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What is it about that girl that feels like a wasp’s nest begging to be poked?

Minseok doesn’t have to pretend to guess. He knows why he can’t help himself when it comes to Hyeri.

Because she used to love him and now she doesn’t.

And he knows it’s his fault.

Maybe it was a mistake to do the show. It just seems to make her hate him more. But he wasn’t given much of a choice.

After that unfortunate pitch meeting with the directors, Hanbin had cornered Minseok.

“Minseok-ah, this show is the best solution for everyone involved.”

“And if I say no? Will you find a way to force me?”

Hanbin’s face set in hard lines, the look he gets whenever he’s about to put his foot down. “Let me be blunt, if you don’t do this for her, then there’s nothing that anyone here can do for her.”

Minseok didn’t like the way that sounded like a threat. “What are you saying?”

“Shin Hyeri’s scandals have gained a life of their own. She lost out on a role because of this. If she cannot recover with this variety show, she might be out.”

How could he not do the show? He couldn’t be the one who was responsible for Hyeri losing everything. Not when he had the power to help. Though, she’d hate to hear that’s how he saw it. So, he didn’t tell her. Let her think he was just doing this solely for his own PR.

After filming the first few episodes, he thought he’d made a little headway. She seemed to have fun at the arcade and walking down memory lane. But maybe she really is just pretending for the show. And it kills him to think she hates spending time with him.

Because maybe he agreed for more than just PR or saving Hyeri’s career. Maybe he agreed to do it because it gives him a chance to be close to her again. To show her how effortless it used to be with them.

And he’s already messing it all up. Sighing, he pulls out his phone and dials Hanbin.

“Hyeong, I need a favor.”

That night, the doorbell rings and I’m surprised to see Hanbin on the other side.

“Did Hongjoo-eonni send you?”

“I’m just acting as a delivery boy.” He holds out a gift bag.

“What is it?” I ask even as I take it.

“Minseok is going through a few things. Don’t be too hard on him, okay?”

I’m surprised to hear the gift is from Minseok, but I just nod.

“Great, see you at the next shoot.”

When Hanbin leaves, I bring the gift into my room, settling cross-legged on my bed before carefully pulling out the tissue paper. I tell myself that he can’t just buy me something and I’ll pretend that he wasn’t a complete ass.

But when I uncover the gift, I let out an involuntary laugh. It’s a jumbo bag of Honey Butter Chips. I hate that he knows me this well.

A text from Minseok dings on my phone.

It’s a picture of the little stuffed bear from our first date. And he’s holding a handwritten sign:I’m a dumbass. Forgive your faux-fiancé?

I hate that I’m charmed by it. It’s so silly and unserious. But it’s also kind of sweet.

Will forgiving him make me a pushover?

Or is it better to let this go? It would make my life easier on set if we weren’t at each other’s throats.