𝑴𝒊𝒏-𝒆 || Min Ho x Reader

✧˖° 2 | 11

The hallway was buzzing with students.

It was time for the usual midday chaos of people rushing to lunch, with some students lingering at their lockers, some gossiping... I wasn't paying much attention to who was around me, though.

Not until I spotted Min Ho up ahead, scrolling through his phone.

Instinctively, I sensed my mood brightening, my face lighting up, and my feet carrying me towards him.

But before I could reach him, someone else swooped in and took his side.

I scowled, slowing my steps. My good mood hard instantly soured, because I couldn't help noticing that it was someone who seemed to butt into my life a lot lately: Stella.

Of course. She's always stalking him. I wouldn't even be surprised if she has his location, I thought, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

For research purposes—and because I was a responsible person with self-respect—I picked up my pace just enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Can I talk to you?" Stella asked him softly.

"Yeah, sure," Min Ho replied, completely unbothered. What bothered me, though, was how close she was standing. I narrowed my eyes, wondering if he noticed that she was getting a little too comfortable. 

He didn't seem to mind— or, more importantly, didn't seem to be doing anything about it. Just like the rumors. 

"I'm thinking about entering the singing contest," she confessed.

I almost tripped and fell between them.

Evidence! I screamed in my head. This is proof of the video, Min Ho! Come on, put 2 and 2 together!

"What? Seriously?" Min Ho scoffed, seeming both impressed and in disbelief. "But... you don't even like singing. You had a meltdown over karaoke at my dad's place."

Yeah, because she literally has PTSD. FROM YOUR DAD.

Stella, ever the advocate for self-growth, sighed, brushing him off. "That was just stage fright. And this will be the perfect opportunity to help me get over it!"

I resisted the urge to laugh out loud. Oh, sure. You had stage fright over a duet in front of ten people, and now you want to livestream your singing to millions? You're right for trying your luck in the singing industry instead of the acting.

Min Ho still looked skeptical. "Okay, but the contestant deadline passed weeks ago."

"I know," she admitted, and I could tell she was trying to portray shy uncertainty. "But I'm hoping you could ask your dad to make an exception? For me?"

Ah, there it was. The classic order of please help me fulfill my dreams with a side of damsel in distress. Well, I didn't order a glass of her existence.

Min Ho didn't respond. Stella, sensing the hesitation, began adding sprinkles and cherries on top. "I'll even record an audition video so you can show him! Doing a huge summer tour with your family would be such a gift."

To your ego and your net worth, I thought dryly.

Min Ho still looked unsure, so Stella went in for the manipulation tactic: "But you can totally say no!" she added quickly, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "I would never, ever want to put you in an awkward position with your dad."

I clenched my jaw, instantly noticing the manipulation tactic. This snake bro.

But I didn't want to intervene. I wanted to know what Min Ho's response would be on his own.