Meeting a Pop Idol

Mia didn’t expect that accepting Claire’s request to meet up again would lead her to join an on-the-spot fashion design challenge and compete with thirty other participants in L'Atelier's workshop.

‘I wasn’t even aware L’Atelier was holding a contest! Isn’t this kind of thing reserved for the privileged? I wasn’t trained or the least bit prepared!’

Yet, Claire had told her, “Liam highly values talent. Though it requires a recommendation, his workshop is open to people of all backgrounds. As long as you have the skill, you don’t need to be a professional or even a student to get in.”

‘I’m grateful that she’s helping me, and of course, I’m more than honored. It’s just that…I wish she’d informed me first. She reminds me of Wes in that regard, to be honest.’

Mia knew they were not related, but she and Wes resembled each other. Both disclosed crucial information much later than one would’ve preferred. In this case with Claire, it’s as though the intention was to test Mia’s ability to adapt under pressure.

At least, that’s what she felt while peering down at the doll-sized mannequin, sewing tools, and sketch papers on her worktable. “Erm, so… We have to finish crafting a miniature outfit from scratch within the given time limit, and there isn't a specific theme… Hmmm…”

There was one type of fabric available—a sheer, lightweight ivory organza.  While the others picked up their pencils to sketch first, Mia went ahead and started tearing. All she needed was a single look, and she knew at once what she could do with it.

Truth be told, she’s still basking in the afterglow of her first experience inside an upscale fashion studio, and a contest with prizes she didn’t have a clue about merely felt like an afterthought. So, she decided to just go with the flow, letting passion and excitement take over. For the next couple of hours, her focus was solely on the colors, textures, and the sheer thrill of designing rather than the stakes of the competition.

By the time Mia completed her piece, the judges had concluded the first stage of their deliberations.

---

Claire and Liam stood in the corner, watching Mia place the finishing touches on her prototype while the rest weren't even halfway done with theirs.

“Oh, Claire, dear. She’s the real deal.”

The girl must’ve broken a record with how fast and precise she was—not to mention, resourceful, considering both materials and time were limited. The judges were drawn to her as she moved around pinning, smoothing, refining; she didn't even draw. No other audience was present, for this challenge was built on raw creation, yet she showed them so much promise that an almost urgent need for a platform arose.

“She’s rattled for a while, but I'm glad she appears to be enjoying herself now. What's the grand prize again? I should tell her if she passes this round,” Claire stated.

Liam gasped. “She did such incredible work, and she didn't know what for? I thought for sure she's aiming for the scholarship and contract offer.”

“Oh? That's new. I expected it would be the usual cash prize and mentorship.”

“Nuh-uh. L’Atelier is going big this time, darling~” he cooed and waved a finger at her. “After this is the final round, which we're including as a special segment in the upcoming fashion show. Three participants will showcase their collections there. Last year's success has driven our sales to skyrocket, and now, it’ll be broadcast to the whole world!”

“So, then, whether they win or not, they'll receive many career opportunities.”

Without Mia realizing, a sudden challenge turned out to be serendipitous.

Initially, Claire hadn’t planned to go as far as recommending her. Yet after discovering the circumstances around her and Wes, she realized she could return two favors she owed. One of those was overdue, but she'd never forget it, not when Lucas’s obsessive malice against her served as a constant reminder.

It was a decade-old story, but that made it all the more momentous since her cousin was only eight. Wes was set to become Ashthorne’s CEO, Claire a model, and Caleb an actor—roles they didn't choose by their own volition. When she and her brother found their personal ambitions, they entered a rebellious phase that almost led to estrangement and disinheritance.

What's worse, their strict and stoic father's questionable standards had proliferated. He'd tried to force her into a modeling job that Lucas offered, but then, Wes had declared, “I'll be the heir, model, actor—all at once. So, let Claire and Caleb go, Uncle.” Ever since, the entire family's expectations were placed upon him.

She hadn't asked him to do that. She could’ve saved herself somehow.

But when she'd said as much, what her cousin replied was, “I’m not doing it for you, though. You and Caleb have things you like, and I don't, so I'm just taking those you don't like. They're not that hard, anyway.”

Hearing an eight-year-old say that was probably the most bizarre experience Claire had. She couldn't understand him, but she figured she’s indebted to him regardless. The problem was that she couldn't find an opening. He’s much too capable and exceptional, and he never seemed to need help —

That’s until Mia.

‘I’m sure he'll disapprove of the way I'm doing it. An eye for an eye, I guess. I’ve never agreed with any of his methods either.’

“Hm? Someone's talking to our girl.” Liam's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she looked again to find Mia with another person. “Isn't that…? Oh! There's my new brand ambassador. He must’ve been searching for me…”

Yet instead of heading over there, Liam continued observing as if invested in the scene, causing Claire to do the same, unprepared for the sense of premonition that would soon take form.

---

“Hello there, miss. Never imagined we'd see each other again like this.”

Mia perked up in her seat. Had she still been working on her design, she wouldn't have noticed the voice. But now that she’s no longer occupied, the sound came as clear as a bell.

She tilted her head up to find blazing, sunset-red hair framing a striking face and bright, golden eyes that held a casual charisma.

“Not ignoring me anymore?”

“U-U-Ummm…” She trembled, struggling to recall who this was.

“Don't be so nervous. It's just me.”

‘That's the thing. I have no idea who you are.’ She swallowed down the lump in her throat. “S-Sorry, I… I-I-I don't-”

“Keith Stonehill?! The pop star?!” someone cried out from somewhere, as though responding to her inner dilemma, and the room began to stir.

‘Oh, he’s a celebrity. No wonder he seems so sparkly and glamorous.’ She averted her gaze, not used to being near these types of people. ‘I wish Jenny's here to tell me-’

“Your friend isn't with you today?”

She flinched. “Uhh… W-What…?”

“You were together last time. Shopping, maybe? Which reminds me you're in front of a mannequin back then, too. Now, we met again in a similar scenario. Funny, right?”

Mia paled.

She felt like she's committing an offense by forgetting. He sounded genuinely delighted to find her here, and he even remembered what she was doing that day—whenever that was. Her cheeks warmed slightly from mortification, fingers gripping the skirt of her dress.

“I-I apologize, sir. I don't… It m-must've been a l-long time ago, so I-I…”

“No pressure,” he chuckled as he sat down on the stool beside her. “You’re not paying attention that time, anyway, and I think I'm now understanding why.” His gaze shifted to the mannequin at her worktable. “So, you're a fashion designer.”

He carried a playful curiosity, but the way he spoke the details of their previous encounter showed a hint of sincerity. His attention also remained on her like a steady light, even as contained chaos ensued in their surroundings. Oddly enough, it wasn't too discomforting despite him being a stranger. 

‘This is what an idol is like up close, I see.’