Chapter 64: Making Splashes in Fashion

Wednesday | April 21th, 2024 | 6:35 PM

"Thank you guys for coming!" Jennie and Xiaoting both shouted in unison as they shuffled towards us. If it wasn't for the setting we were in, I would've been thrown off seeing the glamorous dresses and the perfectly done hair they were sporting. From behind me, Joy, Yeji, Sana, and Saerom pushed past to greet them in warm embraces. I stood there, a bit out of place along with the boys of the Goobers as well as Tzuyu who stood off to the side, smiling at the girls.

I was fiddling with the corner of the pamphlet all of us were given as we walked into our university's open venue. Conveniently enough, it shared the same building as the Art majors, including our good friends in the fashion department who were using the venue for their annual Fashion Gala.

It was a site that we usually use for events that would be hosted by student organizations, mostly the Student Activities Committee that dear old Nakyung was a proud member of.

Although today, it was something different. All around us, specific decorations in white pillars, lily-white roses, and white curtains with golden accents decorated the entire place. It really had an almost ethereal beauty to it, making my church-formal clothing feel underdressed.

I mean, by the looks of Jennie and Xiaoting's outfits, we were definitely not fit to compare to them. Good thing that it wasn't our job to look pretty and unique. When I paid more attention to them, I noticed their makeup was done in a more exaggerated way. Xiaoting, who I've only ever seen in clean and natural looking makeup, had the look similar to the models I would see in clips of famous galas on the internet. Smoky eyes, rosy cheeks, and pale lipstick.

Jennie had a fierce look. Cat-eye winged liner that had wings as long as her lashes themselves. Sharp contour that accentuated her jawline and cheekbones, and blood-red lipstick.

"Oh my gosh, you guys look so good," I heard Yeji compliment the two girls. "Y-you two literally are on another level," Sana said, in utter awe.

Wooyoung was too, looking down at Jennie as he gave an obvious whistle. Jennie simply laughed and elbowed Wooyoung as Xiaoting thanked them, "It took a while, but it’s all for the show tonight," she said modestly.

"I'm so glad you guys were able to make it to the fashion show for our class, really, it means a lot to us!" Jennie said, turning her attention towards all of us. She respectfully bowed, with Xiaoting quickly following behind, "We can't wait to show you guys what else we’ve been working on."

The fashion design students always put on showcases like this every year. They'd pick themes, have their models, and display all their handmade works.

It was basically their final exam. As sophomores, this was Jennie and Xiaoting’s first time participating in the gala. When the two of them invited the Goobers, it was only unanimous that we’d all come to support our friends.

The two fashion gurus turned towards Joy, breaking into a big smile. "Are you ready to get dressed?" Xiaoting asked excitedly. Joy bounced on her toes, her grin mirroring theirs. "Born ready! I'm just nervous about walking!" Joy giggled, clapping her hands together.

"Well," Jennie stepped forward, adjusting Joy's collar. "You're one of the most naturally graceful people I know. You'll be fine." She said with a smile of encouragement before gently guiding Joy away by the arm. "We'll see you guys after the show, please enjoy yourselves! I think they're giving away free food too over at the snack bar!"

The look shared between Haechan and Jinho told me everything when they walked off without another word. I lingered behind with Tzuyu as she stood there quietly, adjusting to the crowded but somewhat classy atmosphere we found ourselves in.

"You look nice today," I complimented. She was wearing a simple yet elegant navy-blue dress with delicate white embroidery along the neckline. Her long brown hair was styled in a loose braid, which cascaded over her shoulder.

She nodded her head, "Thank you, Minjae." Her words were spoken with her usual soft spoken tone. I stared at her longer than I should've but I was carefully monitoring her. She swiveled in place while her arms held each other tightly, looking at each side of the massive room.

"If you want to go outside for a bit before the show, I can wait with you," I offered kindly. Sana had already left with Yeji and Saerom somewhere else and Wooyoung chased after the boys, leaving us two behind together. After everything, I felt like I owed service to Tzuyu for life.

"It's okay," Tzuyu told me quietly, her gaze meeting mine. A small smile appeared before it dropped back into her neutral look, "Thank you, Minjae."

I nodded back and looked around, my hands slipping into my pockets. "Well, we have to check out the free food right? Before the guys eat everything."

“Sure, why not,” she chuckled and started following me as I walked ahead, making our own way over towards where the boys ran off to.

We found the "free food", a simple section with tall tables adorned in white tablecloths, silver platters with various types of cheese, crackers, fruits, and sparkling cider in ornate glasses. Wooyoung, Haechan, and Jinho were already there, shamelessly stacking crackers with cheese. The girls were mingling with other students I recognized from some of my other classes.

While I was admiring the spread, I heard a familiar voice call out for me. "Hwang Minjae!" I looked towards where my name came from, spotting a rather gorgeous English classmate bouncing towards me.

"Miyeon! Hey," I said, genuinely happy to see her. Her black hair was in beautiful curls down her back as she wore a stunning silver, sequined dress.

"Here for Jennie and Xiaoting's showcase?" Miyeon asked, her hands confidently coming to her hips.

"Of course," I said with a smile. "I'm also here for my favorite classmate, thank you again for the book notes, you're a real lifesaver." I added on.

Her bright smile could've powered the whole building. "Anytime," she winked, her playfulness shining though. "Well, I must be off, I'm about to take final looks before the show starts." She leaned in close, her perfume smelling like jasmine and citrus, "Actually, do you want to come backstage for a little bit?" she offered.

"Woah, special guest?" I laughed.

"Just for a minute," she pressed. "Truthfully, I need a boy with muscles to help me move some stuff. Can you help me out real quick?" The small pout she gave was just... wow. She placed her hands together as if she were praying.

Of course I was going to help. I was a nice golden boy like that.

I glanced back at Tzuyu who was engrossed with hovering near Sana and Saerom, laughing at something Haechan was saying to her. She seemed comfortable now. I felt fine to leave.

"Lead the way," I said to Miyeon. She grinned and turned away as we made our way around the tables and guests, towards a heavy velvet curtain at the back of the venue.

"Here," Miyeon said once behind the curtain, a world of controlled chaos unfurled. The backstage was a stark contrast to the elegant and ethereal front. Steamy from clothing irons, it smelled heavily of hairspray. It was a long hallway that was cramped with clothing racks, bustling with models and students, their faces set with professional concentration, each running around with a singular purpose.

So this was what fashion majors' exam day looked like.

"Right this way," Miyeon navigated through the madness with practiced ease. As for me, I found myself squeezing past racks of ethereal fabrics and avoiding stray hairspray clouds and quick makeup touches.

We started to pass up doors on each side of the long hallway, most closed but not all, they'd be filled with the energy and voices of those prepping. From one, I heard the familiar excited shrieks of Jennie, Xiaoting, and Joy. Moving quickly, I only got a quick glimpse of Joy seated between the other two as she got her makeup and hair done, a genuine excited look on her face.

Finally, we arrived at another closed door near the very back and Miyeon quickly slipped inside, holding the door for me. I entered the room as she said, "In here!" with much enthusiasm.

The room, compared to everything else, was a very organized workspace. Mannequins stood frozen in positions, three of them to be exact, with beautiful dresses draped on their bodies. A large cutting table sat in the center with fabric scraps and sketch books littered about. There were huge windows on the far end of the room that showed a view of our campus. It was a nice private corner of this chaotic world.

She started moving about, cleaning the table and stray chairs, her movements graceful even in the rush. "This is my senior studio," Miyeon explained, her back to me. "There aren't a lot of us that get one." The pride in her voice was palpable.

"It's amazing. Really, you and all these other students are incredibly talented," I said, looking around, taking in the small details. The first mannequin wore a gown of what looked like liquid silver, its form flowing in impossible waves. It was fashioned as a shoulder-less design that came with built-in armlets that went down mid-way down the forearm. The neckline dipped dangerously, almost a bit of a deep v-neck but cut in such a way that it was very tastefully alluring while still being incredibly elegant and chic.

The middle mannequin had a form-fitting crimson sheath dress that had intricate floral designs weaved in gold thread along the chest and torso. The dress itself was made in a way to follow and accentuate the body's natural shape. That much I could tell by the shape of the chest, waist, and hips.

The last one was a simple black dress made of silk fabric. The shoulder straps were made of small silver pearls. The neckline was also in the shape of a U, cut low but again tasteful like the rest of it. The front had an open thigh-high slit down the left leg and from my observations circling around it, it had a plunging deep-U shape on the back to match its front with the pearl straps crossing across the back and making an X shape. My eyes looked down to its base to see it was paired with matching silver heels.

All three dresses would look absolutely stunning on anyone who'd wear them.

"Thank you," Miyeon breathed out. She stopped by me to admire her dresses along with me, our shoulders almost brushing. Her fingers reached out to gently trace the golden threading on the red dress. "Geez, I can't believe it's almost over." She sighed.

"You're going to do great," I offered, the encouragement flowing easily. I watched as her eyes softened at my words. She grinned and lowered her head to look at the floor while she crossed her arms, a shy and bashful reaction.

"Yeah? I'd hope so. This event always brings a good bit of media and even some names in fashion. They've even sent invites to actual talent scouts this year," she confessed, her enthusiasm making her bounce slightly on her toes. The energy in this space was contagious.

"Wait, for real?" I asked, my brows raising.

"Yup, this is the real deal," she confirmed, nodding sagely. "There's so much time but I'm so nervous, geez," She murmured, moving her head around the room. Her cheeks glowed with a natural blush that I admired, but all I could really do was just stare at her.

"Thankfully, as seniors, we have our own section of the show instead of being sprinkled in with the others," she looked at a clock that was hung on a wall, "But I feel like that just adds more pressure to us specifically. Everything must be perfect."

"I'm sure everything is fine." I assured her.