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“Sounds like it,” I confirm as I hang up.

Minseok stands, and disappointment slashes through me.

He offers his hand and I take it, letting him pull me up. Our bodies bump into each other, but I don’t immediately step back.

“Let’s revisit this?” he says.

I nod silently because I can’t trust my voice. I just made out with Moon Minseok.

And I’m pretty sure he just told me he wants to do it again.

Ihave no idea what the vibe is going to be between Minseok and me the next time I see him.

The entire ride to the next shoot, I’m on edge. I barely drink the iced Americano that Hongjoo brought me, but I’m still wired.

I can’t stop my leg from shaking as I wonder how he will act. How should I act? Should I pretend nothing happened?

I don’t think that’s possible as I blush every time I even think about him. I’ll probably light up like red Christmas lights when I actually see his face. His gorgeous, perfect face.

Oh no, I’m screwed.

When Hongjoo parks, I don’t move to unbuckle myself. I’m somehow more nervous than the first day of filming.

Hongjoo opens the door with a bright smile and says, “Everyone, out, last stop.”

I frown at her chipper attitude. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing, I’m just happy that you’ve gotten so good at variety shows.”

“That’s a stretch,” I mutter as I climb out.

Hongjoo wraps her arm around my shoulder. “You’re doing really well, Hyeri. People love you in this show.”

“Really?” The look of pride I see on Hongjoo’s face triggers a need for approval that I never like to acknowledge. I’m a little horrified when unwanted tears spring to my eyes. “You really think it’s going well?”

“Oh, sweetie.” Hongjoo laughs as she pulls me into a full hug. She’s shorter, yet her hug feels like it completely envelops me. “You’re doing great, and I’m so proud of you.”

She pulls back and looks around with a conspiratorial smile. Then she leans in. “Don’t tell anyone I told you this. But there’s interest in casting you in a really popular show in the US.”

“What?” Those are not words I’d have ever thought I’d hear from my manager, definitely not while talking about me. “Wait, how? I mean when? I mean, what does that mean?”

Would that mean I’d have to go to the States?

“You’re not supposed to know because it’s just in beginning talks, but the higher-ups at the company are really pleased.” She grins at me, and I force a smile. She’s so happy for me, but all I can think is that the US is so far away from Seoul. And Seoul is where Minseok is.

Speaking of, Minseok’s car pulls up behind ours.

He jumps out the moment it parks and starts to wave. Then he stops, eyes widening at the sight of my face, still red from crying. He runs to my side, grabbing my hands. “Hyeri, what happened? Did someone try to do something? Was it another anti?”

He’s turning me from side to side as if checking for injuries.

“Calm down, we were just having a heart-to-heart,” Hongjoo says, though she’s watching him curiously now.

“Really?” He doesn’t look convinced, and he’s still holding on to me.

“Really,” I say, pulling away gently so he’ll let go. There’s crew around and we don’t want to start rumors. “I should get to makeup and fix my face.”

“Oh, yeah, sure,” he says, still watching me with concern.