Page 37

Calm down, Hyeri, I tell myself.This show would not have cast you if people weren’t interested in seeing you on it.

But what if Bright Star pressured the production to cast me? What if they dangled Minseok in front of them, and they wanted a member of WDB so badly they were willing to take me on as extra baggage? Isn’t that the unofficial narrative of my whole career? I supposedly coasted into K-pop on my oppa’s coattails. And now I’m doing it here with Minseok and this variety show. It’s a path I’m stuck on no matter what I do to try to escape it.

“Hyeri-ssi?”

I look up to see Han-PD and the staff all staring at me. Obviously waiting for me to do something.

“Sorry, what did you say?” I glance at Hongjoo, who grimaces. Great, I’m already making mistakes.

“I asked if you’re ready to start rolling,” asks Han-PD.

“Sorry, yes, I am.” I take my position, waiting intently for the signal.

“Can you do the clapper for the cameras?”

“Oh, yes.” I almost curse myself out under my breath, but I’m careful not to, as I’m mic’d. I clap my hands, but it’s weak and sloppy. And in my nervous state I clap again to make up for it.

“Ah, can you go again? Just one clap this time.” Han-PD isn’t unkind when he says it, but I think I see some snickers from the crew.

I clap again, this time succeeding in getting it in one go.

Embarrassed at messing up already, I hurry over to the bear. There’s a giant envelope in its hands with a heart on it and I open it and read the message.

It’s up and down.

Add the numbers of home.

Don’t forget the strawberry milk.

It’s a riddle, but clearly meant to send me on a mission to find Minseok.

I didn’t realize I’d have to solve puzzles. Without anyone to help me.

“Um, Hyeri-ssi? Can you do or say something?” Han-PD calls out, and I realize I’ve just been standing here rereading the riddle quietly to myself.

I mentally berate myself for messing up again so quickly.

“Sorry.” I bow low in apology to the entire crew. I am not making a good first impression at all. “I’ll start over.”

“No, it’s okay, just start at your current mark and read the message aloud. Let us know what you think about it. Just talk us through your process, okay?” Han-PD sounds like a teacher explaining a very simple activity and I’m so embarrassed.

The staff is all watching me like I’m a complete rookie. Which we all know isn’t true. I should be better at this by now. They all probably think the rumors are true, that I’m a total flop who’s been helped along this whole time.

I clear my throat and read the message.

“It’s a riddle, right? To find Minseok-sunbae? Wait, am I supposed to say his name or should I pretend I don’t know it’s him?”

Han-PD sighs before he answers this time. Definitely annoyed with me. “You can know it’s him. Your segment is different because you were already announced.”

“Ah, okay. Sorry.” I bow again and I can see Hongjoo out of the corner of my eye covering her face with her hands.

“Um, yeah, so it’s a riddle. I’m not that great with riddles,” I admit trying to keep my voice steady, hoping that this is usable material for the production team. I don’t want to be fired before I even finish one episode. “So up and down.” I look around and then walk over to the seesaw and examine it. I’m hoping for another clue, or maybe an arrow pointing me in the right direction. Nothing. “Okay, that’s not right.”

I walk to the swings. “These go up and down, right?” I say aloud for the cameras even though I feel like my commentary is less than useless. “Or is that more back and forth?” I want to just ask for a clue, but I know it’s way too soon and I’m scared of annoying the production team more.

Finally, I see Hongjoo gesturing toward the apartment complex, then lifting and lowering her hand like a platform.

I squint in confusion. What is she trying to mime? She’s mouthing something.Sell a gator?Mel Vader? No…“Elevator!” I practically shout, and see the sound technician wince as he lifts his headphones. I lower my voice and spin to face the building. “The elevator goes up and down.”