Threaded Souls | Heeseung

Prologue

Abigail's POV

My palms were sweating. Like, actually sweating.

I sat at the edge of my seat in the back row, my knee bouncing like I had caffeine running through my veins instead of blood. On the runway before me with dimmed lights was my best friend, Kiana, along with other fellow classmates, modeling my collection.

This was it. The final round of a Global Design contest. One winner.  For me, it wasn't about winning the cash prize. It was about the exposure. A possibility for a way out of my small New York apartment and finally breaking into the industry.

"What inspired your collection?"  Was a question from one of the judges that kept echoing in my head.

Had I mess up my one chance? Did I choose the wrong concept?

"My inspiration came from a fast growing industry that's capturing hearts all over the world, Kpop. After extensive research, I came across a group that still new, but quickly becoming an international sensation with their concept, Vampire."

The more I replayed that moment, the more I questioned everything. I'll admit, even I thought it was a ridiculous concept at first. But the deeper I fell into this world—the colors, the storylines, the aesthetics of it all—the more obsessed I became. Every group had its own visual identity, but this one? The vampire concept practically begged me to be brought to life on the runway.

I glanced around the room. Most of the other contestants looked calm and composed. They all looked prepared with portfolios and supportive parents in the front row. 

I had cuts on my fingers, borrowed hairpins to keep my bun together, and a supportive best friend walking the runway for me in my handmade designs.

Then it was time.

The mic squeaked.

My chest locked up. My breathing stopped.

"And the winner of the Global Design Contest..."

Silence. The world stopped in that moment. Winning didn't matter. Until it did.

"Abigail Marin."

Loud cheers come from behind the stage. Kiana. Clapping and cheering follows from the crowd.

My feet didn't move at first. Not until someone nudged me, "Girl, that's you! Go!"

I walked toward the stage like I was floating. Or dreaming. Or maybe both.

—

"Abi, I'm so proud of you! I knew they'd love your designs!" Kiana beams, practically bouncing beside me. "And with that prize moment? Drinks are on you tonight girl!"

I laugh, still buzzing from the rush of the competition. As I packed up my designs and clean the backstage area we'd taken over, it finally started to sink in. I couldn't believe I won.

We're mid conversation when I noticed a tall man in a black Prada suit walking toward me. Confused, I glance at Kiana, who's just as confused as I am.

"Are you Abigail Marin?" he asks, voice smooth but direct.

I nod slowly, "Yes?"

He reaches into his coat pocket and hands me his business card that reads, HYBE Design Manager. "I am Park Youngho, one of the HYBE Design Managers."

"HYBE?" I repeat, trying to place the familiar name. Then it clicks. My eyes widen. "Wait... like the music entertainment company?"

"Yes," he chuckles. "Ms. Marin, your collection tonight left me speechless. I was even more impressed to learn it was inspired by one of our groups. You captured everything I've been trying to get through to my team for months."

My heart stutters at his kind words, "Thank you so much."

"If you really liked her work," Kiana intervenes playfully, "you should buy her designs."

I shoot her a quick glare— girl, not now— but Mr. Park just laughs.

"You're not wrong," he says, "But actually I'm here to offer something even better."

"Offer me something?"

"I want to bring you on as a visual designer and stylist at HYBE. You'll start in Seoul, working with the group that inspired your collection." He pauses, watching my reaction. "Ms. Marin, are you interested?"

No words. I couldn't speak.

Everything was falling into place for the first time since graduating university. This was more than a job. It was everything. The moment that would change my entire life.

What I didn't know then...

Was who waited for me on the other side of that decision.

Seven boys.

One group.

And one in particular who would ruin me in the most beautiful way.

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