Someone did ask to include Jun seo as a love interest but as you read this chapter you will understand why it was difficult to do that.

After the ten-minute one-on-one conversations with the three new guys, the girls gathered back on the large sofa in the restaurant. The room buzzed with excitement and nerves as they exchanged final thoughts about their brief dates.

Hye In leaned in towards Si An and whispered, "Okay... be honest. Who did you vibe with the most?"

Si An smirked, fixing her hair in the reflection of a nearby glass panel. "Ki Ha was sweet, but I think Jong Hoon was more my type. He seems mature."

Hye In nodded, understanding. "Same! I really liked my talk with Jong Hoon. Seong Bo was nice too, but Jong Hoon just... I don't know, he gave me a calm, confident vibe."

Arin, sitting on the other side, joined in. "Honestly, Seong Bo was cute, but Ki Ha seemed more fun. This is getting hard already!"

The girls laughed quietly among themselves, the tension from the upcoming reveal still lingering in the air. They were all curious to see who would be chosen to stay and shake things up in Inferno.

Moments later, the speaker crackled to life, cutting through their chatter.

"Attention, the man you have chosen to stay in Inferno has been decided."

The girls sat up straighter, eyes fixed on the door.

A beat passed. Then another.

The door finally swung open, and Jong Hoon walked in with a relaxed smile. The girls immediately erupted into applause and cheerful gasps.

"Ahh, I knew it!" Si An whispered excitedly.

"He's so handsome," Hye Jin muttered under her breath, clapping along.

Hye In smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She had hoped he would be the one to stay. Out of the three, their conversation had been the most comfortable. He seemed grounded, easy to talk to, and had a warm aura that made her feel relaxed.

As Jong Hoon took his place in front of them, the speaker spoke again:

"As the newest resident of Inferno, Jong Hoon will have the opportunity to invite three girls to Paradise with him tonight."

Gasps and knowing glances spread across the room.

Hye In's heart quickened. She didn't expect to go back to Paradise so soon, especially not with someone new. Her thoughts immediately flickered to Hyun Jin. Would he be okay with this? Would he think she was moving on too quickly?

Jong Hoon scanned the group, his eyes lingering thoughtfully on each girl. He paused briefly when his gaze met Hye In's, and she held her breath.

"The three girls I would like to invite to Paradise are... Si An..."

Si An let out a little squeal under her breath, clapping her hands together as she gave a playful "yes!"

"...Hye Jin..."

Hye Jin smiled wide, nodding as she tucked her hair behind her ear, clearly excited.

"...and Hye In."

Hye In blinked. She felt Si An nudge her side, and they immediately turned to each other, grinning and high-fiving.

"Let's go!" Si An whispered loudly, making everyone laugh.

The playful energy in the room lightened the tension. Even the girls who weren't chosen were smiling, teasing the three of them about being "Paradise queens."

"You two are always together!" Arin joked, pointing between Si An and Hye In.

"Partners in crime," Hye In replied, laughing.

Jong Hoon chuckled along with them, seeming pleased with his choices. He looked at Hye In for a moment longer, as if trying to read her expression. She gave him a small smile, trying to balance her excitement with the growing unease in her chest.

Hyun Jin had been on her mind the whole time. She wondered how he'd react when he found out she was going to Paradise again this time with someone new.

But this was part of the experience, right? She had told him herself that she wanted to be sure about her feelings. Exploring connections was the whole point of being here.

Still... she couldn't shake the feeling that this trip to Paradise might shift things between them.

As the girls gathered their things, preparing to leave for their night in Paradise, Hye In took a deep breath.

Si An looped her arm through Hye In's. "We're about to eat so well tonight."

"And drink without You Jin forcing soju bombs down our throats," Hye In added, making Si An laugh.

Hye Jin joined their side. "Let's make the most of it. Who knows what will happen after tonight?"

Hye In nodded, but as she stepped towards the door, she couldn't help but glance back at the empty couch. She pictured Hyun Jin there, his easy smile and the way he always seemed to cut her food or offer her his hoodie when it got cold.

It had been a while since Hye In arrived back in Paradise, but she had patiently waited her turn as Jong Hoon went on his dates with Si An and Hye Jin. Now, it was finally her time. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she made her way to the center of the beautifully decorated restaurant. The staff had set up an intimate table for two, with soft lighting and a spread of desserts that looked almost too pretty to eat.

Croffles, crepes, a bowl of colorful bingsu, and an adorable shortcake bento box were laid out in front of them. Hye In let out a small gasp when she saw the selection. "Oh my god, this looks amazing."

Jong Hoon chuckled, his deep voice soothing in the quiet space. "I hope you saved some room. I heard you and Si An had quite the feast earlier."

She laughed, feeling some of her nerves settle. "Si An and I... we tend to get a little carried away when it comes to food."

He smiled, eyes crinkling slightly. "Good. I like people who enjoy eating."

As they began tasting the desserts, Hye In reached for the crepes first, but after a few bites, Jong Hoon asked, "Which one's your favorite so far?"

She took a thoughtful pause before breaking into a smile. "Definitely the croffle. It's crispy but soft inside... and the chocolate drizzle is perfect."

Jong Hoon nodded in agreement, then without saying anything, he took the knife and carefully began cutting the croffle into neat, smaller pieces. He placed a few on her plate and slid it towards her.

Hye In blinked, surprised by the gesture. "Oh... thank you." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling shy.

"It's easier to eat that way," he said simply, but there was a warmth in his tone. "I don't want you struggling with it."

She laughed lightly, though her cheeks warmed. "I guess I do have a bad habit of making a mess."

"Better than being too proper and not enjoying it," he teased, making her relax even more.

As she took a bite, she looked up at him. "How old are you, by the way?"

There was a slight pause before he answered, "I'm 32."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I thought you were younger!"

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "You thought I was younger?"

"Yeah, you look... young. Like late twenties? Definitely not 32," she said earnestly.

Jong Hoon leaned back, laughing. "That's the first time I've heard that. Usually, people think I look older."

She shook her head. "No way. You have that... youthful vibe."

"Guess I'll take that as a compliment," he said with a playful smirk.

"You should," she teased.

Curious, he asked, "What about you? How old are you?"

"Twenty-five," she replied.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Seven years... not bad."

"Does age matter to you?" she asked cautiously.

He shook his head. "Not really. I care more about the person's mindset. Sometimes younger people are more mature than older ones."

She smiled. "I agree. Sometimes I feel like I'm older than my age... but other times I still feel like a teenager."

"That's normal. Life keeps you guessing like that."

There was a brief pause. Hye In tapped her fork against her plate nervously before asking, "What do you do for work?"

"I'm an entrepreneur. I own two restaurants," Jong Hoon said casually.

Her eyes lit up. "Wait, that's so cool! What kind of restaurants?"

"One is a modern Korean place, and the other is more fusion-Korean mixed with Western-style brunch."

"Wow," she said, genuinely impressed. "That sounds like a dream. I wanted to be an entrepreneur when I was younger."

He leaned in slightly, intrigued. "Really? What kind of business?"

She shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "I used to dream of owning a bakery or a cute little café. But... I ended up working as a stylist instead."

"That's still impressive. I don't meet many stylists," he said.

She raised an eyebrow, playful again. "Oh, do you usually go around Korea looking for stylists?"

Jong Hoon laughed, his face turning slightly red. "No, no! That's not what I meant."

She giggled. "I'm kidding!"

They both laughed, and for a moment, the awkwardness melted away into something comfortable. There were still small pauses where neither of them knew what to say, but the warmth in the air made those silences feel less heavy.

"You must meet a lot of different people in your line of work," he said.

"Yeah, it's interesting. But it can be exhausting too."

"I get that. Running restaurants... it's rewarding, but it's also a lot of responsibility."

She nodded. "Do you ever feel lonely?"

His eyes softened. "Sometimes. It's hard to find someone who understands the lifestyle."

Her heart twitched a little at his honesty. "Yeah... same."

The conversation slowed, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They continued to nibble on the desserts, occasionally exchanging glances and small smiles.

"So... what made you pick me for your date?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Jong Hoon looked at her for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. He leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the table before he answered.

"You were the first one to catch my eye," he admitted with a small smile. "When I walked in... I saw you laughing with Hye Jin. Your smile stood out to me right away."

Hye In's eyes widened slightly, and almost instinctively, she covered her face with both hands, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.

"Ah... don't say that!" she laughed, peeking at him through her fingers. "That's so embarrassing."

He chuckled, his smile growing. "Why? You asked a question and it's a compliment."

She lowered her hands slowly, still feeling the warmth on her cheeks. "It's just... I get shy when people say things like that."

Jong Hoon nodded understandingly, his gaze soft. There was a brief pause before he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table.

"Have you... formed any connections on the island already?" he asked carefully, his tone respectful but curious.

Hye In nodded slowly. "Yeah... I've actually been to Paradise twice already." She laughed lightly, almost as if she couldn't believe it herself. "There's someone I've been getting to know... but we're both open to exploring other connections too."

Jong Hoon nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "That's good. It's better to keep things open... especially this early on."

There was a brief silence, the sound of clinking plates faint in the background. Then, after what felt like a few seconds of internal debate, he asked, "Do you think... you'd be interested in getting to know me more? Like... seeing if there's a connection between us?"

Hye In looked at him, his eyes sincere but slightly nervous. She smiled, feeling her own nerves settling.

"Yeah... I think so," she said honestly. "I'm interested. I'd like to talk more with you... see where our conversations go."

Jong Hoon visibly relaxed, letting out a quiet breath of relief. "I'd like that."

Another brief pause followed before Hye In suddenly burst out with a thought that had been lingering in her mind all evening.

"You kind of remind me of Hwang Minhyun," she blurted out.

Jong Hoon blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Huh?"

She laughed, covering her mouth. "Sorry, it's been on my mind since I saw you. I was even telling Hye Jin about it earlier. You give off a similar vibe."

Jong Hoon tilted his head, amused but a little confused. "Hwang Minhyun? Really? That's... the first time I've heard that."

She nodded eagerly. "Yeah! You kind of look like him and you have that same gentle, kind aura. And you both talk kind of... slowly and calmly."

He laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "I don't know if that's a good thing or not. I feel like Minhyun has a charm I could never match."

Hye In shook her head, smiling playfully. "Who knows... maybe you have even better charm."

Jong Hoon's ears turned slightly red at that, and he laughed bashfully. "Ah, you're good at making people flustered, huh?"

She grinned but then paused, watching him closely as he started talking about his restaurants again. Her eyes traced his features the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the way his lips curved slightly even when he was just listening. Before she realized it, she was staring.

He stopped mid-sentence, catching her gaze. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Hye In snapped out of it, eyes widening. "Oh! Sorry... I just..." She laughed awkwardly, waving her hands. "I was just thinking... I find it kind of cute how you talk so slowly and calmly."

Jong Hoon froze for a second, his face slowly turning a deeper shade of red. "C-cute?"

"And... I actually find that attractive," she added, doubling down without thinking.

He let out a breathy laugh, visibly flustered, his ears bright red. "Ah... you're really trying to kill me here."

She giggled, feeling her own cheeks heating up. "Sorry... I'm just being honest."

Trying to regain some composure, he quickly turned the question around. "Okay... then what's the most attractive thing you noticed about me when we first met?"

She tilted her head, thinking. "Your shoulders... they're really wide. And you're so tall. It's kind of hard not to notice."

He laughed, a little more relaxed now. "I get that a lot."

"What about me?" she asked curiously. "What was the first thing you noticed?"

He glanced at her hair, then her face. "Your hair... and your eyebrows. Your hair is so long it was the first thing I saw when I walked in. And your eyebrows... they frame your face really well."

She touched her hair lightly, feeling pleased but bashful. "Really? My eyebrows?"

He nodded with a small smile. "Yeah... I noticed right away."

Their conversation flowed into gentle laughter, with occasional pauses filled with shy glances. Though they were still getting to know each other, the awkwardness was slowly morphing into something sweet something that made Hye In feel like this date might be the start of something worth exploring.

_________

_________

The sun was beginning to set as Hye In, Hye Jin, Si An, and Jong Joon made their way back to Inferno after their night in Paradise. The journey back was calm, but Hye In felt a subtle restlessness bubbling beneath the surface. While her time with Jong Hoon had been pleasant awkwardly sweet, even, her thoughts kept drifting back to Hyun Jin. She hadn't seen him since before she left, and she was curious about how he'd spent his time in her absence.

As their small group approached the Inferno camp, Hye In squinted toward the seating area where the other girls were already gathered. She scanned the space, instinctively looking for Hyun Jin's familiar figure, but he wasn't there. She frowned slightly but brushed it off, assuming he was inside the boys' dormitory. She reminded herself that they had agreed to keep things open to explore other connections, but that didn't mean she wasn't eager to see him.

After exchanging quick greetings with the girls, Hye In carried her overnight bag into the girls' room, placing it down beside her sleeping area. She lingered for a moment, staring down at her things, feeling a small knot forming in her chest. She shook it off, returning to the communal table where everyone had begun gathering. The kitchen area buzzed with light conversation, everyone exchanging stories and laughter. Hye In slid into the seat between Si An and Jong Hoon. His presence beside her was comforting in a way his calm demeanor grounded her, but her eyes still subtly drifted around the table. Hyun Jin was nowhere in sight.

Finally, the absence became too noticeable to ignore. She leaned forward slightly, glancing at the others. "Where are Hyun Jin, Jeong Seo, and Dong Ho?" she asked, her voice casual but with a hint of curiosity.

Min Seol looked up from her drink and responded, "Oh, they went to Paradise."

Hye In blinked, processing the words. Her lips parted slightly in surprise. "Paradise?" she echoed.

Ji Yeon, sitting across from her, nodded, leaning in. "A new girl came while we were gone. Apparently she picked three guys to go with her."

Hye Jin raised an eyebrow beside her. "Wait, since when do we have a new girl?"

Jun Seo chuckled, his arm resting on the back of his chair. "She came right after you all left for Paradise. She showed up while it was just the boys here."

Hye In nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Oh... I see," she murmured. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but internally, her thoughts raced. She hadn't expected this. Hyun Jin in Paradise with another girl, someone new, someone she hadn't even met yet. It made her feel uneasy in a way she didn't fully understand. After all, they weren't exclusive. They had agreed to keep things open. So why did she feel this odd weight in her chest?

The conversation continued around her, shifting toward getting to know Jong Hoon better. He was answering questions about his hobbies and mbti. Everyone was engaged, but Hye In found it hard to focus. She smiled and nodded occasionally, but her mind was elsewhere.

Si An, sitting close beside her, noticed. She leaned in slightly, her voice low. "Are you okay?"

Hye In hesitated before giving a small nod. "Yeah... I'm fine. Just tired."

Si An didn't look convinced. She paused, then whispered, "Do you want to go back to the room for a bit?"

Hye In glanced around the table. The lively conversation continued without her. She felt out of place, like she was only half present. Finally, she nodded. "Yeah... that'd be nice."

Si An smiled gently. "Let's go."

The two of them stood up together, drawing the attention of the group. Hye In offered a faint smile, raising a hand. "I didn't sleep well... I've got a bit of a headache. I think I'll rest for a bit."

Si An quickly added, "I'll lie down too before we eat."

Hye Jin, who had been leaning against the table with a relaxed grin, suddenly stood as well. "I'm coming too," she said casually.

Everyone laughed at her bluntness. Theo shook his head, amused. "You're not even trying to make an excuse?"

Hye Jin smirked. "Why would I? I just want to leave."

The laughter eased the slight tension in Hye In's chest. She appreciated how effortlessly Hye Jin could lift the mood. Together, the three girls retreated to the dorm, the air outside cooling as the evening settled in.

Once inside the girls' room, the door gently clicked shut behind them, sealing the three friends in their private space. The soft hum of the evening breeze drifted through the open window, but the air between them was heavier thicker with unspoken thoughts. Hye In lowered herself onto her sleeping mat, her shoulders visibly tense. Si An sat cross-legged beside her, while Hye Jin flopped down onto her own bed, resting on her side with her head propped up on her hand.

There was a brief silence before Hye Jin spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "Okay... what's really going on?"

Si An nodded, concern in her eyes. "Yeah, you've been quiet ever since we got back. It's not just a headache, right?"

Hye In let out a long sigh, her gaze fixed on the floor as she picked at a loose thread on her blanket. She knew she couldn't brush it off any longer-not with these two. They knew her too well. Her chest tightened as she searched for the right words.

"It's... it's Hyun Jin," she finally admitted, her voice soft and wavering. "I kind of feel some type of way about him going to Paradise with the new girl."

Hye Jin's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Oh... okay."

Si An leaned in. "That's fair. You guys were getting close."

Hye In shook her head quickly. "No, but... that's not even what's really bothering me. What's frustrating is... I feel jealous. And it's so stupid because I just went to Paradise with Jong Hoon. I literally did the exact same thing. So now, I just feel like a total hypocrite."

Her voice cracked on the last word, and before she could stop it, a lump formed in her throat. Her eyes welled up, and she quickly brought her hands to her face, trying to blink away the tears. But it was no use. The dam broke. Her shoulders trembled as quiet sobs escaped her lips.

"Oh, Hye In..." Si An whispered, immediately scooting closer and wrapping an arm around her. Hye Jin moved in too, sitting on the other side and placing a comforting hand on her back.

"I just..." Hye In took a shaky breath, her words tumbling out in between her tears. "I feel like such a shitty person. I really like Hyun Jin. But... I also want to explore things with other people. And now, seeing him with someone else is making me feel crazy. Like... what if he likes her more? What if he forgets about me? But then I'm also here, getting to know Jong Hoon. It's like... I want everything, and that just makes me feel selfish."

Her voice broke again, and Si An tightened her hug. "You're not a shitty person, Hye In. You're human. You're allowed to have feelings."

Hye Jin nodded, her tone soft but steady. "Seriously. You're on this island to figure things out. None of us came here knowing exactly what we wanted. You and Hyun Jin agreed to keep things open, right?"

Hye In wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie, sniffling. "Yeah... we talked before I went to Paradise. We both thought it would be best to... see what's out there. I thought I was okay with it. But now... seeing it actually happen... it hurts."

"That's normal," Si An reassured her. "It's one thing to talk about it in theory. But when you see it... it feels real."

Hye Jin leaned in. "Did you tell him how you felt before? Like... that you really liked him?"

Hye In shook her head. "No... not really. I mean, we both know there's something there. But we haven't put any labels on it or anything. And I didn't want to cling to him and seem desperate."

"You're not desperate," Si An said quickly. "You're being honest with yourself. You like him. And it's okay to feel protective of that."

Hye In sighed, pressing her palms against her damp cheeks. "But I also like getting to know Jong Hoon. He's... different. Calm. He makes me feel safe. And part of me feels like I owe it to myself to see where that could go. But then I feel like I'm betraying Hyun Jin just by thinking that."

"You're not betraying anyone," Hye Jin said firmly. "This is dating. You're not in a relationship. You're figuring out who you connect with. And sometimes that's messy."

Si An nodded. "It's okay to want both. It's okay to be curious about someone new and still care about Hyun Jin. It doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you honest. You're not choosing anyone yet. You're getting to know them."

Hye In's tears began to slow, her breathing evening out as their words sunk in. She felt seen understood. The guilt in her chest loosened, just a little.

"But... what if Hyun Jin comes back from Paradise and he's, like... into her?" she asked hesitantly.

Hye Jin shrugged. "Then that sucks. But you'll handle it. And you'll still have other people, like Jong Hoon who see your worth."

Si An smiled gently. "And if Hyun Jin really likes you, he'll show it. He'll come back and talk to you. If he doesn't... then maybe he wasn't the right one."

Hye In took a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly leave her body. "You guys are right. I just... I need to let things happen naturally. I can't control it."

"Exactly," Si An said, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"And we'll be here every step of the way," Hye Jin added with a grin.

Hye In smiled through the remnants of her tears. "I really needed this. Thank you, guys."

They all leaned in, sharing a small group hug on the floor. The warmth of their friendship filled the room, creating a space where Hye In felt safe where she could be vulnerable without judgment.

As they pulled away, Hye Jin flopped back onto her mat dramatically. "Okay, now that we've had our emotional therapy session... can we talk about how freaking handsome Jong Hoon is? Because, girl..."

Si An laughed, and Hye In finally let out a genuine giggle. The tension eased, and for the first time since returning from Paradise, she felt like she could breathe.

________

________

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the island as Hye In sat cross-legged on the wooden deck beside Min Seol and Hye Jin. The three girls were shaded under a large umbrella, their eyes fixed on the playful chaos unfolding in the pool before them. Tae Hwan, Theo, and Jun Seo were engaged in an intense but comically childish water fight, their laughter and shouts echoing through the air. Si An had joined them not long after, immediately becoming the center of attention.

Hye In chuckled as she watched Si An wielding a bright green water gun, aiming mercilessly at Tae Hwan, who dramatically pretended to drown under the assault. Theo attempted to shield himself but ended up getting splashed in the face, while Jun Seo's tactic was simply to run away, slipping on the poolside tiles and sending everyone into fits of laughter.

Min Seol, however, wasn't laughing. She was watching the boys with an expression that could only be described as observational. Her eyes lingered a little longer on Theo every time he spoke, and her gaze softened whenever Jun Seo glanced her way.

Hye In nudged Hye Jin subtly, tilting her head towards Min Seol. Hye Jin followed her gaze and immediately caught on. Suppressing a giggle, she whispered, "Oh, she's definitely invested."

That was all it took. The two girls burst into quiet laughter, trying their best not to be obvious. Min Seol noticed their stifled giggles and raised an eyebrow. "What?" she asked, feigning innocence.

"Nothing," Hye In replied, waving her hand dismissively, though her smile betrayed her.

"Absolutely nothing," Hye Jin added, biting her lip to stop another laugh.

The playful atmosphere continued until, after some time, Hye In and Hye Jin decided to head down to the shore. The water was calm, the gentle waves lapping against their ankles as they walked along the edge. They trailed their fingers through the cool water, enjoying the brief moment of quiet away from the others.

As they stood together, toes buried in the wet sand, Jong Hoon approached them. He had been sitting nearby under the shade of a tree, seemingly content just observing everyone. His quiet nature stood out compared to the boisterous energy of some of the other guys.

"Hey," he greeted, his deep voice gentle. His eyes rested on Hye In, concern flickering across his face. "Are you feeling better?"

Hye In offered a small smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "Yeah, I'm okay now. I just had a headache earlier. I didn't sleep well last night."

He nodded, his expression softening. "That's good... I was a little worried."

Hye Jin, ever the playful one, clapped her hands together. "Okay, picture time! Let's take a Polaroid together."

Jong Hoon immediately raised his hands in protest. "Oh... I don't really like being in pictures."

Hye Jin gasped in mock offense. "What? That's so boring! You have to make memories while you're here!"

Hye In laughed at their banter, watching as Jong Hoon's serious facade cracked into a shy smile. He ultimately relented but offered a compromise. "I'll take the picture of you two instead."

Accepting his offer, Hye Jin pulled Hye In close, the two girls posing with peace signs and wide grins as the sun cast a golden glow behind them. Jong Hoon lifted the Polaroid camera, squinting slightly as he framed the shot. He clicked the button, and the soft whir of the film developing filled the quiet. He handed it to Hye Jin, who examined it with a nod of approval.

"This is cute," she declared. "Good job, photographer."

Jong Hoon chuckled. "Glad I passed."

Hye Jin, satisfied, stretched her arms above her head. "I'm gonna go dry off before dinner," she announced, giving Hye In a quick squeeze on the shoulder before jogging back toward the villa.

That left Hye In alone with Jong Hoon. The quiet returned, but it was a comfortable silence. The sound of the waves was soothing, and the occasional laughter from the pool drifted over to them.

"So... why didn't you swim?" Jong Hoon asked after a moment, his voice gentle.

Hye In hesitated, then shrugged. "My health hasn't been the best lately. I didn't want to risk getting worse."

His eyes softened with understanding. "That makes sense. I... kind of stayed out because I'm a little shy around everyone."

She looked at him with genuine curiosity. "Really? You don't seem like the shy type."

He chuckled, his gaze lowering to the sand beneath his feet. "I guess I'm more reserved... especially around new people."

She smiled. "I get that. It can be a lot."

A pause followed before Hye In's eyes lit up with an idea. She picked up the Polaroid camera. "Okay, now we have to take a picture together."

Jong Hoon's eyes widened. "Oh... no, I'm good."

"Nope. No escaping this. You took one of me and Hye Jin, now it's your turn."

He let out a small laugh, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm not really-"

"Please?" she tilted her head, playfully pouting. "Come on, just one."

Her persistence paid off. He sighed, though his smile gave away his defeat. "Alright, alright."

They stood side by side, and Hye In raised the camera with one hand, angling it to fit both of their faces in the frame. She felt his shoulder brush against hers, and she noticed how much taller he was. She made a peace sign, while he shyly offered a small wave.

"Okay... one, two, three-"

Click.

The film slid out, and they both leaned in to watch it develop. As the image slowly appeared, their faces came into view, her bright smile next to his slightly awkward, but undeniably charming, expression.

"It's cute," she said, holding it up proudly.

He glanced at it and laughed. "I look so stiff."

"No, you look good," she assured him. "We both do."

Their eyes met briefly, and for a second, there was that awkward tension that often came when two people were still figuring each other out. But it wasn't uncomfortable, it was new, uncertain, but exciting.

"Thanks for convincing me," he said softly.

She smiled. "Anytime."

As they stood there, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, Hye In realized that maybe exploring new connections wasn't such a bad thing after all.

________

________

The sky was beginning to darken, the soft pink and orange hues giving way to the deeper shades of twilight as the group prepared for dinner. The long wooden table was set under the open sky, the gentle sea breeze carrying the sound of laughter and conversation.

Hye In found herself seated between Jong Hoon and Jun Seo, their plates filled with rice and stew. Across from her, Si An was seated beside Theo, the two chatting lightly, though Theo's eyes seemed to flicker toward her every few seconds, his interest clear to anyone paying attention, especially Hye In.

The dinner began as usual, casual chatter filling the air as everyone passed plates around and made small jokes. However, it didn't take long for Hye In to pick up on the subtle competition brewing on her side of the table. Jun Seo and Theo were in what could only be described as a silent battle for Si An's attention. It started with Theo leaning in slightly every time Si An spoke, nodding along with exaggerated interest. Then Jun Seo began chiming in after every one of her comments, adding playful remarks or teasing her lightly.

Hye In bit the inside of her cheek, trying to suppress a laugh as she watched the two men practically trip over each other to get Si An to focus on them. Si An, for her part, seemed completely oblivious, casually enjoying her meal and laughing along with everyone.

The tipping point came when Jong Hoon, ever the polite one, reached for the stack of paper towels and offered them to Hye In, Hye Jin, and Si An. Just as Si An was reaching for one, Theo attempted to move her cup slightly closer to her, clearly hoping to draw her attention. Unfortunately, she didn't even notice. The gesture was so painfully obvious and yet so futile that Hye In couldn't hold it in any longer.

She burst out laughing, mid-bite causing her to choke on a piece of food. Her face turned red as she coughed, trying desperately to clear her throat. Jong Hoon was the first to react, quickly standing and gently patting her back.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Between coughs and laughter, she managed to nod, though tears pricked the corners of her eyes. The rest of the table paused, looking at her with curiosity.

"What's so funny?" Jun Seo asked, raising an eyebrow, amused by her sudden outburst.

Hye In waved her hand dismissively, struggling to regain her composure. "Ah... it's nothing. Just... a memory came to mind," she said, forcing a tight-lipped smile.

Si An shot her a knowing look but said nothing, while Theo seemed suspicious, though he didn't press the matter. For the remainder of dinner, Hye In avoided looking at Theo directly, knowing that even one glance would send her spiraling into laughter again.

Once the meal wrapped up, everyone naturally gravitated toward the kitchen island, gathering snacks and drinks to settle in for the night. There was a lightness to the atmosphere, the kind that came when everyone had finally started feeling more comfortable with one another. Conversations overlapped, and small groups formed as they discussed everything from past relationships to their favorite childhood snacks.

As Hye In was reaching for a bag of chips, Jun Seo approached her, his tone casual but with a certain weight to it.

"Hey, do you want to go for a chat?" he asked.

Hye In blinked, caught off guard. Her eyes briefly flickered toward Jong Hoon, who was standing nearby talking to Tae Hwan. She noticed his glance in their direction, but his face remained neutral. Turning back to Jun Seo, she gave a small, tight-lipped smile. "Sure."

She followed him toward the boys' dorm, her heart racing slightly. She hadn't expected this. Out of everyone, Jun Seo had seemed the least interested in her. Most of his attention had been on Si An, and Hye In had quietly accepted that their paths wouldn't really cross beyond casual conversations.

When they entered the dorm, it was empty, the other guys still outside. He motioned for her to sit, and she chose Hyun Jin's bed, more out of instinct than anything else. She realized it only after she sat down, a brief pang in her chest reminding her of the complicated feelings she still harbored for him.

Jun Seo sat across from her on his own bed, his posture relaxed but his eyes serious.

"I wanted to talk to you because I feel like we haven't really had the chance to connect," he started.

Hye In tilted her head, slightly confused. "Oh... honestly, I didn't think you were interested in getting to know me. You seemed pretty focused on Si An."

Jun Seo laughed, though it was more sheepish than amused. "Yeah, I get that. I have been talking to her a lot, but... you're someone I've wanted to talk to as well. I just... didn't know how to approach you, I guess."

His honesty surprised her, and she found herself smiling, though with a hint of disbelief. "I really didn't get that vibe from you at all. I thought you were avoiding me."

He shook his head. "No, not at all. I guess I've just been figuring things out."

There was a brief pause before he asked, "What about you? What's been on your mind?"

She sighed, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of Hyun Jin's blanket. "It's a bit of a mess, honestly. I've been getting to know Hyun Jin, and there are feelings there... but I'm also trying to see where things go with Jong Hoon. So, it's like... I'm all over the place."

Jun Seo nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. It's a lot."

"Yeah," she said with a small laugh. "I think the best thing to do is just... leave everything open and see how it plays out. Let fate decide."

He smiled, leaning back slightly. "I like that. Let's see what fate has in store for us."

The night air was cool, a gentle breeze slipping through the open window of the girls' dorm as Hye In made her way inside, deciding to turn in earlier than the rest of the contestants. Laughter and chatter still echoed from the common area, where the others were gathering snacks and preparing for another round of late-night conversations. But her body was already signaling its limits; the long day under the sun, mixed with the emotional rollercoaster of forming new connections, had left her drained.

She exhaled softly as she began her nightly routine. Slipping into her pajamas, she tied her hair up into a loose bun and reached for her skincare products, the familiar steps providing a sense of comfort amidst the unpredictability of Inferno. Just as she was patting the serum onto her cheeks, a gentle knock interrupted the quiet.

"Come in," she called out, assuming it was one of the girls.

To her surprise, the door creaked open slightly, revealing Jong Hoon's head peeking through the gap. His eyes were wide, slightly hesitant, and he gave a sheepish smile.

"Oh, hey," Hye In greeted him, her tone light and welcoming. "Come on in."

He stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. He seemed a little awkward, shifting on his feet as he glanced around the room.

"You can sit on my bed. I'm just finishing up," she said, gesturing to the edge of her neatly made bed.

He hesitated for a moment before sitting down, his hands resting on his knees. Hye In chuckled quietly to herself his nervousness was endearing. She continued her skincare routine, occasionally glancing at him through the mirror.

When she finally joined him on the bed, she noticed his cheeks were flushed, a faint redness creeping up his neck.

"You're turning red," she teased, lightly tapping his arm.

Jong Hoon instinctively raised his hands to his face, patting his cheeks. "Ah... it's because I was drinking a bit with Hye Jin and Min Seol."

Hye In laughed knowingly. "Oh no, they're the worst ones to drink with. They don't stop."

He grinned, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they're dangerous."

Their conversation flowed easily, the earlier stiffness fading as they fell into a relaxed rhythm. He glanced around the room, noticing the dim light and how her bed was already perfectly arranged for sleep.

"Are you going to bed already?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, it's kind of my routine. My body's already giving up on me."

He chuckled. "I get that. I'm usually the same, but... I guess tonight is different."

She smiled at his honesty. It was nice having someone who understood her preference for rest over late-night chaos. There was a certain warmth in his presence, comforting, easy.

"So, how was your first day in Inferno?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Jong Hoon's face brightened. "Honestly, better than I expected. I had some great guides."

She raised her hand for a high five. "You're welcome."

He laughed, returning the high five, their palms meeting in a playful slap.

Feeling at ease, she leaned back slightly. "Now that you've talked to everyone... who's caught your attention?"

He hesitated, the question clearly catching him off guard. He rubbed the back of his neck before answering, "Honestly... you and Hye Jin."

Hye In burst into laughter. "Oh, the 'Double Hye'!"

He tilted his head, confused.

"That's what we call ourselves, Hye Jin and I. We came up with it a while back," she explained.

Jong Hoon laughed along with her, the playful banter further dissolving any remaining awkwardness. They continued chatting, their conversation meandering through light-hearted topics, childhood stories, favorite foods, and their initial impressions of the other contestants. It was easy with him, effortless.

Just as they were settling into a comfortable silence, the door creaked open again. This time, it was Yoo Jin, already dressed for bed, her hair damp from a shower. Hye In's face lit up.

"Oh my god, I feel like I haven't seen you all day!" she exclaimed, immediately getting up to wrap her arms around her friend.

Yoo Jin hugged her back, laughing. "I know! I was wondering where you disappeared to."

As they parted, Yoo Jin's eyes flickered to Jong Hoon, eyebrows raised in mild amusement. "Am I interrupting something?"

Before Hye In could respond, Jong Hoon shook his head, smiling. "No, not at all. I was the one interrupting her bedtime routine."

He stood, brushing his hands on his shorts. "I should let you both rest. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," they both echoed as he slipped out the door.

Once he was gone, Yoo Jin flopped onto her own bed, eyeing Hye In knowingly.

"So... what's going on with you two?" she asked, her tone teasing.

Hye In sighed, flopping beside her. "It's complicated."

As Yoo Jin began her own skincare routine, Hye In recounted the events of the day, her growing feelings for Hyun Jin, her unexpected connection with Jong Hoon, and now the sudden conversation with Jun Seo. Her emotions were tangled, every connection pulling her in a different direction.

"I feel like... I'm being greedy," Hye In admitted quietly. "I still have feelings for Hyun Jin, but I also like talking to Jong Hoon. And now Jun Seo suddenly wants to get to know me too? It's like... I want to explore all of it, but I feel guilty."

Yoo Jin listened attentively, occasionally nodding as she applied moisturizer. "I get it. But you're here to figure things out. No one expects you to know everything right away. You're allowed to explore... and you're allowed to feel confused."

Hye In exhaled, the weight on her chest easing slightly. "Yeah... I just don't want to hurt anyone."

"You won't," Yoo Jin assured her. "As long as you're honest."

Their conversation softened into quieter tones, laughter mixing with whispers as they gossiped about Theo's obvious crush on Si An and Hye Jin's mischievous drinking habits. Eventually, their eyelids grew heavy, and they both settled into their beds.

As Hye In stared at the ceiling, her mind still swirled with thoughts, but for the first time that day, she felt a little more at peace. Maybe she didn't have all the answers, but she had friends who supported her. And maybe, just maybe, she was exactly where she needed to be.