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Chapter 31
ARTICLES AND RECORDINGS FROM OUR PRESSconference hit the internet before it’s even officially over. Overall, the responses are mixed, with more people supporting us than I thought they would. But even those who don’t support our beliefs agree that it was wrong of Mr. Kim to have Minjee and me followed. The studio releases a statement saying that they’re going to put Mr. Kim’s actions “under review.”
Even though Sophia suggested that I not check social media for the time being, I end up going on my phone anyway. Thenot knowingwhat people are saying bugs me so much that I can’t sleep. I log on to my accounts in the middle of the night.
The moment I do, I feel like I’m getting yelled at by millions of voices. On Twitter, trolls meme the heck out of our show, posting screenshots with “alternative lines” and other content about how they can’t take the show seriously anymore because the love triangle is a sham. In my Instagram comments, I see people either applauding Minjee and me or sayingwe should be ashamed of ourselves. Homophobic haters spam me on Twitter and other social media, saying that I should “retire” from the industry. People on opposing sides break into fights on various sites, with lots of insults and mean comments exchanged in between.
The silver lining in the midst of all this chaos is the countless DM requests I receive from closeted people in South Korea and other countries all over the world saying what an inspiration I am to them. Although I have no idea how all of this will affect my own life yet, this alone is enough for me to know I made the right choice.
I expect the coverage of our conference to die down over the weekend, but the opposite happens. International news outlets pick up our story and start reporting on it all over the world. International LGBTQ+ activists and queer celebrities tell me they support me, and a lot of Hollywood people even say they’d be happy to work with me one day.
Even though the support doesn’t nullify the pain of the hurtful comments, I’m still grateful for whatever support I can get.
The following Monday, Bryan sends out a message in our group chat.
BRYAN YOON:Sooo, I don’t know about you guys but things have been ROUGH. Luckily my fans seem to be taking it mostly well though. They seem happy I was single this whole time lol. Anyway, who’s down for some good food?
I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to hear from Bryan.
ME:YES PLEASE! What were you thinking?
PARK MINJEE:I’m down too
BRYAN YOON:OK, I’m personally craving jjajangmyeon. We’ll probably have to get it delivered to someone’s place though cuz I don’t think it’s a good idea for any of us to be seen out in public right now.
I text my mom, who’s at work but instantly replies with the thumbs-up emoji when I ask if I can have friends over.
ME:You guys can come to my place!
BRYAN YOON:Let’s go!!!!
PARK MINJEE:
That evening, Minjee and Bryan come over to my apartment. Bryan arrives first, and initially, I’m self-conscious about our slightly messy and smaller-than-average apartment. It’s been a while since I’ve been this acutely aware of the fact that he’s an internationally famous K-pop superstar.
But if Bryan thinks any less of me because of where I live, he doesn’t show it. Instead, he quickly makes himself at home, flopping down onto the couch like he owns the place.
I roll my eyes. Typical Bryan.
Any remaining thoughts I have of Bryan disappear when Minjee arrives. She’s wearing an avant-garde blue dress that has huge yet somehow still stylish ruffles around the collar. Along with her bold, vibrant makeup, she looksamazing. It’s so nice to see her dressed like her usual self again.
“Hi,” I say, giving her a hug.
“Hey.” She returns my hug, lingering a bit to squeeze my arm when we pull away. “How are you?”
I shrug. “I think we’ve all been better. But that’s why we’re here, right?”
“Yup!” Bryan cuts in. “And I’mstarving, so let’s order some food already!”
Minjee and I both jump before bursting out laughing. For a few seconds, we really were in our own little world.
We end up ordering jjajangmyeon and jjamppong, along with sweet and sour pork.
Like pretty much all delivery in Korea, our food comes super fast.
After setting the food down on the dining room table, we open the containers. The black bean noodles and spicy seafood noodle soup smell amazing. My mouth instantly starts watering.
“Oh God,” says Minjee. “Okay, today is going to be my cheat day of the week.”
