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He looks upset. Like my words somehow hurt him. But then the expression is wiped away as he shakes his head.

“Sorry for interrupting.” He bows to my mother in apology. “I can see I overstepped.”

When he lifts his head again, I swear I see disappointment on his face. It feeds my annoyance, growing it into hot anger. He has no right to be disappointed in me.

As he strides away my mother leans closer to speak in a harsh whisper. “Don’t embarrass me any further, Hyeri. I will not be happy with you if you mess things up more.”

“Yes, Mother,” I reply obediently as I watch Minseok turn the corner back to set. If my fake wedding is any indication of how my fake marriage will play out, this is going to be an excruciating summer.

HYEJUN PROFILE

STAGE NAME:Hyejun

NAME:Shin Hyejun (???)

GROUP: AX1S (???)

GROUP POSITION:Subvocal, lead dancer

BIRTHDAY:December 20

SIGN:Sagittarius

HEIGHT:180 cm (5’11”)

BLOOD TYPE:B

MBTI:ESFJ

FAMILY:Mom, Dad, younger sister (Shin Hyeri, formerly of Helloglow)

BIRTHPLACE:Los Angeles, California, USA

HOBBIES:Video games, basketball

EDUCATION:Global Cyber University

HYEJUN FACTS:

• Debuted with the group AX1S.

• Was cast at a Korean festival in Los Angeles.

• Moved to Seoul from Los Angeles at the age of 13 to become a trainee with HQ Entertainment.

• Friends with WDB’s Moonster, Astro’s Sanha, The Boyz’s Sunwoo and Eric, Stray Kids’ Felix, AB6IX’s Lee Daehwi.

Later in the week, I get a message from Hongjoo that she’s found me a new apartment. It might be a temporary situation, but I don’t mind. There are two new girls in the trainee dorm now, and I feel like a squatter at this point.

So, I’m currently lugging my giant roller bag to the new building. Hongjoo wasn’t able to come get me today, but I told her I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. I figured I could just take a taxi. This building is actually closer to the company. I count it as a win, even if it’s just temporary.

I’m still listening to my music on full volume in my earbuds. It’s a technique I use in taxis so the driver doesn’t try to make small talk with me. I’m horrible at it. I drag my luggage to the apartment door and I can’t remember the code. So I fumble with my phone to find Hongjoo’s text, trying not to drop any of my bags, when someone grabs me from behind.

I immediately have an image of an anti-fan following me inside to make good on their threats. “Let go!” I shout, swinging wide. But my wrist is captured in a strong hand before it makes contact.

“Hyeri, it’s just me,” Minseok says, giving me an annoyed glare.

I quickly pull my earbuds free, the music becoming a small, tinny sound before I click it off. “What are you doing just grabbing a person with no warning?”