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“Thanks, Moonster-ssi. That was perfect.”

“Anything for HBS,” Minseok says, lowering his head in a bow as the crew leaves.

It isn’t until they are gone that Minseok finally lets himself relax. As part of the biggest K-pop group in the world, Minseok long ago learned the need for control in front of the public, which includes production crews and cameras by extension. Even though fans love the “real” moments between the boys, the bigger they’ve become, the more he finds a need to keep some things private. Just for himself, even if it’s small, meaningless things. It helps Minseok feel like a person instead of a product.

His phone buzzes, and he finds a text from Robbie.

Robbie:Hyeong is still asking if you saw the article?

Minseok knows exactly what article Robbie is referencing. Yet he doesn’t reply immediately. It annoys him that JD continues to monitor these things when he is supposed to be on hiatus. And that is compounded by the fact that he is getting Robbie to do his dirty work right now. Minseok calls foul on using the maknae to get him to respond. But these days, Minseok and JD don’t really talk that much.

Robbie:Hyeong says to be on alert during today’s festival.

Robbie:He says he’s going to call Hyejun-hyeong about it.

This gets Minseok to type furiously back

Minseok:Tell him not to call Hyejun. Hyeri will freak out if we send her older brother to bother her over this.

He watches the three typing dots float at the bottom of his screen.

Robbie:Okay, got Hyeong to hold off on calling.

Minseok feels misgivings about the broadcast, but he knows better than to let bad feelings or superstitions stop him from doing his job. He chalks it up to the cracked relationship between him and his best friend. His hand hovers over his phone—perhaps he should call JD? But he stops himself. If they’re going to have it out, it should be in person and not before he’s about to go on live TV. He must focus on his job. Even JD would agree.

At least today he’ll have something to distract himself with. Because the one person in this world who doesn’t seem to like Minseok is Shin Hyeri. Which makes it impossible for him not to poke at her. It is one of his favorite pastimes, and it always makes him feel better.

MOONSTER PROFILE

STAGE NAME:Moonster

NAME:Moon Minseok (???)

GROUP:WDB (???)

GROUP POSITION:Subvocal, lead rapper

BIRTHDAY:February 18

SIGN:Aquarius

HEIGHT:176 cm (5’9.5”)

BLOOD TYPE:B

MBTI:ISTP

BIRTHPLACE:Paris, France

FAMILY:Mom, Dad, brother (older by five years)

HOBBIES:Watching movies

EDUCATION:Seoul School of Performing Arts; Global Cyber University

LIGHTSTICK COLOR:Yellow

MOONSTER FACTS: