Excuse Me, Miss

“How’s life on set?” Kibum asked. Minho sighed into the phone. “It’s fine,” he mumbled. “I think my co-star likes me.”

Kibum laughed. “When don’t they like you?” he teased.

“Well, there’s this one girl on the crew,” Minho began.

“Is she hot?”

“No! I mean, she’s pretty but-” Minho rubbed his neck. “It’s not like that. I’ve tried being nice to her, but she’s just really distant.”

“You can’t be friends with everyone, Minho.”

“I know, but I think she needs a friend, Kibum.” Minho glanced down the hallway. “She acts like she doesn’t need anyone, but I know she cares about people. I’ve just got to find the right opening.”

“Sounds fun. Maybe I’ll come visit you on set.”

“Okay, but there’s some crazy interns here. Wear protective gear.” Minho hung up and sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

“Girlfriend?” Philip asked, leaning against the wall. Minho jumped. “No! Do you always sneak up on people like that?”

“Only when I want to,” Philip replied. “Actually I was just on my way to Kyle's office. Aren't you in the middle of rehearsals?”

Minho grimaced. “Yeah, but Ming Hae was called away for a fitting and her scenes are the only ones we have to rehearse.” A sudden thought popped into Minho's head. “Can I ask you something? It's a little personal.”

Philip shrugged. “I'm an open book,” he said casually.

“Claire doesn't seem to have any friends here. She's either alone or with you. Why is that?”

“First of all, I'm Claire's friend,” Philip said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “I've worked with her since New York.”

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply-”

“It's fine,” Philip said, cutting him off. “Second, Claire isn't a bad person. She's actually pretty great once you get to know her.”

“I know,” Minho said. “I've been trying to spend time with her, but she's pretty distant.”

“Want my advice?” Philip asked. Minho nodded and Philip leaned in. “Claire's… been through some pretty bad stuff,” he whispered. “You can't just make her be friends with you. It'll take a while, but I think she likes you, even if she doesn't know it yet. And don't,” he said emphatically, “try to date her. She doesn't need you mooning over her.”

“I only like her as a friend, I swear,” Minho promised. “Thank you… Freddy?”

Philip rolled his eyes. “Philip,” he corrected him. “And we never had this conversation.” Philip continued down the hallway and Minho wondered what horrible thing Claire had endured.


******


Claire bent over the laptop, tucking her hair behind her ear. “That's beautiful, Ming Hae,” she called. “Just a few more with the parasol and we should be done.”

Claire straightened up and sighed, putting a hand on her lower back. Hunching over monitors and desks was taking a toll on her spine. “Who's next?” she asked, rolling her shoulders back. Philip checked his clipboard. “Minho's the last one,” he replied. Claire took a large swig from her water bottle. “He's been remarkably absent today. Maybe Kyle's keeping him too busy to follow me around.”

Philip glanced up at her. “Minho seems like a good guy, Claire. Maybe he genuinely wants to be your friend.”

“Have you been talking to my brother?” Claire asked suspiciously.

“No, but I'm not an idiot. You can't keep everyone away forever.”

“It's working so far,” Claire muttered, taking another drink. “Perfect, thank you, Ming Hae,” she called, giving the actress a thumbs up. Ming Hae left the room and Claire checked her watch. “We've got to get these pictures done before six or we'll have to stay even later than usual,” she groaned. “Is Minho ready?”

“He's outside,” Philip confirmed. “I'll get him.”

Minho came in, practically resplendent in his blue robes. “Just hang out for a minute while they reset,” Claire told him. Minho nodded and clasped his hands behind his back. “You’re quiet today,” she commented.

Minho didn't reply. “Nothing?” Claire wondered, looking up at him. “Did my brother upset you in rehearsals or something?”

“No, I just… I've been a little pushy, and I don't want to upset you any more than I have.”

Claire groaned inwardly. “Maybe we could hang out a little.”

“Really?” Minho asked excitedly. “Great! I mean, sounds cool.”

“Just go take your pictures,” Claire said, shoving him toward the set. Philip sidled up to her and she rolled her eyes. “Wipe that satisfied grin off your face,” she ordered. “I'm not done with you.” She glanced over at the monitor. “Minho, stop smiling. You're supposed to be dramatic and brooding.”

“Sorry,” Minho apologized. He adopted a more serious look and Claire sighed. “Now you look like your stomach hurts,” she called. “Relax your face and try again.”

Minho obeyed and Claire nodded. “Better.” She turned to Philip. “Why did you talk to Minho?” she whispered heatedly.

“I was trying to protect you!” Philip retorted. “I didn’t want a repeat of-” Claire shook her head and he coughed. “Anyway, I heard him talking about you on the phone. He knows you’re in pain, Claire. But you don’t have to hurt forever.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine,” Claire said shortly. “Awesome job, Minho. I think we have what we need.” She grabbed her bag and headed toward the door.

“Claire, would you… want to grab some food?” Minho asked, catching up to her. “Just as friends, of course. Though you are very pretty, not that I'm-”

“Minho!” Claire interrupted. “Dinner would be great. I'll meet you in the cafeteria.”

Minho nodded and left the room quickly. Claire looked at Philip. “Happy?” she asked sarcastically.

“It's a start,” he replied.


******


Three weeks went by and although she never would have admitted it out loud, Claire was starting to enjoy being with Minho. He brought energy to early mornings and made every task seem fun. He liked to do little things for her, like bring her coffee or a sandwich when she forgot to eat. He was winning her over, despite her best efforts to the contrary.

“Got a minute?” Minho asked, sitting across from her.

“Maybe,” she said cautiously. “What's up?”

“I need someone to run lines with.”

“Minho, you have a set full of actors to run lines with!”

“But Ming Hae's busy and I don't like running romantic scenes with the guys,” Minho whined. “Please?”

“Romantic scene? Ew, no, hard pass,” Claire said, shaking her head. Minho leaned across the table, resting his chin on his arms as he stared up at her mournfully. His eyes got big and sad, even a little dewy.

“Okay, okay!” Claire said, closing her notebook. “But don't expect this to be a regular thing.”

Minho grinned and handed her a script. “It's really short, I just need to polish it up.” Claire took the script and scanned it rapidly. “Oh, the scene in the woods. I remember writ… I mean, editing this.”

Minho got up and came to her side of the table. “You stand here,” he said, pulling her to one side. “And I'll be here. Remember, you're just discovering me alone in the woods.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Claire waved him away. “I'll start.” She cleared her throat. “You shouldn't be here, Prince Hyeon.”

Minho sighed. “Don't call me that. I don't deserve it anymore.”

“But it's your name.”

“It's a prince's name. I'm not prince of anything now. I'm nothing.”

Claire consulted her script. “No one believes that but you,” she said, taking a step toward him. She put a hand on his shoulder. “You're still my prince, Hyeon.”

Minho turned around. “And my family? What are they now?” He shook his head. “I'm sorry, let me try again.” He turned back around. “And my family? What are they now?” He groaned. “I just can't… feel it,” he muttered.

“Try this,” Claire suggested. She turned her back to him. “Give the last line.” Minho glanced at his script. “You're still my prince, Hyeon.”

Claire squeezed her eyes shut, allowing her pain and grief to well up. She let out a shaky sigh. “And my family?” she whispered, barely turning her head. “What are they now?” She faced him, a single tear running down her cheek. Minho gaped at her. “That's impressive! I didn't know you could cry on cue!”

“Shut up and try again,” she said, wiping her cheek roughly.

“But how did you do it?”

She shrugged. “If you can't connect to the character's pain, then connect to your own. It makes a convincing performance.”

Minho stepped closer. “Are you in pain, Claire?” he asked gently.

“Claire!” Philip called, running into the cafeteria. “We've got a problem.”

Notes