The afternoon sun filters softly through the windows, casting long shadows across the resort. The atmosphere feels heavier than usual, a mix of anticipation and quiet tension. Everyone is tucked away in their rooms, leaving the center of the resort eerily empty.

At the heart of it all, Si An, Hye In, and Youn Jin stand alone, waiting. The only sounds are the distant rustling of palm trees and the soft hum of the speaker system, which crackles to life without warning.

"It's time to choose your partners for Paradise."

The three girls exchange brief glances, a shared sense of nervous excitement passing between them. The speaker's voice, calm and steady, instructs Si An to go first.

She takes a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking:

"Jeong Seo."

There's no immediate reaction, just silence, broken only by the distant sound of footsteps as Jeong Seo appears from the direction of the guys' dorm. His expression is composed, a soft smile on his lips as he approaches Si An. She keeps her face neutral, but the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth hints at her relief.

Next, it's Youn Jin's turn. She steps forward, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and takes a moment before saying:

"Jong Hoon."

The sound of his name seems to echo for a second, filling the empty space around them. Hye In immediately stifles a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.

"What kind of date are you two going on?" Hye In teases, her voice light, cutting through the quiet.

Jong Hoon appears moments later, his signature grin in place. His playful shrug only makes Hye In giggle harder.

Finally, all eyes turn to Hye In. She's the last one standing. The speaker remains silent, waiting for her answer.

She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, dragging the moment out. Si An raises an eyebrow, and Youn Jin folds her arms, both clearly impatient.

After a beat, Hye In sighs dramatically.

"Hyun Jin."

There's no surprise in her voice, it sounds like the most obvious choice in the world.

Hyun Jin appears almost instantly, a wide smile spreading across his face as he walks straight to her. He doesn't hesitate, pulling her into a brief but warm hug. His hand grazes her back before reaching for her bag.

"Let me," he says softly, taking the strap off her shoulder.

As the six of them head toward the waiting helicopter, the moment feels surreal. The others are nowhere in sight, just the whirring of the blades and the quiet sound of footsteps on the gravel.

Once inside the helicopter, Hye In finds herself sandwiched between Youn Jin and Hyun Jin.

She turns her head, nudging Hyun Jin lightly with her shoulder.

"What kind of date should we have?" she asks, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the hum of the engines.

Hyun Jin leans in slightly, considering it. "Something fun," he says simply.

Hye In's lips curve into a playful smile. "Let's draw."

He blinks, clearly caught off guard. "Draw?"

Hye In bursts into laughter at his reaction. "Okay, okay, you draw, I'll color," she corrects herself, still giggling.

Hyun Jin shakes his head, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "You better not mess up my masterpiece."

Her smile lingers, but her attention drifts for a moment. She glances over her shoulder and spots Si An, resting her head lightly against the back of her chair.

It's subtle, but what catches Hye In's eye is Jeong Seo's hand, resting on the armrest, palm open. An unspoken offer.

A beat later, Si An shifts just enough, letting her head fall gently into his waiting hand.

Hye In's jaw drops.

"Are you guys serious right now?" she blurts out, leaning forward to stare at them. "Get a room!"

Si An's cheeks flush a deep pink, her head snapping up as if she's been caught doing something scandalous. Jeong Seo, on the other hand, just smiles, unbothered by the attention.

Hyun Jin chuckles beside Hye In, shaking his head.

The helicopter ride continues, the soft buzz of laughter filling the air as they fly off toward their next adventure in Paradise.

As they step into the hotel suite, a wave of nostalgia hits both of them. The room is just as elegant and serene as they remembered, the large windows casting a soft golden hue across the room as the sun begins its descent. The same luxurious touches, the soft scent of fresh flowers, and the familiar arrangement of the plush couch and king-sized bed instantly transport them back to their first night in paradise.

Hye In's gaze sweeps across the suite, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "This is the suite we were in for our first paradise date," she says softly, turning to look at Hyun Jin. "And now we're here for the last."

Hyun Jin leans against the wall for a moment, taking in the view and the gravity of her words. He lets out a small chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "It's kind of crazy, isn't it? We started this whole journey together... and now we're ending it together."

They move further into the room, their fingers grazing the surfaces of the polished tables and the soft fabric of the curtains as if imprinting every little detail into their memories. The sun, now dipping lower into the horizon, paints the sky in a blend of oranges, pinks, and purples. Hyun Jin moves to the windowsill, sitting down and resting his back against the frame, his legs stretched out comfortably.

Hye In follows, slipping in beside him and leaning her head gently on his shoulder. The silence between them is warm, not awkward, not heavy, just a shared moment of peace as the sky darkens ever so slowly.

After a moment, Hye In breaks the quiet, her voice soft but thoughtful. "You know... something I noticed is that all the other contestants are still figuring out who they want to pick. They're still deciding." She lifts her head slightly to glance at him. "But... we're already sure."

Hyun Jin laughs quietly, his chest shaking a little under her head. "The only thing I'm worried about now," he says, turning his head slightly to look at her, "is how to make you my girlfriend."

Hye In's cheeks burn at his words, and she quickly hides her face against his shoulder, making him laugh even more. "Don't say things like that," she mutters, her voice muffled.

He grins, watching the sunset for a few more seconds before speaking again. "I'm serious, though," he says, his tone softening. "What demands do you have for me?"

Hye In pulls back to look at him, pouting playfully. "I'm not bossy," she insists.

Hyun Jin tilts his head, his smile teasing but gentle. "I never said you were," he replies. "I just want to know what would make you happy."

Her fingers absently start playing with the ring on his finger, twisting it slowly as she thinks. The simple action makes Hyun Jin's heart thump louder in his chest, but he keeps quiet, watching her with soft eyes.

After a beat, she finally speaks. "I think... I'd want something intimate," she says softly. "Just the two of us. It doesn't have to be anything grand. It could be something at home... something simple."

Hyun Jin listens closely, his smile never wavering. "At home?" he repeats, as if memorizing the idea.

She nods, still playing with his ring. "Yeah. Just us."

For a moment, there's silence again, but this time, it feels even warmer. Hyun Jin reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll work hard," he promises, "to make it memorable for you."

Hye In's smile widens at his words, and she leans her head back onto his shoulder. The sun outside continues its slow descent, and in the quiet of the hotel suite, the two of them sit there, already thinking not just about the end of this journey, but the start of something new.

The two of them sat comfortably in the hotel suite's dining room, the table now covered with a wide spread of art supplies, colouring pencils, pens, and a small stack of colouring books for Hye In, while Hyun Jin had a plain sketchpad and a sharp pencil resting in front of him. To the side, a tray of neatly arranged fruits, slices of mango, plump grapes, and ripe strawberries, added a splash of color to the table. The atmosphere was soft and easy, the golden hues of the setting sun filtering through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.

As Hyun Jin settled into his drawing, his brow furrowed in concentration, Hye In looked up from her colouring book, a playful smirk creeping across her face. "You better be thinking of drawing me," she teased, tilting her head, "or else you're going to hear about it."

Hyun Jin chuckled, shaking his head, his pencil still moving effortlessly across the page. "You're so demanding," he said lightly, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. "I guess I have no choice now."

They both laughed, the sound soft and familiar. It was a scene so simple yet so intimate, two people lost in their own little world, sharing a moment away from the noise and competition of the show.

As the minutes passed, Hye In busied herself with her colouring, carefully blending shades in her picture. Every now and then, she would reach for a piece of fruit, mostly the mango slices, occasionally popping a grape or a strawberry into her mouth. Hyun Jin noticed and grinned, resting his chin on one hand as he watched her.

"You really love your fruits," he commented, his voice light with amusement.

Hye In nodded, not bothering to look up from her colouring book. "I do," she admitted. "I can eat desserts, but I like to balance it out with fruits. It makes me feel less guilty."

Hyun Jin laughed again. "That's a very... unique way to justify it."

Hye In finally looked up, smiling. "It works for me."

A moment of comfortable silence followed as they both returned to their respective art projects. Then, Hyun Jin broke the quiet, his voice casual. "By the way, what district do you live in?"

Hye In glanced at him. "Myeong-dong," she replied simply.

Hyun Jin immediately laughed, shaking his head. "Of course. No wonder you have a shopping addiction, you live in the capital of shopping."

Hye In gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I do not have a shopping addiction!"

Hyun Jin gave her a knowing look. "You don't?"

She laughed, giving up on defending herself. "Fine, maybe a small one."

He grinned. "Sure you do. It all makes sense now."

Curious, she tilted her head. "What about you? Where do you live?"

"Hongdae," he replied casually.

Hye In's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's cool! So you're surrounded by all the art and music, that suits you."

Hyun Jin smiled softly. "Yeah, I like the vibe there."

They continued their back-and-forth, slowly peeling away layers of their lives outside the show. It felt natural, like they weren't in a competition but just two people getting to know each other on a deeper level.

After a moment, Hye In rested her chin on her hand, studying him. "Are you sporty?" she asked.

Hyun Jin shrugged. "I box in my spare time."

Hye In's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "Boxing? Seriously?"

He chuckled at her reaction. "Yeah."

She shook her head with a grin. "You just keep impressing me."

Hyun Jin tilted his head. "What's so impressive about that?"

She counted on her fingers playfully. "You box, you draw, you write songs, you produce... you're like an ace."

He laughed, shaking his head. "I'm really not."

Hye In just smiled, going back to her colouring. A little while later, she held up her book proudly. "I'm done!" she announced. "How long will you be?"

Hyun Jin looked at his half-finished sketch, tapping his pencil against the page. "Maybe... 30 more minutes?"

Hye In's jaw dropped playfully. "That's so long."

He chuckled. "You can shower while I finish, if you want."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

Hye In grabbed her things and headed to the bathroom, leaving Hyun Jin to his sketching. The sound of running water filled the room for a while as he focused on perfecting his drawing. When she returned, dressed comfortably in pajamas, her damp hair falling over her shoulders, she sat back down at the table, scrolling through the room service menu. "I'm ordering for both of us," she said, tapping her phone.

Hyun Jin smiled without looking up. "Get whatever you want."

A short while later, he finally set his pencil down and held up the finished drawing. "Okay, done."

Hye In leaned over eagerly, and the second her eyes landed on the page, her face broke into a wide smile. "You drew me!" she exclaimed.

Hyun Jin grinned. "Of course I did. You said I had to."

She carefully took the sketch from him, holding it like it was something precious. "It's amazing," she said softly, still beaming.

Hyun Jin chuckled, standing up and stretching. "I'm gonna shower now."

As he disappeared into the bathroom, Hye In kept staring at the drawing, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of her portrait. The happiness on her face was unmistakable.

By the time Hyun Jin returned, hair still damp and dressed casually, he found Hye In still at the table, smiling at the drawing. "You're still looking at it?" he teased.

She looked up, cheeks slightly pink. "It's really good," she said simply.

Before he could respond, a knock at the door announced the arrival of their room service. The night was far from over, but the easy, warm atmosphere between them made it clear, this wasn't just another paradise date. It was something more.

As the food arrives, the rich aroma filling the room, Hye In eagerly lifts the silver lids off the dishes, revealing a spread of pasta, grilled chicken, and a side of roasted vegetables. The two of them settle comfortably at the dining table, the soft clink of utensils the only sound for a few moments. Between bites, Hye In looks up at Hyun Jin, her gaze softening with curiosity.

"What's your goal in life?" she asks suddenly, her voice gentle yet inquisitive.

Hyun Jin pauses, his fork lingering mid-air as he leans back in his chair, contemplating her question. "That's a big one," he says with a small laugh. "But... in my personal life, I think I want to get married, have kids, and build a home. I've always thought about having a family of my own." His voice grows quieter, more sincere. "I'm at the age where I should be dating to marry, not just for fun."

Hye In gives him a thoughtful nod, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I get that. I'm glad you have the same values as me." She pushes a piece of grilled chicken around her plate with her fork before continuing. "In my life plan, I want to get married by 27, so I have two years for that." She chuckles softly, though there's a hint of seriousness beneath her words. "I'm really hoping to be in a serious relationship where I can be happy and build a home with someone."

Hyun Jin's eyes soften. "That's really meaningful," he replies. "For me, dating someone with the same goals and dreams... that's important. It makes everything feel more real."

They exchange a quiet glance, one filled with unspoken understanding, before shifting the conversation to lighter topics, talking about dream vacations and ideal homes until their plates are empty.

After dinner, they move to the living room, wine glasses in hand, the warm glow of the lamps adding a cozy ambiance. Hye In spots a board game stacked on the shelf, Monopoly. With a mischievous smile, she pulls it out.

"Are you ready to lose?" she teases.

Hyun Jin raises an eyebrow, laughing. "Confident, aren't we?"

They set up the board, the colorful money and tiny tokens spread across the coffee table. As the game progresses, their competitive sides emerge, Hyun Jin groaning dramatically every time Hye In buys a property, and Hye In playfully accusing him of cheating whenever he lands on free parking.

But as the night wears on, Hye In's blinks become slower, her head nodding every so often. Hyun Jin notices, chuckling softly.

"If you're tired, we can go to bed," he says gently, watching her struggle to keep her eyes open.

She shakes her head stubbornly. "Just let me close my eyes for a bit."

Before he can respond, she's already shifting, laying her head down on his lap, her face peaceful. Hyun Jin smiles at the sight, his hand instinctively going to her hair, gently combing his fingers through the strands and softly massaging her scalp. The steady rhythm of her breathing slows, and before long, she's fast asleep.

For a while, Hyun Jin just sits there, watching her, a quiet smile on his face. The vulnerability of the moment makes his heart ache in the best way.

Eventually, realizing she's in too deep a sleep to wake, he carefully shifts, sliding one arm under her back and the other beneath her knees. Lifting her effortlessly, he carries her to the bedroom, the soft sheets rustling as he lays her down. She stirs only slightly, a sleepy hum escaping her lips.

Hyun Jin pulls the blanket over her and slips in beside her. The room is silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Leaning over, he brushes a strand of hair away from her face and gently pecks her forehead.

"Good night, Hye In," he whispers.

With that, he closes his eyes, the warmth of her presence beside him lulling him into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, soft beams of sunlight filtered through the hotel suite's curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Hye In stirred first, her eyes fluttering open only to be met with the sight of Hyun Jin still half-asleep beside her. She smiled softly, scooting closer until her head rested against his chest, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist. His scent, a mix of subtle cologne and something inherently him, made her sigh in contentment.

Hyun Jin felt her movement and cracked open one eye, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Hye In responded by snuggling even closer, tucking her face into the crook of his neck. "Just five more minutes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He chuckled, his hand gently brushing the strands of hair away from her face. "You always want five more minutes," he teased, before leaning in to press a soft kiss on her forehead. Then, without warning, he started trailing a series of quick, playful kisses across her cheeks, nose, and chin.

"Yah!" Hye In squealed, laughing as she tried to shield her face with her hands, but he simply pushed them aside, continuing his attack of affection. "Ahn Hyun Jin, stop!"

"Why?" he grinned, pinning her down slightly with his arm. "I like waking you up like this."

She pouted, trying to wriggle free, but it only made him tighten his hold. "I wish we could stay like this forever," she sighed dreamily, their laughter dying down into a serene silence.

Hyun Jin's gaze softened. "We can," he replied confidently. "After the show."

Her heart fluttered at his words, the reality of their connection settling in even deeper. She wanted to believe that this, whatever they were building together, could last beyond the cameras and the island.

But for now, Hyun Jin clapped his hands together, breaking the sentimental moment. "Alright, we need to get up and eat before we leave."

"Just five more minutes," Hye In mumbled again, burying her face back into the pillow.

He smirked. "Five more minutes of what?" he echoed, his voice suspiciously light. "Five more minutes of... tickling?"

Before she could react, his fingers found her sides, and he began tickling her mercilessly. "Ahn Hyun Jin! Stop!" she shrieked between bursts of laughter, squirming beneath him but unable to escape.

"You asked for it," he teased, grinning as he continued for a few more seconds before finally relenting.

Hye In caught her breath, still giggling when suddenly, Hyun Jin got out of bed and moved to her side. "What are you doing?" she asked suspiciously.

Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms, causing her to let out a surprised scream. "Oppa! Put me down!"

"Nope," he said, chuckling at her protests. "We're getting up, whether you like it or not."

Hye In instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, clinging onto him. "You're so annoying," she huffed, though the wide smile on her face betrayed her words.

He smirked. "And you're stuck with me. Now let's go eat."

With her still in his arms, he carried her towards the suite's dining area, their playful banter filling the room with warmth and joy.

_________

_________

The three couples who went to Paradise the night before walk back into the camp, the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet announcing their return. The rest of the contestants are gathered around the long wooden table in the courtyard, chatting and laughing. As they approach, all eyes turn to them, curiosity and anticipation buzzing in the air.

Hye Jun, ever the lively one, leans forward with a playful grin. "So," he starts, his voice teasing, "how were your dates?"

Jong Hoon and Youn Jin exchange a glance before Jong Hoon answers first. "We went swimming," he says, his hand briefly brushing Youn Jin's arm. "Then we hit the spa. It was really relaxing."

"Ooh, a classic," Arin chimes in with a wink, causing Youn Jin to laugh softly.

Jeong Seo shifts slightly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Honestly, all Si An and I did was sleep," he confesses.

The table erupts into laughter, the unexpected response catching everyone off guard.

Si An, blushing, quickly adds, "We got there and just looked at each other like, 'Should we sleep?' And we did."

Hye In, sitting beside Hyun Jin, can't help but giggle. "Well, Hyun Jin and I coloured and drew," she says proudly.

Hyun Jin, leaning back in his chair, raises an eyebrow. "Be specific," he teases, his signature smirk making Hye In roll her eyes.

"Fine," she says dramatically. "I coloured while Hyun Jin drew."

Hyun Jin nods, clearly amused. "That makes more sense."

Another round of laughter ripples through the group, and the easy camaraderie brings a sense of warmth despite the underlying tension of the competition.

As the conversations flow, Si An shifts uncomfortably in her seat, her gaze flickering toward Jun Seo more than once. Hye In notices immediately, the subtle change in her friend's demeanor not escaping her.

"Should we head inside?" Hye In suggests softly, catching Si An's eye.

Si An nods, grateful for the escape. "Yeah, let's go."

The two quietly excuse themselves and slip inside the villa, the cool air a welcome contrast to the warmth outside.

Si A sinks onto her bed, running a hand through her hair. "I feel weird," she admits, her voice low but steady.

Hye In sits beside her, waiting patiently for her to continue.

"I know I went on a date with Jeong Seo," Si An says carefully. "And it was nice, he's sweet. But part of me kept wondering... shouldn't Jun Seo have shown some kind of reaction? If he really likes me as much as he says, wouldn't he have at least acted a little jealous or asked how my date was?"

Hye In's expression softens. "It sounds like you wanted some reassurance," she says gently.

Si An nods. "Yeah... I think so."

Silence settles between them for a moment before Si An lets out a quiet sigh. "I guess I just need to figure out what I want before tomorrow."

Later that evening, after the sun dips below the horizon and the sky turns a deep indigo, the girls gather in their shared room. The atmosphere is lighter, but there's still an unspoken tension about the upcoming finale.

Si An, Youn Jin, Arin, and Hae Lin sit in front of the long vanity, each girl focusing on their reflection as they get ready for the night. Brushes sweep over cheeks, lip gloss is carefully applied, and soft curls are adjusted.

The speaker crackles to life, drawing all of their attention.

"Contestants, tomorrow marks the finale. Today, you will be given one last chance to go on dates with each other. Use this opportunity to clear your hearts and make your final decisions."

A hush falls over the room.

Youn Jin exchanges a glance with Arin, while Si An's fingers pause mid-curl.

Hye In leans forward, gripping the edge of the vanity table slightly. "This is it," she murmurs.