Here comes episode three/four, how are you liking the book so far. In letting you know there's literally no drama in this book.

The roar of the helicopter faded as Yoo-ri and Yoong-jae stepped onto the private landing pad, greeted by a hotel staff member who guided them toward a luxurious black car. The ride was smooth and silent, with soft instrumental music playing in the background. Yoo-ri gazed out the window, taking in the city skyline illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

"You ever stay somewhere this fancy before?" Yoong-jae asked, glancing at her from the other side of the car.

Yoo-ri turned to him, a small amused smile on her lips. "Not this one, but I've been to places similar to this before."

He hummed in response, nodding slightly. "I guess tonight will be a new experience for both of us, then."

She tilted her head curiously but didn't press further, instead focusing on the moment.

As they arrived at the hotel, a staff member opened the door for them, and Yoong-jae stepped out first, reaching back to offer his hand to Yoo-ri. She hesitated for a split second before accepting, allowing him to help her out of the car. The grand entrance of the hotel was nothing short of breathtaking crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and soft golden lighting that gave everything a warm, welcoming glow.

The staff led them to their suite, and as the door clicked open, Yoo-ri stepped in first, holding it open for Yoong-jae, who carried their bags.

"Wow..." she breathed, stepping further into the suite.

The living space was elegant yet modern, with plush furniture and large floor-to-ceiling windows that displayed a panoramic view of the ocean. But what truly caught her attention was the bedroom. She walked toward it, her eyes widening in excitement as she reached the large window showcasing the breathtaking night view. The city lights stretched endlessly, shimmering against the calm ocean in the distance.

"Okay, this is insane," she murmured, unable to contain her amazement.

Yoong-jae, who had just set their bags down near the entrance, walked over and stood beside her. "Pretty nice, huh?"

She turned to him with a bright smile. "More than nice. I feel like I'm in a movie or something."

He chuckled at that. "Glad you like it."

She lingered by the window for a moment longer, then turned back to him as he stretched slightly, rolling his shoulders.

"I'll leave the bags here," he said, nodding toward their luggage near the door. "Do you want to freshen up first?"

Yoo-ri nodded, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Then we can figure out food."

"Sounds like a plan," he said, glancing at her with a small smile before heading toward the other bathroom.

She watched him leave before exhaling softly, still taking in her surroundings. This was definitely an upgrade from Inferno. There, she barely had time to catch her breath, but here, she felt like she could truly relax for the first time.

Stepping into the sleek bathroom, she turned on the warm water, letting the steam rise before washing away the day's exhaustion. As she stood under the rainfall showerhead, she found herself replaying the events of the night. Yoong-jae choosing her had been unexpected, but she couldn't deny that she was intrigued by him.

__________

__________

After finishing her shower and changing into something more comfortable, Yoo-ri stepped out of the bedroom suite, the warmth of the room wrapped around her as she padded toward the dining room. The luxurious suite was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside and the occasional sound of movement from Yoong-jae.

As she approached the dining area, she spotted him sitting at the table, his head slightly tilted down as he scanned the menu on the tablet. He looked relaxed his sleeves rolled up, his expression focused yet at ease. At the sound of her approaching footsteps, he glanced up, his face breaking into a small smile.

"Hey," he greeted, motioning toward the seat beside him. "Come sit."

Yoo-ri walked over, pulling out the chair and settling in beside him. The table was sleek and modern, set up perfectly with neatly arranged plates and glasses, though the food had yet to arrive.

He slid the menu toward her. "See if there's anything you want to order."

She took the tablet, scrolling through the options. The selection was impressive everything from traditional Korean dishes to Western cuisine. After a moment of consideration, she decided, "I'll go with carbonara and steak."

"Solid choice," Yoong-jae remarked, taking the tablet back from her. He quickly placed her order before adding his own meal, then looked back at her. "We should order more sides. You good with that?"

She nodded. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."

He tapped a few more options, selecting grilled vegetables, garlic bread, and a small platter of Korean-style fried chicken. Then, as he hovered over the drinks menu, he glanced at her.

"Are you drinking tonight?"

Yoo-ri shook her head. "No, I think I'll just stick with pineapple juice."

Yoong-jae raised a brow but didn't question it. Instead, he nodded and, after a brief pause, said, "Then I'll join you."

Her eyes flickered to his in slight surprise. "You don't have to. If you want a drink, go ahead."

He shook his head. "Nah. It's not a big deal. Pineapple juice sounds good anyway."

She smiled at that, appreciating the gesture. It wasn't something huge, but it was thoughtful in a way she hadn't expected.

Once everything was finalized, he placed the order and set the tablet aside. The two of them settled into comfortable silence for a moment, the atmosphere relaxed as they waited for the food to arrive.

"So," he started, resting his arm on the back of his chair, "what's your first impression of Paradise so far?"

Yoo-ri exhaled, leaning back slightly. "It's... definitely different from Inferno. It almost doesn't feel real, honestly. The contrast is kind of crazy."

He nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the second you step off that island, it feels like a whole different world. Hard to believe we were sweating in the sun just a few hours ago."

She laughed softly. "Right? I think I was too busy trying to adjust to everything in Inferno that I didn't even process how uncomfortable it was until now."

"You arrived late too, didn't you?" he asked, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Yeah," she confirmed. "Honestly, I thought it'd be harder to fit in since I came after everyone else, but everyone's been pretty welcoming."

He tilted his head slightly, observing her. "That's good. You seem like the type to adapt well, though."

She looked at him curiously. "What makes you say that?"

"You're composed," he said simply. "Even when you're surrounded by a lot of energy, you don't seem easily shaken."

She hummed in thought before replying, "I guess that's true. But that doesn't mean I don't get overwhelmed sometimes."

"Everyone does," he said with a small shrug. "It's just interesting seeing how different people handle it."

Before she could respond, a soft knock on the door signaled the arrival of their food.

Yoong-jae stood up. "I'll get it."

She watched as he walked over to the door, opening it to reveal a hotel staff member wheeling in a cart of food. The aroma immediately filled the room warm, rich, and undeniably inviting. The staff member carefully set up the dishes on the table, making sure everything was arranged perfectly before giving them a polite nod and leaving.

Yoo-ri's eyes widened slightly at the spread. "Okay... maybe we ordered a little too much."

Yoong-jae laughed. "No such thing."

She shook her head in amusement as they both reached for their drinks first. He handed her the glass of pineapple juice before taking his own.

"Cheers," he said, holding his glass slightly toward hers.

She tapped her glass against his with a small clink. "Cheers."

They took a sip before finally diving into their food. The carbonara was creamy and rich, the steak perfectly cooked. The side dishes complemented everything well, making the meal even more satisfying.

For a while, they focused on eating, occasionally commenting on how good everything tasted. But as the meal went on, the conversation naturally started flowing again.

"You said earlier that you were surprised I picked you," Yoong-jae said, glancing at her between bites.

Yoo-ri nodded, cutting a piece of her steak. "Yeah. We didn't really talk today, so I wasn't expecting it."

He rested his elbow on the table, propping his chin up slightly. "I get that. But that's also why I wanted to pick you to actually talk and get to know you."

She chewed thoughtfully before responding, "That makes sense. I guess I was just caught off guard because I assumed you'd want to go with someone you already had a connection with."

Yoong-jae smirked slightly. "And what about you? Why did you choose me?"

She took a sip of her juice before answering. "Because I got curious about you after our conversation earlier. I figured Paradise would be a good place to see if my first impression of you was right."

He raised a brow. "And what was that first impression?"

She tilted her head slightly, thinking. "That you're observant. Straightforward. But also a bit more playful than you let on at first."

He chuckled. "Not bad. I'd say that's mostly accurate."

She gave him a knowing smile. "Mostly?"

He leaned back, his eyes meeting hers with a glint of amusement. "Well, I guess you'll have to stick around and figure out the rest."

She laughed at that, shaking her head. "Smooth."

"Just honest," he said, smirking before taking another bite of his food.

As their meal continued, the conversation remained light, teasing, and genuinely enjoyable. There was no awkwardness just the ease of two people getting to know each other in a setting far removed from the pressures of Inferno.

As the night stretched on, Yoo-ri and Yoong-jae continued eating, the occasional sound of cutlery against plates filling the comfortable silence between them. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. For a while, neither of them spoke, simply enjoying their meal.

Then, after a few moments, Yoong-jae set down his fork and glanced at her. "By the way, how old are you?"

Yoo-ri paused mid-bite, a small smile tugging at her lips. Instead of answering immediately, she tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "Guess."

He raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly as he studied her. His gaze was thoughtful, taking in her features, her demeanor. "Hmm..." He rested his elbow on the table, tapping his fingers against his chin. "I'd say... 22?"

At that, Yoo-ri let out a soft, amused laugh, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. Seeing her reaction, Yoong-jae's face turned slightly flustered as he laughed along with her.

"Wait, am I wrong?" he asked, his expression shifting between confusion and curiosity.

She lowered her hand, still smiling. "You are," she confirmed, "but not far off."

He blinked. "Really?"

She nodded. "I'm actually 24."

Yoong-jae leaned back in his chair, processing the information. "Huh. Now that I think about it, that does make sense."

Yoo-ri raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why is that?"

"You carry yourself in a way that makes you seem a bit more mature," he said thoughtfully. "Not that 22-year-olds can't be, but you have a kind of composed energy. So yeah, 24 makes sense."

She smiled at that, resting her chin on her hand. "Interesting."

He smirked slightly. "Alright, now it's your turn. Guess my age."

Yoo-ri sat up straighter, her gaze scanning him as if she were assessing every detail. "Let's see..." She narrowed her eyes in thought. "30?"

Yoong-jae let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Close, but not quite. I'm actually 32."

Yoo-ri's eyes widened slightly, and she gasped in genuine surprise. "No way! I wasn't expecting you to be 32!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"You don't look 32," she admitted. "But now that I know, I can kind of see it. You do give off a more mature vibe." She tapped her fingers against the table. "And judging by the way you act and speak, I'd guess you have a calm, steady job. Something that keeps you in an office a lot... like a manager or something?"

Yoong-jae looked at her, mildly impressed. "That's a pretty good guess."

She tilted her head. "So? Am I right?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I'm actually a finance manager."

Yoo-ri's expression lit up in understanding. "That makes so much sense," she said, pointing her fork at him. "You definitely have the personality of someone who deals with numbers and makes rational decisions all day."

Yoong-jae laughed at her observation. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

She shook her head, grinning. "Not at all. It suits you."

He hummed in amusement before tilting his head at her. "Alright, your turn. What about you? What do you do?"

Yoo-ri hesitated for a brief second before answering, "I'm actually a student."

Yoong-jae's brows lifted slightly. "Oh? Which university?"

"Korea University."

His reaction was instant. His eyes widened in genuine surprise, and he let out a low whistle. "Wow," he said, leaning back in his chair. "That's impressive. Korea University is one of the top universities in the country."

She chuckled at his reaction. "I guess it is."

"You must be really smart to get in," he continued, his admiration evident. "What's your major?"

"Corporate law."

Yoong-jae froze for a second, his expression turning into one of complete shock. "Wait-what?"

Yoo-ri laughed at his reaction, nodding. "You heard me. I'm in my last year of corporate law."

"You're studying corporate law?" he repeated, as if trying to process it. "That's insane."

"Why is it insane?" she teased, sipping her pineapple juice.

"Because I wasn't expecting that at all!" he admitted, shaking his head. "You don't meet many people who study corporate law, let alone in Korea University. That's seriously impressive."

She smiled at the compliment. "Thank you."

"So, what made you choose that major?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Yoo-ri set her glass down, thinking for a moment. "Well, I've always been interested in law, and I wanted to go into something that could give me stability in the future. Corporate law seemed like the best fit for me."

Yoong-jae nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. It's a field that requires a lot of discipline and patience."

"Exactly," she agreed. "And since I'm in my last year, I'm finally starting to see the end of it all."

"You're almost done, huh?" He smiled. "That must feel good."

"It does," she admitted. "But it's also a little daunting. The real world is waiting for me after this."

He chuckled. "You'll be fine. Someone as smart as you? You'll probably be running a law firm in a few years."

She laughed at that. "I wouldn't go that far. But I do hope to find my place in the field."

"I'm sure you will," he said confidently.

Yoo-ri smiled at his words, feeling a sense of ease in their conversation. For someone she hadn't expected to talk to much, Yoong-jae had turned out to be a surprisingly engaging person to be around. He was thoughtful, observant, and had a calm energy that balanced out her own.

After finishing their meal, Yoo-ri leaned back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. "That was really good," she said, rubbing her stomach lightly.

Yoong-jae nodded in agreement. "Yeah, definitely one of the best meals I've had in a while."

Yoo-ri glanced towards the large glass doors leading to the balcony. The night outside looked peaceful, the sky clear and speckled with countless stars. She turned back to him with a small smile. "Do you want to go sit on the balcony for a bit? The sky looks really nice tonight."

He followed her gaze and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."

They both stood up, tidying the table as they went. Yoo-ri took their empty plates to the side, stacking them neatly for room service, while Yoong-jae wiped down the table with a napkin. Once everything was in order, they stepped out onto the balcony.

A gentle breeze greeted them as they stepped outside. The balcony was spacious, with two lounge chairs positioned facing the breathtaking view of the ocean and city lights in the distance. But neither of them were looking at the cityscape. Their eyes naturally drifted upwards to the night sky, where an endless expanse of stars twinkled above them.

Yoo-ri sighed contentedly as she sat down, pulling her legs up slightly onto the chair. Yoong-jae took the seat beside her, stretching his legs out as they both stared at the sky in comfortable silence.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the distant hum of city life below and the soft rustling of the wind through the balcony railing. The peaceful atmosphere felt rare, especially on a show like this, where there was always movement, conversations, and decisions to be made. But in that moment, it was just them, the stars, and the quiet understanding between them.

Finally, Yoong-jae broke the silence. "You know," he said, his voice low and thoughtful, "you've really exceeded a lot of my expectations."

Yoo-ri turned her head slightly to look at him. His expression was relaxed, but there was genuine curiosity in his eyes.

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What do you mean?"

He leaned back against his chair, resting his arm on the side. "I mean, before we talked, I already thought you were interesting. But after our conversation over dinner, I realized you're not just interesting you're impressive."

She tilted her head, a small, amused smile forming on her lips. "I feel like that's a vague compliment. What exactly did I do to impress you?"

Yoong-jae chuckled softly. "It's your job. Or, well, your studies." He turned his head slightly to meet her gaze. "You have such an easygoing, laid-back vibe that I didn't expect you to be studying something as intense as corporate law. It caught me off guard in a good way."

Yoo-ri laughed lightly, leaning against the armrest of her chair. "I get that a lot. People don't usually expect it from me."

He nodded. "It's not just the subject, though. Korea University is one of the best universities in the country. That alone is impressive, but the fact that you're in your last year of corporate law? That's on another level."

She smiled at his words before deciding to share something more. "Well, if you think that's impressive, I actually have an apprenticeship at Kim & Chang right now."

Yoong-jae's eyes widened slightly. "Kim & Chang?" He repeated the name, clearly recognizing it. "That's one of the top law firms in Korea."

She nodded. "Yeah. I've been working there as part of my apprenticeship program. It's been a really great experience so far."

"Wow," he said, sounding genuinely amazed. "That's... not easy to get into at all. How did you manage that?"

Yoo-ri shrugged slightly. "A mix of good grades, recommendations, and a lot of hard work. I applied early, went through multiple interviews, and eventually got accepted."

Yoong-jae shook his head, a look of admiration crossing his features. "That's seriously impressive. Most people your age are still trying to figure out what they want to do, and here you are, already gaining experience at one of the most prestigious firms in the country."

She smiled at the compliment, though she downplayed it. "It's just part of the process. If you want to be successful in law, you have to start early."

He nodded, then after a pause, asked, "How do you feel about the workload? I imagine it must be really intense."

Yoo-ri thought for a moment before responding. "It's easier than you would expect when you actually do it," she admitted. "I think people hear 'law' and immediately assume it's overwhelming, which it can be. But once you get used to the structure and learn how to manage your time, it's not as bad as it seems."

Yoong-jae raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like someone who's really got it all under control."

She chuckled. "Not always. There are times when it gets stressful, but I think that's true for any demanding career. You just have to find ways to balance it out."

He hummed in agreement. "Makes sense. You seem like someone who knows how to handle pressure well."

"I try," she said, smiling.

For a moment, they fell into another comfortable silence, both gazing up at the stars again. The night felt calm, peaceful, as if they had all the time in the world to talk.

Yoong-jae glanced at her again. "I have to say, I wasn't expecting to have such a deep conversation about careers tonight."

Yoo-ri turned her head, meeting his gaze. "Neither was I," she admitted. "But it's nice. I think it's rare to get moments like this here, where we're just... talking without thinking about the show."

He nodded. "Yeah. This doesn't feel like some reality dating show moment. It just feels... real."

She smiled at that, looking back up at the stars. "Maybe that's a good thing."

"Maybe it is," he agreed.

As they sat together under the night sky, Yoo-ri felt something shift slightly between them not something grand or dramatic, but a subtle sense of understanding. A connection that hadn't been there before.

The silence between them was peaceful, but it was charged with something neither of them wanted to name yet. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the ocean as the waves crashed somewhere in the distance. Yoo-ri shifted slightly in her chair, hugging her knees to her chest as she continued to gaze at the stars.

"You look cold," Yoong-jae murmured, barely audible over the wind.

She blinked, turning her head to look at him. "Huh?"

He nodded towards her arms, which were wrapped tightly around her legs. "You're shivering."

Before she could even process it, he stood up and disappeared inside the suite. She sat there, watching as he returned a moment later with a blanket draped over his arm. He didn't ask he simply unfolded it and gently placed it over her shoulders, his hands lingering for just a second longer than necessary.

Yoo-ri looked up at him, caught off guard by the simple yet thoughtful gesture. "You didn't have to-"

"You'll get sick," he cut in, voice firm but gentle. Then, with a small smirk, he added, "And I don't want to be responsible for you catching a cold."

She huffed a quiet laugh, pulling the blanket closer around herself. "Guess I should thank you then."

He just nodded and sat back down, but this time, instead of returning to his lounge chair, he took the spot beside her on the small outdoor sofa. There was enough space between them to be appropriate, but close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.

They sat like that for a while, not speaking, just taking in the atmosphere. It wasn't uncomfortable. If anything, it felt natural like they had known each other longer than just a day.

"You really like the stars, don't you?" he mused after a moment.

She glanced at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. I think they're comforting. No matter where you are in the world, the stars are always there."

Yoong-jae hummed in agreement. "I never really thought about it like that."

Yoo-ri tilted her head slightly, studying his face. The dim lighting from the balcony lantern cast a warm glow over his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the softness in his eyes. He looked so at ease, so different from the composed and slightly guarded man she had first met.

"You don't seem like the type to stargaze much," she teased lightly.

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not, really. But I don't mind it when I have good company."

She rolled her eyes playfully but felt the warmth creeping up her cheeks. Looking away, she exhaled softly and leaned back into the cushions. The blanket slipped slightly from her shoulder, and before she could adjust it, Yoong-jae's hand reached out.

She froze.

He didn't say anything, didn't make a big deal out of it he just gently pulled the fabric back over her shoulder, his fingers brushing against her skin in the process. The touch was fleeting, almost accidental, but it sent a small shiver down her spine.

"You should keep warm," he murmured, his voice quieter now, lower.

Yoo-ri swallowed, suddenly hyperaware of how close he was. The shift in the air was subtle but undeniable.

"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They sat there for a while longer, the space between them shrinking in unspoken understanding. Yoo-ri glanced down at her hands, suddenly fidgeting with the edges of the blanket.

"Do you always take care of people like this?" she asked, half-joking, half-curious.

Yoong-jae exhaled through his nose, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Not really." He turned his head slightly to meet her gaze, his eyes searching hers. "But I guess with you, it just feels natural."

Yoo-ri blinked. Her heart skipped just once, but enough to make her pause.

There was nothing overly flirtatious about the way he said it. He wasn't trying to be smooth, nor was he trying to lead her on. It was just an honest, offhand remark, but it landed with a weight she wasn't expecting.

She looked away, biting the inside of her cheek. "You're pretty good at saying things that catch me off guard, you know that?"

He smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Yoo-ri sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh. "You should."

They fell into silence again, but this time, it felt different heavier, more aware. She could feel the way their arms occasionally brushed when one of them shifted, could hear the sound of his steady breathing over the quiet night.

The thought crossed her mind before she could stop it: If I lean my head on his shoulder, would he let me?

The realization startled her. It was too soon to be thinking things like that, wasn't it? But there was something about him something steady, something grounding that made her feel at ease.

She shook the thought away, instead pulling the blanket tighter around herself. Yoong-jae noticed but didn't say anything.

Eventually, he exhaled a deep breath and stretched his arms out, glancing at her with a lazy smile. "It's getting late. We should probably head inside soon."

Yoo-ri nodded, though she found herself reluctant to leave this moment. "Yeah... probably."

But neither of them moved.

Instead, they sat there a little longer, the stars above them, the city lights twinkling below, and something new and unspoken lingering between them.

After a while, the cool night air grew too much for them to stay on the balcony. Without saying much, they got up and moved inside, the warmth of the suite wrapping around them as they walked into the bedroom.

The soft lighting cast a golden glow over the space, making everything feel a little softer, a little more intimate. The king-sized master bed sat grandly in the middle of the room, but just at the foot of it was a much smaller single bed, almost comically so in comparison.

Yoo-ri stopped in her tracks, glancing between the two before looking at Yoong-jae with raised brows. "Wait... are you supposed to sleep on that?"

He followed her gaze to the small bed, then shrugged as he placed his bag down. "Yeah, I guess so."

She let out a quiet laugh, covering her mouth. "That thing looks tiny."

"I've slept in worse," he mused, though the amused glint in his eyes betrayed him.

She gave him a doubtful look before sighing. "Are you sure you'll be okay? I can sleep there if you-"

Before she could even finish, he shook his head firmly. "No way. You take the big bed. I'll be fine."

Something about the way he said it left no room for argument, but Yoo-ri still gave him a skeptical look before dropping it. Instead, she walked over to the vanity, pulling out her skincare while he sat on the edge of the master bed.

Yoong-jae didn't mean to stare, but something about the way she moved caught his attention. She was completely at ease, pulling her hair back into a loose bun before applying her serums and creams, her fingers moving in soft, circular motions.

"You have a routine for everything, huh?" he commented after a moment.

She glanced at him through the mirror, a small smile on her lips. "Kind of. It helps me wind down at night."

He hummed in understanding, watching as she took her time, each movement unhurried. There was something almost hypnotizing about the way she did it completely natural, yet somehow entrancing.

"You should try it," she added, dabbing her lip balm on.

He raised a brow. "What? Skincare?"

She turned in her seat, giving him a teasing look. "Yeah. A good routine can make a huge difference."

Yoong-jae smirked, leaning back slightly. "Are you saying I need one?"

She shrugged. "I'm just saying... a little self-care wouldn't hurt."

He chuckled, shaking his head as she finished up. As she stood and made her way toward the bed, he felt a strange sense of familiarity settle between them like they had done this a hundred times before, even though they had only met today.

Yoo-ri climbed onto the bed, shifting onto her side so that she was facing him. She rested her head against the pillow, her eyes meeting his as he remained sitting up.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just... looked at each other.

It wasn't awkward. If anything, it was strangely comfortable. The way her eyes softened, the small curve of her lips everything about the way she gazed at him made something tighten in his chest.

"You're staring," she murmured, voice quiet.

"You are too," he countered, a slow smile forming on his lips.

She let out a breathy chuckle, lowering her gaze for a moment before looking back up at him. There was something about the atmosphere about the warmth in the air, the way the dim lighting cast shadows over their faces that made everything feel heavier, more charged.

Yoong-jae shifted slightly, finally lying down as well, mirroring her position. Their faces weren't too close, but close enough that she could see the details in his eyes, the way his lashes cast faint shadows against his cheeks.

"You surprise me," he admitted, voice lower now.

She tilted her head slightly. "How so?"

He exhaled softly, his eyes scanning hers as if trying to find the right words. "I expected you to be a little closed off at first... but you're easy to be around."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "You make it easy," she admitted.

His brows lifted slightly, as if he hadn't expected that answer. But then, his expression softened, something unreadable flickering in his gaze.

Yoong-jae's gaze flickered past Yoo-ri's shoulder to the clock hanging on the wall. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the room, making the late hour feel even later.

"It's getting late," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "We should get to bed."

Yoo-ri exhaled softly, offering him a tight-lipped smile. There was a strange weight in the air between them not heavy, not awkward, just... charged.

She watched as he started to sit up, preparing to move to the single bed at the foot of the master bed. But before he could, she spoke.

"You can sleep here," she said quietly.

He paused, looking at her with a raised brow. "The small bed will be fine."

She shook her head, shifting slightly against the plush mattress. "There's a lot of space here. You don't have to sleep on that tiny thing."

Yoong-jae chuckled softly, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm used to sleeping in smaller spaces. It's not a big deal."

Yoo-ri let out a small huff, clearly unconvinced. She sat up, resting her weight on one arm as she watched him move toward the single bed. It was obvious to anyone looking that the bed was far from ideal too small, too narrow, and honestly a little ridiculous for someone his size.

Still, he settled in without complaint, lying on his side with his back partially turned to her.

For a moment, Yoo-ri just stared at him.

She didn't know why, but something about the distance between them the unnecessary gap created by that single bed made her hesitate. She wasn't sure if it was the lingering warmth of their earlier conversation or the quiet comfort that had settled between them, but the thought of him sleeping over there didn't sit right with her.

Acting on impulse, she reached for the pillow beside her, shifting it until it was closer to the edge of the bed, right near where the single bed started. The movement was subtle, but purposeful.

The sound of the pillow shifting must have caught his attention because he turned his head slightly, glancing at her through the dim lighting.

"What are you doing?" he asked, amusement laced in his voice.

She didn't meet his gaze right away. Instead, she simply rested her head on the newly positioned pillow, her eyes flickering toward him only after she was comfortable.

"Making it easier to talk," she said casually.

He let out a small laugh, shaking his head as he adjusted his position slightly. "You're really set on this, huh?"

She offered him a small shrug. "I just think it's silly for you to sleep over there when there's space here. It's not like we're strangers anymore."

Yoong-jae hummed at that, his expression unreadable. "Still... I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"You're not."

He studied her for a moment, his gaze lingering before he finally exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. He didn't argue any further, but he also didn't move.

Instead, he shifted slightly on the single bed, turning onto his side so that he was facing her properly now. The space between them wasn't completely gone, but it was smaller than before small enough that they could see the details in each other's expressions.

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Yoo-ri found herself staring at his face longer than she meant to. Maybe it was because of the way the soft lighting cast shadows over his features, or maybe it was just the natural pull of curiosity, but something about the quiet moment between them felt... different.

"Do you usually fall asleep easily?" he asked after a moment, his voice softer now.

She blinked, processing the question before shaking her head slightly. "Not really. My mind is always running at night."

Yoong-jae nodded in understanding. "Same."

They lapsed into silence again, but it wasn't uncomfortable. If anything, it was oddly peaceful.

After a while, Yoo-ri shifted slightly, resting her arm beneath her pillow as she continued looking at him. "You're really not going to move, huh?"

He let out a quiet laugh. "I told you, I'm fine here."

She rolled her eyes but didn't push the topic further. Instead, she let out a soft sigh, her gaze drifting toward the ceiling for a moment before returning to him.

"You're stubborn," she muttered.

He smirked. "So are you."

She narrowed her eyes at him playfully before letting out a small huff. "Fine. But if you wake up with a sore back, don't blame me."

"I won't," he promised.

Their conversation slowly faded into quiet once again, the only sounds in the room being their soft breathing and the faint hum of the air conditioning.

Yoo-ri felt her eyelids grow heavier, but before she fully succumbed to sleep, she heard his voice one last time.

"Goodnight, Yoo-ri."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "Goodnight, Yoong-jae."

And just like that, the distance between them both physically and otherwise felt much smaller than before.

__________

__________

The morning sun poured in through the sheer white curtains of their hotel suite, casting a golden glow across the room. The scent of fresh coffee, warm syrup, and crisp toast lingered in the air as Yoo-ri and Yoong-jae sat across from each other at the dining table, quietly enjoying their breakfast.

Unlike last night's conversation, where there was an undercurrent of hesitancy, this morning felt different. There was a comfortable ease between them now, a familiarity that hadn't been there before.

Yoo-ri sipped her coffee, the steam curling gently in the air, before looking up at him. "So, how did you sleep?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Yoong-jae, who had been cutting into his stack of pancakes, glanced at her with a small smile. "I slept fine," he said, his voice smooth and steady. "But..."

She raised a brow, intrigued. "But?"

His smile deepened slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Sleeping close to you made it better."

Yoo-ri blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his response. A soft warmth crept up her cheeks, and she let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "That's such a smooth thing to say this early in the morning."

Yoong-jae merely smirked as he took a bite of his pancakes, clearly pleased with her reaction.

She leaned her chin into her palm, watching him. "Well, I guess it's a shame we won't be able to sleep close to each other anymore."

He met her gaze, the playful glint in his eyes softening into something gentler. "We'll be fine," he reassured her. "At least we'll still see each other."

She considered his words for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, that's true."

The conversation drifted into a comfortable silence as they continued eating. Yoo-ri, who had opted for eggs and toast, found herself glancing at his plate curiously. His pancakes were golden-brown, stacked neatly with syrup drizzling down the sides. They looked soft and fluffy, the kind of indulgent breakfast that made her mouth water just looking at it.

She rested her elbow on the table, propping her chin up with her hand. "Was your food good?" she asked, nodding toward his plate.

Yoong-jae glanced at his pancakes, then back at her. "It's amazing," he admitted. "I actually regret not getting this last time, so I had to make up for it today."

She smiled at that. "I guess you really love pancakes, huh?"

He chuckled. "I do. But now that I think about it..." He tilted his head slightly, his eyes flickering toward her. "Do you want a bite?"

Yoo-ri's eyes lit up at the offer, and she nodded almost instantly. "Yes!"

Yoong-jae couldn't help but laugh at her excitement. "You're so cute when you do that," he mused, shaking his head as he cut a small piece of pancake with his fork.

Yoo-ri pursed her lips, her cheeks warming slightly. "Stop saying things like that," she muttered.

He only smiled wider as he lifted the fork toward her. Without hesitation, she leaned forward, parting her lips as he carefully placed the bite of pancake into her mouth.

The moment the fluffy sweetness hit her tongue, her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my god," she mumbled around the bite, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. After swallowing, she sighed dramatically. "This is so good. I don't think I'm ready to go back to the food in Inferno after eating like this."

Yoong-jae laughed, clearly amused by her reaction. "I get what you mean," he agreed. "The food here is definitely something else."

Yoo-ri playfully pouted. "I wish we could stay in Paradise longer. Even just for the food."

He chuckled again, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I wouldn't mind staying a little longer either."

Something about the way he said it so casual yet so meaningful made her pause for a moment. It wasn't just about the luxurious setting or the food. There was something deeper there, something unspoken between them.

She glanced at him, noticing the way his gaze lingered on her, his expression softer than before.

"You mean that?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Yoong-jae didn't answer immediately. Instead, he let the silence stretch for a moment before nodding. "Yeah," he said simply. "I do."

Yoo-ri felt something stir in her chest, an unfamiliar warmth that settled comfortably between them.

She lowered her gaze slightly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "Maybe we'll get another chance to come back," she murmured, almost as if saying it out loud would make it happen.

Yoong-jae nodded, watching her closely. "Maybe."

They shared a small, knowing smile before returning to their breakfast.

As much as they both knew their time in Paradise was limited, there was an unspoken promise in the air one that hinted that this wouldn't be the last time they'd share moments like this. And for now, that was enough.

The helicopter ride back to Inferno was quieter than their trip to Paradise. There was a lingering warmth between Yoo-ri and Yoong-jae, an unspoken understanding that their time together had brought them closer. Though their stay in Paradise had been brief, it had been enough to shift something between them something subtle, yet undeniably present.

As they stepped off the helicopter and made their way down the wooden stairs leading to the campsite, the change in atmosphere was immediate. The air was cooler, the sound of waves crashing against the shore louder, and the rustic simplicity of Inferno was a stark contrast to the luxury they had just left behind.

Yoo-ri's eyes scanned the area, and her gaze quickly landed on a familiar figure. Nadine.

The moment their eyes met, Nadine's face lit up in excitement, and she immediately slowed her pace, subtly waiting for Yoo-ri and Yoong-jae to catch up. As soon as they did, Nadine didn't hesitate she threw her arms around Yoo-ri in a tight embrace.

"I missed you!" Nadine exclaimed, squeezing her slightly.

Yoo-ri laughed, hugging her back just as tightly. "I missed you too! It feels like it's been forever!"

They pulled away slightly, their hands naturally linking together, fingers loosely intertwined in a display of their close bond.

Dong-woo, who had been watching the interaction, let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "You two act like you were separated for years," he teased.

Yoong-jae, who had been quietly observing their reunion with an amused smile, joined in on the joke. "Honestly, they might as well go to Paradise together next time."

Yoo-ri turned to him with a smirk. "That would be ideal," she agreed playfully. "But we can't, unfortunately."

Yoong-jae let out a short laugh, nodding in understanding.

The group continued walking towards the women's tent, the camp slowly coming back to life as other participants emerged to greet them. It was clear that their return from Paradise had caught everyone's attention. The dynamic had shifted Paradise always had a way of changing things, whether people admitted it or not.

As they approached the entrance to the women's tent, Yoong-jae shifted the strap of her bag off his shoulder and gently placed it down beside her.

"I'll see you later," he said, his tone softer than before.

Yoo-ri glanced up at him, offering a small smile. "Yeah, see you later."

For a brief moment, neither of them moved. There was something lingering in the air between them, an unspoken thought, an unexpressed sentiment. But before anything else could be said, they both turned away, parting ways as naturally as they had come together.

Just as Yoo-ri was about to step into the tent, she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Her gaze shifted, and that's when she saw him.

Kim Jin-young.

He was standing a few feet away, his posture relaxed but his gaze unwavering. He was holding Seul-ki's bag, seemingly about to leave it at the tent just as Yoong-jae had done for her. But unlike Yoong-jae, he wasn't moving. He was watching her.

Their eyes met.

It was brief, but it was enough.

Yoo-ri felt her breath hitch slightly at the intensity in his stare. There was something unreadable in his expression, something that made her stomach twist in uncertainty.

Jin-young wasn't the type to show his emotions easily, but there was something about the way he was looking at her now that made her feel like he had noticed something like he was trying to figure something out.

She wasn't sure why, but she felt the need to say something.

Before she could, Seul-ki emerged from the tent, breaking the moment between them.

Jin-young's gaze lingered for a second longer before he finally looked away, handing Seul-ki her bag with a small smile.

Yoo-ri exhaled slowly, pushing aside the sudden weight in her chest as she turned back toward the tent.

Inside, Nadine was already waiting for her, plopping down onto her bedding and watching her closely.

"So," Nadine started, grinning. "Tell me everything."

Yoo-ri let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. "Where do I even start?"

As she sat down beside Nadine, her mind flickered back to that brief, but telling, moment with Jin-young.

Maybe Paradise hadn't just changed things between her and Yoong-jae.

Maybe it had changed things for someone else