_________

_________

The sun was beginning its slow descent over Inferno, casting a golden hue across the island. The waves rolled lazily onto the shore, their rhythmic crashing the only sound filling the stillness. A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and warmth, ruffling the edges of Hong Yoo-ri's black mini-skirt as she sat on the wooden sofa facing the sea.

Her hands rested on her lap as she took in the sight before her the endless horizon, the untouched beauty of the island. It was peaceful, almost deceivingly so. She knew that behind her, somewhere within the camp, the other contestants had just finished their first matching. The realization sent a subtle flutter through her chest.

_______

The camera pans to Hong Yoo Ri as she steps into the spotlight with a bright, confident smile. Her energy immediately fills the room as she waves to the crew and the imaginary audience beyond the lens.

"Hi, everyone! My name is Hong Yoo Ri, and I'm so excited to be here!" she begins, clasping her hands together. "If I had to describe myself in a few words, I'd say I'm someone who loves making people smile and feel at ease. I might come off a little reserved at first, but once you get to know me, I promise I'm just a ball of energy."

She pauses, chuckling softly as if revealing a secret. "I love staying active I'm always up for a good run or a fun game of tennis. Oh, and baking! There's just something so comforting about whipping up something sweet to share with others."

Tilting her head slightly, she adds, "I'm here to meet someone who knows what they want, someone who's calm and steady enough to balance my bubbly personality. But," she leans in with a playful smirk, "don't worry I'm not afraid to make the first move if someone catches my eye!"

Yoo Ri finishes with a laugh, her charisma practically bouncing off the screen. "I hope you'll enjoy watching my journey on this show, and who knows? Maybe I'll find someone who truly understands me. Fingers crossed!"

______

She had arrived late.

That meant relationships had already begun to form, bonds had already started to take shape. Her presence would undoubtedly shift the dynamic, but that was the nature of the game. She didn't mind. Instead, she allowed herself a moment to soak in the quiet, listening to the waves, steadying herself for what was to come.

Then, she heard them.

Voices.

Distant at first, but growing louder with each passing second. There was a mix of tones playful, questioning, surprised. The sound of footsteps crunching against the sand made it clear that a group was approaching. Yoo-ri turned her head slightly, catching sight of five figures coming toward her.

As they neared, she noticed their expressions shift from curiosity to mild shock. They hadn't expected to see someone here.

"Wait, there's someone sitting there," one of the girls whispered to the others.

"Is that... a new contestant?" another voice chimed in.

Yoo-ri took a deep breath before standing up, smoothing out her skirt. As the group came into clearer view, she saw three women and two men all of them watching her with intrigued expressions.

One of the women stepped forward first, her bright eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She had an open and warm demeanor, the kind that instantly put people at ease.

"Hi!" she greeted cheerfully. "I'm Park Se-jeong!"

Yoo-ri couldn't help but smile at her energy. "Nice to meet you, I'm Hong Yoo-ri."

Se-jeong beamed. "Wow, so you're new? You came today?"

"Yeah," Yoo-ri nodded. "I just arrived a little while ago."

The second woman stepped up next. She carried herself with quiet confidence, her expression calm and composed. Yoo-ri immediately sensed she was more reserved, perhaps the observant type.

"I'm Lee Nadine," she introduced herself, her voice steady but friendly.

Yoo-ri offered her a small smile. "It's nice to meet you, Nadine."

The third girl had a slightly shy demeanor, but there was a warmth in her gaze. As she smiled, her eyes crinkled into soft crescents, making Yoo-ri pause for a second.

"I'm Lee Soo-e," she said, her voice gentle but kind.

Yoo-ri tilted her head slightly, watching her. "Your smile is really pretty," she commented without thinking. "I love how your eyes disappear when you do."

Soo-e let out a soft laugh, looking slightly flustered. "Oh! Thank you, that's so sweet."

The energy shifted slightly as the two men in the group took their turn introducing themselves.

The first man was tall noticeably taller than the other. He had a strong yet approachable presence, his expression open and friendly.

"I'm Choi Jong-woo," he said, nodding at her with a small smile.

"Jong-woo," Yoo-ri repeated, taking in his easygoing aura. "Nice to meet you."

The last person to introduce himself had a bright, welcoming expression. His energy was similar to Se-jeong's lively and inviting, the kind of presence that immediately made others feel comfortable.

"I'm Kim Han-bin," he said, flashing a wide smile. "It's great to meet you, Yoo-ri."

She returned his smile. "You too, Han-bin."

There was a brief moment of silence as everyone seemed to take in the fact that a new contestant had officially joined them. The realization brought a shift in the atmosphere excitement, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of anticipation for what this new arrival could mean for the existing connections.

It was Han-bin who broke the silence first, his natural warmth making it easy to fall into conversation.

"So, how long have you been here?" he asked, his eyes filled with genuine interest.

Yoo-ri instinctively reached up, brushing her hair back over her shoulder before responding. "Not long," she admitted, tilting her head slightly. "I just arrived, so I haven't had the chance to look around yet."

Se-jeong's eyes widened. "Then you haven't met everyone else yet?"

Yoo-ri shook her head. "No, just you guys."

Jong-woo chuckled. "That means you have a lot to catch up on."

"Yeah," Nadine added, her arms crossed thoughtfully. "Yesterday was... eventful."

Yoo-ri raised a curious brow. "Oh? Should I be worried?"

The group exchanged glances before Han-bin grinned. "Let's just say, you're coming in at an interesting time."

Soo-e nodded, her smile mischievous. "But don't worry, we'll fill you in."

Yoo-ri couldn't help but laugh at their cryptic responses. "Well, now I'm even more curious."

Se-jeong clapped her hands together. "Come on, let's go to the camp."

As they all turned to walk back, Yoo-ri found herself slipping seamlessly into their pace. The initial nerves of arriving late had already begun to fade. The island was beautiful, yes, but it was the people the connections yet to be made that would truly shape her experience.

And with the way they welcomed her so easily, she had a feeling this journey was about to get very interesting.

_________
Confessional - Hong Yoo-ri

The camera cuts to Yoo-ri sitting alone, her hands resting lightly on her lap. She exhales softly, adjusting the microphone clipped to her sweater before looking up at the camera with a small, nervous smile.

"When I first arrived... I won't lie, I was really nervous," she admits, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I knew I was coming in late, and that meant the other contestants had already spent time together, forming connections. So I wasn't sure how I'd fit in or if it would feel awkward."

She pauses, thinking back to her first encounter with the five contestants who found her sitting alone.

"But they were all so welcoming," she continues, her expression softening. "Se-jeong has such an energetic and bubbly personality, and Soo-e's smile is so warm, you can't help but feel at ease around her. Nadine seems a bit more reserved, but I can tell she's really kind. And the guys Jong-woo and Han-bin were also really friendly."

She shifts slightly in her seat, tilting her head as she reflects on her first impressions.

"I'm actually really excited to meet the rest of the contestants when they come back from Paradise. I want to see what the full dynamic is like and how I fit into it."

There's a brief pause before she lets out a small chuckle, almost as if she's hesitant to say what's on her mind next.

"Based on looks alone... I don't think there's someone here who's exactly my ideal type," she admits honestly. "But if we're talking about first impressions... Han-bin really caught my eye."

She smiles, looking down briefly as if gathering her thoughts.

"I don't usually go for someone with that kind of energy. He's really friendly and open, and I tend to be drawn to guys who are a bit more... calm? But I don't know, there's something about the way he carries himself it makes you feel comfortable, like you can talk to him about anything."

She takes a deep breath, exhaling as she lifts her gaze back to the camera.

"I wouldn't say I'm set on anything yet, but I'm definitely open to getting to know him more. We'll see where it goes."
_________

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the Inferno, Yoo-ri and the others make their way toward the small open-air kitchen area. The rustic setup consists of a simple gas burner, a few pots and pans, and shelves stocked with basic ingredients. As soon as they step inside, Yoo-ri notices the limited selection of food on display several packets of instant ramen, eggs, and a tray of chicken breast. She tilts her head, glancing at the others.

"This is all we have?" she asks, pointing toward the ingredients.

Nadine, who had already started boiling water for the ramen, looks up with a small smirk. "Welcome to the old days," she says, stirring the pot. "Inferno is all about survival."

Yoo-ri lets out a laugh, shaking her head. "Wow... It's a good thing I had a proper meal before coming here," she mutters, crossing her arms.

Se-jeong, who overheard her, bursts into laughter. "You had a feast before coming here? You're lucky. We've been eating like this since day one."

Jong-woo chuckles as he begins cutting the chicken into smaller pieces. "Yeah, we've gotten used to it by now."

Yoo-ri watches as everyone naturally falls into place, helping out in some way. Han-bin starts cracking eggs into a bowl, Soo-e is chopping some green onions, and Se-jeong is stirring another pot of ramen. Wanting to contribute, Yoo-ri walks over to the wooden dining area and begins setting the table. She places bowls and chopsticks for everyone, glancing back at the group every now and then to check on the progress of the food.

"This is actually kind of nice," she says aloud, more to herself than anyone else. "It feels like a little family meal."

Han-bin grins as he whisks the eggs. "That's pretty much how Inferno works. We all suffer together, so we bond over it."

A few minutes later, the food is ready. They gather around the wooden table, the smell of warm broth and sizzling chicken filling the air. As everyone settles into their seats, Yoo-ri picks up her chopsticks and takes a bite of the ramen, savoring the taste.

"This isn't bad at all," she comments.

"It grows on you," Soo-e says, slurping her noodles.

As they eat, the conversation flows naturally. Yoo-ri, wanting to get a better understanding of the group dynamics, decides to ask something that's been on her mind.

"So, are you all in Inferno because you weren't chosen?" she asks, glancing around the table.

The group collectively nods, confirming her assumption.

"Yeah," Jong-woo says with a sheepish chuckle. "Our matches all went to Paradise."

Yoo-ri gasps dramatically. "That's tough," she says, shaking her head. "I mean, I get why it's disappointing, but honestly? Inferno and Paradise aren't that different. The only real difference is that you get to know their age and job over there."

Han-bin raises an eyebrow. "You don't think Paradise is better?"

Yoo-ri shrugs playfully. "I mean, yeah, it's luxurious and all, but you still don't know if the person you picked actually likes you back. You just get more information." She pauses before adding with a teasing smile, "Besides, we all get good food either way."

The group bursts into laughter at her remark, nodding in agreement.

"True, true," Se-jeong says, clinking her chopsticks against her bowl. "At least we eat well."

As the conversation continues, Yoo-ri leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Okay, so now I'm curious," she says, her tone shifting to one of playful curiosity. "Did any of you pick someone who's still in the island right now?"

The table goes silent for a moment as they all exchange glances. One by one, they shake their heads.

"Nope," Soo-e says with a small sigh.

"All of our choices went to Paradise," Nadine confirms.

Yoo-ri raises her eyebrows in amusement. "Really? So none of you matched with someone still here?"

Jong-woo shakes his head. "Unfortunately, no."

"That's actually kind of interesting," Yoo-ri muses. "This could've been a good chance for you all to get to know each other too."

Han-bin laughs. "Are you saying we should start considering each other now?"

Yoo-ri grins, shrugging. "Hey, you never know. Feelings can change, right?"

Se-jeong nudges Soo-e playfully. "Maybe we should reconsider our options."

Soo-e laughs, waving her hands. "I don't know about that!"

The lighthearted banter continues, and Yoo-ri feels herself relaxing more and more. Despite arriving late, she doesn't feel like an outsider. The group has been incredibly welcoming, and the easygoing atmosphere makes her look forward to the rest of her time in Inferno.

She glances at Han-bin, who's laughing at something Jong-woo just said, and finds herself thinking back to her confessional. She never expected to be drawn to someone with such a bright and friendly personality, but there's something about him that makes her curious.

Maybe Inferno won't be so bad after all.

The night in Inferno is quiet, the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore filling the air. The dim glow of the lanterns inside the girls' sleeping area casts a warm, intimate atmosphere as they settle in for the night. The day had been long full of surprises, conversations, and new dynamics forming but now, with the cameras still rolling yet no immediate pressure to impress anyone, the girls finally have a chance to unwind.

Yoo-ri sits cross-legged on one of the wooden beds, a small notebook resting on her lap as she writes with a black pen. The others are sprawled across the room, lounging on their beds and occasionally chatting amongst themselves.

Nadine, who's been absentmindedly stretching on her mattress, glances over and notices Yoo-ri's writing. Her eyes narrow as she catches a glimpse of the text. "Wait... you're writing in English?" she asks, tilting her head in curiosity.

Yoo-ri looks up from her notebook, slightly startled before nodding. "Yeah, I am."

Nadine perks up, sitting up straight. "Oh, do you speak English?"

"Fluently," Yoo-ri confirms with a small smile.

At that, Nadine's expression lights up. "No way! Me too." Without hesitation, she switches to English. "That's so cool. I didn't expect to meet someone else who's fluent here."

Yoo-ri's smile widens at the sudden language shift. "I know, right? I guess we have something in common."

Se-jeong and Soo-e, who had been chatting amongst themselves, turn their attention toward them. Se-jeong raises an eyebrow. "Wait, what are you two talking about?"

"We're just amazed that we both speak English fluently," Nadine explains.

Se-jeong laughs. "Wow, I feel left out now."

Soo-e giggles, nodding in agreement. "Same. I have no idea what you guys just said."

Yoo-ri chuckles and switches back to Korean. "Don't worry, we were just surprised."

As the laughter dies down, Se-jeong leans back against her pillow, sighing. "Today was interesting, huh?"

The girls hum in agreement, their minds drifting back to everything that had happened the arrivals, the conversations, and the way their perceptions had subtly begun to shift.

Se-jeong suddenly sits up, glancing between them. "Okay, be honest. Has your opinion on the guys changed after spending more time with them?"

Soo-e purses her lips in thought. "I mean... I wouldn't say my feelings have completely changed, but I do see some of them differently now."

Nadine nods. "Same. When we first arrived, everything was based on first impressions. But now that we've talked to them more, I feel like we're getting a better sense of who they are."

Yoo-ri listens quietly, flipping her notebook shut and resting her chin on her palm. She doesn't know much about the contestants yet, so she's more interested in observing how the others feel about their experiences.

Se-jeong shifts, turning to Soo-e. "What about you? Do you still like the same person you picked before?"

Soo-e hesitates for a moment before sighing. "I think so? But... I don't know, there's something holding me back."

Nadine tilts her head. "What do you mean?"

Soo-e fidgets with the edge of her blanket. "I feel like I had this ideal image of them in my head, but after talking to them more today, I realized they might not be exactly how I imagined."

Yoo-ri hums in understanding. "That's normal. A lot of times, we build people up in our heads, but when we actually interact with them, we see different sides sometimes good, sometimes not so much."

Se-jeong nods. "Yeah, I get that. The guy I initially picked still seems great, but I'm starting to notice things I didn't before."

Nadine crosses her arms. "Like what?"

Se-jeong hesitates before responding, "I guess... I thought he would be more forward? But he seems a little too laid back, and now I don't know if he's really interested or just going with the flow."

Yoo-ri smiles slightly, recognizing the dilemma. "That's tough. You don't want to waste time on someone who's not actually serious, but at the same time, you don't want to assume things too quickly."

Se-jeong nods, letting out a sigh. "Exactly."

Nadine then turns to Yoo-ri. "What about you? Anyone catch your eye yet?"

Yoo-ri pauses for a moment, thinking back to her interactions throughout the day. She hadn't come in with a set expectation since she was a late arrival, but there was one person who had stood out to her Han-bin. His friendly and welcoming nature wasn't what she typically gravitated toward, but there was something about the warmth in his energy that made her curious.

She leans back against the bed frame. "Not sure yet. But if I had to say... Han-bin made the strongest first impression on me."

Soo-e grins. "Really? What about him?"

Yoo-ri shrugs, playing with the corner of her notebook. "He's just really welcoming and easy to talk to. I usually don't go for guys with that kind of energy, but there's something about him that makes me want to get to know him more."

Nadine raises an eyebrow. "So, you're open to it?"

Yoo-ri nods. "Yeah, I think so."

Se-jeong smirks. "Then maybe you'll surprise yourself."

Yoo-ri chuckles but doesn't deny it. "Maybe."

The conversation continues into the night, the girls exchanging thoughts and opinions on their experiences so far. There's a newfound comfort between them despite the competition, they find solace in each other's company, knowing that at the end of the day, they're all navigating the same uncertainties.

As the lanterns flicker softly, Yoo-ri glances around the room, feeling a quiet sense of contentment. She may have arrived late, but she doesn't feel out of place. If anything, this is only the beginning.

The morning sun filters through the canvas of the girls' tent, casting a warm, golden glow inside. The air is still crisp from the cool night before, but inside, the atmosphere is relaxed. The four girls are lounging comfortably, making the most of their time before the rest of the contestants return from their trip to Paradise.

Yoo-ri is sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, a flat iron in one hand as she carefully straightens Se-jeong's hair. Se-jeong sits in front of her, watching her own reflection in a small mirror propped up against one of the bedposts.

"You're really good at this," Se-jeong comments, tilting her head slightly to give Yoo-ri better access.

"I do it often," Yoo-ri responds with a small smile. "I find it kind of relaxing."

"I wish I had the patience," Soo-e sighs from where she's lying on her stomach, propping her chin up on her hands. "I usually just throw my hair up in a ponytail and call it a day."

Nadine laughs, shaking her head. "Same. But I admire people who actually take the time to style their hair every day."

Se-jeong hums in agreement, watching as Yoo-ri expertly smooths down another section of her hair. "So, Yoo-ri, what else do you like to do? Any hobbies?"

Yoo-ri pauses for a moment, thinking. "I like doing Pilates, running when I have time, and baking."

Se-jeong perks up. "Baking? That's so cool. What's your specialty?"

"Cookies, mostly," Yoo-ri says with a small chuckle. "I like experimenting with different flavors."

"Oh, you have to bake for us sometime," Soo-e grins.

Yoo-ri nods. "I don't mind. If we had an oven here, I'd probably be baking already."

Just as the conversation continues, they suddenly hear the faint sound of voices outside. The girls fall silent for a moment, straining to listen.

"Do you hear that?" Se-jeong asks, lowering her voice.

Soo-e sits up, her eyes widening. "I think the contestants are back."

Immediately, the tent fills with excitement as the girls exchange glances before scrambling to their feet. Se-jeong quickly checks her reflection in the mirror, smoothing down her freshly straightened hair, while Nadine adjusts her shirt. Yoo-ri sets the flat iron aside, standing up with a curious expression.

They step out of the tent together, the bright sunlight hitting their faces as they look toward the entrance of the Inferno area. Sure enough, a group of contestants is walking toward them, their expressions shifting from casual conversation to surprise as their eyes land on Yoo-ri.

Yoong-jae, who is walking alongside the group, lets out an exaggerated gasp. "Whoa, did you guys have your own little Paradise while we were gone?" he jokes, nudging Jong-woo beside him. "A new contestant just magically appeared!"

The group laughs, and Yoo-ri smiles as all eyes fall on her.

"Hi, everyone," she says warmly. "I'm Hong Yoo-ri. I came in yesterday while you were all away."

The returning contestants, still slightly caught off guard, quickly recover as they step forward to introduce themselves. The two girls in the group offer friendly smiles.

"I'm Shin Seul-ki," the first girl says. She has a graceful presence, and there's something effortlessly elegant about the way she speaks.

"I'm Choi Seo-eun," the second girl adds, her tone warm and inviting.

Yoo-ri bows slightly in greeting. "It's nice to meet you both."

The male contestants step forward next.

"I'm Shin Dong-woo," one of them introduces. He has a calm, composed demeanor, and his voice is deep and steady.

"And I'm Jo Yoong-jae," the other says, his smile easygoing and confident.

Yoo-ri offers them a polite smile. "I hope you all had good dates."

Seul-ki and Seo-eun exchange glances before laughing softly. "It was definitely an experience," Seo-eun says, though she doesn't elaborate just yet.

Dong-woo grins. "Well, we'll have to compare experiences. Who had the better time us in Paradise or you guys here in Inferno?"

The girls laugh, but before the conversation can continue, the contestants begin naturally separating, with the guys heading toward their own area while the girls drift toward the tent.

Once back inside, the atmosphere shifts into something more relaxed yet undeniably curious. The returning girls settle onto their beds, Se-jeong and Soo-e sitting eagerly nearby, clearly excited to hear all about their experiences in Paradise.

Yoo-ri sits near the edge, listening attentively as Seo-eun and Seul-ki begin recounting their time there.

"So, how was it?" Nadine asks, leaning forward. "Paradise looks so fancy on TV."

"It is," Seul-ki confirms, nodding. "The hotel is amazing. The food is so much better than here, obviously."

Soo-e pouts. "Ugh, don't remind me. We've been surviving on eggs and chicken breast."

Seo-eun laughs. "Yeah, the meals in Paradise are definitely worth the trip."

Se-jeong grins. "Forget the food-what about the dates? How did it go?"

Seul-ki hesitates for a moment before answering. "It was nice. I feel like I got to know my partner a lot better. He's... different from what I initially thought."

"How so?" Nadine asks, intrigued.

"He's more talkative in private," Seul-ki admits. "I didn't expect that."

Seo-eun nods in agreement. "I think it really makes a difference, spending that one-on-one time. You get a clearer picture of the person."

Yoo-ri listens quietly, her expression thoughtful. She hadn't had the chance to experience Paradise yet, but she could already tell how much it influenced the way people saw their connections.

"Did it change the way you feel?" Se-jeong asks, tilting her head.

Seul-ki and Seo-eun exchange glances again before Seo-eun speaks. "Not completely... but it made me think about things differently."

Yoo-ri finally speaks up, her voice calm. "I guess that's what Paradise is meant to do, right? It gives you all the missing details age, jobs, lifestyle. Sometimes it confirms what you already felt, and other times, it makes you rethink everything."

Seul-ki nods. "Exactly."

"So..." Soo-e smirks, leaning forward. "Would you say your top choice changed?"

Seo-eun exhales, tapping her fingers on her knee. "I don't know yet. But I think I need more time to figure it out."

The girls nod in understanding. There's a shared feeling of uncertainty of possibilities still unfolding.

Yoo-ri leans back slightly, absorbing the conversation. She's still new here, but she can already see the subtle shifts in dynamics. Connections were forming, but they were also being tested.

And as much as she listens now, she knows soon enough, she'll have to start making decisions of her own.

The peaceful morning in Inferno is interrupted by the sudden crackle of the speakers. A robotic, monotone voice fills the air, breaking the girls' quiet discussion inside the tent.

"Contestants, please gather at the beach for today's challenge. The winner will receive a special meal."

_________

_________

At the mention of food, a ripple of excitement spreads through the group. The girls glance at each other, already eager to see what kind of game they'd be witnessing. They all quickly make their way to the beach, where the rest of the contestants are already gathering.

The boys are dressed in sports gear, stretching and preparing for what looks to be a physically demanding game. The girls take their spots on the sidelines, chatting amongst themselves while watching the guys get ready.

Yoo-ri, standing next to Nadine, tilts her head in curiosity. "What kind of game do you think it'll be?"

Before Nadine can answer, the voice returns.

"Today's game is 'Body Tug of War.' The goal is simple each contestant will face off one-on-one, trying to pull a flag from the other side while holding the weight of their opponent. The one who successfully reaches the flag first wins."

A murmur of amusement spreads through the group. Se-jeong claps her hands in excitement, while Soo-e lets out a small laugh.

"Oh, this is going to be intense," Seo-eun muses, watching as the first two contestants step forward.

First Match - Dong-woo vs. Yoong-jae

As Dong-woo and Yoong-jae take their places on opposite ends, Yoo-ri smirks and leans toward the other girls. "They really made sure neither of them can enjoy a good date again," she jokes, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Seul-ki, seated beside her, giggles but quickly covers her mouth. "That's so true."

The match begins with both men crouching low, gripping the thick rope that connects them. Their task is to move forward while dragging their opponent's weight, all in an attempt to grab the flag placed in the center.

At first, neither of them makes much progress. They strain against each other, their bodies locked in place as their feet dig into the sand. The struggle is evident on their faces, muscles tense as they try to find leverage.

Yoo-ri watches with wide eyes, enjoying every moment. She has always loved a bit of drama, and watching a real-life battle of strength unfold right in front of her was exhilarating. Even though it was just a game, it felt like watching a high-stakes match.

Then, finally, Dong-woo starts to move forward. It's a slow, grueling process, but inch by inch, he gains ground. Yoong-jae grits his teeth, trying to hold him back, but he's losing traction.

Yoo-ri claps her hands together, eyes gleaming. "He's moving! Finally!"

The game reaches its climax as Dong-woo manages to break free enough to grab the flag, officially securing his victory. The contestants erupt in cheers, and even Yoong-jae, despite losing, offers a good-natured nod of respect.

As they walk back to the group, Yoo-ri leans toward Nadine and whispers, "This game is definitely not for men with fragile egos."

Nadine snorts, barely containing her laughter. "Seriously. You can tell they're all trying not to lose their pride."

The guys regroup, shaking off their exhaustion, while the next competitors step forward.

Next Match - Han-bin vs. Jong-woo

Han-bin and Jong-woo prepare for their match, rolling their shoulders and stretching before gripping the rope. Unlike the first round, where neither contestant moved at first, this match starts at a much faster pace.

As soon as the whistle blows, Han-bin digs his feet into the sand, immediately resisting Jong-woo's pull. His posture is firm, his arms flexed with effort, and for a while, it looks like he has complete control of the match.

"Han-bin looks strong," Soo-e comments, watching the way his stance remains solid.

Yoo-ri nods, watching closely. "He's holding his ground well."

But then, something changes. Slowly but surely, Jong-woo starts gaining ground, his body pushing forward while Han-bin struggles to hold him back. The shift is subtle at first, but it quickly becomes clear that the match is evening out.

"They're neck and neck now," Se-jeong exclaims, leaning forward in anticipation.

The tension is palpable as both men pull against each other, neither willing to give up. The sand shifts beneath them as they continue to battle for control. For a moment, it seems like Han-bin might reclaim his advantage but Jong-woo digs deep, making a final push forward.

With one last effort, Jong-woo lunges forward and snatches the flag just before Han-bin can stop him.

The crowd erupts in cheers once again, the girls clapping and laughing at the intense competition. Han-bin, though visibly disappointed, shakes Jong-woo's hand with a smile.

"Wow, that was close," Seo-eun comments.

"That was fun to watch," Yoo-ri agrees, grinning. She turns to Nadine. "I don't think I've ever been this invested in a game like this."

Nadine chuckles. "It's because there's so much pride at stake."

Yoo-ri laughs, nodding in agreement. She had only been in Inferno for a short time, but moments like these made her realize how much she enjoyed the unpredictable dynamics between the contestants. Whether it was games, conversations, or unexpected twists, she was already looking forward to seeing what would happen next.

Just as the energy from Jong-woo's win begins to settle, the speaker crackles back to life.

"The final match will be a three-person battle."

A wave of confusion sweeps over the contestants. They exchange puzzled glances, whispering amongst themselves.

"Three people?" Nadine repeats, frowning. "Who's the third?"

Yoo-ri tilts her head slightly, her brows furrowing as she looks around. The answer quickly becomes clear as the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps fills the air.

All eyes shift toward the path leading to the beach. A lone figure is approaching. His pace is steady, his posture confident. As he gets closer, the girls begin murmuring among themselves.

"Wow... he's handsome," Se-jeong whispers, her voice filled with admiration.

Soo-e nods, her gaze lingering on his broad shoulders. "His physique is insane. Look at his arms."

Seul-ki, usually reserved, lets out a soft hum. "He looks really athletic. This match might already be decided."

While the other girls openly admire him, Yoo-ri remains quiet, simply observing. She takes in his sharp features, his strong build, and the way he carries himself with ease. Unlike the others, she doesn't comment, simply watching with keen interest.

By the time he reaches the group, she's had a good look at him. With a subtle smile, she nods to herself, as if making up her mind about something.

The man comes to a stop and bows politely. "Hello," he greets, his voice smooth yet firm.

The girls quickly return his greeting, some more enthusiastically than others. Se-jeong, in particular, beams at him. "Hi! Welcome to Inferno!"

He takes his time scanning the group, his gaze moving from person to person. Then, just for a moment, his eyes stop on Yoo-ri. She meets his gaze, expression unreadable. The moment lingers longer than it should before he finally moves on, looking at the others.

The speaker breaks the silence once again.

"The three-person match will now begin."

Yoo-ri watches as the new contestant steps up alongside Jong-woo and Dong-woo, the previous winners. A small smirk plays on her lips as she turns to Se-jeong.

"The new guy is going to win," she says confidently.

Se-jeong raises an eyebrow. "That fast? You're that sure?"

Yoo-ri nods. She had seen enough to make her judgment. He wasn't just strong he carried himself with the kind of confidence that only came from knowing you had an advantage.

A small smirk tugs at the corner of Kim Jin-young's lips, his head slightly tilting as if he's amused. He doesn't say anything, but the slight upward curve of his lips tells her that he heard every word.

The Match Begins

The whistle blows, and before anyone can even process what's happening, Jin-young is already in motion.

With a sharp burst of speed, he lunges forward, bypassing both Jong-woo and Dong-woo in an instant. His reflexes are precise, his movements fluid, and with a swift motion, he snatches the flag before either of his opponents can react.

The match is over in mere seconds.

A stunned silence falls over the beach.

"Wait... that's it?" Se-jeong exclaims, blinking rapidly.

"That was so fast," Soo-e mutters, still in shock.

Jin-young casually steps back, holding the flag with an air of ease, as if the challenge had been nothing more than a warm-up. His breathing is steady, his expression relaxed. He tosses the flag in the air once before catching it effortlessly.

Yoo-ri can't help but let out a small chuckle. "Called it," she murmurs.

The speaker crackles to life once again.

"Kim Jin-young has won. As a reward, he may select two female contestants to share a meal with."

At this, the excitement among the girls shifts. All eyes are on Jin-young, waiting to see who he will choose. He takes a moment, scanning the group once again.

Then, he raises his hand and points.

"I want..." He gestures toward Seul-ki first. "The second woman."

Seul-ki's expression is unreadable, but there's a small nod of acknowledgment.

Then, slowly, Jin-young's gaze moves again, this time stopping on Yoo-ri. His eyes lock onto hers with intent before he speaks.

"...And the woman at the end."

A hush falls over the group.

Yoo-ri's lips part slightly in surprise before she quickly schools her expression. She wasn't expecting to be chosen, at least not this soon. Her mind quickly replays their earlier eye contact, the way he had looked at her longer than necessary.

Se-jeong nudges her with an amused grin. "Looks like someone caught his attention."

Yoo-ri merely smiles, masking her thoughts. She meets Jin-young's gaze again, nodding in acknowledgment. She wasn't one to get flustered easily, but she couldn't deny that she was curious about him now.

As everyone begins to process the results, the atmosphere shifts. Conversations start up again, with contestants whispering amongst themselves about the unexpected choice. The game had been entertaining, but the real intrigue was only just beginning.

For Yoo-ri, this wasn't just about a meal. It was a chance to get a better read on Kim Jin-young the man who, with a single moment, had managed to capture the attention of nearly everyone in Inferno.

And maybe, just maybe, she was starting to find him a little intriguing too.