Page 77 of Flip the Script


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As I look out at the crowd, I’m hit by an overwhelming desire to stand up for myself and my friends. Even though it may not be what people expect me to do, I can’t just passively accept things for the way they are now. I’m not going to just sit there and let decisions be made for me.

“Good morning,” I say, speaking slowly so my Korean comes out clearly and coherently. “We’re here today to publicly address the suspension ofFated Destiny. Bryan, Minjee, and I have a lot to tell you all about, so please save your questions for the end.”

The camera flashes intensify, and there are more shouts from the reporters. I press on, clutching the side of my chair with my free hand. “First of all, Bryan and I never dated in real life. We were pressured by the adults in the industry to enter into a fake relationship for public attention. We’re good friends but nothing more than that.”

There’s an uproar from the reporters. Several people shout, “Bryan! What do you have to say to that?” and “Is this true, Bryan?”

Bryan picks up his mic and says, “Yes. I apologize to all my fans, but my relationship with Hana wasn’t real. Honestly, the only real relationship I have is the one I have with the Brybabies, who will always be number one in my heart.”

He flashes everyone a brilliant smile and makes a heart with his thumb and forefinger. Bryan’s stereotypically K-pop prince response makes me want to throw up a little, but I also feel an urge to laugh. And I would have, too, if our current situation weren’t so serious.

I glance back at Minjee for one last time before I say the next part. She nods.

“And that’s not the only thing we kept from all of you,” I say. “The reason whyFated Destinywas temporarily suspended is because it was recently discovered by a higher-up at our company that I am in a relationship with my costar Park Minjee.”

If I thought people were upset about Bryan and me, it’snothing compared to how loud and chaotic the room is now. So many voices yell at once that I can’t hear myself think.

“He had us followed,” I continue, practically shouting to be heard, “by a private investigator and threatened to cease production of the show and cancel it outright if Minjee and I didn’t break up. We’re just two kids in love! Why should it matter so much if we’re both girls?”

I bow, deeply and more sincerely than I ever have in my entire life.

“I apologize to everyone for not being honest. But we were all afraid to tell the truth.” I look straight into one of the main news cameras, thinking of the viewers back home. My parents are probably watching right now, with Mom tightly clutching Dad’s hand and Dad biting his lip. I gather strength from the fact that they’re probably listening to every word I’m saying as I continue. “I know Korean society is different from how things are like in the US. And I understand if you think how I live my life is wrong. But I kept this secret about who I am for so long, even to my parents, who are the most important people in my life. And I know there are countless other teens out there who have a secret like me, too. So I can’t just sit here and be quiet anymore.”

I finally look at Minjee again. She doesn’t say anything, but the tears in her eyes are more than enough.

“Times are changing. In a recent study, around forty-four percent of Koreans said queer people should be accepted bysociety. Of those, over three-quarters of young people said they supported us, even though most of the older population didn’t.” I look straight into one of the cameras. “So please, support your queer friends and family. And if you’re queer, love yourself. Please don’t subscribe to outdated values. Young people like you and me can make a difference. We need to stand up for what we think is right.”

To my surprise, there are a few claps from the audience, which is more support than I expected. When it’s quiet again, Minjee and Bryan come in after me, reiterating what I said and adding their own personal details about what happened. When we’re done, almost every reporter in the room raises their hand to ask follow-up questions. We answer a couple, but then our managers step up to the stage and end the conference.

Sophia gives me a quick hug before ushering me off the stage.

“You did great,” she whispers in my ear. “Now let me handle the rest.”

I nod and leave the stage with Minjee and Bryan. The conference went better than I expected, but only when Minjee and I hug in the hallway outside the conference room do I feel like I can breathe again.

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