The fashion show was proceeding successfully, beginning with an opening that delivered a shocking visual impact.

“Hmm.”

Renowned fashion columnist Laura McConnell stroked her chin with a wrinkled hand.

‘Little Robbins has regained his touch. Compared to last year, he’s clearly presenting a more advanced fashion world.’

Recalling last year’s collection, which had been somewhat disappointing compared to the year before, she smiled with satisfaction.

‘This year, I’ll have to write a favorable review.’

If an ordinary critic or columnist looked at things with such condescension, they might be called arrogant. But she was in a position where she could afford to be.

One of the three figures said to sway trends and evaluations in the fashion world.

Laura McConnell was one of those three.

An editor who had been in the fashion industry for over half a century since her twenties, writing sharp reviews. Over 100 million fashion people read her articles each month.

A rather gaunt elderly woman with a veil over her face—if she wasn’t seen at a fashion show, people would wonder, “Is there something wrong with this show?” That was how famous she was in the industry.

“...I like it. I like it very much.”

He was naturally reinterpreting potentially gaudy floral patterns, presenting fashions that felt like a festival of flowers.

The reinterpretation of classical Greek beauty stood out.

By employing famous Asian models, there was also a visible homage to the Hellenistic era, when East and West fused.

“Hmm.”

After filming the models with her smartphone, Laura McConnell soon lowered it.

‘It keeps resurfacing.’

She still couldn’t forget the shock of the opening.

In the past several decades, she had never seen someone harmonize with clothing at that level.

It was like watching a god wearing a floral crown walk forward.

Those fresh, shining eyes beneath the colorful flowers felt branded into her chest. Some might call it exaggeration, but for Laura McConnell, it was a thrill she hadn’t felt in a long time.

It felt as if the beauty she had always envisioned had materialized before her eyes.

‘In another sense, I’m looking forward to the closing.’

It was a completely different attitude from her usual, “Ugh, my back aches, hurry and ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) finish.”

She wanted to see it.

She desperately wanted to see his fashion.

‘He has the makings of a fashion icon of the century.’

To be honest, she didn’t really know who NewBlack were. At over seventy, most singers these days seemed similar to her.

But from the perspective of fashion, the young man before her possessed the talent to become the greatest fashion icon.

Resting her interlaced fingers on her knees, she shifted her gaze.

‘NewBlack....’

Sun Wooju in particular seemed exceptionally good at wearing clothes, but the other members seated there were also dressed rather well.

Especially the most upright-looking handsome youth among them—his sense for fashion stood out.

‘It’s been a while. I should tell my friend about them. Some interesting young men have appeared.’

A power broker of the fashion world, she thought about contacting a friend who hosted major charity events.

The fashion show progressed steadily.

While whispering as they enjoyed the many spectacles, celebrities were also paying attention to another element.

‘The music is good.’

NewBlack’s music flowed through the fashion show.

Versions of NewBlack’s title tracks and B-sides, exquisitely rearranged by Wooju to suit a runway style, played throughout.

As a result, Koreans and Souffle around the world watching via streaming began walking strangely.

“Hmm?”

When returning a tray at a café, they found themselves walking like models, and when stepping off the subway, they walked as if possessed by a runway spirit.

It was music that made one act mysteriously fatal alone.

– Why is the arrangement so good lol

– Turned on a fan and pretended to shoot a fashion pictorial like a model then locked eyes with my sibling damn it

– For real it sounds like legit fashion show BGM lol

– Damn I suddenly want to hit the outlet mall and go shopping

– My dad got drunk listening to this and started walking like a model

– Wow NewBlack really has so many masterpieces..

It felt surreal yet fascinating for Koreans to see the world’s top models walking to NewBlack’s music.

Meanwhile—

The MyTube comment section, already flooded with English and Spanish comments, was growing increasingly chaotic.

‘Closing soon.’

What kind of fashion would he appear in for the closing?

Souffle, hearts pounding, clasped their hands and waited.

– He’s coming!

– Our Sun is coming! Our SUN!!!

– Finally!

As Sun Wooju’s silhouette appeared and Souffle clenched their fists, about to shout “Yes!”—

Glitch. Stutter.

‘No?’

Glitch glitch.

‘This can’t happen!’

MyTube’s signature red loading circle spun, and Souffle collectively screamed.

Among them were the thousands gathered in front of the museum.

“Kyaaaaaaah!”

As fans howled toward the sky like werewolves, police and security trembled.

While Souffle screamed—

As the closing approached, the celebrities present fixed their eyes on the end of the runway.

‘He’s coming.’

‘He’s coming again...!’

It was time for the one who had created a repeatedly watchable masterpiece to appear.

At that moment—

An arranged version of NewBlack’s first full album title track began to play.

With the intense music, someone walked out from behind the curtain.

“...!”

Unlike the opening outfit, where he had looked like a radiant god with a floral crown, this was a refined all-black ensemble.

Black fabric embroidered with flowers and ornate details in golden thread.

With darker makeup than the opening, slightly smoky eyes gazed indifferently into the void.

‘So handsome!’

‘That’s our hyung! Our hyung!’

‘I want that face.’

The NewBlack members unconsciously clapped like seals in delight.

Walking proudly like a king of a nation, Wooju paused briefly to strike a pose, then turned and disappeared.

Just like the opening, it was a scene that etched itself deeply into memory.

Stars let out exclamations.

‘So the latest trend is floral patterns. I need to tell my stylist to bring me every floral piece.’

‘This year belongs to LeBlanc.’

‘Before I go back to LA, I should buy a few similar outfits.’

Celebrities who led global fashion trends.

In that moment, they chose “floral patterns” as the next rising trend.

With the final walk complete, and the powerful Empire playing, all the models who had stood on the runway walked out together.

People seated throughout raised their smartphones to film.

And then—

The chief designer, Jimmy Robbins, wearing glasses and bearing a somewhat sharp impression, walked out from behind the curtain.

Soon Sun Wooju followed and stood beside the designer.

A standing ovation—rare to witness—erupted.

“Wooooow....”

The ultimate handsome man, who had maintained an indifferent expression on the runway, now smiled brightly. It was paradise.

Designer and muse placed hands on each other’s backs, waving to the audience.

They turned elegantly and disappeared, while people either filmed or applauded.

“Do you see that? That’s our hyung!”

“When he smiles he’s twice as handsome! And that wasn’t even his best smile!”

The NewBlack members jumped excitedly.

Beside them, LeBlanc’s chairman Georges Wenger chuckled and nodded.

Flower-like handsome men screaming into his ears.

‘My ears... might start bleeding....’

The chairman vowed to avoid sitting next to them next time.

“Thanks to all of you, today’s show has concluded successfully! Bravo! Blessings upon everyone’s future!”

“Waaaaah!”

“Great job!”

Applause and greetings rang out everywhere.

Perhaps because the important event had ended safely, the previously sharp-eyed staff looked softer.

“Whew....”

While Jimmy went around congratulating the models, I held my knees and took a deep breath.

The tension filling my entire body felt like smoke dissipating.

“Good work.”

Seokhwan patted my shoulder, and I smiled.

“I did well, right? Judging by the mood, I think I did.”

“You were the best. There are tons of people waiting to meet you after this.”

“Really?”

Smiling pleasantly, I stood up again.

I wanted to just lie down spread-eagle and forget everything, but there was still work to do.

First was a hug with the designer.

“Sun, who showed the greatest fashion in this world! You worked so hard! I am beyond words moved!”

“No, it’s an honor to stand in the show of the greatest designer in history, Jimmy Robbins.”

“Hahahahaha!”

“Hahahahaha!”

After laughing together, we spoke with reporters who rushed over with cameras.

“Today’s show was truly impressive. Jimmy, there were many provocative fashions. How do you feel?”

“I’m extremely happy. In truth, today’s show realized the fashion I dreamed of since childhood. I was persecuted in school for being different, haha. My head was shoved into a toilet bowl more than once.”

Jimmy spoke seriously.

“It was simply because my clothes were different. Ever since stepping into the fashion industry, this was a collection I desperately wanted to do.”

He draped an arm around my shoulder.

“I want to sincerely thank Sun, who turned my dream fashion into reality. We have many similarities. I heard Sun also dropped out of school!”

That wasn’t quite the reason, but it wasn’t wrong.

After Jimmy handled questions skillfully, the focus shifted to me.

“From the astronaut performance at the VMA to being spotlighted recently as fashion icons, NewBlack—at the center is you, Sun. What is your fashion philosophy?”

“Hmm....”

After thinking seriously, I answered.

“Isn’t fashion about showing your true self? Wearing what you want to wear without being bound by social conventions and customs—that’s fashion, I think. Because fashion is about expressing me.”

“Ooooooh....”

The reporters began looking at me with admiration.

That’s right.

The one destined to become a global fashion icon—that was me.

“Hehehe.”

Smiling with satisfaction as the interview ended, the backstage grew bustling.

Famous figures had entered.

As I looked around the market-like chaos backstage, the lackeys’ faces suddenly filled my vision.

Thud thud thud!

Junhyun’s face loomed like a giant stone statue.

“Hyuuuuung!”

“Guys!”

“We were so proud watching you. That’s our hyung!”

“Kuuuuh!”

At the enthusiastic reactions of the younger members, my mouth felt stretched to my ears.

Honestly, while walking the runway, I had been so internally panicked that I couldn’t think of anything.

I didn’t even look toward the lackeys in case we made eye contact and I burst out laughing.

...They liked it.

“Well.”

Ri Hyuk scratched his cheek, avoiding my gaze.

“I was kind of proud for once.”

“You have no idea how many times Ri Hyuk hyung muttered ‘so handsome...’”

“Be quiet!”

“Hyung, can we take a picture with you in that makeup? I want to use it as my profile pic.”

Holding hands with the lackeys and spinning briefly like Heidi in the Alps—

We were immediately overwhelmed greeting people who came to say hello.

“Oh my god! It’s the famous one! Sun!”

“You were amazing!”

Amid flashing shutters, loud voices and laughter echoed.

Then someone approached me, and the crowd parted.

“Hm?”

An elderly woman who looked like Professor McGonagall greeted Jimmy, then offered me praise.

“Very impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope to see you elsewhere soon.”

As she coolly turned away, Jimmy whispered,

“...For that witch to praise me. I should’ve turned on a recorder.”

“Is she famous?”

Thinking it was a joke, Jimmy gave a thumbs up and laughed.

When I asked the lackeys with a glance, they said she was a famous columnist.

Apparently a well-known critic in America.

She said something about meeting again, but it probably didn’t mean much.

“Hyung, and this is LeBlanc’s chairman.”

“Oh.”

The middle-aged man draped in intimidating luxury items praised me with a thumbs up.

Chairman Georges Wenger smiled and shook my hand.

“The crowd today, the popularity—it was extraordinary. I hope we maintain a good relationship.”

“It’s an honor.”

The chairman asked,

“Since the show ended successfully, I’d like to offer something in return. If there’s anything you need, say it now.”

“Oh....”

“I’ll grant one wish.”

It seemed like he intended to shower us with gifts and create a debt.

It wasn’t quite the atmosphere to flatly refuse, so I exchanged glances with the younger members and smiled.

In times like this, it was best to ask for something small you could later forget.

“Then may I ask for one thing?”

“Of course!”

It was truly something trivial.

“Do you know a good bakery? We’d like to eat before flying out tomorrow.”

“A bakery? Of course I do.”

Chairman Georges Wenger smiled contentedly.

Jean Brion, known as the best baker in Paris, was spending time with his family when he received an abrupt call.

– Step out and bake some bread.

France, world-famous for pastries and baking.

For a master craftsman of his stature to be told to come out and bake bread so suddenly!

It was outrageously rude.

Even if it was Chairman Georges Wenger.

– At this hour? I’m with my family—

– That investment proposal you mentioned before. How much did you need?

His mind cleared instantly.

– ...Family time can happen anytime. Where are you? I’ll leave like a bullet.

– It’s a valued guest. Treat them well.

– Hahaha! Of course!

It was too much money to refuse.

Thus Jean Brion arrived at the bakery and began baking like a madman.

‘An investment proposal from Chairman Wenger!’

Placing freshly baked baguettes and croissants into baskets, he approached the guests humming.

“Enjoy.”

The five men who had been wearing dazed expressions—“Where am I? Who am I?”—smiled brightly.

“Thank you!”

They felt oddly familiar, but Jean Brion didn’t dwell on it.

He was simply fascinated by their expressions.

‘What?’

As soon as the bread came out, one wiped away tears.

Like someone who had starved for years, a handsome man ate bread with salami and apricot jam.

He inhaled the scent of bread deeply, then took a bite with teary eyes.

Chew chew.

His eyes flew open, and he smiled with tears.

“C’est très bon!”

The fluent French pleased him.

“You speak French?”

“Of course. Eating such delicious bread makes it come out even more smoothly. It’s truly the best bread I’ve ever had.”

“Hahaha.”

“You’re truly a master of bread.”

How long had it been since someone had been so moved by his bread?

While the other four patted the emotional member in a language he didn’t understand, Jean Brion rolled up his sleeves to bake more.

‘Kids need to eat well and grow.’

And—

Scenes like this were being reported in real time.

– NewBlack has arrived at bakery

– Interior not visible but appears members requested for starving leader

– Must emulate Chairman Wenger’s tactic

– Lure with warm bread

Spies from fashion companies hidden everywhere sent reports with gleaming eyes.

‘Heh heh. Investigation complete successfully.’

Investigators smiling to themselves, believing they had finished without being detected.

But that was their illusion.

“Junhyun, what is it?”

“I keep sensing movement outside.”

A member with a gentle, bear-like face closed his eyes slightly.

“Looks like paparazzi followed us. They keep watching....”

“What?”

“They’re speaking French on the phone. I can’t translate it, but there seem to be about twelve of them....”

“It’s probably nothing.”

Wooju raised a hand to stop the managers about to intervene and smiled.

“Let’s just enjoy the bread today.”

Soon the leader and lackeys giggled, savoring bread.

“There’s more bread here!”

“More bread!”

“The more bread, the better!”

The five of them had no idea how much bread would arrive as gifts the next day.