I take a sip of my wine, mulling over what Carly just said. It’s so counterintuitive to everything I’ve been taught at DB. In K-pop, I’ve found success because I don’t break the rules. I’ve stuck to the path that’s been laid out before me ever since I became a trainee, and it’s gotten me to where I am today. Even this idea of starting my own fashion line feels like it’s breaking the rules of K-pop, simply because, well, no one’s ever done it before. Am I even allowed to be thinking about this?

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, Rachel,” Carly says. “It’s tough as hell to run your own business, especially when you’re transitioning over from being in a super girl group. It’s a big jump, but if you really want it, you can make it happen.”

Big jump? I’m at once flattered by her confidence and overwhelmed by everything she’s saying. “Well, not exactly transitioning over,” I say. “It’s not at all like I want to leave Girls Forever for fashion. I love what I’m doing with them, and I’ve always imagined that we would be one of the longest-running girl groups in K-pop history.” I smile. “I’m still young. I see myself with them for at least another four or five years. Besides, we’re like sisters.”

Carly smiles back wistfully. “I remember those days. The B*Dazzled girls and I used to do everything together. I don’t think anyone’s ever seen me so snotty, not even my husband.” She winces. “Or seen me with so little eyebrow, after the Great Overplucking Fiasco of ’11. Nikki had to draw them back on for me every day for the next four months.”

I laugh. “Really?”

“Oh yeah. Those girls and I are still close as sisters, even though we’re all doing different things now. The trick is to make sure you can spot the difference between bickering and bitterness. Everyone bickers. The girls and I used to have misunderstandings over a bunch of silly things. But bitterness is different. It can plant deep roots in your heart and grow into something else altogether. If you can identify what’s what, you’ll be fine.”

God, I wish I could just transcribe our whole conversation. It’s like she knows exactly what I’m going through—which, I guess she actually does because she’s been there herself. It’s so reassuring to talk to someone who really gets it.