #KendallJennerVogue and #SecurityMystery began trending. Fans were fascinated by the cover and Thomas's striking look, while others tried to find out more about him.

"Who is this security guard? He looks like something out of an action movie!" tweeted one user.

"Security guard? This guy has more medals than most generals!" We need a movie about him NOW!" replied another follower, sharing a montage of Thomas' medals on the cover.

Many began to speculate about the relationship between Kendall and Thomas. Was it just a professional relationship? The knowing look on the cover, the way the two were standing close, seemed to suggest something more.

— "Did you see the chemistry between Kendall and Thomas on the cover? They're hiding something!" wrote a fan on Instagram, with thousands of likes and comments following this line of thought.

As the discussion heated up on social media, TV shows began to cover the story as well. On Good Morning America, the hosts commented on the impact the cover would have on Kendall's career, in addition to Thomas' intriguing presence.

— "I think this cover is brilliant. Kendall is already one of the most influential supermodels, but bringing Thomas, with this military background, adds a layer of mystery and depth that is rare in the modeling industry," said one of the hosts.

— "Absolutely. The cover is bringing a whole new perspective to who he is and, of course, the public is dying of curiosity. Who is Thomas, really? What did he do while serving in DEVGRU? And, most importantly, why did he decide to work as a private security guard?" commented another presenter.

Meanwhile, the paparazzi tried to capture any moment of Thomas or Kendall leaving the house, looking for an interview, but both remained discreet, avoiding any public statement.

Backstage, Thomas watched the backlash with a mixture of surprise and discomfort. He hadn't expected so much attention and, as he read some of the articles and comments online, he turned to Kendall, who was lying next to him on the couch, completely immersed in social media.

— "I really didn't think this would blow up like this," he said, with a serious tone.

Kendall chuckled, still scrolling through Instagram.

— "Welcome to my world. People love to speculate. You did amazing, and now the whole world wants to know more about you."

Thomas shook his head in disbelief.

"I'm just a guy who was doing his job. Now they're talking about me like I'm... I don't know, a movie hero."

Kendall smiled, lightly touching his face and his arm.

— "Thomas, you really are impressive. And now the world knows about it. But don't worry, they'll talk about it for a few days, then it'll pass. Besides, you did this for me, and I appreciate it very much."

Thomas sighed, trying to get used to the idea.

— "I just hope there won't be any more questions about my past. I'm not very comfortable with that."

Kendall nodded, understanding.

— "I know it's complicated, but the truth is that people love this kind of mystery. Your past at DEVGRU is something that intrigues everyone, but you have control over what you share."

Meanwhile, on social media and gossip sites, the buzz continued. Some outlets tried to dig up more information about Thomas, but found little beyond his basic military background—something that only increased the public's fascination. Who was this man really standing next to Kendall Jenner?

Vogue magazine, for its part, was celebrating the resounding success of the issue. Digital sales soared, and newsstands could barely keep the print version in stock. Anna Wintour's decision to put Kendall and Thomas on the cover together had been a commercial and cultural success.

A week after the cover was released, Vogue released a special online article, detailing the behind-the-scenes of the photo shoot and revealing more about Thomas, without going into detail about his military operations. The article spoke about his firm stance and the way he supported Kendall in her public life, without wanting the spotlight for himself. This combination of strength and modesty only increased the fascination surrounding him.

The Vogue cover not only brought a new level of visibility to Kendall, but also transformed Thomas into an icon of mystery. The world knew he had an incredible story behind his quiet presence, but the details were still hidden, and that, more than anything, kept the public completely captivated.

The response was overwhelming, and although Thomas had not sought fame, he was now a household name. As Kendall had predicted, the attention would wane over time, but for now, the mystery of Thomas continued to fuel headlines, debate, and fascination.