The makeup room was buzzing again.
Aster had lost count of how many times he'd done variety in the past few weeks, but this one... this one had a script.
Not a literal one—this was a game show, after all. But the pairing, the teasing, the carefully crafted "natural" moments? Yeah. Scripted.
"Hey," a soft voice whispered.
Aster turned, catching Minji in the mirror behind him. She looked very pretty in a simple cropped hoodie and skirt combo, her makeup fresh and dewy. She smiled, a little guilty.
"My agency wants me to lean into the ship," she said, quietly enough that only he could hear. "They think the internet's got heat, and they want to ride it for now."
Aster raised a brow. "So they're turning me into a love-line investment?"
Minji winced. "Sorry. I told them you might not like it, but..."
"It's fine," he said coolly. "I've played weirder roles. Besides, if I had a problem with being paired, I'd have stayed in a cave instead of this industry."
She looked relieved. "Thanks. I just didn't want you to feel like I was trying to... you know. Use you."
Aster shot her a brief smile. "Don't worry. If anyone's being used here, it's mutual."
The stage lights turned on. The crowd screamed.
"Welcome back to Team Up Showdown!" the host bellowed. "Today's teams are hotter than ever, and maybe a little romantic~!"
Aster kept his smile steady as Minji was called to stand beside him, hands clasped behind her back like a schoolgirl.
"Woooo~ the ship is sailing!" one of the MCs cooed dramatically, waving their arms like waves. "Everyone's favorite onscreen almost-lovers, Aster and Minji, are together again!"
The crowd whooped. Aster merely inclined his head.
"Today's mission is all about support," another host grinned. "Teamwork, strength, and trust! Because relationships—"
They paused for effect.
"—are all about carrying your partner through the storm."
A dramatic drum roll played. The game was unveiled.
The Supporting Game, One teammate would have to carry or support the other through a tricky obstacle course. If either fell, points would be deducted. Too slow? Deducted. Too awkward? Bonus points for comedy, minus for timing.
Minji gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Sorry in advance."
"Oh no," Aster said with a sigh. "You're light. It's the media weight I'm worried about."
She laughed despite herself.
The first round was hilarious.
The other team—a pair of idols from a dance group—fumbled spectacularly, collapsing into a pile of limbs. The crowd roared.
Then it was Aster and Minji's turn.
He crouched, let her climb on, adjusted his grip around her thighs and stood. Easily.
Minji held onto his shoulders, squeaking a little as they maneuvered through the foam block path. Aster's balance was sharp, every step measured. He could hear the hosts hollering.
"Look at that strength!"
"Minji, your knight in shining biceps!"
"He didn't even wobble!"
Minji leaned close to his ear. "You're too good at this."
"I carry a five-year-old at home who kicks like a horse," Aster muttered.
"Who?" she asked, blinking.
"Never mind."
They cleared the course in record time, cheers erupting from the audience. As they returned to their seats, the camera panned dramatically close on their faces—Aster's calm and amused, Minji's flushed and grinning.
Backstage, Jace handed Aster a towel. "They're eating it up. You just became the nation's most shippable actor."
"Terrific," Aster muttered, wiping sweat from his neck.
"You okay with it?"
Aster paused, thinking.
The camera might be playing games, but he knew the rules. He could play the perfect partner, flirt harmlessly, build chemistry with anyone the world threw at him.
Because he knew where his real world was.
Back home, Adrian was probably already smirking at the trending hashtags.
#AsterMinjiForever
#KnightWithShiningBiceps
#CoupleChallengeKing
And Finn—Finn would probably see a clip later and giggle.
He was living a dual life. Celebrity and brother. Transaction and family.
But for now?
He was riding the wave.
Even if it had an expiration date.