In the lounge, Haneul rushes to prepare for the sudden broadcast interview. Sujin sidles up to her.
“Are you nervous? Taeo looked like he was going to burn holes in the floor with those eyes today.”
Haneul clears her throat awkwardly.
“We’re just doing what the company tells us. Why do you keep…”
Sujin pokes her head, grinning.
“By the way, did you see Taeo’s text? He wanted to grab dinner with you.”
Haneul double-checks her phone. There’s a short text from Taeo.
– Let’s eat dinner together another time. Good luck with the interview!
She can’t help but smile. Sujin elbows her with a mischievous glint.
“See? You two are making rumors. Are you sure you’re not becoming a real couple?”
Haneul waves her hands, flustered.
“No way. But… I guess, I do think about him.”
Just then, a broadcast writer appears.
“Haneul, are you ready? Today, you’ll get some surprise questions. Make sure to tell us which boy group member you’d most like to share the stage with!”
Sujin covers her mouth, giggling.
“Oh, bet they want you to say Taeo.”
Haneul’s cheeks burn instantly.
“There’s no way they’ll ask that… right?”
Sujin winks.
“If you say no, it’ll look even more suspicious.”
Standing by the waiting room door, Haneul checks her phone again. Another message from Taeo pops up.
– Be honest. Who do you want to perform with most?
She hesitates, unable to reply. The writer gently pushes her forward.
“Haneul! It’s time!”
As the door closes, Haneul takes her seat for the interview. Studio lights flare, and the PD signals.
“Haneul, what’s most exciting about debuting? And is there a male idol you’d love to perform with?”
Her throat goes dry. One name flashes through her mind: Taeo. But she can’t just blurt it out.
Her phone buzzes yet again backstage—Taeo’s name on the screen. Haneul thinks to herself,
‘Seriously, what am I supposed to say…?’
The camera inches closer, and Haneul has to decide.