"Hmmm? Pfft!"
It was a portrait of a bold, calligraphic words, written and then printed into the paper and put into the frame. Not a face or anything. 'King,' he thought of the word.
August took a deep breath, not knowing why but doing it anyway. He wanted to pronounce the word out loud. He didn't who why but he felt it was a name instead of just a random printed word—King.
"King."
Placing it right back in it's turned position, he grabbed the second one. He turned it and it was yet again, another word. This time in red compared to the 'King' that was in gold.
This one read: 'Von'
"Von," August pronounced it and found himself nodding in understanding even though there was nothing to understand in this situation! Tsk, tsk!
He dropped it quickly, impatient to check out the next word. Yeah, it seemed fun. Better than talking with those pretentious people outside or bumping into Sean!.
Just as August was about to examine the next photograph, he heard a sudden noise behind him. Startled, he spun around, his heart racing.
The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside, looking both surprised and slightly annoyed immediately his eyes met August's.
"You…," the man said, with a touch of reprimand, "What are you doing in here?"
August, caught off guard, let out a yelp of shock, the photograph he had been holding slipping from his grasp and falling to the floor. He stumbled back, nearly colliding with the stark black desk. "I—uh—I was just… I mean, I didn't realize this was your…"
The man's gaze softened slightly, but he still maintained a professional demeanor. "This room is off-limits to guests. I'm afraid you'll need to leave."
August nodded hurriedly, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Of course. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."
As he quickly made his way back to the door, he cast one last look over his shoulder at the photographs, a sense of unease settling over him. He could only pick a black background and the letters B, L and O, written in black, rough, stony graphite.
The man followed him to the door, ensuring it was closed behind him with a definitive click. That man was Clyde.
Picking up the fallen frame, Clyde blew the invisible dirt off it and then placed it back in its position, turned backwards. Then something struck him, "Wait a minute. Wasn't that the model who rejected Mr. Ki… Perhaps not. What would he be doing here?"
****
The grand hall pulsed with excitement as the engagement party reached its zenith. Laughter and chatter filled the air, punctuated by the soft strains of classical music and the gentle clinking of champagne glasses.
"I'm so happy for them!" A lady exclaimed, her voice barely audible over the music.
"Me too!" her friend, replied, raising her glass. "To the happy couple!"
As they sipped their champagne, the sound of clinking glasses and muted conversations surrounded them.
Nearby, the groom-to-be, Mason Glory, chuckled with two of his seeming, friends. "Can't believe you're finally off the bachelor's list," the man beside Mason said, grinning.
"Time to grow up, buddy!" The other teased, playfully punching Mason's arm.
On another end of the room, the bride-to-be, Lillian, twirled with her father. "Daddy, I'm so happy," she whispered, her eyes shining.
"I'm happy too, sweetie," he replied, his voice choked with emotion.
As the night wore on, the music intensified, and the dance floor beckoned. The sound of laughter, music, and shuffling feet filled the air.
Suddenly, the MC announced, "Time for a special gift from our dear groom-to-be, Mason Glory to his dear Lillian Alexander!" The room fell silent, awaiting the special gift.
Lillian's thoughts raced. "This is it. My special moment to be the queen of the town. I hope he made it."
Mason's eyes locked onto Lillian's, then shifted his gaze, sipping some wine like he wasn't excited about any of this. He made his way towards the podium, Lillian joining him.
August, joining the event after what he has just encountered, commanded attention amidst the crowd. His tailored suit, designed by the renowned House of Versace, accentuated his chiseled frame, drawing admiring glances.
"Wow, that guy looks stunning," a guest whispered to her friend.
"I know, right? That suit was made for him," her friend replied, eyes fixed on August.
He walked through the crowd, trying to make it to the front where his seat was.
"Hey, can we know each other? You look stunning!" someone called out, extending a hand.
"Thank you, kind of you. Maybe next time," August replied, flashing a charming smile that almost made the lady trip.
His earlier disquiet had faded, replaced by a veneer of calm confidence. His thoughts, however, betrayed a hint of nervousness. "Keep it together, August. You've got this."
The crowd parted as August reached the center of the room. A hush fell over the guests, anticipating his announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the MC began, his voice resonating through the hall.
A soft murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd.
"Please put your hands together for the gift in the person of August Farley! The rapidly fast growing model of country Z and the face of The Hot Daddy's Magazine," the MC continued, gesturing dramatically.
The room erupted into applause as the lights dimmed, and a lone spotlight illuminated the stage. August who expected this moment, walked up to the stage.
"Finally, i got to see him! August, you look dashing tonight!"
"That suit was tailored for perfection! It suits him so well."
"Your confidence is captivating, Daddy!"
"He really commands the room with ease!"
"Stunning, as always. I knew i had seen him before!"
"Elegance personified!"
"You own the night, August! We came here for you!"
"Sophistication at its finest!"
"Breathtakingly handsome!"
All these were said, he hadn't even made it to the point of the spotlight yet. Meanwhile, the spotlight shifted was on Mason who beamed with pride until August got him.
"Finally!" someone whispered, amidst murmurs of excitement.
The bride, Lilian, radiant in her sequined gown, glided closer to them.
"Stunning!" a guest breathed.
"Absolutely breathtaking," another agreed.
As August approached, the room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.
"Wow, he's even more handsome up close," a woman whispered, her eyes fixed on August.
"Totally dashing," her friend concurred.
August felt his knees go weak coming so close to Mason.