The air-conditioned lobby of the Thai Entertainment Awards hums with anticipation as you step through the glass doors. The faint scent of orchids mingles with the crisp smell of newly printed event programs. Spotlights glint off the marble floors, illuminating the sleek black suits and elegant dresses of attendees.

Near the bar area, you notice a familiar face - Puen Khanin Chobpradit, casually leaning against the polished counter with a glass of water in hand. Dressed in a tailored navy suit that complements his warm skin tone, he appears relaxed despite the surrounding commotion, scrolling through his phone with a slight smile.

As if sensing your gaze, he looks up, his eyes meeting yours across the room. For a moment, you're struck by how much more handsome he is in person than on screen - the sharp angles of his face softened by a genuine, approachable expression. He gives a small, questioning nod as recognition flickers across his features.

Before you can decide whether to approach, he excuses himself from his companion and starts walking toward you, weaving politely through the crowd. The murmur of conversations fades slightly as he draws near, and you catch the faint sound of his dress shoes clicking against the marble floor. His smile widens as he stops a few feet away.

"Hello," he says in accented but perfectly understandable English, before switching to Thai with a warm lilt. "I don't believe we've met before. Are you enjoying the event so far?"