Page 28 of Wish Upon a K-Star

“Our Celebrity Marriage,”the marketing manager answers.

“What? No!” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

Our Celebrity Marriageis a popular show where two celebrities pretend to get married, with challenges presented by the production team to play out the life of newlyweds. I’ve caught myself getting sucked into episodes sometimes. But never in a thousand years would I have considered doing it. Anddefinitelynot with Minseok.

How could they think this was a possible solution for us?

“You can’t be serious.” Minseok laughs. “We’ve turned that show down a dozen times already. Why are you even considering this?”

“We turned it down before because of your busy schedule and disinterest,” Hanbin says. “But WDB’s situation is different now.Yoursituation is different now. We need to convince people that you have an amicable relationship with Hyeri-ssi to squash the rumors about harassment before they get out of control.”

Harassment?I think, eyeing Minseok, who refuses to look at me. I didn’t see those comments. But then again, I was so focused on the hate parade aimed in my direction.

I slowly raise my hand like a student waiting to be called on. “Sorry to say this, but aren’t WDB’s problems due to dating scandals? Why go on a show that’s all about marriage?”

I avoid meeting Minseok’s eyes, knowing this could be a sensitive topic for him.

Director Yoon nods. “You’re right, but it’s not the same as actually dating. It’s all for entertainment. And every celebrity who’s appeared on it has seen a boost in public popularity right after.”

“The show is already willing to change the opening format to fit the narrative that you’ve been friends since you were kids,” Marketing Manager Probably-Jung adds.

Now I laugh. “Friends is pushing it.”

Minseok gives me a glare. Probably mad that I’m not fawning all over him like everyone else always does.

“Either way. If we are able to change the narrative around you two into something we control, it’ll be better for both of you.”

It seems like I’m always asking the public for forgiveness, even when I’ve done nothing wrong. Except this time I can’t completely claim that. I did lose my temper. I did make a mistake. So, I nod. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

I spare a glance at Minseok, who looks almost angry that I agreed. But I have no choice, and I’ve worked too hard to protect my career. If I have to submit to the torture of spending a few weeks with Moon Minseok, then so be it.

Two days later, I’m at my engagement photo shoot.

A part of me still has misgivings about this plan.

Working with a celebrity as big as Minseok, and on a show likeOur Celebrity Marriage, sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

I remember what it was like when rumors spread that I was dating a producer onCiPro—it was the most uncomfortable I’d been with any rumor. And now I have to be on a show where I literally pretend to marry someone? And Minseok of all people? I’d rather eat dirt.

Hongjoo seems tense too, though she’s pretending really hard that it’s another normal schedule. But I can tell she thinks this is important. So, I promise myself that I’ll do my best; even if Minseok annoys me, I won’t react to it. I’ll be professional. I’ll be perfect. I will make sure I don’t waste this chance.

The shoot is being held at one of those engagement-photo studios, which sets off a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. They flutter angrily as I look at the different sets. One has an ivory upholstered settee in front of gold-embossed wallpaper, with bouquets spilling over stone planters on either side. Another set is designed to look like a gourmet chef’s kitchen with rustic wooden accents. And still another is a dark and moody library study.

I vaguely remember engagement photos are a thing in the US, but they never seemed that big of a deal. In Korea, weddings and the trappings around them always seem so much more elaborate, so much more heightened. And I’m already nervous trying to emulate that amount of extra properly for the viewers.

“Shin Hyeri-ssi.” A set assistant hurries up with a tablet in hand. “Let’s get you in your first outfit.”

She leads me to a back room. There’s not much space to move because there’s two racks of white and cream clothes in here. It looks so…bridal. And I feel my stomach churning more.

I turn to Hongjoo. “Are you sure this is okay? Won’t people think I’m too young to be on this show?”

“You’re nineteen,” Hongjoo reminds me. “You started college this year.”

“Started college” is a little generous. I’ve been on set more than I’ve been in class. But one thing fans always seemed to like about me was that I was a great student in high school, so my agency thought it would help my image to enroll.

I nod, knowing Hongjoo would never make me do something that was bad for me or my career. “Okay, I can do this.”

“Why don’t I go grab you something to drink, it’ll help calm your nerves.”

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