But of course I haven’t, because I have no time between rehearsing until my legs fall off and all my very serious mental work of avoiding Alex-related daydreams. I raise my eyebrows. “Jason’s movie? I didn’t realize they already started filming.”

“Production hasn’t started yet. But it’s been announced that Song Geonwu is also attached to star in the movie.”

Leah’s eyes widen. “Wow, Jason is going to be in a movie with Song Geonwu? I loved him in Tomorrow We Dance. And basically everything else he’s been in. He’s so huge. No wonder there’s buzz already.”

“Yes,” Mr. Han says. “And there’s some rumor going around that both he and Jason are in love with their female co-star and are battling against each other for her affections. Though, between you and me, I happen to know for a fact that the female lead hasn’t even been cast yet.”

Ah. Of course. Sounds like classic tabloid garbage to me and exactly the kind of thing Jason would let unfold to get people hyped up for his movie. Still, I’m grateful. Thanks to him and Song Geonwu, the attention has turned away from Girls Forever. Who knows: By the way Mr. Han is smiling slightly, it could be that DB even planted that rumor as a favor to us to take some of the heat off our group. They’re always pulling strings behind the scenes. And in this case, I’d be more than happy if they were.

I float home that night on an imaginary cloud of cotton candy and champagne fizz, feeling supported and inspired. The girls are already gathering in the living room when I arrive, cozying up for our monthly movie night, a house tradition. “Rachel, you’re just in time! Come join us,” Sunhee says, patting the seat next to her.

“Be there in a sec!” I say. “Let me just, um, change real quick.”

I disappear into my bedroom, but instead of changing right away, I float onto my bed, where magically my phone floats into my hands as the quiet buzzing commences (obviously I’ve turned off my notifications—sharing a bedroom and all).

Alex: So I’m looking to get a new outfit… What’s trendy right now? Male rompers, right?

Me: Oh definitely. Male rompers all day, every day. You should even wear one to work. I hear it’s very professional.

Alex: Yeah? I’m sure my boss will love it. What pattern should I get them in? Paisley?

Me: Never mind, I can’t take it anymore! Someone needs to give you a fashion education!!

Alex: Next time we’re both in Singapore, you can help a poor guy out

Me: Love how you throw around “next time” like it’s a thing.

Alex: Oh it’s a thing.

Me: Agree to disagree.