Page 29 of Wish Upon a K-Star

“No caffeine,” I call after her as she steps out. Then I turn to the assistant. “What’s the first outfit?”

She holds up a cream-colored skirt suit with a lace overlay design and a cropped jacket. It doesn’t looktoobridal. So, I take my deep breaths, relaxing myself zone by zone. This isn’t that bad. I can’t believe I’m so nervous; it’s not like I haven’t done a dozen photo shoots before.

I reach for the outfit when the assistant pulls back to press her finger to her earpiece. She’s frowning as she listens. “Moonster is? When?” she asks, and my whole body tenses.

Ah, that’s why this is all so uncomfortable. Of course I’d be stressed in anticipation of doing this with him. Pretending like we get along. Like we’re more than happy to play pretend marriage together.

I press a finger to my temple, fighting back a headache.

“Sorry, looks like the order of the shoot is changing.” The assistant puts the outfit back. “Moonster is running late, so we’ll have to do your solo shoots first.”

He’s already being a nuisance and he’s not even on set yet.

The assistant pulls out two options. One is a sweet sundress in a pastel pink, with a flowing skirt and spaghetti straps. It’s something I’d pick to wear out with friends (if I had any). The other is another lacy number, but unlike the conservative skirt suit, it’s skintight and so sheer I might as well be half-naked. It’s way too wedding-night-lingerie style, and I immediately start to gesture to the pink sundress when the photographer comes in.

Mr. Lee has long limbs that jut out and weirdly remind me of the legs of a spider. His nose is sharp and his eyes large, almost bug-like, adding even more to the spider comparisons. And he leers. I’m not sure if he just does it with me, or with everyone, but it’s always creeped me out a little. He did a few shoots for Helloglow, and even in that group setting he made me slide just a millimeter toward discomfort.

“Ah, Hyeri-ya, so good to see you again.” He leans in and kisses both of my cheeks. Something he probably thinks makes him seem European. But as he leaves a small trace of saliva, I resist the urge to wipe my face.

He smells like tobacco and cinnamon gum.

“It’s good to see you again, Jakanim,” I lie.

“So, we’re doing your solo shoots.” Mr. Lee reaches for the lacy number and holds it up. “This will go perfectly with the aesthetic we’ve set up for you.”

I stare at the pseudo-lingerie. I can’t wear this. We’re trying to save my image, not completely demolish it. I’m all for sex-positive images of women, but I know that I will get immediate blowback if I’m the one trying it. I have to play it safe.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “Maybe we could try the dress first?”

But Mr. Lee yanks it out of my reach and throws it over his shoulder. It falls over the rack. He shoves the lingerie at me, the hanger poking into my chest.

“Go ahead and change so we can make sure it fits.”

“What?” I glance at the flimsy changing screen. Usually, I’m not shy. But I’m most often only changing with my core team around. I don’t want to get practically naked with this man in the room. “Jakanim, are you sure this is the right look?”

“We’ve already discussed a theme that revolves around this outfit.” He leers at the lace number cradled in my arms. Which means he’s also leering at my chest.

“Really?” I ask desperately. “What’s the theme again?”

“Bridal chic,” Mr. Lee says, spreading his palms out like he’s presenting a grand idea.

I glance at the assistant, who clearly looks uncomfortable. She must also think that’s a bunch of bull. This outfit is in no way chic.

“I just don’t know.…” I trail off pathetically as the assistant and Mr. Lee send me narrowed looks. Do they think I’m being difficult? “It’s just that I’m not sure if this outfit gives that vibe.”

“I personally vetted the outfits,” Mr. Lee insists, his leer turning into a glower. “Are you saying you don’t trust my creative vision here?”

“What?” I’m starting to sweat. Is it ruining my foundation? “Of course not, I was just hoping to discuss it more.…”

Mr. Lee shakes his head. “That will delay the schedule. We’re already behind.” He glances expectantly at his watch. “Go get changed.” He crosses his arms and it’s clear that he intends to wait here for me.

I start to turn toward the screen, my eyes shifting to the door. Where is Hongjoo? If she was here, I’d have backup. I look again at the assistant, who’s doing everything she can to avoid my gaze. There will be no help there. I sigh and start to accept my fate when the door opens.

I turn desperately, hoping for Hongjoo.

Instead, Minseok bursts into the room. “I wasn’t the one who made us late.”

“You know how much he’s dealing with right now, cut him some slack,” Hanbin is saying. He looks harried and annoyed.

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