As I had hoped, most of the girls are gathered in the dining room enjoying a weekend breakfast of banana pancakes when I arrive, so I quickly round up the rest of the group—luckily, both Youngeun and Lizzie have swung by for pancakes too, so everyone’s together.

“Have you decided?” Mina asks as soon as we’re all seated.

“Yeah,” I tell her, and feel how all the girls immediately snap their heads to attention.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot over the last couple of days,” I go on. “And I’ve made my decision.”

There is total silence.

“I’m not going to stop my fashion line and I’m not going to quit the group.”

Immediately, I can see the domino effect of reactions across the room as a collective breath is released. Some of the girls seem relieved, others sympathetic, and others—like Lizzie and Mina—annoyed.

Lizzie rolls her eyes. “Seems like our concerns really got through to you, then.”

“I took your concerns very seriously, trust me,” I deliver back. “But I love both of these things way too much to let either of them go. I’ve never been anything but dedicated to the group, and I’ve always tried my best to not let you down.”

I’m met with silence. Eventually, Ari can’t take it any longer.

“So you’re ignoring what we said? You’re just going to keep doing what you’re doing?” she says. “And you just want us to, what, be okay with it?”

I almost laugh, thinking about how I made the same defiant decision back on that silly TV interview.

“I mean, yes?” I say. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

I think of what Leah said. You don’t answer to them. You don’t work for them.

“Why can’t we all just be supportive of each other?” I press on. “Honestly, I really hope we can move past this because it’s not worth the drama.” I clear my throat. “Also, I appreciate everyone’s concern about how much I’ve got going on.” I pause, not quite sure how to word it. I don’t want to outright accuse them of leaking the story about me and Alex to Reveal, but I want to make clear that I won’t put up with that sort of thing. “But please…” Stay the hell out of my personal life. Ugh. I can’t say that. “Please know that my relationship with Alex is not up for debate. And we’ll go public when we’re ready to do so.” I scan the group, looking for any sign of recognition that might reveal who the anonymous tip was, but the girls keep their faces schooled.