I hide out in the ladies’ room at Youngeun’s café for exactly thirteen minutes, weighing the pros and cons of having to face the girls again, versus having the +EVERs at the café speculate about what digestive issue I must have that’s causing me to disappear to the bathroom for such a long stretch of time. Eventually, I decide it’s time to face the music. Oversleeping was a complete accident, but I did hurt Youngeun and I have to own that. As I make my way down the hall back toward the dining area, I hear voices coming from the booth by the window.

“I’m like shocked, though. A few little bags?” Lizzie says. “I didn’t think it would do this well.”

I freeze in my steps, and lean against the wall, hidden from view.

“Ugh, I know,” Eunji sighs. “Like, sure, they’re cute and all, but why is the world going bananas over these?”

My skin grows cold.

“It’s bullshit is what it is,” Mina says. I can almost imagine her rolling her eyes. “My dad is so pissed that DB let her do this. It’s totally different from appearing in a movie or musical. This is a whole second career.”

“Or a career change,” Jiyoon adds with a trace of bitterness.

“I mean, if she wants to do fashion, fine,” Youngeun says. “But it seems like she’s getting special treatment. DB wouldn’t even let me do a measly YouTube channel, but Rachel can create an international company? Did you hear they’re selling the bags in Hong Kong, too?”

“I know. Honestly, I didn’t think Rachel would put her fashion line ahead of the group, but it really does feel that way, doesn’t it?” Sunhee says sadly.

“I saw it coming,” Ari says with an air of self-satisfaction.

Sumin lets out a heavy sigh. “This is just between us—but sometimes I just wish everything she did didn’t go so perfectly for her. Doesn’t it seem like she hardly has to try, and good things just fall into her lap?” The girls murmur in agreement.

“And did you see that interview that ran this morning? She’s all Girls Forever this and Girls Forever that. Like, are you really that loyal or are you just using the group to support yourself?” says Lizzie.

Still hidden around the corner, I feel my face flush with hurt, and I’m shocked to discover a few tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. I expect it from Mina and Lizzie, but I thought Eunji and I were closer now. And the others… I can’t believe they think my saying the group was part of my inspiration is just me capitalizing on the group’s fame for my own gain, when it couldn’t be further from the truth! That’s especially low.