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So what we feeling so far, are we liking it. This was the chapter that officially killed me, it took me the WHOLE day to write it.
The scene fades in to the women's tent, where all the girls are gathered, lounging comfortably in a circle. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, filled with hushed giggles and whispered conversations.
Yoo-ri is nestled against Se-jeong, her head resting on her shoulder as she listens to Nadine animatedly recount her date with Dong-woo. There's a certain brightness in Nadine's eyes, the kind that comes with intrigue, and it makes Yoo-ri smile.
"He really surprised me," Nadine admits, shaking her head in disbelief. "I wasn't expecting his job at all."
At this, Seul-ki perks up. "Right? I thought the same thing when he told me. It's really unexpected."
Yoo-ri, who had been quietly listening, lifts her head slightly in curiosity. "Now I really want to know what his job is," she muses, her tone playful.
Before Nadine can reveal anything more, Se-eun speaks up next, her eyes shimmering as she recounts her date with Han-bin. "Honestly, it was so much fun. He has such great energy like, he made the whole experience feel so natural."
The group nods in agreement, but then the attention shifts. Yoo-ri suddenly feels all eyes on her, and her face warms under their expectant gazes.
She quickly hides her face on Se-jeong's shoulder, groaning. "Why is everyone looking at me?"
The girls laugh at her reaction, Nadine nudging her playfully. "Because we want details! How was your date with Yoong-jae?"
Yoo-ri peeks up from Se-jeong's shoulder, still flushed. "I really liked it," she admits, her voice softer now. "I was more surprised at how different he is in Paradise compared to Inferno."
The girls lean in, clearly interested.
"In Inferno, he's more... reserved? But in Paradise, he was really attentive and easygoing," Yoo-ri continues. "We had a nice dinner, and then we stargazed together on the balcony."
Se-eun tilts her head. "Did his job surprise you?"
Yoo-ri shakes her head. "Not really. It kind of made sense."
Se-eun lets out a small laugh. "That's what surprised me the most! I thought his job would be something totally different."
Before they can dive deeper into the discussion, Seul-ki chimes in, drawing their attention to her. "Jin-young and I had dinner together too," she says, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "His job and age were exactly what I expected, but what stood out was when we went swinging at night. It was... really nice."
Yoo-ri remains quiet, eyes fixed on her hands as she listens. There's something in the way Seul-ki talks about Jin-young that makes her stomach twist-not jealousy, but something else. Something unreadable.
Noticing her silence, Se-jeong leans in and whispers, "You okay?"
Yoo-ri blinks before turning to her with a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Before the conversation can continue, the speaker crackles to life, its robotic voice announcing:
"Today, contestants will be permitted to have dates with anyone of their choosing to get to know other people on the island."
A wave of excitement ripples through the girls. This meant a shift in dynamics opportunities for new connections to form.
They continue chatting for a bit longer, speculating on who might ask whom on a date, when suddenly, a voice calls from outside the tent.
"Can I come in?"
The girls exchange glances before responding in unison, "Yes!"
The flap of the tent lifts, revealing Yoong-jae. Yoo-ri instinctively looks up, her lips curling into a smile, expecting to meet his gaze. But to her surprise, he doesn't even spare her a glance.
Instead, his focus is entirely on Se-eun.
"Would you like to go on a date with me?" he asks, his tone casual yet firm.
Yoo-ri's smile falters for the briefest moment. It's not jealousy that tugs at her after all, the whole point of Inferno is to explore connections but the lack of acknowledgment stings more than she expected.
Se-eun, taken aback, glances around before nodding. "Sure."
With that, the two leave together, and Yoo-ri watches them go, her emotions carefully masked.
Before she can dwell on it for too long, Jong-woo steps into the tent next, his eyes scanning the group before settling on Seul-ki.
"Seul-ki, would you like to go on a date?"
Seul-ki looks at him for a moment before nodding. "I'd love to."
Jong-woo grins, and the two exit the tent, leaving Yoo-ri, Soo-e, Nadine, and Se-jeong behind.
For a moment, there's silence. Then Yoo-ri exhales dramatically, a teasing smile on her lips as she looks around at the remaining girls.
"Well, would you look at that," she says, shaking her head. "The original Inferno girls are back together."
The others laugh, nodding in agreement.
Soo-e sighs. "It does feel kind of nostalgic."
Nadine nudges Yoo-ri. "You okay?"
Yoo-ri blinks before smiling. "Of course."
But even as she says it, she can't help but feel the weight of Yoong-jae's absence.
__________
__________
The scene cuts to Yoo-ri in the changing rooms, standing in front of the mirror as she carefully adjusts her hair. The room is quiet except for the occasional rustling of fabric and the soft sound of her fingers running through her strands. She has already changed into her outfit for the day. Her long hair cascades down her back in soft waves as she carefully twists a few strands around her fingers, debating whether she should leave it as it is or add a little more effort.
Just as she's about to reach for her curling iron, a knock sounds against the wooden door.
"Are you decent?" a familiar voice calls out.
Yoo-ri smirks, unable to resist the urge to tease. "Nope."
There's a brief pause before the voice responds, "Alright then, I'll come back later."
She laughs, shaking her head. "I was joking! Come in."
The door creaks open, and Jinyoung steps inside. He's dressed in his usual laid-back fashion, his dark hair slightly tousled as if he just woke up from a nap. He strolls over to the bench beside her and sits down, stretching his arms behind his head before turning to look at her.
"I was looking for you earlier," he says casually. "Nadine told me you were getting ready, so I figured I'd nap in the meantime."
Yoo-ri nods in understanding. "Makes sense. You seem well-rested."
He tilts his head slightly. "I was, until you took too long to get ready."
She scoffs, rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know I was on a time limit."
Jinyoung leans forward slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Well, you had a date scheduled."
Yoo-ri raises an eyebrow, turning to face him fully. "Did I? No one told me."
Jinyoung smirks. "Well, now you know."
She exhales a small laugh, shaking her head at his confidence before turning back to the mirror. As she does, she catches sight of a pair of heels lying on the floor. Just as she's about to reach for them, Jinyoung's voice interrupts her thoughts.
"Are you really going to wear those?" he asks, nodding toward the heels.
"Yes," she replies, slipping one foot into them.
Jinyoung gives her an amused look. "You do realize we're still on an island, right? Walking in heels on sand sounds like a disaster waiting to happen."
Yoo-ri sighs dramatically. "I know, but they go with my outfit."
Jinyoung shakes his head, clearly unimpressed with her logic. "Better to be safe than fashionable."
She ponders his words for a moment before finally relenting. "Fine. Since you're so concerned about my safety, you pick my shoes."
She points toward her pink suitcase, and Jinyoung gets up, crouching down to rummage through it. He hums in thought as he sorts through the neatly packed items before finally emerging with a pair of Tory Burch slippers.
"These," he announces, holding them up.
Yoo-ri lets out a small laugh, taking them from him. "Practical choice."
He shrugs. "That's me."
She slips them on, testing how they feel before nodding in approval. "Alright, I'll give you that one."
Jinyoung leans against the bench, watching as she reaches for her curling iron again. She carefully takes a small section of her hair, curling it before letting it fall naturally into place.
"You really take your time with this, huh?" he muses.
She side-eyes him. "It's a process. Not everyone can roll out of bed and look effortlessly good like you."
He grins at the indirect compliment but says nothing, simply continuing to watch her.
As she finishes most of her hair, she sighs, setting the curling iron down for a moment. That's when Jinyoung speaks up again.
"I can do it for you."
Yoo-ri immediately shakes her head, remembering Seul-ki's hairstyle from earlier. "I saw what you did to Seul-ki's hair," she says, narrowing her eyes at him. "I don't think I want that."
Jinyoung chuckles. "That was different. She was the test subject."
Yoo-ri smirks. "And I'm supposed to believe you've improved since then?"
He tilts his head slightly, a confident glint in his eyes. "You're not Seul-ki."
She blinks, taken aback by the way his voice softens ever so slightly. For a moment, she simply stares at him, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange. The air between them shifts something delicate, something subtle, yet undeniably there.
Then, after a brief hesitation, she exhales softly and hands him the curling iron.
"Fine. But only the last two strands," she says, watching him carefully.
Jinyoung takes the curling iron from her, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. He steps closer, tilting her chin slightly so he can see what he's doing. His touch is featherlight, and Yoo-ri can feel her heart pick up ever so slightly at the proximity.
As he curls the last two pieces of hair, she watches his expression in the mirror. There's a quiet focus in his eyes, a surprising gentleness in the way he moves. It's a side of him she's not used to seeing one that feels far more intimate than anything he's said.
When he's done, he releases the last strand, letting it fall into place perfectly.
"There," he says, setting the curling iron down. "Perfect."
Yoo-ri examines herself in the mirror and, to her surprise, the curls are flawless.
She turns to him with an amused smile. "Looks like I just found my official hair stylist."
Jinyoung smirks. "An honor, really."
Yoo-ri laughs softly, shaking her head as she reaches for her lip tint, dabbing some color onto her lips before smacking them together. Jinyoung watches her intently, his eyes briefly flickering to her lips before he looks away.
She notices.
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips, but she says nothing.
Instead, she stands up, brushing the wrinkles out of her dress before turning to him. "Alright, shall we?"
Jinyoung stands as well, stretching his arms above his head before stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Let's go," he says.
As Yoo-ri and Jinyoung step out of the changing room, the hot sun greets them. The two of them fall into an easy stride, their feet sinking slightly into the sand as they move toward the open-air kitchen area.
Jinyoung, hands casually tucked into his pockets, glances at her. "So," he starts, tilting his head slightly, "how was your date with Yoongjae?"
Yoo-ri hums in thought, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It was good. I really enjoyed myself."
Jinyoung notices the slight hesitation in her voice and narrows his eyes slightly. "But...?"
She lets out a small sigh, kicking at a small shell buried in the sand. "I'm just not quite sure he feels the same."
Jinyoung raises an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
She hesitates for a moment before replying, "He asked Seo-un out on a date just now."
Jinyoung nods slowly, considering her words. "I mean... he might just be dividing his time. The whole point of being here is to get to know different people, right?"
Yoo-ri nods in agreement, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the edge of her dress. "Yeah, I get that. I'm not really fussed about who he goes on dates with. I think it's important to keep an open mind while we're here." She pauses for a beat before adding, "I just wish he was a little more respectful about it."
Jinyoung tilts his head. "Respectful how?"
Yoo-ri exhales softly, glancing down at her feet. "It's not about him going on another date, it's just... the way he did it. He didn't even acknowledge me when he came to ask Seo-un out. He barely looked at me, like our date didn't even matter." She lets out a bitter chuckle. "It's not like I expected anything, but I don't know... a little recognition would've been nice."
Jinyoung is quiet for a moment before he speaks again, his voice softer. "I get that. It's not about what he did, it's about how he did it."
Yoo-ri nods, offering him a small smile. "Exactly."
They walk in comfortable silence for a few moments before she shifts the topic. "What about you? How was your date with Seul-ki in Paradise?"
Jinyoung chuckles lightly. "It was good. I enjoyed it."
She glances at him, curious. "Did you feel different there compared to Inferno?"
"Definitely," he admits. "I think I opened up more in Paradise than I did here."
"Well, that's a given," she says, nudging him slightly with her elbow. "Paradise lets you actually get to know people their age, job, lifestyle... all the important things."
Jinyoung nods. "Yeah, but it's more than that. I think when you know those details, it makes you either more interested or less. Some things can be deal breakers." He glances at her. "For you, what matters more who a person is in Inferno or who they are in Paradise?"
Yoo-ri thinks for a moment before answering, "Inferno."
Jinyoung raises an eyebrow. "Not Paradise?"
She shakes her head. "Jobs, age, all that stuff it's important, but it doesn't define who someone is. In Inferno, you see how people act without knowing any of those things. How they treat others when there's nothing to gain. That's what matters to me."
Jinyoung watches her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's a good way to look at it."
Yoo-ri laughs softly. "Well, when we go to Paradise, I'm sure we'll have a good time too."
Jinyoung smirks at her confidence. "Of course. We'd enjoy ourselves."
She laughs at his certainty, shaking her head as they finally reach the open kitchen area. He gestures for her to sit down on one of the wooden benches while he goes to grab some water.
When he returns, he hands her a bottle before sitting beside her. She thanks him, taking a sip before sighing contentedly. The air feels peaceful, and despite the chaos of the past few days, she feels... at ease.
Then, Jinyoung leans back slightly, resting his hands behind him. "You know," he starts, a teasing edge in his voice, "I was pretty disappointed that you didn't pick me to go to Paradise yesterday."
Yoo-ri rolls her eyes. "Oh, please. It's not like you picked me either."
Jinyoung grins. "True. But still."
She shakes her head, amused. "If it makes you feel any better, I actually was interested in you."
His smirk falters slightly, his gaze sharpening as he processes her words. "Then why didn't you pick me?"
Yoo-ri exhales softly, running her fingers along the condensation on her water bottle. "Because I knew a lot of people would pick you. And I wasn't sure you'd pick me back." She looks up at him then, her expression unreadable. "I didn't want to risk it."
Jinyoung studies her, his usual playful demeanor subdued. He nods slowly, his voice quieter when he speaks. "So you picked Yoongjae instead."
She lets out a small laugh. "That's one reason. But also... we had a talk before, and it interested me. I wanted to see where it would go."
Jinyoung nods again, his gaze lingering on her for a moment too long. There's something unspoken in his eyes something almost unreadable.
He looks away first, his lips curving into a small, almost self-deprecating smile. "Guess I missed my chance, then."
Yoo-ri watches him, something in her chest tightening. "Maybe," she murmurs. "Or maybe not."
At that, Jinyoung turns back to her, his gaze intense. For a moment, neither of them speaks. The silence between them isn't awkward it's charged, heavy with something unspoken yet undeniably there.
Then, as if breaking the moment, Jinyoung leans forward slightly, his usual smirk returning. "Well, if you ever want to make it up to me, you can always pick me next time."
Yoo-ri chuckles, shaking her head. "We'll see."
Jinyoung grins. "I'll take that as a yes."
She rolls her eyes playfully, but she doesn't deny it.
The conversation between Yoo-ri and Jinyoung continues, the air between them light yet carrying an undercurrent of something unspoken. The waves continue their rhythmic dance in the background..
Jinyoung tilts his head slightly, watching her with a curious expression. "Is there anyone else on the island you want to get to know?"
Yoo-ri pauses, looking at him for a moment, and then a small smile tugs at her lips. Instead of answering, she simply nods.
Jinyoung raises an eyebrow. "Who?"
She doesn't respond immediately, only raising her eyebrows at him playfully.
His lips twitch in amusement. "You're really gonna make me guess?"
She lets out a soft laugh, tilting her head. "Obviously."
Jinyoung exhales dramatically, shaking his head before pushing his hair back with his right hand. The movement is casual, but it's then that Yoo-ri notices something she hadn't before a tattoo inked into the skin of his forearm.
Her eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Wait," she murmurs, reaching out instinctively and grabbing his arm to get a closer look. "I didn't know you had a tattoo here."
Jinyoung glances down at her hand on his arm before smirking slightly. "You only saw the one on my chest, huh?"
Yoo-ri nods, tracing her fingers along the intricate lines of his forearm tattoo. "Yeah... I didn't know they were connected."
He hums in response, watching as her fingertips ghost over the ink, her touch featherlight. "They are. Every piece has meaning."
She follows the design with her gaze, fascinated. "They're... beautiful."
Jinyoung's eyes soften slightly, watching the way she studies them so intently. There's something about her curiosity her genuine interest that makes his chest feel strangely warm.
Yoo-ri finally looks up, her hand still resting on his arm. "What about you?" she asks, her voice quieter now. "Is there anyone you want to get to know?"
Jinyoung chuckles at the way she averts her eyes slightly, as if nervous to hear his answer. He leans forward a bit, tilting his head to meet her gaze. "You really don't know?"
She blinks at him before shaking her head, feigning innocence. "Nope."
He sighs, shaking his head in amusement. "You."
Yoo-ri's breath catches slightly, but she quickly composes herself. "Me?" she asks, as if confirming.
He nods. "You're the only person I want to know."
For a moment, they just look at each other, the air thick with an unspoken tension. Yoo-ri doesn't break eye contact, a slow smile forming on her lips. "That's a good answer."
Jinyoung grins. "Glad you approve."
She tilts her head slightly. "What about Seulki?"
His expression softens. "She's great. The date was nice, but..." He pauses for a moment before shrugging lightly. "I didn't feel any romantic connection with her."
Yoo-ri raises an eyebrow. "And you feel a romantic connection with me?"
Jinyoung doesn't hesitate. "You should know that I do."
She feels her heartbeat quicken at his words, but she keeps her expression neutral, simply holding his gaze. A small smile tugs at her lips before she nods. "Good answer again."
Jinyoung smirks. "I'm on a roll, huh?"
She laughs softly, shaking her head. "Maybe."
They continue talking, the conversation flowing effortlessly. There's an ease between them that feels natural, like they've known each other much longer than they actually have. Yoo-ri finds herself enjoying his presence more than she expected, and Jinyoung, in turn, seems drawn to her in a way he can't quite explain.
As they talk, footsteps approach, and they both turn their heads to see Nadine walking toward them.
Nadine offers a small smile before glancing at Jinyoung. "Mind if I steal him for a bit?"
Yoo-ri smiles at her before glancing at Jinyoung. "Of course. I was heading back to the tent anyway."
Jinyoung looks at her for a moment, as if reluctant to leave, but then he nods. "Alright. I'll see you later?"
She nods, her smile lingering. "Yeah."
As Jinyoung stands up to leave with Nadine, he glances back at her one last time. There's something unspoken in his gaze something neither of them fully acknowledges, yet both undeniably feel.
As Yoo-ri walks back to the tent, she spots Sejeong sitting inside, her usual cheerful expression greeting her the moment she steps in. The warmth in Se-jeong's smile is familiar, comforting like a beacon of light amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling around the island.
Yoo-ri pouts dramatically as she approaches. "Se-jeong," she whines playfully, flopping down beside her, "have you not been on a date yet?"
Sejeong shakes her head, still smiling. "Nope."
Yoo-ri gasps, clutching Sejeong's hands in both of hers as if she's delivering urgent news. "That's a crime," she declares. "These men clearly have no taste."
Sejeong bursts into laughter, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's not that serious."
"It is," Yoo-ri insists, squeezing her hands for emphasis. "But honestly, between us two you're not missing out. Most of them aren't that good-looking anyway."
At that, both girls dissolve into laughter, their giggles bouncing off the tent walls. Sejeong playfully nudges Yoo-ri's shoulder, shaking her head. "You can't just say that."
"I can and I will," Yoo-ri teases, grinning. "But in all seriousness, you're an amazing person, Se-jeong. You're gorgeous, fun, and so easy to be around. If these guys can't see that, that's their loss, not yours."
Sejeong's smile softens, touched by her words. "That's sweet of you."
Yoo-ri sighs dramatically, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I know, I'm basically the best."
Sejeong laughs again, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"But listen," Yoo-ri continues, her voice turning slightly more sincere. "Even if you don't go to Paradise on the show, we'll make our own Paradise when this is all over."
Sejeong raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"
Yoo-ri nods. "I have a friend who I think is just your type." She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
Sejeong groans, shaking her head as she laughs. "Not you trying to set me up."
"Why not?" Yoo-ri grins. "I'll have you know that I have a great taste."
Sejeong tilts her head in mock skepticism. "Debatable."
Yoo-ri gasps. "Excuse me?"
The two of them burst into laughter again, the sound filling the tent like a melody of pure joy. Even with the stress of the show and the complicated dynamics between contestants, moments like these remind Yoo-ri why she values Sejeong so much. No matter what happens, their friendship remains a source of comfort.
Just as their laughter settles, the tent's entrance rustles, and Seulki, Jongwoo, and Dongwoo step inside. They all greet each other with casual smiles before settling into easy conversation.
As they talk, Dongwoo suddenly turns to Seulki, his expression curious. "So, how was your date with Jinyoung?"
Yoo-ri immediately notices the way Seulki's posture stiffens slightly, her hands resting awkwardly on her lap. She shifts in place, clearly uncomfortable with the question, yet Dongwoo doesn't seem to pick up on it.
"It was nice," Seulki answers simply, her voice even.
But Dongwoo doesn't stop there. "Did you guys get to talk a lot? What did you think of him?"
Yoo-ri, sensing Seulki's unease, glances at Sejeong and makes an exaggerated face her eyes wide and lips pressed together in a comical expression of secondhand embarrassment.
Sejeong barely contains her laughter, quickly covering her mouth as she turns her head away to compose herself.
Seulki, meanwhile, hesitates before answering, her response still polite but vague. "Yeah, we talked... He's interesting."
Dongwoo hums in thought, as if expecting her to elaborate further.
Yoo-ri, unable to let the awkwardness drag on any longer, suddenly stretches her arms out dramatically. "Whew, it's getting warm in here, isn't it?" she says, fanning herself.
Sejeong chokes on a laugh, while Jongwoo chuckles under his breath, clearly catching onto Yoo-ri's attempt to diffuse the tension.
Before Dongwoo can ask anything else, the tent entrance opens once more, and Nadine walks in. Unlike the others, she heads straight for the changing area without pausing to join the conversation.
Seulki, perhaps relieved for the distraction, turns her attention to Nadine. "You're back already? Finished talking to Jinyoung?"
Nadine, mid-step, shakes her head. "Nope. He's still in the changing room."
At that, Yoo-ri and Sejeong exchange looks before bursting into laughter, the awkward atmosphere in the tent instantly melting away.
The situation is almost too funny Seulki's discomfort, Dongwoo's oblivious questioning, and now Jinyoung still lingering in the changing rooms. It was moments like these that made the show as chaotic as it was entertaining.
Sejeong wipes a tear from the corner of her eye, still chuckling. "I swear, this place is something else."
Yoo-ri leans against her, still laughing. "Tell me about it."
And just like that, the weight of the day's complications disappears, at least for a little while.
__________
__________
Yoo-ri and Se-jeong walk hand in hand toward the changing rooms, their fingers loosely intertwined as they chat about their plans for the afternoon. They had decided to go for a swim, the heat of the day making the cool ocean water all the more inviting. But first, they needed claw clips for their hair there was no way either of them wanted to deal with tangled, salty strands afterward.
"I swear, if the waves ruin my hair, I'm suing," Yoo-ri jokes, making Sejeong laugh.
"You knew what you signed up for when you agreed to go swimming," Se-jeong teases back.
As they step inside the changing room, the air shifts. The lightheartedness they carried with them is immediately replaced by something heavier. Sitting on one of the benches, hunched over with her arms wrapped tightly around herself, is Soo-e. Silent tears streak down her face, her usually bright and cheerful expression nowhere to be found.
Se-jeong doesn't hesitate, immediately letting go of Yoo-ri's hand and rushing toward her. "Soo-e, are you okay?" she asks gently, crouching down beside her.
Soo-e quickly wipes at her face, forcing a small, wobbly smile. "Yeah... I'm fine. I'm just tired."
Yoo-ri crosses her arms, tilting her head as she eyes Soo-e with clear skepticism. "Tired, huh?"
Soo-e nods, avoiding eye contact.
Yoo-ri clicks her tongue, shaking her head. "Nah. That's not just 'tired.'"
Soo-e lets out a soft sigh, and that's all the confirmation Yoo-ri needs.
She rolls her eyes before taking a seat beside her, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "Let me guess," she drawls. "Yoongjae?"
Soo-e hesitates before nodding.
Yoo-ri exhales sharply, a mix of frustration and disbelief crossing her features. "Soo-e," she starts, her tone firm but not unkind, "I need you to hear me when I say this there is not a single man in this world worth your tears."
Se-jeong nods in agreement, rubbing Soo-e's back soothingly.
"You're too pretty, too smart, and too kind to be sitting here crying over someone who clearly doesn't see your worth," Yoo-ri continues, her voice unwavering. "And that's his problem, not yours."
Soo-e sniffles, looking down at her hands. "It's just... I really liked him."
Se-jeong sighs, reaching up to fix a stray strand of Soo-e's hair. "I get it. Liking someone and them not reciprocating? It sucks. But listen, if Yoongjae can't see what a catch you are, then he's just blind. And guess what? That's not your problem."
Soo-e lets out a small laugh, and Yoo-ri smirks.
"There are, like, a million men in Korea, Soo-e. Are you seriously going to cry over this one dude? Over a man who can't even appreciate you?" Yoo-ri shakes her head, her expression almost exasperated. "Do you know how many men would kill for a girl like you? How many would kiss the ground you walk on? If Yoongjae isn't one of them, then so be it. He's missing out, not you."
Se-jeong grins, nodding. "She's right. You're a catch, Soo-e."
Yoo-ri leans in slightly, her voice dropping into something more serious. "You never know maybe a guy will walk in here tomorrow who's one hundred percent about you. Someone who won't make you doubt your worth or question how he feels. Someone who will make Yoongjae look like a complete afterthought."
Soo-e sniffs again but this time with a small smile playing on her lips. "You think so?"
Yoo-ri flicks her forehead lightly. "I know so. And even if he doesn't show up here, trust me he's out there. And when you find him, you'll laugh at the fact that you ever wasted a single tear on Yoongjae."
Soo-e lets out a full laugh this time, shaking her head. "You really don't hold back, do you?"
Yoo-ri smirks. "I don't have time for nonsense. And crying over a guy who isn't even worthy? That's nonsense."
Se-jeong chuckles. "Yoo-ri is a 'no BS' kind of person."
"I really am," Yoo-ri agrees, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Now, let's get these claw clips and go swimming. You need to remind yourself how hot you are, Soo-e."
Soo-e laughs again, wiping the last of her tears away. "Okay."
"Good." Yoo-ri stands up, offering both Soo-e and Se-jeong a hand. "And remember no tears for unworthy men."
Se-jeong links arms with Soo-e on one side and Yoo-ri on the other. "To Paradise we go?"
Yoo-ri grins. "To Paradise."
And with that, the three of them walk out of the changing room, the weight of heartache slowly lifting, replaced by the unwavering support of friendship.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the shimmering ocean. The contestants were scattered across the beach, laughter and playful screams filling the air as they all let loose for the afternoon. It was a rare moment no stress about dates, no overthinking who would pick whom for Paradise. Just pure, unfiltered fun.
Yoo-ri and Se-jeong lounged on a large inflatable floaty, their legs dangling lazily in the cool water. They stretched their hands out toward Nadine, who was standing on a paddleboard a few feet away, trying to balance as the small waves rocked beneath her.
"Come on, Nadine! We won't let you fall!" Se-jeong called out with a bright smile.
"I don't know if I trust you two," Nadine said, her expression wary as she attempted to inch closer.
Yoo-ri scoffed playfully. "Wow. The disrespect."
"You did try to pull me off the board earlier," Nadine pointed out.
"That was Se-jeong's idea!" Yoo-ri gasped, feigning innocence.
Se-jeong burst out laughing. "Lies! You were the one who whispered, 'Let's test her balance.'"
"Okay, I won't deny that." Yoo-ri grinned, holding out her hand again. "Now come on, we promise we won't-"
Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden force from behind sent both her and Se-jeong tumbling into the water with a loud splash.
They resurfaced almost immediately, gasping and flipping their wet hair out of their faces, only to be met with the sight of Jinyoung standing where their floaty used to be, arms crossed and a smirk plastered across his face.
"You looked too comfortable," he said with an unapologetic shrug.
Se-jeong let out a dramatic gasp. "Our hair! We just got it wet because of you!"
"Oh no," Jinyoung said flatly, clearly unbothered.
Yoo-ri narrowed her eyes before exchanging a look with Se-jeong. No words needed to be spoken they were on the same page.
In an instant, they both lunged toward Jinyoung, cupping their hands to throw water at him. He dodged the first few splashes, but the girls were determined.
"Ah, okay, okay!" Jinyoung laughed, trying to shield himself as the barrage of water continued.
"You brought this on yourself!" Yoo-ri declared, dunking her hands into the water and splashing him again.
The other contestants, seeing the commotion, quickly joined in. Dongwoo, always up for a challenge, started throwing water at everyone, and soon, it turned into an all-out splash war. Seulki and Jongwoo teamed up against Hanbin, while Nadine abandoned her paddleboard to join Se-jeong and Yoo-ri in taking down Jinyoung.
Even Yoongjae, who had been sitting in the shallow waters talking to Seo-un, got dragged into the chaos when Dongwoo splashed him. "You wanna play that game?" he called, before sprinting forward and tackling Dongwoo into the water.
Laughter echoed across the beach as they continued their playful battle. Jinyoung, now soaked, finally lifted his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I give up!"
"Too late," Yoo-ri said with a smirk, sending one last splash his way.
Se-jeong, still laughing, wiped the water from her face. "That's what you get for flipping us over."
Jinyoung sighed dramatically. "Lesson learned. Never mess with Yoo-ri and Se-jeong."
Nadine grinned. "At least not when they have backup."
The water war eventually slowed down, and soon they all settled into a more relaxed pace. Some contestants floated on their backs, enjoying the sun, while others continued to chat in small groups. Yoo-ri, Se-jeong, and Nadine swam back toward their floaty, this time making sure Jinyoung was nowhere near to flip them over again.
Jinyoung swam over a few minutes later, hands raised as if to show he meant no harm. "Truce?"
Yoo-ri eyed him suspiciously. "On one condition."
Jinyoung smirked. "What's that?"
"You help push Se-jeong and me around so we don't have to paddle."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't remember signing up to be a human motorboat, but fine."
With that, he grabbed the edge of the floaty and began pushing it along, while the girls lounged once again, victorious.
The beach was filled with joy, the tension from the dating aspect of the show completely forgotten for the time being. It was moments like these that reminded Yoo-ri why she had agreed to come in the first place.
Sure, love was the goal of the show but sometimes, friendships and simple moments of happiness were just as valuable.
__________
__________
Yoo-ri stood in front of the mirror, her fingers running through her damp hair as she carefully worked the towel through the strands, trying to dry it as much as possible before heading back outside. The changing room was quiet, save for the faint chatter of the other contestants in the distance. She took a deep breath, appreciating the short moment of peace, when suddenly, the door opened.
Jin-young stepped inside, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his shorts, his hair still slightly wet from their time at the beach. She caught his reflection in the mirror and smiled, tilting her head slightly as she met his gaze.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice light with amusement.
He smirked, walking over to her. "You made me your hair stylist, remember? I'm just here to do my job."
Yoo-ri let out a soft laugh but didn't protest when he took the towel from her hands and began gently drying her hair. She watched him through the mirror as he focused on his task, his touch surprisingly careful for someone known for his playful antics. His fingers occasionally brushed against her scalp, sending the lightest shiver down her spine, but she ignored it, instead focusing on the way his expression softened as he worked.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The warmth from his presence, the quiet intimacy of the moment it was enough.
Then Jin-young finally broke the silence. "I was talking to Nadine earlier," he started.
Yoo-ri sighed before shaking her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Jin-young, I don't want to know what you talked about."
He paused, slightly taken aback. "You don't?"
She turned her head slightly, looking at him through the mirror. "No. I trust you," she said simply. "I want you to do what's right for you, not stick by me because of something you said before. I don't believe in forcing connections."
Jin-young studied her, then gave a small nod. "I get that."
She smiled again before continuing. "And besides, Nadine is one of my best friends on the island. I don't want to have a negative view of her because of a man."
At that, Jin-young chuckled. "That's fair." He ran the towel over the last damp sections of her hair before setting it aside. "But regardless of any conversations, my feelings haven't changed."
Yoo-ri turned fully toward him now, raising a brow. "Jin-young, we've spoken four times. How are you so sure about me?"
He leaned against the counter beside her, his gaze unwavering. "It takes three seconds for me to know if someone is right for me."
She blinked, processing his words. "Three seconds?"
He nodded. "Three seconds. That's all it takes for me to decide if I'm drawn to someone or not."
Yoo-ri scoffed playfully. "Sounds like nonsense."
He smirked. "Maybe. But I knew the moment we spoke that I wanted to get to know you. And after four conversations? I don't have any doubts."
She held his gaze for a few seconds longer before shaking her head with a small laugh. "You're ridiculous."
"Yet, you like talking to me," he pointed out.
"Unfortunately," she teased.
Just then, the island's speakers crackled to life, interrupting their conversation.
"All contestants, please gather in the main seating area immediately."
The announcement was brief, but the urgency in the tone made Yoo-ri's brows furrow. She exchanged a glance with Jin-young before standing up.
"Looks like something's happening," she mused.
Jin-young grinned. "Better not be another twist."
They walked side by side toward the central area where the rest of the contestants were already gathering. As they approached, Yoo-ri quickly spotted Se-jeong and Soo-e sitting together, so she slid into the open seat next to them, with Jin-young taking the seat to her left.
"What do you think this is about?" Se-jeong whispered.
"Probably a new contestant," Yoo-ri guessed, glancing around. The others were already murmuring amongst themselves, some clearly expecting a twist of some sort.
Then, just as expected, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs leading to their gathering spot. All eyes turned as a man descended confidently, his presence immediately commanding attention.
Yoo-ri smirked, nudging Soo-e's arm lightly before whispering, "I told you so."
Soo-e let out a small laugh, eyes fixed on the newcomer.
"And just so you know," Yoo-ri continued, keeping her voice low but teasing, "You get first dibs."
The man finally reached them and gave a slight nod in greeting before introducing himself.
"Hi, everyone. My name is Kim Se-jun."
His voice was deep, calm, and composed, instantly making an impression. Yoo-ri leaned back slightly, studying him with interest. His confidence was effortless, and something about the way he carried himself felt different from the others.
"Well," she murmured to herself, lips curving into a small smile. "This should be interesting."
With the arrival of Kim Se-jun, the atmosphere on the island shifted slightly excitement lingering in the air as everyone adjusted to the presence of a new contestant. But after the initial buzz, the group quickly returned to the normal rhythm of island life.
As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, the contestants made their way to the kitchen to figure out dinner. Opening the storage, they found simple ingredients: kimchi, canned tuna, and a few other pantry essentials.
Han-bin, always full of energy, clapped his hands together. "Let's make kimchi tuna stew and kimchi fried rice! Easy and filling."
Everyone agreed, and the group divided tasks amongst themselves. While some prepped ingredients in the kitchen, others were assigned to outdoor duties one of which included starting the fire.
Outside, Jinyoung and Yoo-ri stood by the fire pit. Jin-young crouched, carefully arranging the firewood before attempting to light it. He struck the flint against the metal, sending sparks flying but the wood refused to catch. He let out a slow breath, trying again. Still nothing.
Yoo-ri, standing with her arms crossed, smirked as she watched him struggle.
After his third failed attempt, she let out a small laugh. "Do you want me to help?"
Jin-young shot her a look. "I can do it."
She grinned. "You sure? Because at this rate, we'll be eating raw rice and cold tuna."
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head, but before he could respond, Seul-ki arrived. She crouched down next to him, observing his technique.
"You look like a local," she said with a smile. "You're doing really well."
Yoo-ri remained silent as they spoke, her expression unreadable. She simply turned away, watching the flames or lack thereof while Jin-young and Seul-ki continued their brief conversation.
Once Seul-ki left, Yoo-ri turned back to him, an amused glint in her eyes. "Well, that was interesting."
Jin-young shot her a warning look. "Not a word."
She covered her mouth, holding back a laugh. "I didn't say anything."
He went back to focusing on the fire, and after a few more attempts, he finally got the flames to catch. As the small fire crackled to life, Yoo-ri clapped her hands together in celebration.
"Finally!" she cheered. "Took you long enough."
Jin-young exhaled in relief before glancing at her with a small, proud smirk. "Told you I could do it."
Shaking her head fondly, Yoo-ri turned to head back to the kitchen, leaving Jin-young to tend to the fire.
In the kitchen, Yoo-ri stood next to Soo-e and Se-jun, smiling as she observed their interaction.
Se-jun, new to the group but already fitting in seamlessly, helped Soo-e mix the seasoning into the rice. His relaxed, humorous nature made it easy for everyone to warm up to him, and Yoo-ri couldn't help but enjoy the way he effortlessly made Soo-e laugh.
Just then, Jin-young's voice called out from outside.
"Yoo-ri!"
She turned, peeking out to see him standing near the water station. "Can you help me with the dishes?"
She raised a brow. "Why me?"
"Because I'm washing, and all you have to do is dry," he said, holding up a dish towel. "It's a fair deal."
Rolling her eyes playfully, she walked over, standing beside him as he began scrubbing the dishes from earlier. She took the first plate he handed her and began drying it.
As they worked, the rhythmic sound of water splashing filled the air. They didn't talk much at first, simply working in sync passing plates, wiping them dry, stacking them neatly.
Dong-woo, who had been lingering nearby, suddenly smirked.
"Wow, you two are already preparing for your domestic life after the show?" he joked, making a few others laugh.
Yoo-ri turned her head to look at Jin-young, whose lips twitched upward as he scrubbed another dish. He glanced at her sideways, clearly amused.
"You hear that?" he murmured under his breath. "We're already being shipped."
She scoffed lightly but didn't deny it. "Guess we're setting a good example."
He hummed in agreement, passing her another dish. "Could get used to this."
Something in his tone made her glance at him again. He wasn't looking at her this time just focused on the water, but the slight curve of his lips told her he was teasing. And yet, beneath the playful banter, there was an undeniable warmth in the moment.
It was easy.
Comfortable.
She had been on the island for two days now, surrounded by people, yet there was something different about being around Jin-young. It wasn't just attraction it was the natural flow of their conversations, the way they gravitated toward each other without effort.
She shook off the thought and finished drying the last plate. "Well, congratulations. You survived dish duty."
Jin-young wiped his hands on a towel, grinning. "Teamwork."
She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless.
Once dinner was ready, everyone found seats around the table.
Seul-ki sat beside Jin-young, leaving Yoo-ri with Nadine and Se-jeong. She didn't think too much about it if anything, she was happy to sit with her friends.
As everyone ate, the table filled with chatter and laughter. Dong-woo, as usual, took the lead in keeping the energy high.
"So, Se-jun," Dong-woo started, turning to the new contestant. "Do you already know everyone's names?"
Se-jun let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Not even going to attempt it yet."
The table erupted in laughter.
"Jin-young cheats," Yoong-jae chimed in. "He just uses name tags."
More laughter followed, and Jin-young simply smirked, taking a sip of his water.
Yoo-ri, between bites of her food, turned to glance at him.
It was moments like these simple, unfiltered, warm that made her forget about the competition of the show.
She didn't know what the next few days would bring who would choose who, who would go to Paradise, or who would leave the island empty-handed.
As the night deepened, the group made their way back to the seating area, only to find a warm and inviting campfire waiting for them. The flames crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across their faces, while a pile of blankets and an assortment of drinks sat neatly in the center. The scene was cozy, a perfect way to wind down after an eventful day.
Yoo-ri scanned the seating arrangement, debating where to sit when she suddenly felt a gentle tug on her arm.
She turned her head, coming face to face with Jin-young. Without a word, he guided her to the center of one of the wooden logs. His hand lingered for a second before he let go, sitting beside her without hesitation.
She blinked but didn't protest, settling in comfortably. To her right, Soo-e took a seat, flashing her a small smile.
Jin-young leaned slightly toward her, his voice low as he asked, "What do you want to drink?"
Yoo-ri turned to face him and was surprised to find him already staring at her. His gaze was relaxed, yet intent, like he was completely focused on her response.
"Cola," she answered simply.
His brow lifted slightly. "Not drinking?"
She shook her head. "I don't like the taste of beer."
Jin-young nodded in understanding, grabbing a can of cola from the stash. "Here."
"Thanks," she murmured, taking it from his hand.
By then, the others had settled in, drinks in hand. Dong-woo raised his bottle, grinning. "Alright, let's do a toast!"
The group lifted their drinks, their voices overlapping in agreement.
"To a great night," Han-bin said.
"To making new memories," Soo-e added.
"To surviving another day in Inferno," Se-jeong joked, making everyone laugh.
Their glasses and cans clinked together in the center, the fire's glow illuminating their faces as they took sips of their drinks.
As the conversation naturally flowed, Dong-woo turned to the newest addition to the island. "Alright, Se-jun, since you're new, let's get to know you better. We're all curious."
Seul-ki took the first opportunity. "What's your ideal type?"
Se-jun leaned back slightly, considering the question before responding. "I like someone who is charismatic but also considerate of others. Someone who stands out but isn't self-centered."
The group hummed in understanding.
"That's pretty specific," Nadine commented. "Do you think you'll find someone like that here?"
Se-jun smirked. "We'll have to see."
Seul-ki nodded approvingly before turning the question back on him. "What about you? Do you have any questions for us?"
Se-jun glanced around before settling his gaze on Jong-woo. "How does it feel to be in Inferno?"
The question earned a chuckle from Se-jeong. "Oh, when it comes to Inferno, Jong-woo and I are professionals."
Jong-woo, however, took a more reflective approach. "Honestly, Inferno depends on the person, not the place." He looked around at the group. "If you're here with people you connect with, it can feel like Paradise."
There was a moment of silence as his words settled.
Jin-young, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement. "This is Paradise for me, too."
Yoo-ri turned her head slightly, watching him as he spoke. His voice wasn't loud or overly dramatic he just stated it like a simple truth. The firelight cast warm tones against his sharp features, and for a moment, she found herself wondering what exactly Paradise meant for him.
Was it the freedom of the island? The friendships he was forming? Or something or someone else?
Just then, Seul-ki suddenly started fanning her eyes. "Ah, the smoke is going straight into my face."
Han-bin, always quick to offer a solution, suggested, "Let's swap seats, then."
He quickly moved, switching places with Seul-ki so she could be further from the smoke. However, in doing so, he ended up sitting noticeably closer to Seo-eun.
Yoo-ri, having caught onto the smoothness of his move, smirked before turning to Jin-young. "Did you see that?"
Jin-young followed her gaze, then let out a quiet chuckle. "Han-bin's good."
"Really good," she agreed. "He made it seem completely natural."
Jin-young shook his head in amusement. "Guess we'll see if it works out for him."
Their quiet side conversation was interrupted by Dong-woo, who had continued throwing lighthearted questions toward Se-jun.
"Alright it's been over four hours, have you memorized our names yet?" he teased.
Se-jun let out a low laugh, shaking his head. "Still not attempting it."
Jin-young, sipping from his drink, smirked. "I'm serious just use name tags. Works every time."
The group burst into laughter again, making the air around them feel even lighter.
Yoo-ri glanced around at everyone laughing, teasing, sharing quiet moments. The island was a competitive place, filled with unspoken tensions and shifting dynamics, but there were also moments like this where it felt like they were just people sitting around a fire, enjoying each other's company.
As the night continued, the group slowly fell into smaller, separate conversations. Laughter and hushed voices filled the air, blending with the sound of the waves in the distance. Amidst the warm glow of the campfire, Jin-young turned his head toward Yoo-ri and leaned in slightly.
"Wanna take a walk?" he asked, his voice low, just for her to hear.
She looked up at him, searching his face for a moment before nodding. "Sure."
Without another word, they stood up and quietly slipped away from the fire, leaving the others behind.
The night air was crisp, and the moon cast a silver glow over the beach. The tide gently rolled in and out, the rhythmic sound filling the comfortable silence between them. Yoo-ri stretched her arms above her head and let out a soft sigh, a small, content smile forming on her lips.
"I wish I could stay like this forever," she said wistfully. "Just... carefree."
Jin-young glanced at her, his expression softening. He liked this side of her unburdened, lost in the moment. "Being here in Inferno lets us escape," he said. "Even if it's just for a few days."
She hummed in agreement before suddenly lowering herself onto the sand, hugging her knees to her chest. Jin-young followed suit, settling next to her. Without hesitation, he pulled off his cardigan and draped it over her shoulders.
Yoo-ri glanced at him in surprise before letting out a teasing laugh. "Look at you, being all romantic."
Jin-young smirked but shook his head, his gaze locked on the waves. "It's hard not to be romantic with you."
His words caught her off guard. There was no hesitation in his voice, no playful tease it was a simple truth to him. She stared at him for a second before laughing softly, not knowing how else to respond.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, listening to the ocean, the distant chatter of their group, and the occasional crackle of the fire behind them.
Then, without looking at him, Yoo-ri finally spoke.
"We haven't even been to Paradise yet," she murmured. "How can you be so sure about me?"
Jin-young exhaled slowly, his lips pressing into a thin line. He tilted his head back slightly, running a hand through his hair before turning to face her. She could see it the frustration in his eyes, in the way his jaw tensed.
"You keep saying that," he said, his voice quieter this time. "Like going to Paradise is the only way to figure things out."
She turned her head, meeting his gaze. "Isn't it?"
Jin-young scoffed under his breath, shaking his head. "You yourself said you'd rather get to know someone in Inferno instead of Paradise."
She sighed, pulling his cardigan tighter around her shoulders. "I did say that... and I still believe it. But it's hard for me not to have doubts, Jin-young." She turned fully to him now, her expression unreadable. "You have three girls who are interested in you."
Her words hung in the air between them, heavy and unspoken until now.
Jin-young's eyes darkened slightly, his frustration evident. He had expected this conversation to happen eventually, but hearing it now still made his patience wear thin.
"You say you have doubts," he said, his voice quieter but firm. "But earlier tonight, you told me you trusted me."
Yoo-ri swallowed, pressing her lips together. "I do," she admitted. "But trust isn't the same as certainty. It's just..." she hesitated, searching for the right words. "I don't want to get ahead of myself. I don't want to assume that just because you've shown interest in me, that means-"
"That I won't change my mind?" Jin-young cut in.
She flinched slightly at his bluntness but didn't look away.
Jin-young sighed, rubbing his face briefly before looking back at her. "Yoo-ri, if I was unsure, I wouldn't be sitting here with you right now."
She knew that. Deep down, she knew that. Jin-young wasn't the type to waste his time or play games. And yet...
"It's not about you changing your mind," she said, her voice softer now. "It's about me getting attached to something that might not last."
Jin-young stared at her, and something in his expression shifted. He wasn't frustrated anymore he understood. Yoo-ri wasn't doubting him because she thought he was insincere. She was doubting the situation, the unpredictability of Inferno, the knowledge that things could change in an instant.
She was scared.
He exhaled, leaning back on his hands. "So you'd rather keep a distance?"
She hesitated but nodded. "Until I'm sure, yeah."
Jin-young chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "That's unfair, you know."
She frowned. "What?"
"You want to keep a distance, but you also want me to prove to you that I won't change my mind." He turned to face her fully. "How am I supposed to do that if you won't let me get close?"
Yoo-ri felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn't thought of it that way.
He let out a small sigh before leaning his elbows on his knees. "I get why you have doubts. I do. But Yoo-ri..." he hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I'm not here to impress three different girls. I'm here because I like you. And if that changes someday, I'll tell you straight up. But right now, I don't know how else to show you that I mean it."
Her heart clenched at his words. He sounded almost tired not of her, but of having to justify his feelings over and over again.
For the first time, she felt guilty.
She had been so focused on protecting herself, on making sure she wasn't misreading things, that she hadn't thought about how it might feel for him to have someone constantly question his sincerity.
His words lingered in Yoo-ri's mind like an echo she couldn't shake. As she sat on the sand, staring out at the dark waves, her thoughts churned relentlessly. Jin-young's words played over and over in her head, his frustration, his honesty it was overwhelming.
She had never meant to make him feel like he had to prove himself, but she realized that, unintentionally, she had.
A lump formed in her throat, and she quickly blinked, trying to stop the tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't want to cry in front of him. She didn't want to appear weak.
"I'm tired," she said abruptly, turning away from him. "I think I'll go to sleep."
Jin-young, who had been watching her closely, immediately noticed the change in her tone. His brows furrowed, and he started to speak up, wanting to clear the air before she left. "Yoo-ri-"
But before he could finish, she was already walking away, her steps hurried, as if she needed to escape.
Jin-young exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair as he watched her retreating figure. He clenched his jaw, frustrated at himself for letting the conversation end like that.
He remained seated, staring at the spot where she had been, alone with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
When Yoo-ri finally reached the girls' tent, she let out a small breath of relief upon finding it empty. The last thing she needed right now was someone asking if she was okay.
Her steps quickened as she headed toward the changing rooms, her fingers trembling as she shut the door behind her. The moment she was alone, the tears she had been holding back spilled over.
She sat down on the small bench inside, burying her face in her hands. Her shoulders shook as she let herself cry, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her.
Why was this so hard?
She had come here prepared for the unpredictability of the show, knowing that feelings could change, that people could be swayed. But Jin-young had made her feel something real something she hadn't been ready for. And that scared her.
She had told him she trusted him, but her actions had said otherwise. She had doubted him, not because she thought he was insincere, but because she was scared of falling too hard, too fast, only to get hurt.
A soft knock on the door startled her.
She quickly wiped her face, trying to pull herself together before the door opened.
Se-jeong stepped inside, her expression immediately shifting to concern when she saw Yoo-ri's red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks.
"Yoo-ri?" she said, rushing over. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Yoo-ri swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. "It's nothing. I just..." She sighed, realizing there was no point in pretending she was fine. "I had a conversation with Jin-young."
Se-jeong's brows furrowed as she sat down beside her. "What happened?"
Taking a deep breath, Yoo-ri explained everything the doubts, the frustration, the way she had left things unresolved. Se-jeong listened patiently, nodding along as she processed it all.
When Yoo-ri finished, Se-jeong gave her a knowing look. "You're scared."
Yoo-ri hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."
Se-jeong sighed. "You know... you told Soo-e earlier today that she should go after what she wants, even if she's scared. And that a man isn't worth her tears. And now look at you."
Yoo-ri blinked, then let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "I did say that, didn't I?"
Se-jeong grinned. "Yeah. And now I'm telling you stop running away. If you like him, then trust it. Let things happen. Don't get so caught up in your head that you miss out on something real."
Yoo-ri sniffled, wiping the last of her tears. "I hate that you're right."
Se-jeong laughed. "I know. But that's why you love me."
Yoo-ri smiled weakly, feeling a little lighter.
Just as she was about to stand up, she heard a voice from outside.
"Jin-young," Seul-ki called.
Yoo-ri stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.
Se-jeong noticed the way she froze and glanced toward the door. "Do you want to listen?" she asked in a whisper.
Yoo-ri didn't answer, but she didn't move either.
Through the door, she could hear Seul-ki's voice soft but clear. "Are you okay?"
There was a pause before Jin-young responded. "Yeah."
Seul-ki hesitated before speaking again. "I just wanted to talk... I feel like we haven't had a chance much today."
Yoo-ri's fingers curled into her lap.
Jin-young sighed. "Seul-ki..." There was another pause, then his voice turned firmer. "I'm looking for Yoo-ri right now."
Yoo-ri's heart skipped a beat.
Se-jeong glanced at her, hiding a smile. "Well, that answers that."
A few seconds later, the door opened, and Jin-young stepped inside. His eyes immediately found Yoo-ri, his expression softening slightly when he saw her.
Se-jeong stood up, giving them both a knowing look. "I'll leave you two to talk." She patted Yoo-ri's shoulder before slipping out, closing the door behind her.
Yoo-ri didn't know what to say. She had just spent the last ten minutes crying over this exact moment, and now that it was here, she suddenly felt nervous.
Jin-young stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. "Were you crying?"
She hesitated before nodding slightly.
His jaw clenched. "Because of me?"
She let out a small sigh. "Because of everything."
Jin-young exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Yoo-ri, I don't want this to be something that makes you upset."
"I know," she said softly. "I just..." She trailed off, then shook her head. "I don't want to mess this up."
Jin-young stared at her for a moment before stepping closer. "Then don't."
She looked up at him, surprised.
He let out a small, tired laugh. "Just... don't overthink it, okay? I like you. I've liked you from the start. I don't care about Paradise, I don't care about whatever else is happening. I just care about this about us."
Yoo-ri swallowed, feeling her eyes sting again. But this time, it wasn't out of fear. It was something else entirely.
Slowly, she nodded.
Jin-young smiled, relief washing over his face. "Good."
For the first time that night, Yoo-ri felt the tension leave her shoulders.
Maybe, just maybe, she could stop running away.
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