By the time I hop off the train a stop later, transfer to a different train line, go one more stop, and finally emerge from Bayfront Station, the flush in my cheeks has gone down, but the memory of me flying into Cute Guy’s lap like a Peter Pan stage stunt gone wrong is still burning vividly in my mind. I look grimly down at my tragically pummeled camel bag, the strap now starting to tear from the train escapade. Jeez. I’ve entered the red-level alert for new-bag desperation. This one is clearly bad luck. I check the time on my phone and see that I’m due at the café in five minutes. Not that Alex will care if I’m a few minutes late—if I’m remembering correctly, she’s a very laidback, carefree girl. Or, hella chill as Juhyun put it in her new wannabe Cali-girl lingo. I rush past rows of waterfront buildings—the sea is visible from here, glittering like a dark jewel under the city lights. In the distance are Singapore’s famous Supertrees, spindly branches cutting against the sky, lit a soft purple at their cores. I feel like I’m Alice in Wonderland, so tiny compared to the dazzling, vast wonder here.

Finally, I spot it—Petal. Inside, it’s a gorgeous space, the dome top made entirely of glass, an assortment of plants lining the windows and spilling over the interior balcony. I take a seat at the second-floor café and scan for Alex, hoping I’ll recognize her without the Twister toga, but the only people here are a young couple sharing an almond croissant and a girl getting a boomerang of herself pouring melted chocolate over her waffle.

I order an espresso and take a seat by the window, shooting Juhyun and Hyeri a quick message to let them know I’m here.

Me: Grabbed a window seat!

The door jingles open, and I look up to see if it’s Alex.

My heart nearly flies into my throat.

It’s not Alex.

It’s Cute Guy from the train.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I grab a menu and duck behind it, rapidly texting the Cho twins.

Me: Is she almost here? We may need to relocate.

Hyeri: She? Oh ha ha no, Alex is a—

“Rachel?”

I freeze and slowly lower the menu. Cute Guy is standing next to me, holding a coffee. That dimple in his left cheek appears again as he smiles and extends his free hand.

“Hi. I’m Alex.”

FIVE