Chapter 21: Walking The Ramp

The Annual Fashion Ramp hosted by Kincaid International was a global event. People related to the fashion industry were invited from all over to attend it.

Their special collections were introduced during the event. This time around they had included an Anime special. Models were to parade the ramp in custom-designed costumes of popular anime characters.

Skyla had heard about the event and was super excited to attend it.

"Can I attend the event too," she expectantly asked her husband, seeing Doran putting on his suit jacket.

"If I had plans to take you along I would have already informed. Stay home," he replied in a dismissive tone.

"Please! I want to see it," she still pleaded and he sharply turned his head to face her.

"I have an important meeting later. Learn to listen when I say no for the first time," the rigidity of his tone had her take a step back.

Picking up the brush he ran it through his sandy hair and without a further glance at her, he left the room. After seven years of marriage, Skyla had gotten used to his frigid attitude. Didn't mean it hurt her any less, it hurt deeply.

"Will need to watch it on my tablet," Skyla muttered to herself, knowing that the event would be telecasted live, so now all she had to do was wait.

***

Doran reached his destination soon, driven by his trusted chauffeur Mr. Anders.

The event was being held in Kincaid Studio. The polygonal building with blue and silver mirrors was a marvel of architecture. A perfect blend of modern fashion and structural plans.

Today it was buzzing with the media, celebrities and other important personnel. The cameras flashed as celebrities walked the red carpet, waving and posing.

Doran approached the red carpet, taking long confident strides. Pasting a permanently fake smile on his face, he posed for the cameras.

~Click~Click~Click~

Flashes captured him front, back, left and right.

"Mr. Blackthorn, why is Mrs. Blackthorn not attending the event?"

"Mr. Blackthorn, how does it feel to be finally dethroned as Angel City's most desirable man?"

"Isn't Kincaid International your rival company?" "Are you here to spy on their designs?"

Question after question was thrown his way. He refrained from answering or entertaining any of them and just kept flashing his smile with one of his hands in his pocket and the other raking his perfect hair every now and then. The rage that brewed inside him was only unleashed behind closed doors but a vein in his temple had begun to itch.

Keeping a calm demeanour he made his way inside the studio hall where guests were being seated. The soft, diffused lighting highlighted the elegant design of the hall. The sleek, polished flooring was indeed tasteful. The modelling ramp stretched across the auditorium, providing a captivating focal point, with different lights adjusted above and on the sides.

Smart seating arrangements flanked the runway, offering a front-row experience for the audience. The overall ambience screamed glamour and creativity and onlookers were left mesmerised by its sheer elegance.

Doran's seat had been reserved in the front row and Caleb already sat there. Seeing him, he waved and Doran sauntered over and gracefully draped himself over it.

"Seems like they are going all out. This new studio hall is expensive, to say the least," Caleb placed his hand in front of his mouth and communicated with Doran, who sternly nodded in return.

Soon the hall was brimming with people from the fashion and media industry. The loud buzz and chatter of excitement engulfed it. The waiting staff distributed bubbly champagne and the lights dimmed while the ramp lit up.

The announcement and welcome sounded through the speakers and the loud noises dialled down to a low hum. The crowd held their breaths to be mesmerised by the models. Hip-hop music started and male models began to grace the ramp.

Mirrored and screened walls amplified the sense of space, reflecting the models as they gracefully strut down the runway in fashionable garbs.

The crowd cheered whenever they loved an attire or a famous model made his appearance. They walked with such finesse, every step so calculated and yet seemed so carefree.

Ensembles reflecting every season were displayed, followed by formal and informal wear, trendy and chic. But the best they had saved for last.

Introducing their new collection the models began to turn up on the ramp dressed as different anime characters. Ranging from Naruto to Levi Ackerman, from Dabi to Nanami San.

The cheer from the crowd was loudest on this new addition and it would be an understatement to say that people loved it. Doran watched them with minimum interest and a meh expression. He never understood people's obsession with anime. Why did they want to dress up funny like these stupid anime characters?

Caleb was taking notes of what people were loving the most and he knew Doran would never accept these findings.

The final announcement came through the speakers.

"And as our show-stopper is the most awaited and desirable man of our city. Presenting to you the Senior Executive of Kincaid International; Mr. Zyair Kincaid. Donning the costume of the final form of Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach."

The hall erupted in cheers, whistles and shouts followed this announcement and Doran tensed slightly. A wave of jealousy flooded him as he watched the powerful man step out onto the ramp.

Camera shutters furiously snapped, every cell phone was out and held high to capture this mysterious man, who always held his face under a mask.

Black loose Alladin trousers, a white skin-tight cloth which draped his torso and right arm, while his left arm and shoulder were bare. Black elbow-length gloves covered his slender hands and a white mask which resembled the cloth covering his torso covered his face, leaving only his hypnotic eyes for the world to see.

A wig of long black hair that flowed sideways was supported by him as he confidently walked the ramp. Every step was cheered on, and every move was appreciated.

The man had a hint of a smile on his hidden face until he reached the place where Doran was sitting.

He watched Doran from his peripherals and his lips stretched in a thin line of irritation. His enigmatic blue eyes took on a darker shade. It wouldn't be wrong to say that Doran was the reason for his sudden ire.

But he didn't stop and confidently walked past him till the end of the ramp and raised both his hands sideways. The crowd went wild and thunderous claps were deafening.

Doran stared at him with an irritated look in his eyes and wondered.

Who the hell was he? And what was so special about him? He decided to find out everything about this man.

(Find the picture of Ichigo's costume in the comments for reference.)