The day of the elimination, Faer won first place and was showered with praises as well as questions about who the mystery man was.

Flopping down on his bed in exhaustion, Faer stared at the ceiling in contemplation. He had an idea that the reception the picture would receive would be mostly good but the results blew his mind. The women in this world were rotten to the core. Remembering the look in Diem’s eyes as she stared at the photo had him shivering in fear. Faer didn’t think he’d ever understand the fascination women had with boys love.

Expelling a breath, he closed his eyes and looked at his stats. Everything was the same as he remembered. There wasn’t anything explaining why he could sense Aro’s presence, so he gave up and decided to bring it up when next he spoke to God.

Now only one challenged remained. Being at the top of the leaderboard, Faer knew he would win this competition if nothing untoward happened.

After this, just what should he do? Sure he had a lot of options but that only made choosing more difficult.

Leaving such thoughts for another time, Faer stood and made his way to the gym. He needed to get rid of the restless energy lingering within him, thanks to Aro.

The eyes on him felt heavy, he wasn’t sure if they were of desire or disgust and quite frankly, he didn’t care. What others thought weren’t of any consequence to him. As long as he stayed true to himself and lived how he wanted, then fuck the world. The reception from the picture with Aro was mostly good but he wasn’t stupid enough to think that people who opposed such things would stay silent. They were just drowned out by the others who were rooting for him.

Just imagining people talking badly about Aro, made him want to shove his foot up their asses.

Working out vigorously was the only way to vent his frustrations. It also helped to quiet the constant noise in his head.

Blowing away a tuft of hair from his eyes, Faer then wiped his sweat with the towel Stefannie offered him. He wasn’t quite sure when she arrived, but as soon as he stopped and turned around to face the door, he saw her leaning against it, looking at him pensively.

“Is it him?” She asked.

“Is it him what?” Faer shot back, knowing full well what she meant.

“The person you like. The way you looked at him didn’t seem friendly in the least.”

“Oh, yeah? How was I looking at him?” He raised his brow in question.

“Like you wanted to swallow him whole.”

Faer choked on his water he was drinking. Stefannie laughed as she saw him spluttering.

‘I really wanted to swallow him whole, just not in the way you’re thinking.’ Faer thought.

“Who knows?” Shrugging, he brought an end to the conversation.

“Gonna work out?”

“Yeah. My tummy’s been getting a little pudgy these last few days. It’s your fault, all that delicious food you cook every day.”

“You weren’t complaining when you were eating it.” He snorted.

“No one in their right mind would complain when eating something that delicious. I’ll be coming over to visit you a lot after the competition ends. There’s no way I’m letting such food walk away from me.”

“The food’s what you’re concerned about? Not the one making it?” Faer scoffed at Stefannie. That girl could eat her own body weight in food, he had no idea where it all went.

“Enough of that. Get out, so I can get started.” Averting her gaze from him, Stefannie walked into the room towards a treadmill. A sweaty Faer was bad for the heart and ovaries.

Days came and went, and it was finally the day of the last challenge. It would be a lie if Faer said he wasn’t nervous. There weren’t any hints today and only three contests remained. Faer, Stefannie and another guy.

William had been eliminated last time. Flashing back to the scene where William was kicking up a fuss saying that Faer cheated and the judges were against him, how there was no way he could be eliminated, Faer’s lips curled up in ridicule. What a fool! No one would like such an unpleasant person unless they were a masochist.

As soon as they hopped off the bus, they were greeted by Jared who was wearing 6-inch heels.

“OK dolls, this is it. Tonight you’ll walk the runway. You all did good during practice a couple weeks ago so give it your all alright? Good. Now follow me.” Jared turned on his heels and strutted off, leaving us to follow behind him in amazement.

All three contestants were confused at first but as they were ushered backstage they finally had some semblance as to what was happening. They were at a fashion show, whose they weren’t sure.

Each person led by a different person to get dressed.

Jared stood and watched as Faer’s hair was being styled while the make-up artist was applying eyeliner.

Truth be told, Jared was worried for Faer. He was his favorite contestant. Faer was cute like a little Chipmunk or Rabbit but sexy at the same time. How such a thing was possible he didn’t know.

The outfits this time were a bit severe. All in black and edgy, Faer was too ethereal to look dangerous but the only thing he could do was wish him the best and wait and see.

After all three contestants were dressed; the first to go out was the guy Andrew. Everyone could tell he was nervous with all the shaking he was doing, if they didn’t know any better they’d think he was having a seizure.

Stefannie would go last with the other female models, so it was Faer’s turn next. Steeling himself, he morphed his face into an impassive expression and his eyes narrowed, his back ramrod straight. The transformation left everyone shocked.

‘Was this the harmless hottie from a moment ago? Don’t fuck with me! How could someone change their whole aura so suddenly?!’

At his cue, Faer walked out and his every move captured the audience. His gait smooth but sharp, the tight leather outfit outline his amazing body, his face inscrutable and the dangerous gleam in his eyes had everyone enthralled.

Backstage once more, Faer relaxed, the tension ebbing away and his posture slackened.

‘Fuck, if I didn’t have the memories or Talent I’d probably fall flat on my face due to nervousness.’

Without missing a beat, Faer schooled his features back to his ‘adorable’ façade at the judges approach. Steffanie was walking the runway right now, though he couldn’t see it, he knew she was doing well so he wasn’t worried. When Steffanie returned they told us that winner will be announced at the end of the show, which was a minute or two away.

Nodding their heads in understanding, the contestants wish each other luck as they waited for the results.

The other models excluding the three, all made their way back on the runway.

“Follow us.” Jared said as the judges walked out on stage.

A sweet yet familiar voice could be heard speaking and it took Faer a second to realize who the voice belonged to.

His steps faltered as he met the gaze of his sister who was looking right at him.

‘No fucking wonder! This was her show! Should’ve known.’ Faer clucked his tongue in mild annoyance, mostly at the fact that it took him so long to realize.

Hearing his name being called, he snapped out of his daze and walked towards the judges. Not sure what was happening since he missed what was said, he looked back in the direction of his sister who gave him a thumbs up.

‘Ah, it seemed I won.’ Plastering on the brightest smile he could muster as well as a few tears that refused to fall, he hugged the judges then thanked everyone. Even though he knew he would win, it didn’t mean he wasn’t thankful and sincere towards the people that voted for him.

The clicking of shutters and applause drowned out his thoughts as his sister stood beside him, giving him a ‘perfunctory’ hug and congratulated him.

When the two stood side by side, a lot of people took pause. Why did those two look and seem so familiar to each other? Such idle thoughts only lasted for the briefest moments.

Steffanie came in second, Andrew third.

Truly, this was an interesting journey, but he was glad he experienced it. He now felt one step closer to his dream and he thanked God wherever he/she was.