I turn and walk out, trembling slightly. I can’t believe I just said all that. But I’m also proud of myself—for standing up for the truth. It’s like the feeling I get when I’m onstage, all the lights pouring down on me, and I’m all nerves and anticipation. But then the music starts, my brain stops thinking, my heart takes over, and I feel a rush of confidence. But with the girls, it’s like someone has forgotten to press play and I’m forever waiting for the music.

The girls don’t confront me again—for the next ten days, I stay out of their way and they stay out of mine. I use the gap in the group’s schedule to escape to Jeju Island with Alex for a quick visit, which helps clear my head. But of course, the girls and I can’t avoid each other forever. We leave for the big LA concert in two days, and we’re now cramming.

Our final rehearsal starts at six a.m., and I get to the studio at exactly 6:02. The rest of the girls are already there, along with our dance instructor. They turn their heads to look at me as I race through the doors.

“You’re late,” Mina says, her voice sharp.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, trying to catch my breath from racing down the halls.

“Were you out last night or something?” Lizzie asks.

For a second, I consider lying—something tells me they won’t take too well to the truth—but I decide to just be honest. “I was reviewing some new ad campaigns for RACHEL K.,” I admit. “But you haven’t started yet, right?”

I look over to where Eunji is still lacing up her Puma sneakers. Ari and Sumin are sitting on the floor half stretching, half Insta-scrolling.

“It doesn’t matter if we started yet or not,” Mina says, scowling. “It’s the principle of it. We all know how important the LA concert is. We all showed up exactly on time, and you just waltz in whenever you want.”

Normally I would play nice, but this hypocrisy is getting to me. “What about the time you missed seven appearances because you were filming for your movie? All of us have been late or absent before, Mina.” I look to the rest of the girls for backup, but they’re all silent, looking down at their feet or exchanging glances with one another. Even though they’re not saying it, I can tell—they all either agree with Mina or are once again afraid to speak up against her.

“Whatever,” Mina says. “Let’s just start. We can’t waste any more time waiting for Princess Rachel.”