𝑴𝒊𝒏-𝒆 || Min Ho x Reader

✧˖° 2 | 02

The faint hum of conversation resonated throughout the classroom as students began settling into their seats. Although, the space was more like a mini auditorium than a classroom. There was a stage in front of us, with rows of folding seats.

The group dinner from last night played faintly in the back of my mind—an evening spent surrounded by my favorite people. I had spent most of the night sitting beside Min Ho, relishing the feeling of being together again.

It wasn't until dessert that Stella had made her presence fully known. She'd squeezed her way into the seat on the other side of him, asking him about his favorite places to visit in Seoul ("We don't have that in Pepper Pike, Ohio.") I'd brushed it off. Min Ho had barely entertained her questions, offering little more than a short answer or a polite chuckle. But I didn't want to start the semester by overanalyzing every little thing, anyway. Besides, Stella was practically a nun.

Now, she was sitting on the edge of the row, still next to him.

"Hey, are you okay?" Min Ho asked me softly, ignoring her.

"Yeah," I replied, scrolling on my phone. "Why?"

"Well, you know, your parents went public with their divorce this morning. I had no idea that was happening."

I shrugged, not wanting to meet his eye. I'd been given a heads-up weeks in advance. "Yeah, but they've basically been divorced, just not legally. It doesn't affect me. It's okay."

"Did something happen?"

"Uh, not that I know of. It's just been like that."

"Hey," Kitty interjected, taking a seat next to me. "Do you know who our teacher is?"

Min Ho shrugged.

"I'm just glad I won't have to perform," Stella remarked. "I'm still scarred from playing the donkey in my church's Nativity play." She giggled, her gaze shifting to Min Ho like she expected him to join in. "But, I'm guessing with your dad, you'll have a record deal, blockbuster movie out soon?"

Min Ho just shook his head, barely acknowledging her. "Yeah, not my thing."

"It is mine, though. Sign me up as long as I get paid," I told him under my breath, earning a grin. Stella gave me a smile that was a little too sweet.

Before the conversation could transition into awkwardness, a click from the doors diverted everyone's attention.

"Good afternoon," Mr. Moon said as he entered, his voice quickly hushing the room.

I stiffened in my seat, exchanging a look with Min Ho, whose shoulders had tensed the moment his father walked in.

"Oh my gosh," he scoffed, and I put my hand on the armrest on top of his.

"And congratulations," his dad continued, his voice booming. "Out of all the new arts courses offered at KISS, you lucky few have stumbled into a masterclass. But I have some news for you." He paused for dramatic effect, pacing slightly at the front of the room. "Being a successful manager... isn't something one can teach."

"Then why is this a class?" Min ho asked quietly, glancing over at me with clear irritation on his face.

"...It comes down to trusting your gut. And today, you will determine who will earn a spot in Advanced Voice, and who will get their mic cords cut."

Interesting analogy.

Kitty raised her hand tentatively. "Uh, Mr. Moon, I don't know enough about singing to be an effective—"

"Knowledge is overrated," he replied instantly, making Min Ho role his eyes. "My strongest opinions are on things I know almost nothing about."

"Ah," said Kitty meekly, slowly lowering her hand.