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Hyeri hums under her breath as she makes her way off campus. Her life feels even more surreal these days than when she was on set every day. Sometimes she can’t believe she’s allowed to be a normal university student.

Bright Star seemed a little reluctant at the idea of not finding her an immediate project to follow up the success ofOCM, but Hyeri stuck to her resolve. It helped that Minseok and Hongjoo were completely on her side.

Plus, Bright Star is in a flurry preparing for WDB’s comeback.

Hyeri smiles up at the autumn sun as she makes her way to the subway station. Hongjoo didn’t like the idea of Hyeri taking public transportation to school. But Hyeri doesn’t think it’s appropriate use of company vehicles to drive her to and from campus whenever she has a class. Plus, it’s nice to have autonomy.

Still, she’s always vigilant. Even though the antis have quieted down lately, Hyeri knows there are still some out there.

That’s why she notices the dark sedan inching behind her. It seems to have been following her since she left campus. But she doesn’t want to make any assumptions yet.

To test it, Hyeri picks up the pace and as she does, so does the car. Okay, so she’s definitely not being paranoid. It’s following her. She’s about to break into a sprint for the subway entrance when the window rolls down and Minseok calls out, “Hey, pretty university student, you have a boyfriend?”

Hyeri hurries to the passenger side. “What are you doing here? Someone could see you.”

“So? I’m just here to offer a ride to my good friend.” He leans over the center console with a suggestive grin. “Want a ride, good friend?”

“Oh my god,” Hyeri groans, but she climbs into the car, rolling up the tinted window.

Minseok laughs as he takes off.

“What are you actually doing here?” Hyeri asks, leaning into the supple leather of the car. She’s pretty sure this is not a company vehicle; it’s too nice. “Shouldn’t you be in the recording studio?”

“Just finished a track today. Robbie’s producing it; he’s being really intense about it.” Minseok pretends to complain, but he’s actually proud of the group’s maknae. Robbie made a total hit with his mixtape and fans are clamoring for more of his music. The company agreed to let Robbie write and produce three songs on the upcoming full-length album. One is even in contention for the title track.

Hyeri shrugs. “Robbie’s got a good ear for music. He probably just wants it to be perfect.”

“Well, I think I deserve to take a break with my girlfriend.” He reaches over and laces his fingers through hers.

Hyeri laughs, blushing a bit at the phrase.

“Did you read those scripts Hongjoo gave you?”

“How did you know Hongjoo gave me scripts?” Hyeri eyes him.

“Because you left them all over the table. You know, you’re kind of a slob, jagi-ya.”

Hyeri scrunches up her nose. “Why do you still call me that?OCMhas been done for a month.”

“I like it. Jagi-ya. Jaaagiii-yaaa.” He pulls out the vowels like a kid teasing another on the playground.

“Anyway,” Hyeri says firmly to get him to stop. “I actually did find a script I liked. It’s for an independent film.”

“Oh yeah? I thought you were going to take your time picking your next role.” Minseok stops at a red light, bringing her hand up to kiss her knuckles absentmindedly the way he likes to.

Hyeri nods. “I was going to, but I really love this script. Plus, Hongjoo-eonni doesn’t think they’re going to start production until November, so it still gives me some time off.”

“Does it make you happy?” Minseok asks.

Hyeri grins; of course he’d ask that. “Yeah, it does.”

“Then it sounds perfect.”

The light turns green, and Minseok takes off. The sudden speed makes Hyeri laugh. Her heart dances in her chest, knowing that right now, she’s choosing the direction she’s going in. And Moon Minseok, the boy she’s loved since she was thirteen, is right next to her.