Finally, we wrap our recording session and I race back to the villa to prep for tonight. We’ve been invited to the premiere of When I Loved You, and the hair and makeup team DB arranged for us has already been at the villa for two hours. We usually only go all-out like this for awards shows, but I guess for Mina’s cinema debut, an exception will be made. When I get home, I find the living room has been turned into glam central, with lighted mirrors and pop-up salon chairs everywhere. Most of the girls are already dolled up—Sumin’s putting on a pair of delicate chandeliered earrings while Ari slips on a pair of Manolos. Eunji is staring at herself in the mirror, looking a little pale, applying and reapplying her lipstick. It’s been a while since we had a red carpet event—and we’ve never attended one with the Song Geonwu. Everyone is anxious to look their best.

I change into my Fleur du Mal silk robe and try to scarf down some red bean doughnuts from Noe Bakery while a stylist loads my hair up with curlers.

“If you eat that too fast, you’re gonna bloat up,” Mina says with an eyebrow raised. She looks stunning in her sleek high ponytail, dramatic eye shadow, and off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, but I can sense a bit of nervous energy behind her placid expression. Her dad’s going to be at the premiere tonight, and though she’d never admit it, I know she wants to impress him with her acting performance. You can always tell when Mina’s nervous about something because she starts projecting total confidence about whatever she’s uncertain about. It’s actually kind of impressive. All week she’s been haughtily reminding us that while the whole group was invited to the premiere, she’ll be getting VIP treatment as a member of the cast. And now she’s all glammed up and ready for the spotlight. Honestly, I’m relieved. Going to an event where I can just be there and not have to worry about being center stage is the closest thing I’m going to get to rest right now and I’m all for it. “I’ll leave some Spanx on your bed,” Mina says as she heads down the hall toward her own room—and I honestly can’t tell if she’s being nasty or genuinely trying to be helpful.