Page 39 of Wish Upon a K-Star

He laughs as he holds out the flowers. “Let’s start with the milk and these.”

He plucks up one of the cartons, uses the disposable straw to stab it, and offers it to me. When I take it, he holds out his own for a toast. “To us.”

I nod and tap our cartons together. “To no more spilled milk.”

We’re strolling down one of the side streets close to the apartment now, the strawberry milk left behind after a single sip. Still have to be careful of calories.

I can’t figure out what to do with my hands. It’s as if I’ve never walked beside another person before. I’m so aware of the cameras on us that I worry I look stiff and unnatural beside Minseok, so I end up stealing glances at him to see what he’s doing.

Finally, he sighs. “Can we take a quick break?”

I’m surprised. It’s not diva behavior necessarily, but I’d just never even consider asking for a break before the main PD calls for one.

“Oh, sure, Moonster-ssi,” Han-PD says amicably. “Let’s take five minutes.”

The camera people all gratefully lower the heavy equipment. Assistants run forward with cool water bottles to help with the afternoon heat.

Hongjoo hands me one herself, and I take a long gulp.

Minseok leans in and I’m startled enough to jump back, spilling some of the water on my sleeve.

“I just think we should talk.”

“Talk?” I’m confused enough that I don’t put up a fight as he grabs my wrist and pulls me to the side, into the shade of one of the buildings.

“You need to calm down,” he says, voice lowered so only I can hear.

“What?” I wonder if he’s messing with me, but for what purpose?

“You’re overthinking everything and it’s making you stiff and jittery. Like when you used to be all wired right before an assessment test.”

I pale at the memory. I was always a mess before monthly assessments when I first came to Bright Star. It was bad enough sometimes that I’d freeze in the middle of a song or dance routine. For the first six months as a trainee, I was always convinced I was about to get kicked out. But now, I just scowl. “I’m not thirteen anymore. And I don’t need your criticisms on my performance.”

“It’s not a criticism. I’m telling you that you’re fine. Don’t focus on being on the show.”

I laugh. “Um, that’s kind of hard, since there are literally cameras everywhere.”

“Why are you here?” Minseok asks.

“Huh?” What nonsense is he spewing now?

“Why are you doing this show?”

“Because I have to.”

“No, that’s not what I’m asking. What are you trying to prove by coming on this show?”

I shake my head, about to laugh off his question. Then I stop and actually think about it. With a sigh, I admit, “I guess I want people to realize I’m more than all that bullshit gossip the antis make up about me. I want them to give me a freaking chance to prove it.”

He smiles with satisfaction. “Just remember that. Don’t let the antis win. You’re too talented to give in to them anymore.” With that he walks back toward the PDs and cameras.

What the hell? Did he really mean that? Or is he just gassing me up so I stop acting so awkward?

I don’t have time to wonder as Han-PD calls out for everyone to set up again to continue the shoot.

Immediately, Minseok points to a small hole-in-the-wall kookbap restaurant.

“You remember begging Miss Ha at that shop for an extra fried egg?”

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