Page 35 of Wish Upon a K-Star

“Well, um, I think…”

“Is there a rumor Hyeri’s jealous of me and Kim Ana? That’s impossible,” Minseok says with a laugh. “Hyeri’s seen me at my most awkward before I discovered CC cream.”

Some of the reporters laugh along. Shock has me turning to stare at him, but Minseok doesn’t even spare me a glance as he continues. “The accident was just that, an accident. But we do realize it could have been worse and we’re sorry for being so lacking. Hyeri and I have both reflected on our actions and will work harder in the future. Next question?”

He so clearly and brusquely moves things along. And with nothing to say now, I lean back, nervously picking at my cuticles.

I try not to glance at red windbreaker, but I can’t help it. He’s slowly shaking his head, mouth in a tight disappointed line as he types something. Does he think I was being rude by not answering his question? Does he think I’m not taking responsibility? I want to ask Minseok what he was thinking, but, of course, I can’t.

The next asks their question. “Have you met the other couples cast in this season?”

“Not yet,” I answer, trying my best to remember the pre-written answer. “But when I saw who was cast, I was really starstruck. I’ve been a huge fan of those sunbaes since before I debuted.”

The rest of the questions are among the predicted list. And Minseok and I take turns answering. We’re nearing the end of the press conference, and I finally feel like I can let myself relax. The final questions are always throwaways. We did it, we survived.

Then red windbreaker lifts a hand. I wish there was a way to call on someone else, but ignoring him would be too obvious. He’s staring at me with sharp, almost predatory eyes. And my stomach clenches in apprehension.

“Hyeri-ssi, what do you think of the rumors that Kim Ana was in talks to be cast in the show before you, but turned it down to take the role inIdol Academythat you were passed over for?” He directs the question at me this time. Like he learned his lesson with the last. It’s blunt and rude, but the reporter shamelessly watches me for my reaction.

I can feel my hands go numb as I grip the edge of the table. I find Hongjoo in the back of the crowd, her eyes wide as she holds her hands in an X. She doesn’t want me to answer. But not answering could be misconstrued as dismissive or petty. What should I do?

I didn’t even know that Ana was under consideration for the show. Or is that a lie made up to get a rise from me?

I start to lean forward, clearing my throat. The sound is caught by the mic—it echoes like an awkward cough throughout the room.

“Hyeri-ssi? Do you need me to repeat the question?” Red windbreaker looks like he’s smiling a bit, satisfied that he’s caught me in this trap.

“Um, no, I just—”

Minseok grabs my hand, squeezing it hard.

He leans forward to answer. But that’s not right. The question was for me this time. There’s no reason he should be answering this one.

Minseok grins. “Hey, this isn’t fair. Shouldn’t you also be asking me how I feel about the rumors that Rowoon-sunbae was almost cast?” He lifts a challenging brow, and I’m surprised that he’d call out the unfair treatment so blatantly. Then he gives a charming grin. “And my answer would be that I’d love to be married to him.”

Everyone laughs at the obvious joke. “But in all seriousness, I was thrilled when they told me Hyeri would be on the show with me. To be honest, I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’ve known Hyeri since we were kids dreaming of being where we are right now.” He turns to smile at me, and I realize I’ve been staring at him. Stuck in place as I watch him effortlessly divert the trap question as easily as swatting away an annoying fly. He keeps my gaze in his as he continues. “I think it will be fun to catch up with an old friend. No matter what, it will be worth it to spend time with someone who’s known me for so long.”

“And Hyeri-ssi, what about you? How do you feel about your new future husband?” one of the other reporters asks, but I don’t know who, as I’m still staring at Minseok. I can’t pin down the mixed emotions spinning inside me like a cyclone.

He gives me an encouraging nod. A way to let me know that everything is fine. Crisis averted. Because he saved me. I let out my breath to pull another in. It’s a little shaky, but I’m able to replace my smile again.

There’s an old familiarity in the way Minseok looks at me right now. It pulls me back to the way I felt when I was fifteen, in awe of the way he exudes confidence and kindness in equal measure. I’m still watching him even as I lean into the mic. I can’t remember the pre-written answers. So, I just say whatever comes to mind. “Yes, I am really pleased with my new fake fiancé. I can’t wait to live fake happily ever after as long as he always remembers to take out our fake trash.”

The reporters all laugh along with the joke.

And Minseok’s lips quirk up in that signature cocky grin of his as he pats my hand in approval.

K-Pop Newsfeedarticle: “WDB’s Moonster and Shin Hyeri Show Off Childhood Friendship as Newest Couple onOur Celebrity Marriage”

WDB’s Moonster and rookie actress Shin Hyeri joined HBS’sOur Celebrity Marriage, season 4.

Moonster and Shin Hyeri became the newest and, to date, youngest couple on the show. HBS also announced that they will cater to the show’s growing international viewership by doing their segments partially in English. It won’t be a problem for either as Moonster was raised in both London and Shanghai. Shin Hyeri was born in Los Angeles before moving to Seoul to train as an idol. Many might recognize Shin Hyeri from her time in the mega-popular girl group Helloglow and this year’s dramaYouthful Exchange. Moonster is back from WDB’s world tour, which wrapped up in Chicago this spring.

The casting announcement was met with surprise and excitement.

The press conference showcased Moonster’s effortless variety skills and Hyeri’s fresh brightness, as well as the chemistry between the two. Not a surprise, as the idol and rookie actress were trainees together as children.

A joint statement for both artists was released:

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