“I’m really, really excited for it. I have so many ideas,” I say. “But also kind of terrified? Like I can’t believe he actually said yes.”

Mina nods slowly. “Yeah, this is definitely… unexpected,” she says coolly. “I guess it makes sense, though. You do put together cute little outfits sometimes.”

“Yes! You’re so good with clothes!” Sunhee gushes. “You’re going to be awesome.”

“Thanks, Sun,” I say, grateful for her genuine enthusiasm.

“Sunhee’s right,” Jiyoon agrees. “This is right up your alley.”

“I just hope I can do a good job,” I say, taking a deep breath.

Younguen nods reassuringly, then reaches for the remote to turn the volume back on. But before she can, Lizzie speaks. “Wow, Rachel. A reality show, duo album, and a fashion line? That’s a lot. I sure hope you can handle it all,” she says, but the sarcastic tone in her voice suggests otherwise.

“This won’t impact your involvement in the group, will it?” Mina adds, pressing her lips together.

I suspected that of all the girls, Mina would be the most worried about what this would mean for the rest of the group. Like she once said, “When one of us messes up, we all look bad.” I can’t blame her for being worried. I’m going into uncharted territory, and whatever I do will inevitably reflect on the rest of the group—and on her.

“Don’t worry,” I say firmly. “Girls Forever is still my number-one priority. I may not be sure of everything, but that I’m a hundred percent certain of.”

Another silence falls over the group, this one a little tenser than before. After a beat, Sumin clears her throat and says, “By the way, Rachel? Can I still borrow that hair-moisturizing serum thing you said you got in Paris?”

“Yeah, sure,” I say. Then suddenly, struck with the coziness of the moment and gratitude for all the girls’ support, I add, “You can have it, even.”

“Really?” She grins. “Thanks!”

“So, how was Paris?” Ari pipes up.

“Yeah, did you eat any weird foods?” Sumin asks. “Like escargoats?”

Ari frowns. “It’s escargots.”

“That’s what I said.”

“No, you didn’t. You said ‘goats,’ dummy.”

And then they’re bickering like an old married couple, Mina is complaining about not being able to hear the TV, Eunji is rolling her eyes, but in a fond way, and I’m smiling. New things lie ahead, but some things never change.

ELEVEN