Page 16 of Wish Upon a K-Star

S omeone like Hyeri, who is so clearly a lost cause.

Is that really how Minseok thinks of me? A lost cause?

At least he has the good grace to look horrified to see me. Minseok wouldn’t like to be caught talking about someone behind their back.

“Ah, Shin Hyeri, you’re here.” A man sitting at the table stands and ushers me toward a seat. I think I recognize him from the marketing team. Manager Jung? Manager Jang?

“Sorry we’re late,” Hongjoo says, bowing to the others in the room.

I’m still watching Minseok, who is staring at me like I’m a ghost.

“Hyeri-ssi?” the imposing woman at the table says.

“Ne?” I turn to blink at her. It takes me a second to recognize her as Director Yoon, an influential executive in the company.

I immediately lower into a bow. “Sorry.”

“No need,” Director Yoon says with a polite smile that curves her perfectly painted lips. “Would you like a drink?”

“Water is fine.” I pick up one of the bottles of water. I try to avoid looking at Minseok.

He thinks I’m a lost cause, fine. I don’t have to acknowledge someone who’s already thrown me away.

“We can wait until you’re done with your meeting.” I smile at Director Yoon and Hanbin. I’ve seen him around enough times with the WDB boys. He’s always been nice to me.

“Actually, this is the meeting,” Hanbin says. “We were waiting for you.”

“Us?” I frown. “Why would we be in this meeting with you?”

Now I can’t help it—I glance at Minseok. But he’s frowning at his manager. “Aren’t we supposed to talk about some new show?”

“Yes, exactly. But you’re both being cast,” the creative director explains. “Hyeri-ssi, please sit.”

I walk around the large conference table to one of the empty chairs. I’m having bad déjà vu flashbacks. The last time I was in this room was when I was told I’d been cast in CiPro .

“What do you mean about doing a show together?” I ask when I take my seat. I look at Hongjoo, who has suspiciously busied herself with pouring a soda. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Minseok nods. “Yeah, after the festival disaster are you sure it’s smart for us to be seen together?” He sounds almost angry.

Does he hate the idea of working with me that much? Well, I don’t want to work with him either.

The marketing manager clears his throat. I remember now that it’s definitely Manager Jung. Like 99 percent certain. He looks sweaty and nervous. I wonder if he should drink water; he looks like he’s about to pass out. “We reviewed the public reaction to the article. It seems that the majority fall into one of two camps. The ones who think you two fought…”

I close my eyes because it’s better than letting them see how frustrated I am.

Minseok, though, sounds completely unaffected as he asks, “And the other camp?”

Manager Maybe-Jung continues. “The other camp thinks it’s…romantic.”

“What?” Minseok and I shout together. When I look at him now, Minseok’s eyes are bulging and his mouth hangs open. Seems he is as put off by the idea as I am.

“Yeah, they think you were brave and cool for protecting Hyeri from the shattering glass. And they think that your visuals match well together.” Manager Probably-Jung pulls up a post showing the ending of the video, as Minseok cradles me on the ground. It’s an edited version, zooming in on us in the shadows. Hearts float around as the video plays out in slow motion with romantic music overlaid.

“What’s the show?” I ask, my voice weak as I look away from the screen.

“Our Celebrity Marriage,” the marketing manager answers.

“What? No!” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

Our Celebrity Marriage is a popular show where two celebrities pretend to get married, with challenges presented by the production team to play out the life of newlyweds. I’ve caught myself getting sucked into episodes sometimes. But never in a thousand years would I have considered doing it. And definitely not with Minseok.

How could they think this was a possible solution for us?

“You can’t be serious.” Minseok laughs. “We’ve turned that show down a dozen times already. Why are you even considering this?”

“We turned it down before because of your busy schedule and disinterest,” Hanbin says. “But WDB’s situation is different now. Your situation is different now. We need to convince people that you have an amicable relationship with Hyeri-ssi to squash the rumors about harassment before they get out of control.”

Harassment? I think, eyeing Minseok, who refuses to look at me. I didn’t see those comments. But then again, I was so focused on the hate parade aimed in my direction.

I slowly raise my hand like a student waiting to be called on. “Sorry to say this, but aren’t WDB’s problems due to dating scandals? Why go on a show that’s all about marriage?”

I avoid meeting Minseok’s eyes, knowing this could be a sensitive topic for him.

Director Yoon nods. “You’re right, but it’s not the same as actually dating. It’s all for entertainment. And every celebrity who’s appeared on it has seen a boost in public popularity right after.”

“The show is already willing to change the opening format to fit the narrative that you’ve been friends since you were kids,” Marketing Manager Probably-Jung adds.

Now I laugh. “Friends is pushing it.”

Minseok gives me a glare. Probably mad that I’m not fawning all over him like everyone else always does.

“Either way. If we are able to change the narrative around you two into something we control, it’ll be better for both of you.”

It seems like I’m always asking the public for forgiveness, even when I’ve done nothing wrong. Except this time I can’t completely claim that. I did lose my temper. I did make a mistake. So, I nod. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

I spare a glance at Minseok, who looks almost angry that I agreed. But I have no choice, and I’ve worked too hard to protect my career. If I have to submit to the torture of spending a few weeks with Moon Minseok, then so be it.