But then there are also things that separate us into entirely different worlds. He’s a celebrity. One day in the near future, he’s going to attend movie premieres and have paparazzi tailing his every move. There will be screaming fans popping around every corner, chanting his name over and over. He’s going to be a star, which is nothing less than what he deserves, but I’ll still be here, as normal as ever. Just Mina Rahman, a girl with a dream that may or may not come true. Even though I have no idea if we have a future beyond his brief stay at AAAS, I can’t deny that I want one, so much it hurts.

I look away from him.

Focus, Mina, I tell myself. Focus.

At film club the next day, I’m still ignoring Rosie, and Emmitt is still casting me looks of concern. Even Grant looks worried, his fingers tapping rapidly against the side of his laptop.

The underclassmen look almost afraid to take a side. I want to tell them they don’t have to. Our fight shouldn’t affect the rest of film club, especially not when we have a deadline rapidly approaching. Only two and a half weeks left until we have to submit our short film, and each minute counts.

I don’t bother trying to put on a bright and cheery demeanor. Everyone would know I’m faking it within minutes. I’ve never been an actor and I doubt I’m going to start now. Instead, I keep it short and simple, directing everyone’s attention to their work.

Emmitt and Linli are running lines together right now, and they have an easy chemistry together. Even when the cameras aren’t rolling, they’ve taken to lightly flirting with each other, for no other reason than they can.

Noojman watches from my side with an amused grin, more than used to Linli’s loud personality. I think I’m beginning to acclimate to Emmitt’s flirtatious personality, too.

I try not to think about it too much. At some point, while Noojman is helping a few other seniors with the costume design for the next scene, I see Linli making a kissy face at Emmitt.

A fond huff escapes me despite myself, making her turn to me. “What? Jealous, Mina?”

I raise my brows, and I see Kaity perk up in the corner of my vision. “Not exactly. I’m more worried about Noojman, actually. What’s he going to do without you to support his budding rapper career?”

Linli rolls her eyes, a grin curling her lips, but Emmitt falters, his eyes squinted. “Wait, Noojman wants to be a rapper?”

I shake my head, mouthing Don’t, at the same time Linli sighs. “Why does everyone say it like that?”