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“Can you believe she’d even come tonight? Isn’t there a rule against criminals coming to these kinds of things?”

“Omo, do you think she really did it?”

“Who cares? She’s always been so high-and-mighty, thinking she’s better than everyone when she’s just a rookie. Serves her right.”

I flinch at the words. It’s a tone I’m too used to overhearing when people talk about my own scandals. It’s way too triggering, even if it’s not directed at me.

“Did you hear that some sasaeng is selling Ana’s trash online? People think it’s the same person who anonymously tipped off the police.”

The other girl laughs. “Maybe Ana’s company can buy the evidence back to keep her out of jail.”

This isn’t right; I should speak up. But something holds me back. A fear of getting involved and becoming the new target. So, instead, I take the coward’s way and flush the toilet to let them know they’re not alone. And immediately the gossip stops. When I push out of the stall, the two women are gone.

I feel a weird stab of guilt that I didn’t say anything. Haven’t I wished in the past that at least one person would stick up for me when false rumors were being spread? And now here I am overhearing gossip about one of my peers and I’m doing nothing about it too.

I wash my hands just to give myself a bit more time to collect myself.

When I get to my table, Minseok is gone. I can’t help but look around for him.

One of the sunbaes leans toward me. “He was taken backstage for the Best Couple category. They want all of you to stand onstage for it.”

That’s right. I close my eyes in frustration. Hongjoo did mention an interview, but I’ve been too busy stressing about seeing Minseok here to remember.

“Shin Hyeri-ssi.” An assistant PD hurries over. “I’m glad you’re back. We need you backstage, please.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry.” I hurry after him, feeling bad that I caused any sense of a rush.

Minseok is alone next to the other three couples who are nominated. I can tell, even from this distance, that his suit is perfectly tailored to fit his frame.

Standing there, backlit by the stage lights, he looks so handsome. And goose bumps rise on my arms despite myself. It hurts to see him waiting for me like that. Because a part of me can imagine his smile spread as I run up to him. I can even feel the ghost of his arms coming around me.

Instead, when he turns to look at me, his face is blank. It’s not until I’m only a few feet away that I see how turbulent his eyes are.

“Hyeri,” he says softly.

“Minseok,” I reply tightly; just getting his name out takes so much effort.

An assistant comes over to line us up and I welcome the distraction. Minseok and I are last. I feel like he’s too close; his arm is just centimeters away from brushing mine. I take a small side step away just as the music for the show swells, signaling that the commercial break is over.

The other couples enter the stage as they’re announced. And when our names are called, Minseok offers his arm. The other couples walked onstage arm in arm, and I know it’s probably expected of us too. But I’m scared to touch him. Scared of how it will make me feel to be that close. Reluctantly, I rest my hand on his arm, ignoring the electricity that rushes down my skin at the touch.

It’s just a few minutes. And you don’t even have to look at him.

The host, a well-known and beloved comedian, walks down the line to interview the couples. Minseok and I are the last in line, but I’m already anxious just waiting for our turn.

His free hand comes up to cover mine in the crook of his elbow. I tense slightly, and he lets his hand drop again.

“And finally, our youngest couple, Moonster and Shin Hyeri!”

There’s a huge cheer from the balcony where the fans are seated. Banners wave and I notice that some of them sayGo ShinMoon couple!I’m surprised; I didn’t realize that we have fans like that.

It takes a while for the cheering to fade and the interviewer chuckles. “Looks like you’re one of our hottest couples and I’m not surprised. Your relationship onOur Celebrity Marriageis very heartwarming. Tell us, did you expect to be nominated for an award like this?”

Minseok leans in to answer. “Honestly, it feels like the first time WDB was a contender for first place on a music show. Except, I might cry more if we win this one.” He grins at the crowd as they burst into laughter.

“Hyeri-ssi?”

“I’m just really grateful that a show that’s been so fun to film has been received so well.” It’s a perfect reply, and not even one I needed pre-written for me. I know that Hongjoo would approve.