Page 46 of Wish Upon a K-Star

“What would you call your girlfriend?” Minseok asks, and I almost gasp. Is he allowed to say that? Bright Star has never confirmed that Robbie is dating, and I’m sure they’re doing it on purpose because of the Jongdae scandal.

Robbie just shrugs. “I call them Constellation. Obviously.”

Jaehyung lets out a surprised laugh, and Minseok rolls his eyes.

They’re so natural, letting these awkward moments slide off them so easily. Why can’t I do that? This is why WDB is so widely beloved, because their rapport with each other is so natural and fun. Filled with inside jokes and sibling-like bickering. They grew up together and it’s clear to anyone who watches that they’re not just teammates, but family.

With the three of them here, my nerves are smoothed out, and I’m able to join in on the conversation a bit more naturally than when it was just Minseok and me.

We’re served injeolmi, a rice cake dessert covered in roasted soybean powder called konggaru.

“We hope the newlywed couple will stick together like these injeolmi,” the waitress says with a professional smile.

“You should feed one to your bride, Hyeong,” Robbie says mischievously.

Minseok picks one up and to my horror, it looks like he’s going to comply with Robbie’s request.

“I’m okay!” I yelp, and quickly snatch it from his hand. Some of the konggaru falls onto the table.

I shouldn’t have done that, but it’s too late now. Embarrassed, I stuff the injeolmi in my mouth. Then immediately realize I’ve made another mistake as the chewy rice cake completely fills my mouth. I can barely bite down.

Minseok smirks at me. “You look like Jaemunk.”

I’m confused until Jaehyung lets out a surprised laugh. Jaemunk is the cartoon chipmunk that represents Jaehyung, his cheeks always puffed out with food.

“Hey,” I mumble through my mouthful.

Minseok laughs and leans forward. I want to pull away, but the rice-paper wall is right behind me. So, I’m trapped and he knows it, if his slow grin is any indication. He takes his time lifting his hand, then wipes the edge of my mouth with his thumb.

“You had some on your lip,” he says so quietly I wonder if the mics even pick it up.

There’s a thing Minseok has always done. He speaks to you like you’re special. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait for the times I could have that focus on me. To let it make me feel somehow important to him.

And I’m horrified to learn that it still gives me that glowy feeling, being the center of his attention.

He shouldn’t be able to pull me in like this when I know all his tricks already. I should be immune. I’ve worked so hard the past four years to be. Except I’ve clearly failed.

I hear Robbie and Jaehyung’s low “Oooh.”

Minseok’s gaze flickers toward them in annoyance, and finally I’m able to snap out of it and push him away. Not hard, but enough to get him to move back.

I’m sure I’m flushed, but for once I don’t care what I look like on camera. Jaehyung and Robbie start teasing Minseok, who plays along. I know I should participate. I will, I just need to catch my breath first.

When the shoot ends, everyone is in good spirits. Han-PD comes over to give both Robbie and Jaehyung hearty handshakes, thanking them for being on the show. I know this will get good ratings. It’s one of the only chances in months that the fans will get to see members of WDB officially interacting for a show.

Even Minseok looks like he’s in a good mood, smiling as he chats with his group members. I start over to thank them too when there’s a commotion in the hall. Hanbin walks in, carrying holders filled with coffee. Behind him comes Jongdae, holding a bag with pastries even as he leans on a crutch with the other arm. His leg is encased in a brace.

I hurry forward to help, taking the bag as people start to crowd around.

“Jongdae-sunbae, shouldn’t you be resting?” I ask.

He smiles and it makes his already handsome face even more stunning. “I wanted to come show my support for the couple.”

“Thank you.” I notice the pastries are from Minseok’s favorite café chain and turn to show him the bag. But he’s stepping out of the room. He hasn’t even acknowledged Jongdae’s presence.

I notice JD’s eyes tracking Minseok, his smile slipping for a moment before he turns to Han-PD, who came over to greet him. I set the pastries on the table and step out of the room to look for Minseok, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

An assistant PD hurries over, telling me she’ll take me to a side room to shoot my testimonials. I do another scan of the hall but finally give up on Minseok and his mysterious mood change. The interview is pretty straight-forward. I just give my commentary on meeting Minseok’s “family” and how I felt it went. Since I’m perfectly comfortable around Jaehyung and Robbie, it’s not hard to talk about how much fun I have with them.

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