Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, Chloe Grace had successfully completed her studies at the academy. Tomorrow was the much-anticipated fashion show hosted by the prestigious Sensui Group, an event Blaine Jackson had promised to take her to.
"Chloe! Wait up!"
From a distance, Kyoko's voice rang out, reaching Chloe's ears before the girl herself came into view. Turning around, Chloe saw Kyoko running toward her, slightly out of breath.
"Kyoko, doesn't your department have a graduation party this afternoon? You're leaving already? Aren't you planning to attend?" Chloe asked in surprise.
Catching her breath, Kyoko waved a hand dismissively. "No way. Most of my department is filled with girls, and the few guys we have aren't even that interesting. The ones that are remotely decent don't even give me a second glance. So why bother?"
Chloe chuckled, shaking her head at her friend's bluntness. "You make it sound like a ballroom dance instead of a graduation party."
Kyoko shot back, "Well, aren't you skipping yours too?"
"I have things to take care of this afternoon, so I won't be going."
"I have things to do too," Kyoko echoed, then suddenly stopped mid-sentence, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.
Chloe arched an eyebrow. "Kyoko, don't tell me you ran into another ridiculously handsome guy who asked you out?" She couldn't help but think of the last time Yuto Miyazawa had unexpectedly invited them to dinner. Kyoko had been over the moon about it for days.
"This time, it's not just a simple dinner invitation," Kyoko said with a grin, clearly in high spirits.
"What, did you get engaged?" Chloe teased. It wasn't that she was making fun of her friend, but Kyoko did have a habit of obsessing over any handsome man who gave her attention. Just like last time, when she insisted on taking a photo with Yuto.
Kyoko shook her head, laughing. "No, but close! Remember that time we went to the Sensui Group's studio and took pictures with President Miyazawa? I told him back then that I'd love to work for Sensui after graduation, but he only smiled and said he'd consider it. I figured that was just a polite brush-off and didn't think much of it. But guess what? He actually sent someone to deliver a message—Sensui is offering me a job!"
Chloe's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing! Congratulations!" She grabbed Kyoko's hands, genuinely happy for her friend.
Kyoko beamed. "Chloe, do you want to come with me? I can tell that President Miyazawa treats you differently."
"Don't start with that nonsense." Chloe immediately shut it down, lightly tapping Kyoko's head. "You know I have a boyfriend. And not just anyone—Lucas is someone I've loved for a long time. Stop stirring up trouble."
Kyoko pouted dramatically. "Fine, fine. But if you're really not interested in President Miyazawa, maybe you could pass him on to me? I wouldn't mind taking in someone you don't like." Her playful expression lasted only two seconds before Chloe mercilessly splashed cold water on her fantasy.
"Kyoko, you shouldn't go after President Miyazawa. He's not from our world. He wouldn't be a good husband."
"Why not?" Kyoko challenged. "If it's because he's famous or comes from a powerful family, then aren't you being a little hypocritical? Your 'Mr. Jackson' is a renowned stylist and comes from a wealthy background, and yet you're happily dating him."
Chloe hesitated for a moment but then insisted, "It's just different. Listen to me on this, okay? Didn't you say you see President Miyazawa as an idol? Do you really think living with an idol would be easy?"
Kyoko thought about it for a second, then sighed. "Fine. Honestly, I know deep down that the only reason I got this opportunity at Sensui is probably because of you. He's likely doing this as a favor to you. So, I won't aim too high—"
"Kyoko, that's not what I meant," Chloe interrupted, seeing her friend suddenly looking self-conscious. "Are you upset? Did what I said hurt your feelings?"
"Of course not!" Kyoko knocked Chloe lightly on the head and laughed. "Your boyfriend embarrassed me once, and I didn't hold it against you. You're looking out for me now—why would I be mad at you?"
"To celebrate your new job at Sensui, let me treat you to lunch! I still owe you a meal from last time." Chloe smiled brightly.
Kyoko's eyes sparkled. "You better not take that back. I already have a long list of dishes in my mind!"
---
The Fashion Show
The scene at the fashion show was electric, drawing fashion elites from across Japan. Industry professionals eagerly gathered, all hoping to witness firsthand the visionary behind the latest fashion phenomenon. Sensui Group had boldly claimed that collaborating with them could resurrect struggling modeling careers and catapult them to success.
Backstage, tension ran high.
"Director Jackson, whether Sensui Group's models can establish themselves in Japan depends on your performance today," Yuto Miyazawa said, his voice carrying a hint of unease.
Blaine Jackson turned his head slightly, his expression indifferent. "If you were so worried, why insist on working with Blush Aesthetics in the first place?" He wasn't one to accept just any partnership—especially not with a Japanese company.
Despite his success in the Japanese fashion scene, Blaine still identified strongly as Chinese and had always held reservations about Japanese business dealings. Expanding into Japan had not been his first choice—it was merely a necessary step.
Yuto caught the undertone in Blaine's words and smiled awkwardly. "I didn't mean anything by it. Just making conversation." He paced the room before suddenly asking, "Chloe isn't with you? I thought she'd be here."
Blaine's expression darkened instantly, his brows drawing together. "President Miyazawa, you seem particularly concerned about my girlfriend."
"Oh, no, don't misunderstand me," Yuto quickly clarified, raising his hands in surrender. "I was just curious. Plus, she has a friend who just joined my company yesterday. I figured she might want to see her."
Blaine's sharp gaze didn't waver. "Oh? So your employees can just casually chat with outsiders during work hours?" He exposed Yuto's flimsy excuse effortlessly. "Let me say this once, President Miyazawa—Chloe Grace is my woman. And the only man she loves is me." His tone left no room for misinterpretation. Even a fool could hear the irritation laced within.
Yuto shrugged, backing down with a wry smile. "Alright, alright. Then I'll just look forward to Director Jackson making history in Japan today." With that, he gave a formal bow before taking his leave.