Page 52 of Wish Upon a K-Star

M inseok knows there are things to worry about. But he’s just usually not the type to do it.

He knows Hyeri is, though. He can tell she’s worrying a lot these days by the way she spaces out in the middle of conversations, getting lost in her own anxious thoughts.

Every time he prods her back into the moment, she smiles and insists she’s fine. But Minseok knows there’s something bothering her. And it’s probably the fear that they won’t be able to keep their relationship from the press.

There are many other idols and celebrities who do it. Some for years. But the media seems to have an obsession with catching Hyeri in another scandal.

Maybe the solution is to figure out how to make the press forget about her. But aside from Hyeri retiring from the industry, he can’t figure out a way to do it.

He slips out of the apartment. It’s early enough that none of the guys are awake. But he knows Hyeri will be. She’s an early riser. So, he’s also taken up the habit so he can sneak out and spend the mornings with her.

The door opens, but instead of Hyeri it’s Hongjoo that emerges.

Minseok stops in his tracks. “Noona, good morning.”

Hongjoo glances down at Minseok’s slippered feet. He didn’t even bother to put on outside shoes for the quick trip across the hall. He knows he’s caught, but he hopes perhaps Hongjoo takes pity and pretends they’re not blatantly disregarding her.

It’s no use as she sighs and crosses her arms. “Minseok-ssi, this is not smart.”

“We’re being careful.”

Hongjoo laughs. “That’s the same excuse Hyeri gave me. Did you study the same script?”

Minseok tries one of his charming grins. “Noona, come on. We’re not children. We can have a relationship if it’s not hurting anyone.”

“It will hurt your fans.”

“They’ll get over it,” Minseok wants to say, but he knows it’s the obstinate and shortsighted response. Instead, he says, “It’s what we want.”

“So, you’ll just be together for another couple of weeks and then what? Long distance? Hyeri won’t have as much time for phone calls and video chats as you might think. She’s going to be busy on set.”

“On set?” Minseok frowns. “What do you mean long distance? Where is she going?”

Hongjoo sighs. “So she didn’t tell you.”

Minseok feels a gnawing worry. A sensation that he hates acknowledging. “Tell me what?” His words are carefully flat.

The idea that Hyeri kept something from him doesn’t sit well.

And the way Hongjoo gives him a sympathetic frown feels too parallel to the moment Hanbin had to explain to him that Jongdae and Sooyeon had been dating behind everyone’s backs. To Minseok, it says, “Oh wow, they didn’t tell you? How embarrassing.”

“She was offered a role on a show in LA. She’ll leave for the table read after the Hallyu Wave Awards.”

“That’s next week.”

“Maybe she was waiting to tell you.”

Or maybe she didn’t intend to tell him at all. But if Minseok is good at anything, it’s hiding his true emotions. So, he nods and gives a small smile to Hongjoo. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll see you at the awards show?”

But when he turns to go, Hongjoo says, “Minseok-ah?” Her face is set in a serious frown. “This is a big opportunity for her. She’s taking a while to accept it, and I suspect it’s because she doesn’t want to leave you. But I don’t know if she’ll get a chance like this again.”

Minseok doesn’t like where this seems to be going. “What are you trying to say, Noona?”

“I’m saying when she does tell you, you should tell her to go.”

“We can still…” He trails off, already hearing the desperation in his voice. Already knowing it’s impossible to have it all in this industry.

Isn’t this what he was pissed at Jongdae for? That his friend had tried to have it all and just made things worse. He can hear JD’s voice now, calling him a hypocrite.

And he just nods. “Okay, I’ll tell her to go.”

Hongjoo gives him a pat on the shoulder, her eyes sad with the knowledge of what she’s asking. “Thank you, Minseok-ah.”