Page 65 of Wish Upon a K-Star

“Thanks, Eonni. I can do that.” I take it from her, wiping at my arms and legs.

“Okay! That was good,” Han-PD says, walking over, trailed by two assistant PDs.

“Really?” I ask. “You don’t think we were too…much?” I glance at Minseok, but he’s busy taking the makeup wipes his manager offers to clean off the ice-cream residue and sand.

“No, it was exactly what we wanted for you two. The chemistry is great.”

“Oh yeah? Good.” I breathe out, not sure how to take the compliment. Is this really chemistry? Does chemistry make your mouth super dry?

“Eonni, can I have some water?” I croak.

“Sure.” Hongjoo runs off to fetch a bottle.

“I’ll let you get some rest before the dinner shoot.” Han-PD slaps Minseok on the back lightly. “Great job.” He pats me on the shoulder, and I can’t stop the goofy smile that spreads.

“How’s your new mattress, Kang-PD?” Minseok asks one of the assistants who came over. She’s usually the one fetching us to set. She’s young and energetic, and idolizes Han-PD.

“Oh, it’s great! You were right, I like this new brand.”

“I’m an expert on comfortable places to sleep,” Minseok says with a grin.

“Oh, and thanks for the perfume suggestion, Hyeri-ssi. You were right, my sister loved it,” Kang-PD says.

“Oh, I’m glad,” I murmur, still feeling awkward around Minseok. I wonder where Hongjoo is with that water.

“We really do love the vibe between you two,” says Kang-PD.

“Thanks,” I say weakly, stealing a peek at Minseok.

“So, we were talking about what we think your prize should be,” Go-PD says. She’s older than Kang-PD, and has been at HBS for five years. She told me last week that her mom liked my drama. It’s so odd, but, for the first time, I think I’m becoming friendly with the crew. I’ve never gotten close to people on set before. But Minseok has this habit of chatting with people between takes. And he always ends up involving me. I’ve somehow become closer to the staff as a byproduct.

“What prize?” I ask.

“Moonster’s prize,” Kang-PD explains.

“We think it should be Hyeri calling Moonster Oppa again,” Go-PD says.

“What?” I blurt out.

“Really?” Minseok replies. “Why?”

“Well, it goes back to your first date when you made the bet on the crane machines. It’ll be really satisfying for the full-circle moment,” Go-PD explains. “What do you think, Hyeri-ssi?”

I bite my lip, hesitating. I’m not sure how I feel about being forced to call him that again. But as both PDs watches me, I realize that I don’t think I can say no. I feel like I owe this show for helping me avoid fallout from the midsummer scandal. And what’s the big deal if I call him that again? It’s just for the show, it won’t mean anything. I start to nod when Minseok replies.

“Nah,” he says shaking his head. “I don’t want it to be because of a bet or a wish anymore.”

“Wait, really?” I ask.

“Are you sure? It would be a good moment for the show.” Go-PD is frowning now, and I’m worried she’ll be angry with us.

“If they want me to say it…” I start to say, but Minseok shakes his head emphatically now.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll come up with something else.”

He starts to walk away, back to the hotel we’re staying in tonight.

I jog after him, a little wobbly still on the sand as I catch up. “Why’d you do that? I can just say it if it’s for the show.”

---