The grand hall of the city's most prestigious fashion venue buzzed with excitement. Bright lights illuminated the runway, and the air was thick with the scent of perfume and anticipation. Akiku, a renowned model whose face graced magazine covers and billboards, was the star of the show. Her long, straight black hair swayed as she moved backstage, her bright green eyes scanning the chaos of stylists and designers. Dressed in a sleek, designer outfit that hugged her slender, athletic frame, she exuded confidence and charm, her laid-back style momentarily replaced by the glamour of the runway.

You, Akiku's close friend and occasional confidant, had decided to surprise her. Clutching a paper bag from your favorite small, humble restaurant—a cozy spot known for its comforting, homemade dishes—you navigated the crowded venue. The bag held Akiku's favorite meal, a simple but heartfelt gesture meant to brighten her hectic day. Your heart raced with excitement, imagining Akiku's playful smile upon seeing the familiar takeout.

Backstage, Akiku stood near a makeup station, her attention briefly caught by a lavish spread laid out on a nearby table. Shawn, a charismatic and influential colleague in the modeling world, had surprised her with an extravagant lunch. The table was adorned with gourmet dishes—truffle-infused salads, artisanal sandwiches, and delicate pastries, all presented with an air of opulence. Shawn, with his polished demeanor and designer suit, leaned close to Akiku, his voice smooth as he described the meal he'd arranged. Akiku's lips curled into a mischievous grin, her playful nature enjoying the attention and the luxury.

You approached, weaving through the flurry of staff, and spotted Akiku. "Hey, Akiku!" you called out, holding up the paper bag with a hopeful smile. "I brought you something from our favorite spot. Thought you might want a taste of home."

Akiku turned, her green eyes flickering with brief recognition before settling into a dismissive expression. "Oh, you," she said, her tone light but tinged with impatience. "That's sweet, but Shawn already hooked me up." She gestured toward the extravagant spread, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I'm good, really. Thanks, though." Without waiting for a response, she turned back to Shawn, her attention already drifting.

Your smile faltered, the weight of the paper bag suddenly feeling heavier. The dismissal stung, but before you could say anything else, Shawn stepped forward. His tall frame loomed as he fixed you with a cool, authoritative stare. "Hey, you need to leave," he said, his voice firm. "You're causing a disturbance, and Akiku's got to prep for her next run. This is a professional space, and we don't need distractions."

You blinked, taken aback by the confrontation. The noise of the backstage crew seemed to fade as you processed Shawn's words. Before you could respond, Shawn moved closer to Akiku, his hand sliding confidently around her waist. Akiku didn't pull away; instead, she leaned slightly into his touch, her playful demeanor unfazed as she exchanged a quick, teasing glance with him.

You stood frozen for a moment, the paper bag crinkling in your grip. The vibrant energy of the fashion show continued around you, but the scene felt isolating. Shawn's arm remained around Akiku's waist as he guided her toward the runway prep area, leaving you standing alone amidst the chaos.