September knelt, touching her forehead to the floor. 

Hana frowned

Yixing watched her silently. 

“Please...allow me to stay here.” 

Yixing sighed. 

September kept her head on the cold tiles. 

“I know things are better for you here but what about your friend and the deal you made to free her?” Yixing stood in front of her, “Isa…stop bowing,”  September sat before him, “We had a deal. You know the penalty for falling back on your word.” 

“I was hoping you would release me…” 

“The deal you made was not only with me but my brother.” September’s eyes widened, “He has your friend and if you don’t return she will take your place at his shoulder and at the competition.” he rested his palm on her head, “We both know, even if she did receive the same training as you did, she is inferior. She will not last long at Yifeng’s side.”

September breathed in shakily. 

“Go back. Finish your two days with your head high. Hana will send you the details of our return. Keep your word Isa and nobody else has to get hurt.” 

He nodded at Hana, ‘Come Isa…” Hana lifted her up and they walked outside in silence.

September shoved her hands into her pockets and stared up at the sky, “It was worth a try.” 

Hana shoved an envelope against her chest, “don’t be late little sister.” 

***

The crowd parted and Lilly Kim arrived with Kai on one arm and Lee Soo-hyuk on the other.

“Oh no she didn’t just pull the ultimate power move,” Minah whispered to Arran. 

Chen looked around. He forgot about Jackson Wang and searched for Sung-kyung. 

Sung-kyung felt like she had to go to them and welcome them like guests of honour or something. 

“Music,” someone called. Sung-kyung looked around and found Baek on the runway with a mic, “Everyone please enjoy the party. We will be starting in a couple of minutes.” he winked at her. 

The music continued and the guests started to mingle again. It was as if time had stood still for a moment. Baekhyun came up to her and nodded in Kai's direction. 

Sung-kyung squared her shoulders, “This is my ing event.” 

Baekhyun looked around suddenly realising he was getting a lot of attention and mostly from women. “Aha…” he made a quick escape to his mother’s side. 

Sung- kyung walked purposefully up to Kai, his father and Lilly, “Thank you for coming. I hope you will enjoy yourself. The store is that way and the show will start in about ten minutes. I hope you will pay special attention to the showstopper.” she told Lilly in particular,  bowed to Kai’s father and left them to mingle. 

That felt awesome. She went straight to Sana. “Did you see me?” 

“Well done you punk.” Sana squeezed her hands, “Ah, please allow me to introduce Choi Siwon - my boyfriend.” she whispered. 

“You can say it louder. I don’t mind.” Siwon joked, “I’ve heard so much about you Sung-kyung ssi. I don’t really know a lot about fashion but Sana and Mi-sun showed me your work online.” 

“You’re so sweet to say that.” Sung-kyung gushed. “You guys enjoy. I have to get backstage.” she could see Minah getting ready to step onto the runway. 

“She’s really friendly,” Siwon mentioned to Sana, who at that moment was more interested in Park Haneul. Sehun had gone over and the two seemed to be seriously talking about something. 

 “Give me one moment.” 

“Want me to come with you?” 

“You can fetch me a stiff drink,” Sana suggested and walked straight up to Haneul and Sehun. Sehun shot her a warning look but she ignored him. 

“I heard you did the lights for the show. They’re fantastic. I didn’t know you were into this sort of thing. You must really want everyone’s approval huh?” 

“Kim Sana…” Sehun had his lips pressed together like he did when trying to restrain himself. 

Sunbae. It’s fine.”

“Alright, but don’t make a scene here. Tonight is not about either of you. I don’t care how many ing lights you made or how far you flew to get here.”