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“We’re going to discuss options with the company.” A classic Hongjoo non-answer.

“But what doyouthink?” I need to know. I can feel tears threatening.

At a red light, Hongjoo turns in her seat so she can look me in the eye. “I think it’s a misunderstanding. And we’ll figure it out. Together.” She reaches out to grip my hand, and I hold on to it a little tighter than I intended.

I nod, blinking hard, finally able to push away the tears. “Thank you, Eonni.”

“Don’t let your mom get to you, okay?” The light turns green, but she keeps herself turned toward me, waiting for my answer. A car behind us beeps impatiently, but she still doesn’t move.

“I’ll try.” It’s an empty promise because both of us know I won’t keep it. It feels like we’re constantly in crisis and cleanup mode. I wonder if Hongjoo and the rest of the team are as exhausted as I am.

“Don’t worry too much, Hyeri-ya.” Hongjoo steps on the gas again. “The marketing team has a potential solution for us.”

There’s something in her voice that rings alarm bells as we turn into the Bright Star building. “Is it something I’m going to hate?”

I see the reflection of her frown before she answers. “It’s a variety show.”

Immediately, I seize up at the suggestion. I hate going on variety shows. Too often I’m the butt of jokes and teasing by the hosts because I’m an easy target and that’s what gets the most views. And I never have clever comebacks or replies. Without a script to lead me, I’m useless on-screen.

I put up with it while I was in Helloglow—it’s all I could contribute to the promotions for the group and I felt like I’d been so lacking. So, I grinned and bore it. And if I had to cry, I knew how to save it for later, for the privacy of my own bed.

When I’d debuted as an actress, the company had promised going on the promo circuit wouldn’t be necessary this time. I wasn’t a main role. I could let the leads handle the variety shows and interviews.

But now, one mistake means I’m being thrown back into the fire.

I hate how often my entire life feels like it’s at the whim of other people. Any small bits of control I think I have are so often taken away.

Hongjoo walks around the car to open my door. “You need a minute? I can tell them we’re running late.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. Let’s go see what the plan is.”

Minseok looks at the grim faces sitting across the conference room table. There’s three of them: his manager, a senior marketing manager, and a creative director. It’s the presence of the creative director that worries him.

Minseok has been in the industry long enough to know that this isn’t an average meeting.

“Minseok-ah, here’s your schedule for next week. There’s been a few updates and tweaks.” Hanbin hands him a printout of the schedule. Which is unnecessary, because Minseok’s appointments are all synced onto his calendar by an assistant. Another reason why this meeting strikes him as odd.

“What’s going on, Hyeong?” he asks Hanbin, but he looks at all three. Because all three are here for a reason. He’s just not sure what that reason is yet.

The marketing manager clears his throat. “We just wanted to check in with you about a few things,” he splutters. He’s short and out of shape and in denial about his thinning hair. Sitting across from someone as casually attractive as Moonster is eroding his already flimsy self-esteem.

Despite being over a decade older than Minseok, he is intimidated by the global superstar. He also doesn’t want to upset one of the highest earners in the company. And, per the manager, Moon Minseok is likely to be upset about what they’re about to present to him.

“We need to discuss some things on your schedule next week,” Hanbin says, taking over, to the gratitude of the nervous marketing manager.

“Minseok-ssi, we’re really happy about everything you’ve recorded and attended so far this summer,” adds the creative director. She’s not nervous like the marketing manager. She’s worked with many celebrities before joining Bright Star, and she will work with many more, she is sure. Her job here is to help maintain the strictly guarded image of the company’s number one group. And she plans to do it by any means necessary.

“However,” Minseok says, lifting an impatient brow. He might be affable, but he is also busy. And he knows when someone is taking their time getting to the point.

“Minseok-ah, we’ve been approached again about casting you in a variety show,” Hanbin says.

“Again? Is it one I’ve heard of already?” Minseok asks, reading the apprehension on his manager’s face.

Hanbin is not fazed. He’s too used to Minseok and how he tends to ask blunt questions without batting an eye. “Wehavebeen approached for it before.”

“Which means we’ve turned it down before,” Minseok says, cutting to the heart of it quickly.

“Yes,” Hanbin confirms calmly. He knows that this is a delicate dance. “But at this time, we think it is now a unique opportunity to help people get over any bad feelings.”