“That’s not fair,” I say, stung. “You all have side things going on too. Mina’s movie. Ari’s musical. And besides,” I say, hurt turning to annoyance the more I think about what they’re asking of me, “as you and your parents know, DB gave me permission to launch my line.”

Lizzie glances at Mina. I don’t think they knew I was in the loop about how they met with DB a few weeks ago. “That’s not the point,” Lizzie mumbles.

“And besides,” Sumin jumps in, “we’re not constantly jet-setting around the world for fashion shows and photo shoots. Aren’t you leaving for Switzerland in a few days? Right before our big concert?”

“You were late to events all summer,” Ari says with a hand on her hip. “It was totally rude, right, Youngeun?”

I want to argue the point—besides what happened at the café, I really have not been late to anything. At least, not by more than a minute or two. And there have been girls who have actually missed events and performances altogether because of personal projects. Why am I getting singled out? But at the same time, I do have to admit that with all I’ve had on my plate since the launch, the fashion brand has been taking up a pretty big chunk of real estate in my brain these days. Not to mention the whole Defining-the-Relationship thing with Alex that I’ve been spending all my brainpower trying to avoid thinking about. Of course, I’m still totally committed to Girls Forever, but maybe I haven’t been as good at juggling things as I thought. Maybe there’s some truth to what they’re saying.

“You’re always exhausted these days,” Youngeun adds coolly. “You clearly have too much on your plate. You’re going to have to let something go sooner or later.”

“I’m sorry, Rachel, but they’re not wrong,” Jiyoon says with a shrug. “Try not to take it personally. But we really think you need to make a decision.”

Sunhee bites her lip. I wonder if she’s going to defend me, but she says nothing.

“So,” Mina says, raising her eyebrows. “What’s it going to be?”

I stare at them in disbelief.