My Bias Sucks

There’s nothing like seeing your bias makeout with one of his backup dancers to make you realize just how different reality is from the fantasy they promote. Mr. Kim, his manager, also noticed them through the slightly open door, although his blanched face was the only indication. He forced a cough and then gently knocked on the door, careful to make sure that it didn’t open any further. The pair immediately split and my bias said in English, “Come in.” His dressing room was sparse, with a couch on one side and a vanity with a mirror on the other. This wasn’t the nicest venue in NYC, but AlphOme was new to the States. The backup dancer was now sitting on the couch, pretending to be relaxed. My bias said something to her in Korean and she quickly exited, slightly bowing to Mr. Kim on her way out. “Ben, I’d like you to meet Maurie,” Mr. Kim said. “Her father is the one in charge of overseas promotion. She’s a big fan.” The way he mentioned my father sounded like a warning. An emotion I couldn’t name passed over Ben’s face, but was gone the next moment. He turned his attention towards me. I locked eyes with my bias for the first time. He’d recently dyed his hair a dark pink that somehow suited him perfectly. He flashed a broad grin, then invited me to sit on the sofa. Despite his smile, I couldn’t help but feel an awkward tension. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” Ben said as he took a seat on the stool at the vanity. “You’re a counselor, right?” I nodded with a small smile. “I heard that you convinced your dad to take us on.” I didn’t convince so much as play their music whenever I was with family. Eventually, they all became fans as well. Mr. Kim motioned with his hand and Ben asked, “Would you like to ride with us to dinner with your dad?” Part of me wanted to say no. Even though he was my bias, this entire situation had been incredibly awkward and I wanted to bolt. I mean, I could see where the backup dancer’s stage makeup had smudged and blended with his own. The other part of me had no idea where I was going. I wasn’t from NYC, and it had been hard enough finding my way to the concert venue; and my dad was expecting me. What excuse could I make that would justify missing having dinner with a group I’d been obsessed with for three years? “Sure,” I mumbled. “Great!” Mr. Kim exclaimed with too much enthusiasm. “Ben, why don’t you take Maurie down to the parking garage while I get wrap things up here?” Ben agreed, then asked me to wait while he removed his makeup. When he looked in the mirror, his eyes widened in shock. He quickly pulled out multiple baby wipes and quickly began scrubbing his face. Without the makeup, he was still attractive, but in a more relatable way. He turned to me. “Ready?” he asked with a smile I’d seen in promotions for dozens of brands. “Let’s go.” We walked to the elevator in silence. When the doors were closing, Ben said, “I’m not sure what you think you saw, but please don’t tell anyone.” “Okay.” I pushed the button for the parking garage. “Even if you were to say something,” he continued, “you don’t have any proof; and we’re not dating. Sometimes we just need to burn off the post-show adrenaline.” “Okay,” I repeated. He looked at me with suspicion. Ben wasn’t overly tall, but tall enough that it felt like he was looking down on me. “Okay? That’s it.” I shrugged. “That’s it.” “But Mr. Kim said I’m your bias. Isn’t part of that the fantasy that you could actually be with me?” I looked up at him now, glaring. “I stan AlphOme because you guys are good. And you’re my bias because I like your voice, not because I want to fantasize about you.” “You actually like this kind of music?” he questioned. I blushed, thinking that this had to be the longest elevator ride of my life. “Yeah,” I admitted. “It’s fun to dance to, and good background noise when I write research papers or client notes.” He nodded in understanding. “You don’t know what we’re saying then?” “Not a clue.” He took a step closer to me and I couldn’t help but catch my breath. “What’s your favorite song by us?” “Your ballad.” He smirked. “The lyrics in English mean, ‘I’ll give you my everything. Be all you ever need. All for just one kiss.’ We sell the fantasy, no one would just listen for the music.” The elevator finally came to a stop and the doors opened. “If I really wanted a fantasy,” I told him. “I’d watch a Kdrama or an anime.”