Chapter Text
Sangwon's POV
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we are preparing for landing, we welcome all of you to Paris, the city where love lies. Thank you for choosing to fly with us. We hope you enjoyed this flight and have a wonderful stay! Merci et au revoir,” said by the head flight attendant. I looked outside the window near my seat and indeed, we are far from the clouds now.
I let out a sigh of relief before tidying up my things—the book that stayed in my lap while I was dozing off earlier, my earpods, and my phone that was left untouched with a lot of notifications from my social media accounts. I ignored all of it and just sent a message to my friends.
Sangwon:
I’ve arrived.
Thankfully, it didn't take long for me to arrive at the hotel. I left Kangmin, my manager, and some of the staff in the living room as they were busy contacting the brand I am supposed to represent in this week’s event.
“Sangwon-ah, make sure to rest and come out at dinner later,” Kangmin said and I just nodded my head before finally going inside my room.
Paris is, indeed, a city of love. The Eiffel tower can be clearly seen in my hotel and surprisingly, despite my undeniably cloudy eyesight without any contact lenses, I could see a lot of people below it. A group of friends simultaneously taking pictures of one another, some families spending their time together, and of course… couples.
I think it's beautiful.
Love is… beautiful. It is something that cannot be explained in words, it is beyond it. I know because I grew up receiving a lot of love—from my family, my friends, from those people who said that I’m someone they looked up to… I felt it.
But sometimes, love can be… overwhelming. As much as I am someone full of love, I’m easily overwhelmed. And today, just being here in the city wherein love is everywhere… overwhelms me.
I took a couple of photos of the overlooking city from my room’s window. It's the perfect view and the perfect vibe for my dump account… until I received a video call from my friend.
Junseo hyung calling…
“You're not sleeping, are you?” It was Arno hyung’s voice. It took a couple of seconds before their faces registered on the screen. They were in some sort of park and I could see some people behind them.
I scoffed, not surprised. “What do you think, hyung? I might be sleeping right now, though.” I said and it earned a laugh from the both of them.
“Runo and I are a bit far from the city right now so we can't meet you for dinner. How about breakfast tomorrow?” Junseo hyung said while he was busy munching a croissant… Hmm, I might want to try some later.
“Fine with me. I have final fitting later so I won't be able to go out, too.”
Arno hyung smiled. “You're going for Saint Laurent, right?”
“Yep, Saint Laurent this year.”
“It will be your second time attending a Fashion Week. You're really going big now.” Junseo hyung teased and Arno hyung nodded at the same time with a proud smile plastered on their pretty faces.
I smirked and shook my head. “Not really. I’m still looking out for… you know. I really think that brand suits me the most but I just can't reach out to them suddenly?”
“Well, Dior might finally invite you to Milan or maybe New York? Who knows?”
I shrugged. “Yeah, who knows.”
The three of us talked for a couple of minutes, just catching up and planning for our breakfast tomorrow. Thankfully, the two of them let me choose the restaurant so I booked it immediately before I told them that I wanted to take some rest.
“Sangwon-ah, you might want to go around later after your fitting? You're in Paris, you might find… someone?” Junseo hyung said and he earned a side eye from his boyfriend because of it.
Find… someone?
“Hyung, I’m not trying to find someone.”
“That’s a big word for a man who romanticizes everything.”
That is true, though. But… to find someone?
“Exactly. Love is not something that can be found, hyung. It will come when it is right for me.”
I thought of it the whole afternoon instead of going to sleep.
I've had a couple of situationships before, casual dates that never turned serious for some… reason. I don't know why. I love the thought of loving and being loved. I might say I love “love” itself. The thought of it really sends a comforting yet overwhelming feeling on my veins. But I guess, only the thought of it was easy.
To find love seems… forced for me. So, I just told myself that I will never look for it and just wait for it to come to me instead. Who knows, right? It might come sooner… or maybe later? Who knows.
Hours passed by so fast, dinner came, and yes, I didn't even get to sleep. I was literally squinting the whole time the designers were telling me to try a few outfits from what we've agreed on. Kangmin was sending me an eyeful and I just smiled at him.
“Have you slept?” He asked when the designer team left.
I sighed. “I couldn't.”
“Something’s bothering you.” It was not a question but a statement. And he was right so I didn't say anything. “How about you go around the city? The fittings ended earlier than expected. You could visit the tower or something.” He suggested, he was looking at me with worried eyes.
“I might as well do it.” I agreed, already thinking of what I should do. “Won't you come with me?”
“I still have to finalize your schedule tomorrow.” He showed me his IPad before he left me in the living room.
Nonchalant as ever. We're the same age and we really, always, acted as one. Not that I mind, though. I consider him as a friend, too.
Just like what Kangmin suggested, I really went outside and roamed around. It's sad to think about since the Louvre was already closed… but I could visit it next time.
The vibe below the Eiffel was good. It's a good thing that only a few groups of people were there since it's night time already. Some were taking pictures, some sitting on the grass and just having a good time.
I sipped on my coffee while taking some photos. The night and the place itself complements me, I might say. I’m alone and there is a noise around me but… I love it. I even sent some of the photos to our family group chat before I decided to finally sit and take out my book.
"Loving In The Language of the Periphery" by Lee Yu Won
To be honest, I don't remember how I got this book. I only remember why. Words that carry meanings behind them is something that really baffles me. I think I would forever love reading between the lines. I love poetry books, those books that talk about life—a collection of pages written by those who experienced what and how life is. It reminds me that we are living in the same time, same space, but despite that, we live and gain different experiences.
Reading between these pages makes me feel like I’ve experienced their lives, too.
“You must learn how to receive love in order to love well.” This line captured my interest. Is it a coincidence to read this after overthinking a lot of things earlier? I don't really know.
To receive love is to be able to know how to love. In order to love, you must know how to receive it first. That's… beautiful. As someone who is born to receive love and is really loved by many, I sometimes think of giving it back to someone. The question is, when could that be?
Time passed and I was already half way through finishing the book but my thoughts were interrupted when my phone rang.
Kangmin calling…
“It's late, Sangwon. Time for you to go back. You have a long day tomorrow.” He said. I can see him typing something on his laptop, probably some reports or my schedule.
“What a good manager you are. No ‘Sangwon, where are you? Are you still alive?’ or something?” I joked.
Kangmin’s serious side broke as he let out a laugh. “Hey, you answered so I guessed you still are?” I chuckled when he said that. “Just go back here, moron.”
“Fine, fine!” I said while laughing. “You should have talked to your baby while I’m outside, why are you nagging at me?” I teased him and he just rolled his eyes at me. This downbad freak.
“True. But how could I when you left me with a lot of schedule to fix?”
I scoffed. This is unbelievable. “Hey! You are the one who suggested for me to go around!”
He laughed at me so hard while I was looking at him unbelievably. “I’m just kidding! Lee Jeong and I talked. I actually forgot you went outside until he asked for you.”
Wow. Is this what love could do?
“What a good friend you are.”
He just grinned at me. “Go back here safely.”
“I’m not a kid.” I said before I ended the call.
I looked around and saw that some people I saw earlier were already gone. Did I really stay for too long to the point that I didn't realize the time? I fixed my things and booked a ride while walking around, looking for a place to stay while waiting for it. The hotel is a bit close but I don't want to risk being lost so…
“Excuse me. You dropped this.” A voice stopped me from scrolling on my phone.
I looked up and saw a man wearing an almost all-black outfit. The way he stood was undeniably full of aura. He was wearing a black leather shoes, black slacks, black jacket with a gray inner hoodie, and a black cap… which is why I couldn't clearly see his face. He looks only a few inches taller than me so it shouldn't be hard for me to see him… but I can only see the shadow of his cap on his face.
I looked at his extended hand and saw the familiar case of my earpods. I checked my bag and it really wasn't there.
“Oh gosh, thank you so much.” I said and took it from him. “I didn't notice that I dropped it. Thank you!”
“You're welcome.”
Wow. His voice is a bit deep. Its sound is a mixture of cold and warmth in my ears… if that makes sense? And I noticed how he put his hands on the pockets of his hoodie while still standing in front of me.
I stared at him, confused.
“Do you come here often?” He asked, making me more confused.
“Oh, no… I’m not a native.” I answered while subtly looking around. There are few people so… I’m safe, right?
“Figured.”
“Huh?”
He shook his head. I still can't see his face clearly but I noticed the small smile on his lips. Or was it a smirk? “See you around,” and then he left me dumbfounded.
Okay. That was scary.
It's a good thing that my ride didn't take too long after that so I was able to arrive at the hotel, safe and sound. I just knocked on Kangmin’s door to tell him I’ve arrived before I went to my room.
I have a busy day tomorrow… so I would probably forget about the strange man I met earlier. Or would I not?
“Hyung! Tell him, please. I swear, he's a great man.” I heard a familiar voice from Arno’s phone. We just finished our breakfast and we are on our way back to my hotel room. He and Junseo hyung wanted to accompany me while getting ready for the show later.
“Is that Anxin?” I asked him.
Anxin, Arno hyung’s younger cousin. I've met him a few times when we visited their family home and I remembered him because he was… loud.
“Is that Sangwon hyung? Let me talk to him!” It was really Anxin. Loud as he is.
Arno just glanced at me and answered the kid. “What's the point of telling him anyway? He doesn't know him and it's not as if you don't see the man, Anxin-ah. He's literally your producer? Just go and ask for an autograph or something.”
“No, hyung. You don't understand—”
Arno hyung cut him off. “Yeah, yeah. Talk to you later.”
“What? Hyung!” And the phone call ended.
I stared at him with my confused eyes. “What is it about?”
He shook his head at me, hiding his noticeable sly smirk. “It's nothing. Just Anxin setting you up.”
“Me?” That confused me more.
“I’ve heard of that. He’s been calling non-stop since yesterday.” It was Junseo hyung. He was busy behind the wheel while me and Arno were seated at the back.
“About?“ My curiosity levels up more.
“Seems like someone he knows has a secret admiration for you and apparently, he’s invited to the show, too.” Arno explained.
Secret admiration… for me? Hmm.
“Look, love. He’s not even surprised.” Junseo said while he was looking at me through the mirror.
I smirked. “It's not new,” then I looked at Arno hyung. “He wants me to talk to him?”
The both of them laughed, confirming my thoughts, and I can't help but laugh, too. “Do I know the man?” I asked, deeply curious now.
Arno shrugged. “You might or might not. Anxin debuted as an idol, remember?” I nodded at him. “He’s a renowned musician, a producer. But he doesn't enjoy the spotlight that much so basically, no media exposure.”
“What's his name?”
Arno looked at me with judging eyes. “Why? Will you do the first move? Because it seems like the man is too shy to approach you, the reason why Anxin has been nagging at me.”
I almost laughed when I heard that. “What are we? Kids?”
Arno laughed at me. “I’m not gonna tell you then. Who knows? You might actually like him without someone’s influence. And that ‘someone’ being Anxin, by the way.”
That poor kid.
The rest of the day was nothing but “busy,” literally. Everything actually went more smoothly than expected but a lot of things are happening around me. Staff moving around and finalizing my fit for today, my make-up and the accessories, and a lot more. I actually didn't expect that it would be this grand. This is Saint Laurent, I guess.
For the final touch of my outfit, the dresser sprayed a shiny-like liquid on my exposed chest before asking me to look at the mirror… and wow. Just wow.
Everything I wore was black partnered with accessories—black stud earrings that probably cost a fortune, a thin silver bracelet, and a couple of rings with minimal design. For the outfit, I am wearing a black satin top that elegantly drapes on my upper body like a robe, exposing my chest. It’s a bit fitted on the lower part, hugging my waist perfectly. It is partnered with a wide-leg slack and leather shoes. Overall, I look… dashing. Outstanding, even.
The outfit makes me look confident and I… I love it so much.
I was busy checking myself out when Junseo and Arno hyung went inside, looking at me proudly. I smirked at them and confidently showed myself.
“So?” I prompted.
“You will attract a lot of people later. Not just women, Sangwon… but everyone.” Arno hyung said, his words came with a hint.
It was Junseo hyung who came to me and tapped my shoulder. He was careful not to ruin the styling, though. “Seriously, you look stunning. No wonder the fashion industry cannot leave your name alone. You can literally slay every outfit.”
“That's good to hear, really. I guess, I’ll just prepare myself for a lot of interviews later?” I asked proudly and both of them smiled at me and nodded.
The two didn't stay too long and said their goodbyes when it was finally my time to leave. I thanked everyone who worked with us before I went inside the car and left. Kangmin was busy talking to some people while I was scrolling through my phone.
“Model and Fashion Icon Lee Sangwon at Paris Fashion Week 2026. Will he leave another history in the fashion world?”
It's just one of the articles written about me. I’ve read everything until I saw an unfamiliar name.
“Lee Leo. A renowned producer finally making his debut in the Fashion Industry.”
Out of curiosity, I read the article and found out that the man is an Australian producer in a well-known company in South Korea, Alpha Company. I suddenly remembered the man Arno hyung mentioned earlier. I searched for Anxin’s group, ALD1, and as it turns out, they are under the Alpha Company, too.
My curiosity grew more and I tried to find some photos of the man but there was nothing aside from his back, some side profile photos that didn't really show his face. In short, it is true that he’s a private person. Looking at his proportion suddenly felt familiar, too… but I couldn't grasp where I saw it.
“We're here, Sangwon-ah. Are you ready?” I heard Kangmin’ voice at the front of the car.
“Yes.”
And then the flashes boomed.
The spotlight does scare me sometimes, which I think is pretty normal. But I’ve already grown from it, memorized the patterns, and somehow I felt empty if ever I imagined myself not standing in the middle of it. It's… a part of me now. And I don't think it is something that I could lose.
“Lee Sangwon-ssi, it's your first time being an ambassador of Saint Laurent… how was it so far?” One of the media asked.
“The brand itself is good, but to be able to express myself with their help is another factor. You can look forward to it.” A short answer which made them ask more.
Another media person asked. “You look stunning with your outfit, Sangwon-ssi. Is there a reason why you chose it?”
“As I’ve said, I wanted to express myself through different kinds of ways, and one of them is through my outfits. Saint Laurent helped me find a perfect one to match my personality.”
It took a couple of minutes before I decided to excuse myself out of the picture. Kangmin was already waiting for me at the end of the hall when I entered the Palais de Tokyo.
“You’ll sit at the front along with the other ambassadors. The show will start in a few minutes so you might as well go to your seat now and I don't know, socialize?” Kangmin said and guided me to the door of the center hall.
Another pack of media was inside along with some of the ambassadors. It didn't take long for me to find my seat with my name. I was about to sit on it when I noticed the name beside mine.
Lee Leo.
What a coincidence.
A couple of minutes have passed and almost all of the seats were taken and only a few remained vacant, including the seat on my left side. Remembering what Arno hyung told me, I can't help feeling a little bit of excitement.
Since when did I feel something like this for a stranger I haven't even met? Did he somehow… freak out?
I was about to send a text on our group chat when I noticed a man coming in my direction. He was wearing an all-black outfit, from head to toe. What is noticeable is the long leather coat he is wearing. He had his hands inside the pocket while quietly looking around… until his eyes found mine.
He's familiar, but not quite. I felt like I'd seen him before but I couldn't remember when.
When his eyes flew on the vacant space beside me, I already knew I’m fucked up.
He is… Lee Leo?
I took my eyes off him and suddenly had the urge to send a text to Anxin and ask him a lot of things. More importantly, I want to ask if what Arno hyung told me was true.
This gorgeous man admires me?! He’s… Oh gosh. I’m having a mental breakdown as of the moment.
“Hi. Lee Sangwon, right?” I was beyond shocked when he talked after settling himself beside me.
It's a good thing that I somehow managed to calm my nerves and glanced at him. He was more gorgeous up close. He was wearing a black sunglasses so I couldn't see his eyes but I knew… I knew it was looking directly at me.
His forehead was exposed, letting me have a glimpse of his beautifully thick eyebrows. Another thing noticeable is the mole in his eyelid that was peeking through his thick sunglasses. He had a thick red pouty lips, high nose bridge, and—
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked again, making me blink.
“I’m—” I cleared my throat before nodding at him. “Yes, I’m Sangwon.” I was contemplating whether I should offer my hand for a shake hand but… he smiled at me.
He. Smiled. At. Me. And damn, that whisker smile was so beautiful, by the way. I’m aware of the surroundings and I can literally see the flashes of the cameras around me.
I’m probably fucked. Not literally, though.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said once again.
Is this the “shy” guy they were talking about earlier?
“Thank you.” I said politely, hoping it didn't sound like I’m in panic and already trying to think of how I will get out of this situation. “I’ve heard you're a producer? I know someone from your company…”
I saw how the side of his lips rose when I said that. He nodded at me. “Anxin. I talked to him earlier and… I hope he didn't bother you? I swear, I’m not a creep.” He said, his tone was clearly defensive.
I can't help but let out a chuckle. I shook my head and remembered Anxin’s wailing voice earlier. “Oh, he didn't,” I said while smiling. “And nice to meet you, by the way.”
He smiled and offered his hand in front of me. I was about to take it when he said, “Likewise. We met again.”
“Again?” I asked, confused.
“Last night. At the tower,” he said quietly. I stared at his hand and tried to remember anyone from last night… until something registered on me.
“My earpods? The guy with all-black outfit… it was you?” I asked, a bit shocked. Just how small Paris is to actually allow me to meet him even before I knew of his existence?
That is so… romantic.
He smiled and nodded. “Yes.”
My eyes widened a bit before I finally shook his hand. “Right! Thank you for giving it back to me, by the way. And I’m so sorry to say this, but you honestly scared me last night.”
“I figured. I’d probably freak out too if a stranger suddenly approached me in the middle of the night, asking me if I come to that place often?”
I can't help but laugh a little when he said that. He has a great sense of humor. My smile stayed until I realized that he still hadn't let go of my hand so I glanced at it… and he realized it, too.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, his tone sounding a bit shy now.
I smiled. “It's okay.”
The show started and I tried… I really tried my best to focus on documenting the collection and outfits I liked. But the presence of the man beside me was too overwhelming and I can't help but to suddenly feel conscious. I sometimes see him taking photos of some of the collections while vibing to the music.
He is, indeed, a musician.
The whole show, I really tried my best to sit straight and be comfortable, especially since my outfit is a bit too open. I’m too exposed. But I can't help but to sometimes lean on the other side to get a better shot.
While doing that, I can feel him stiffening beside me. Worried, I asked him, “I’m sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
He immediately shook his head and unconsciously touched my back. It was a short and soft touch, as if telling me to lean a bit more. Or am I being delusional?
“No. It's okay. I’m comfortable, Sangwon-ah.” He said so I smiled, a bit shy now.
Throughout the show, it's either I’m taking photos or just watching the models walk on the runway. The man beside me, on the other hand, is either taking photos or vibing on the music. I can hear him humming the melody, too… and it was honestly too good to hear.
When the show was about to end, the head designer of the collection entered so I made sure to capture the moment. Unconsciously, I leaned closer to Leo’s side again but this time, I didn't feel him stiffen.
All was well until I felt him leaning forward, his chest touching my shoulder. I don't really know how it looked to others… but we were so close. A wave of electricity flowed in my system when I felt something touching my hair… Was it his hair?
I tried my best. I really tried my best to look normal. To look like it didn't affect me. But to hell with that, my whole system was wrecked and I’m probably not going to have a good sleep tonight because of this.
Is this normal? Definitely, not.
When the show ended, I didn't even have the time to say goodbye to him because of the media. I only did 3 interviews before Kangmin took me from them. While Leo… he was bombarded by the media, literally. It's probably because this is the first time he made an appearance and at Paris Fashion Week at that.
“You did good. So good.” Kangmin said when we entered the car. “So good that you're finally having a dating scandal with a producer you just met for the first time.”
My eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
He didn't say anything else and just showed me his phone. There is an article—No, articles. There are lots of articles that were uploaded just a few minutes ago, right after the show ended.
“Model Lee Sangwon and Musician Lee Leo. A spark of romance at first meeting?”
“A model and a musician. A combination we didn't know we needed.”
“Paris, the city of love, just bore another romantic child: LEOWON.”
Below these every article headline were photos. Photos of me and Leo being so close to each other than I’ve ever known. I swear, the angle was insane to capture it like this. And that moment… It was really his hair that touched mine.
Fuck me.
“Oh my gosh…” OH MY GOSH.
“Really, Sangwon?” Kangmin was looking at me with his suspicious eyes.
“Kangmin, I swear. It's not like that.” I was shaking my head while trying to think of an excuse. “We just met and—”
“Exactly. You just met and THIS happened?”
“There is no other explanation, to be honest. I don't know. It just happened. And well, is there anything wrong with that? I’m a grown ass man.” I reasoned out. “And it's not as if this is the first time this happened?”
Kangmin sighed and took his phone from my hold. “You know that's not what I was worried about.”
I stared at the window of the car blankly. “Just let it be, Kangmin-ah. It's just… a normal interaction? I liked the company, that's why it happened.”
Or maybe I’m just fooling myself.
It took a couple of seconds before he replied to me. “Alright.”
Our way back to the hotel seemed a bit long compared to our ride earlier. My phone kept on buzzing, too. Some of the notifications came from Junseo and Arno hyung but I still don't have the guts to read it. They will roast me.
I was about to turn off my phone for the meantime when a notification from both my Instagram and X account caught my attention.
User @jadedstilll started following you.
Leo’s POV
“So? Did he follow you back?” Geonwoo asked as we entered my hotel room.
I sighed and gave him my phone. “I’m scared to check, honestly. Do it for me.”
Geonwoo laughed and tossed my phone back at me. I suddenly regret bringing him here with me. I should've brought Anxin—Actually, no. Maybe Xinlong and Sanghyeon… if only they weren't busy with their promotions.
I dropped myself on the sofa and stared at the ceiling like a loser. Meeting Sangwon is definitely a dream. Something I never thought would happen, ever. He’s someone I admired for a very long time despite me being scared of what the spotlight could bring to someone.
Maybe I am really a loser. Who falls in love with someone he just saw on the pages of a magazine anyway? Me. Who falls in love with someone who is not possible to reach… Yeah, it's just me. I have to cross the heavens and the Earth to do that.
I don't know why and how it happened, though. I was too busy navigating my life as a musician—a producer and composer who have always loved working behind the scenes, behind the shadows, to even think of the thing called “love” or maybe… That is exactly the reason why.
The spotlight scares me. The thought of being watched by everyone just doesn't seem right to me. I’ve been exposed to the industry enough and witnessed how a lot of people lost themselves while being in it. I don't want that.
But when I met Sangwon… when I saw how bright he shines in the middle of it, it baffled me. It amazed me. It fascinated me. I don't like the spotlight… but to see him enjoying it made me realize that he was the spotlight himself. And surprisingly, it made me realize that it wasn't scary at all.
“Hyung, did you know? A lot of articles have been going around since the show ended.” Geonwoo’s voice pulled me out of my reverie.
“What articles?”
“About you and the model.”
My eyes widened. “Sangwon?”
Geonwoo looked at me as if I’m someone he couldn't comprehend. “Seriously? Just who else would be associated with you when you didn't even talk to anyone aside from him?”
I didn't mind what he said and opened my phone without thinking. And damn… Damn. One article after another. And as weird as it was, Geonwoo probably saw me smiling like an idiot while scrolling online.
“This is ironic to see from someone who claimed not to like the media.” He mumbled.
I scoffed at him, a smile still visible on my face while downloading all of the photos online. “Hey, just let me enjoy my own bubble.”
“Leo hyung, let me remind you how much of a fool you are when it comes to Sangwon. You accepted this invitation to attend this very prestigious Fashion Show where the media is everywhere… after finding out that Sangwon would be here. You didn't even attend the Award Show last year where you won the Producer of the Year Award. Do you know how ridiculous that is?”
“Well, in my defense, I was sick during that time.” I reasoned out, remembering what happened that day.
Geonwoo shook his head unbelievably. “Yeah, you are sick. Lovesick. And sick in the head.”
Right. I wasn't sick but I took a sick leave since I went to the launch of Sangwon’s collection in collaboration with MiuMiu. I remember seeing him wear a blue sleeveless top that exposes his slender waist… he was majestic that time. The prettiest. The most beautiful thing to ever exist.
“But seriously, hyung… what’s your plan now?”
I glanced at him. “What plan?”
“Now. Now that you've seen him, talked to him… and I don't know, got to know him?” A wave of curiosity can be heard when he asks that question. And to be honest, I’m curious about my answer, too.
It took me a while to answer him. I contemplated a lot even before going here in Paris… before letting myself be exposed to something I thought I never wanted. And the only thing I could right now is to let everything that is supposed to happen, happen.
“Whatever the universe and destiny planned.” A vague answer that even I will never understand.