Page 27 of Wish Upon a K-Star

M inseok stares at the bottle of Pocari Sweat that Hyeri left behind, untouched, unopened. The condensation is dripping down the sides now.

He came to the studio to get some alone time. The dorm is a busy place these days since the other guys don’t have a schedule.

Minseok had to get out of there. But he’d just stepped off the elevator when the two young producers pounced on him, begging him to listen to their tracks. They kept him in the hallway long enough for him to overhear the squawk over the comm device at the small security desk on that floor. And the name Shin Hyeri.

When the guard reported that someone was bothering Hyeri outside the building, Minseok jabbed the call button for the elevators. He wasn’t sure what he was planning to do, but he never had to find out, as the elevator opened to reveal her inside. She looked okay, but he had to be sure, so he got on. Except, the two producers followed him, and he was forced to chase after her to get a moment alone.

He had no intentions of teasing her. But she’s always so intent on acting cold and distant around him that it makes him want to needle her until he gets a reaction.

What is it about that girl that feels like a wasp’s nest begging to be poked?

Minseok doesn’t have to pretend to guess. He knows why he can’t help himself when it comes to Hyeri.

Because she used to love him and now she doesn’t.

And he knows it’s his fault.

Maybe it was a mistake to do the show. It just seems to make her hate him more. But he wasn’t given much of a choice.

After that unfortunate pitch meeting with the directors, Hanbin had cornered Minseok.

“ Minseok-ah, this show is the best solution for everyone involved.”

“And if I say no? Will you find a way to force me?”

Hanbin’s face set in hard lines, the look he gets whenever he’s about to put his foot down. “Let me be blunt, if you don’t do this for her, then there’s nothing that anyone here can do for her.”

Minseok didn’t like the way that sounded like a threat. “What are you saying?”

“Shin Hyeri’s scandals have gained a life of their own. She lost out on a role because of this. If she cannot recover with this variety show, she might be out.”

How could he not do the show? He couldn’t be the one who was responsible for Hyeri losing everything. Not when he had the power to help. Though, she’d hate to hear that’s how he saw it. So, he didn’t tell her. Let her think he was just doing this solely for his own PR.

After filming the first few episodes, he thought he’d made a little headway. She seemed to have fun at the arcade and walking down memory lane. But maybe she really is just pretending for the show. And it kills him to think she hates spending time with him.

Because maybe he agreed for more than just PR or saving Hyeri’s career. Maybe he agreed to do it because it gives him a chance to be close to her again. To show her how effortless it used to be with them.

And he’s already messing it all up. Sighing, he pulls out his phone and dials Hanbin.

“Hyeong, I need a favor.”