REMEMBER ME?...
The Part 74

“But I hope you didn't get it wrong.” Himsoo interrupted Kiara's speech, making Kiara's forehead wrinkle faintly.

The woman turned her eyes back to Kiara and Kiara dared to swear that the woman's gaze looked much different from when they first met a few minutes ago. What caused this woman's view to change in minute units like this?

“A-what do you mean?” Kiara asked not understanding.

Bang Himsoo sighed. “In our world, design is the same as business. And no one started this business with their connections as far as I'm concerned. Everything builds from zero. Call it who your favorite designer is again and I can guarantee they all build their careers from scratch.”

The wrinkle on Kiara's forehead deepened. He did not understand the direction of this senior designer talk.

“I heard you're new to the business, Kiara?” ask Himsoo again.

“Be careful, no designer who managed to survive just relying on the connection.”

Kiara fell silent. The statement clearly struck his heart and made him numb in an instant. He looked at Bang Himsoo's distant back and his heart ached. He doesn't understand.

He knew that Bang Himsoo's statement was directed at him. But the intent of ‘connection’? Does he think that his plunge into the world of design is just relying on his connection? Just because he came from a business?

“Kiara, you waited a long time? Ii'm sorry. Have you been drinking? Want to eat something?” Vano returned to her with a smile adorning her face, displaying her sweet-looking dimples.

Kiara was silent, not answering Vano. Instead, he thought, Do they think the same about Vano?

“Kia?”

Kiara. He then looked at Vano in front of him and smiled while shaking his head. “I'm not hungry.”

“Then you have to drink,” Vano immediately took two glasses from the passing waiter while carrying a tray containing drinks and handed one to Kiara. “Enjoy the party, don't strain so.”

Kiara nodded and drank the drink Vano had given her a little. How could he enjoy the party while he was still thinking about what Bang Himsoo had said earlier?

___

This time, the atmosphere of the club had completely changed. The fashion show has begun showcasing Bang Himsoo's latest works and the music has been turned into a stomping dubstep theme. Colorful flickering lights adorn the stage, adding a charming impression to every model that wanders there.

However, among all those who enjoyed the party, Kiara may be either included or—or perhaps the only— who did not enjoy the party. Bang Himsoo's words were still ringing in his mind. So shallow - is the thought of the senior designer to say such a thing?

Kiara tapped her nails on the glass she was holding. That glass is still the same glass that Vano gave her an hour ago. And he still hasn't taken it off so far. He really has lost his taste.

“Hey, did you enjoy the party?” someone said to Kiara's right. Kiara knew this voice well. This is Brian's voice.

The man drank the blue drink he was holding until it was finished in one gulp. “This is the first time I have attended the premiere fashion show as well as this Christmas party. And not bad either.”

“You know, I heard that there will be an award ceremony after this fashion show,” Brian said.

Next to Kiara's eyebrows raised. “Oh yes?”

Brian nodded enthusiastically and went back to talking about other things. While Brian was babbling again, Kiara fell silent, seemingly thinking of something.

The fashion show ended with Bang Himsoo on stage with a bouquet of flowers and a sprinkling of confetti. The stage looked very sparkling, very shining. Unfortunately, it was filled with malice in Kiara's eyes.

“This time, we get to our special event! Award ceremonies! This award was made especially today to appreciate the amazing works for fashion in the world! Let's just start reading out the nominees and the winners, okay? For the first category, category female models!” Kiara watched as the MC began to open an envelope in her hand, then read out the nominees for the category. “....and the winner is.. Windy!”

The sound of a standing ovation accompanied Windy's departure onto the stage. The girl looked surprised. His eyes grew bigger and he covered his mouth with both hands. Brian cheered loudly next to Kiara, enjoying the euphoria. Vano clapped his hands to his left. Only Kiara was silent and did nothing.

Kiara saw Bang Himsoo hand over a bouquet of roses to Windy as well as a glass trophy. They look familiar. Oh of course, Windy is very famous in the industry.

“Kiara, are you okay?” asked Vano who looked worried because of Kiara's strange expression since earlier.

“Mm-hm... I'm fine,” reply Kiara briefly, without turning her head. The girl sighed softly. He didn't want Vano to know. He did not want to hurt the man's feelings by the words of others.

“If you feel uncomfortable, we can go home—“

“...Vano Alexander!” the loud MC voice cut through Vano and Kiara's conversation. Both of them looked up on the stage. Apparently, the MC has announced a new winner in the photographer category and Vano won an award in that category.

Vano looked at Kiara for a moment. He was still worried about the girl, but Vano smiled and raised his chin on the stage, telling the man to take his trophy. Vano was still staring at Kiara once again, asking for approval. And as soon as Kiara nodded, Vano finally nodded anyway. The man opened his mouth, saying ‘wait for me’ without a sound that Kiara's smile responded to.

Once again, Brian's cheers next to him sounded. “Wah... You guys are great! I'll bet, Kiara, during the designer category, your name definitely appears in the nominations and you will definitely win!”

Kiara chuckled at Brian's statement. Believe not believe. He seems to believe his name will be in the nomination, but to be the winner? He's a little suspicious. Bang Himsoo obviously hated him. He could not have handed the trophy to her.

“Now, for the designer category! Nominees are..Rhytme, Khwan Yui, Moon Habyul, Kiara Kusuma, Goo Wonhee! And the winner is...... Moon Habyul!”

Look, Kiara's guess didn't miss.

This time, Brian's cheers were not heard. Instead, the man felt strange himself. As an entertainer who means to be a model as well, he has worked with designers in the nomination, but he can guarantee there are no designers as good as Kiara and his works.

“Kiara Kusuma is on the list? Are they kidding?”

...****************...