Page 49 of Wish Upon a K-Star
I t can’t be real, right?
It’s a lucid dream or something.
But the message from Hongjoo is still there when I close and reopen my Kakao: Congratulations, Hyeri! You’re nominated for two Hallyu Wave Awards!
Entertainment Couple of the Year and Entertainment Newcomer Award.
The Hallyu Wave Awards started only a few years ago, but they’re slowly growing in influence. And like any of the awards in this industry it’s all about who you know and who knows you.
Fine, Entertainment Couple of the Year makes sense. We probably got nominated because of Minseok.
I try not to dwell on the idea that people think Minseok and I make a good couple. Not when it takes all my self-control not to kiss him every time I see him these days.
But Newcomer Award, that must be a mistake, right?
Stop it , I tell myself. You worked hard for this.
But knowing I worked hard has never been the problem. It’s the idea that anyone noticed or cares enough to acknowledge it.
When I hear the door beep open, I hurry toward it just as Minseok steps in.
He grins when he sees me and lifts me into a hug before he even has his shoes off.
“Congratulations, Newcomer Award nominee!” he says, leaning down to kiss me.
I press my hand against his lips to stop him, even though I’d love nothing more than to lose myself in him and ignore the swirling complicated mass of emotions tornadoing inside me.
“What if it’s a mistake? What if they announce that I’m really not nominated?”
Minseok laughs but stops when he sees I’m serious. “Come on, Hyeri. How many times do people have to tell you that you’re talented and you deserve to be here before you’ll believe us?”
I shake my head and turn away from him. “I’m just not the type of person who gets nominated for these kinds of things.”
“That’s nonsense; you got nominated for so many rookie and newbie awards as an idol.”
“No, Helloglow got nominated,” I remind him.
He nods. WDB is such a powerhouse brand, so of anyone he has to get it, right? What it’s like to get sucked into a group and lose your individual identity.
He steps over to cup my cheeks and hold me still. “But this time it’s just you. And you should celebrate it.”
“I don’t feel like I can, just in case…” I stop myself and sigh, closing my eyes. I can hear myself becoming paranoid. “No, you’re right. This is great. I’m happy.”
He laughs. “Maybe practice saying that a few more times and you’ll sound convincing.”
“I’m happy,” I repeat, forcing cheerfulness into my voice. “I’m happy!”
“That’s more like it. Plus, we’re nominated for couple of the year.” He wiggles his brows at me.
“Stop being such a perv,” I say, punching his arm.
“I just meant we worked hard as costars. What are you thinking?” He gives me a stern look.
I laugh at his teasing, relaxing the way only Minseok can get me to do. A part of me worries that this is bad. I’m coming to rely on him too much. I’m getting too used to him. But it’s not something I want to worry about right now. I deserve this moment.
“Really? So, you just came over to say congratulations and that’s all? That’s fine, I’ll just walk you to the door.” I start for the foyer when he spins me back into his arms.
“Well, maybe I did think that as the Couple of the Year nominee, we should practice being a couple. To increase our chances of winning.”
I smile and wrap my arms around his neck. “You’re so smart, Oppa.”
Minseok’s smile falls. He goes completely still.
I frown with worry. “What is it?”
“You said it.”
“Said what?”
Instead of answering, he picks me up again, jumping around so I have to cling to his neck because I’m afraid of him dropping me.
“What is going on?” My voice is bouncing as he continues to whirl me around.
“You called me Oppa.”
I laugh now. “I guess it just slipped out.”
He finally sets me down. “But you mean it, right?”
I pretend to think about it and he pinches my cheek in retaliation. “Yes, I meant it, Oppa.”
He leans in, turning his ear toward me. “What? I don’t think I heard.”
“Oppa,” I say with a laugh. “Oppa, Oppa, Oppa.”
He grins so wide, his dimples crease. “Yup, that’s what I thought I heard.”
When he kisses me, I feel his giddiness transfer to me.
I keep waiting to get used to the sensation of kissing Minseok. But just the feel of his palms against my cheeks makes me light up. It’s thrilling and comforting all at the same time.
I’m so engrossed in Minseok. That must be why I don’t hear the door lock beep. I don’t hear the click of it open. But I do hear the thud of something dropping.
Minseok and I jump apart to see Hongjoo standing over a crushed cake box, frosting splattered at her feet as she gapes at us.