The morning light filtered through the cold windows of the lecture hall as Kael quietly walked into class, his silver hair catching the sun just enough to turn heads. He ignored the whispers, ignored the ache from the night before.
Zayden hadn't returned. And Kael wasn't going to wait for him anymore.
After class ended, Professor John called him in.
"You've been one of the most consistent, creative, and technically skilled students I've had in years," the professor said, adjusting his glasses. "There's an international fashion design competition happening next month in New York. Our university can recommend one student. I want it to be you."
Kael's eyes widened slightly. "Me?"
"Yes. I believe in your potential. But it'll be demanding — original designs, a professional model, and a lot of pressure. Can you handle that?"
Kael paused. The world felt too heavy recently. But maybe this was what he needed.
"…I'll do it," he finally said.
Later that evening, Kael called Adrian.
"Hey, Kael," Adrian answered with his usual low and relaxed voice.
Kael exhaled. "I found out Zayden has a fiancée."
There was silence.
"He didn't tell me," Kael continued. "Not even once. I had to hear it from my brother on my birthday. And he… he just left. No goodbyes."
Adrian listened quietly, then said in a firm voice, "You deserve better. You should never have to beg someone to choose you, Kael. You're not a backup. You're not someone to settle for."
Those words hit deeper than Kael expected.
He sat up straighter. Something inside him shifted.
"You're right," Kael whispered. "If I'm not his first choice, I'll stop acting like I'm waiting to be picked."
Adrian smiled gently on the other end of the line. "There's my strong Kael."
"…Would you be my model for the competition?" Kael asked suddenly. "I want someone who sees me. Who respects me."
Adrian chuckled. "You're asking me to show off your designs in front of the international fashion elite? I'm honored."
Kael smiled for the first time in days.
This time, it wasn't because of Zayden.
It was because of himself.