________

________

The sun casts a golden glow over the pristine beach, waves lapping gently at the shore as a soft breeze ruffles the palm trees. A seating area is arranged near the water's edge simple, with  chairs facing each other in a semi-circle. The atmosphere is warm, but an unmistakable tension lingers in the air.

Hye In walks toward the seating area, the sound of her heels pressing against the sand barely audible over the distant waves. As she approaches, her eyes lift, locking onto six girls who are already seated. Their expressions remain unreadable, but when she offers them a bright smile, they return one in kind though she can tell it doesn't quite reach their eyes.

She doesn't let it faze her. Instead, she maintains her poise, stepping forward until she reaches them. As she nears, the girls rise in unison, bowing politely, and she does the same.

"Hello," she greets warmly, before carefully taking her seat in the fourth chair. To her left sits a girl in a delicate white dress, her dark hair tucked neatly behind her ear. To her right, a girl in a blue dress sits with her hands neatly folded in her lap.

________

The camera pans to Im Hye In as she steps into the spotlight, her warm smile radiating through the screen. She greets the crew with a polite nod before turning to face the camera, her excitement evident in her bright eyes.

"Hi, everyone! My name is Im Hye In, and I'm so excited to be here!" she says, her voice light and cheerful. "I hope you'll enjoy watching my love journey unfold because, honestly, I have no idea where it's going to lead!"

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a small chuckle escaping as she continues.

"If I had to describe myself, I'd say I'm a little bubbly once you get to know me. But I know that energy isn't for everyone, so I'd love to meet someone who can balance me out someone steady and calm but still fun."

Cut to a clip of her flipping through a planner, carefully highlighting dates.

"I like having a routine. It keeps me grounded, but... maybe it also makes me a little predictable." she admits with a sheepish smile. "That's why I hope to meet someone who's a bit more spontaneous someone who can surprise me and pull me out of my comfort zone."

A soft transition to her sitting in a cozy bookstore, eyes scanning the pages of a novel, completely lost in the story.

"I've been single for about a year and a half. My schedule is so packed that dating has felt impossible... but maybe being here will change that."

She tilts her head slightly, her expression turning playful.

"Whenever I'm stressed, I read. It helps me escape reality for a little while. And yes, I mostly read romance because what can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic at heart."

She leans in slightly, her tone full of excitement.

"I don't know what's going to happen on this show, but I'm ready to find out! Fingers crossed!"

She flashes one last bright smile before the screen fades, the show's logo appearing.

________

As Hye In settles in, she can feel the weight of their gazes on her. Their curiosity is palpable, though no one speaks immediately. She exhales softly, forcing a small chuckle, before lifting a hand to fan herself.

"Wow, it's so hot," she mutters, breaking the silence.

The girl in white beside her lets out a light laugh, nodding. "The heat is unbearable," she agrees, glancing toward the sky as if blaming the sun itself.

Just as the mood begins to lighten, the girl in the blue dress speaks, her voice carrying a confident edge. "It looks like that's the end of the introductions."

A girl across dressed in a black and white dress, nods in agreement. "It seems like it's only us for now."

The conversation quickly shifts as the girls begin to speculate about what's to come. Some wonder how many contestants there will be in total, while others discuss potential challenges or twists that might unfold.

"I hope we get to meet the guys soon," one girl muses, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "I'm so curious about them."

Another girl hums thoughtfully. "I wonder how they'll introduce themselves. Do you think they'll be as nervous as we are?"

Hye In listens intently, offering small nods and smiles as she absorbs the conversation. She feels a mix of excitement and nerves, but before she can dwell on it for too long, the girl beside her in the white dress suddenly straightens in her seat.

"There's a guy coming," she announces, eyes locked on the entrance.

At once, all the girls turn toward the direction she's looking, their attention shifting to the figure approaching.

A man strides toward them, his posture relaxed but assured. He's tall, broad-shouldered, and well-dressed, exuding quiet confidence with each step. As he reaches them, he bows politely in greeting. The girls, almost in sync, rise to return the gesture.

Before anyone can introduce themselves, a voice suddenly cuts through the air calm yet authoritative, echoing from the speaker system.

"Ladies, please stand."

The group exchanges glances, momentarily surprised, but they comply without hesitation. The tension thickens, anticipation hanging in the air as they wait for the next instruction.

"We will now be matching couples for the Paradise Date,"

Hushed murmurs break out among the girls, their expressions shifting from curiosity to confusion. Hye In feels her heart skip a beat. She had expected some form of pairing process, but for it to happen so soon catches her off guard.

"Paradise Date?" one girl whispers, eyes flickering between the others.

The speaker continues, leaving no time for further discussion.

"As the first-place male contestant, you have the privilege of choosing the girl you would like to go on a date with."

A hush falls over the group. Eyes widen. Confusion, surprise, and curiosity ripple through the contestants as they process the unexpected announcement.

Hye In glances at the man in front of them. First place? That meant he had already won some sort of competition before they had even arrived. Her mind races with questions. What kind of challenge did he go through to earn this advantage? And more importantly who will he choose?

The atmosphere shifts, a mix of excitement and nervousness filling the space. Some girls exchange quick, unreadable glances. Others keep their focus solely on him, waiting to see his reaction.

The man's expression remains composed, though there's the faintest hint of amusement in his gaze as he scans the group. He takes his time, as if carefully considering his options.

Hye In swallows, pressing her lips together. She tells herself she won't overthink it after all, it's just a date. But as the silence stretches, she can't deny the sudden anticipation bubbling within her.

The golden sunlight bathes the contestants as a soft ocean breeze rustles through the palm trees.

The tension in the air is palpable as the first male contestant stands before the seated girls, his eyes scanning them with an unreadable expression. The only sound is the distant waves crashing against the shore and the occasional chirp of birds overhead.

The silence stretches uncomfortably, making it clear that he is taking his time. His gaze moves deliberately from one girl to the next, lingering just long enough to make each of them shift slightly in their seats.

Suddenly, a soft giggle breaks the silence.

All eyes snap to the girl in the first seat, her lips curled into an amused smile as she covers her mouth with her hand. The unexpected sound startles even the man in front of them, his expression flickering with brief confusion.

"It's kind of awkward that you're just staring at us like that," she says, her voice light and teasing, though her amusement is genuine.

The tension dissolves slightly as a few of the girls chuckle along with her. The man, realizing how he must look, lets out a short laugh of his own before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Ah, I'm sorry," he says, shaking his head. "I guess I'm just a little nervous."

A few nods of understanding pass between the girls. The first girl tilts her head, waiting expectantly, and he takes a steady breath before scanning them once more. This time, his gaze lingers on her for a second longer.

"I'll pick..." he trails off briefly before pointing at her. "You."

The first girl raises her brows, momentarily surprised, but quickly recovers with a graceful smile. The speaker crackles to life, cutting through the murmurs.

"First place winner you have made your choice. You may now leave for Paradise together."

The rest of the girls watch as the newly paired couple exchanges a few polite words before walking off toward the designated area. Their departure leaves a noticeable void in the group, and for the first time, the girls truly process what is happening.

The remaining five glance at one another, their expressions a mixture of amusement and mild unease.

"Is this how the whole experience is going to be?" one of them mutters, crossing her arms.

"It feels so sudden," another chimes in, shaking her head.

Before anyone can answer, movement at the entrance catches their attention.

A second male contestant strides toward them. He is taller than the first and carried himself with confidence. His build is lean yet strong, and his sharp features are accentuated by his neatly styled hair. He looks composed as he approaches, his gaze flickering between the girls.

The girls rise once more to greet him, bowing politely. He returns the gesture, his expression unreadable.

Once again, the speaker interrupts.

"As the second-place contestant, you may now choose your partner for Paradise."

A beat of silence follows. The new arrival takes a slow, measured look around the remaining five girls, his expression giving nothing away. His eyes land momentarily on Hye In, but after a brief hesitation, they move past her.

Instead, he settles on the girl in the white dress beside her.

"I choose you," he says simply.

The girl in white blinks, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Then, as if snapping back to reality, she nods and stands gracefully.

The speaker confirms the match.

"Second place winner you have made your choice. You may now leave for Paradise together."

Once again, the group watches as another pair walks away. Hye In releases a quiet breath, shifting slightly in her seat as the remaining four girls return to their places.

"Maybe there won't be another contestant," one of them muses, adjusting her dress.

"Or maybe they're making us wait on purpose," another suggests, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

Hye In listens, but her thoughts are interrupted when she notices another figure approaching.

The air seems to shift the moment he comes into view.

Her breath catches slightly as she takes in his features.

Tall. Broad shoulders. His black shirt fits him effortlessly, the sleeves hugging his toned arms, while his dark hair falls slightly over his forehead in a way that makes him look effortlessly cool. But what truly captures her attention is the small mole at the tip of his nose.

Her eyes linger on it for a moment longer than she intends.

The others notice him too, their attention snapping toward him as he closes the distance. There's a quiet intensity in his presence something about the way he carries himself is both intriguing and intimidating.

Hye In realizes she's staring and quickly looks away, but the moment is brief.

As he reaches them, the girls rise once more, bowing in greeting. He bows in return, his expression composed.

The speaker wastes no time.

"As the third-place contestant, you must now choose who to take to Paradise."

All eyes are on him now.

He remains still, his gaze moving slowly across the girls in front of him.

Then, his eyes meet Hye In's.

Her heart skips, just once.

She doesn't know why, but there's something different in the way he looks at her. It's brief, but there's a flicker of something in his expression before he schools it back into neutrality.

His lips press into a tight-lipped smile, almost as if he's hesitant about what he's about to say. Then, he lifts his hand slightly, motioning toward her.

"The second girl," he says.

It takes a second for it to register.

He means her.

Hye In's eyes widen slightly, but she quickly masks her surprise with a composed smile. The other girls glance at her, some with curiosity, others with unreadable expressions.

The speaker confirms the match.

Third place winner you have made your choice You may now leave for Paradise together."

Hye In exhales softly before stepping forward, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. As she moves to join him, she dares one last glance at his face.

The mole at the tip of his nose stands out once again.

She hadn't expected to be chosen so soon. But as they walk away together, one thought lingers in her mind.

As they make their way toward the helicopter, the warm evening air carries the soft hum of waves crashing against the shore. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a glow over the sand, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Hye In steals a glance at Ahn Hyun Jin, taking in his sharp yet relaxed features. He walks with an effortless ease, his posture straight but not rigid, exuding a quiet confidence that intrigues her.

Feeling the need to break the silence, she turns slightly toward him with a bright smile. "By the way, my name is Im Hye In," she says, her voice light and cheerful.

Hyun Jin looks at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before he nods. "Ahn Hyun Jin," he introduces himself in return, his deep voice steady but not unfriendly.

___________

The camera slowly zooms in as Ahn Hyun Jin steps into the spotlight, his posture relaxed but composed. He offers a tight-lipped smile, his eyes holding a quiet confidence as he looks directly into the lens.

"Hi, I'm Ahn Hyun Jin." His voice is calm and steady. "I'm here looking for someone I can love and who will love me the same in return. I hope to find that kind of connection here... but if I don't, that's okay. At the very least, I hope to walk away with some good friends."

A brief pause as he exhales softly, glancing to the side before continuing.

"I'm a pretty reserved person, so I'd like to meet someone who can help me step out of my shell a little more. I'm not the type to rush things, I just go at my own pace and let things happen naturally."

Cut to a scene of him sketching in a quiet café, earphones in, his fingers effortlessly gliding across the page.

"I think I'm a calm person. I don't like unnecessary pressure, and I believe in taking my time with things. But at the same time..." he hesitates briefly, a small, knowing smile forming, "I can be a little too honest sometimes. I say what I think, and I know that can rub people the wrong way. But I'd rather be upfront than pretend to be someone I'm not."

A shot of him leaning back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful.

"I've been single for about nine months now. I think this time, I want something completely different from my last relationship."

The background music softens as the scene transitions to him sitting by a window, sketchbook open, music playing in his headphones.

"In my free time, I listen to music and draw, it helps me clear my head." He tilts his head slightly, the corners of his lips curving up just a bit. "Maybe this time, I'll be drawing something, or someone, new."
___________

Hye In tilts her head, letting his name roll off her tongue once before grinning. "I like your name," she comments, her tone warm and sincere.

For the first time since they started walking, Hyun Jin's lips twitch into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Thank you," he replies simply.

Their conversation is interrupted as Hye In's heel suddenly gets caught in the uneven wooden planks lining the sandy path. She stumbles slightly, quickly catching herself, but she knows she won't make it to the helicopter without struggling the entire way. She hesitates for a second, glancing at Hyun Jin, before finally speaking up.

"Um... would it be okay if I held onto you?" she asks, her voice softer than before.

Hyun Jin looks at her, his dark eyes scanning her expression before dropping to her feet. He notices the way she's carefully stepping, trying to avoid another mishap, and without a word, he extends his hand toward her.

Hye In blinks at the silent gesture before reaching out, her fingers curling around his. His grip is steady but not overly firm, just enough to keep her balanced as they continue walking side by side. "Thanks," she says, feeling warmth creep up her neck at the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

Hyun Jin simply nods, his gaze flickering to her for a brief second before he returns his focus forward.

As they walk, Hye In's curiosity gets the best of her. "So... how did you and the other guys make it out of Inferno?" she asks, tilting her head toward him.

Hyun Jin glances at her before responding. "There was a challenge in the boys' Inferno," he says matter-of-factly.

Hye In's eyes widen. "Wait—there's a boys' Inferno?" she exclaims, looking genuinely surprised.

A hint of amusement flashes in Hyun Jin's eyes at her reaction. "Yeah," he confirms.

Hye In shakes her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I thought we were the only ones suffering in the heat," she jokes.

Before Hyun Jin can respond, they arrive at the helicopter base, where the other two couples are already waiting. The large aircraft sits before them, the powerful blades still for now but ready to take off at any moment.

Hye In's bright eyes immediately find the other contestants, and she offers them a cheerful wave. "Hey!" she greets, flashing them a warm smile.

The others return her greeting, though their attention soon shifts to the towering machine before them. As they prepare to board, Hye In carefully steps in, settling into her seat beside Hyun Jin. She reaches for the seatbelt, but after a few seconds of struggling, she lets out a quiet sigh of frustration.

Noticing her struggle, Hyun Jin wordlessly leans over, his hands easily securing the belt in place. Their proximity catches Hye In off guard, and she feels her cheeks heat up slightly.

"Ah... thank you," she murmurs, lowering her gaze.

Hyun Jin simply nods before handing her the set of noise-canceling headphones. She accepts them, offering a small smile as she adjusts them over her ears.

As the helicopter blades start spinning, a slight tremor runs through the aircraft, and Hye In instinctively grips the seat's armrest. She presses her lips together, trying not to let her discomfort show, but Hyun Jin notices.

He studies her for a second before quietly extending his hand toward her. "If you're scared," he says, his voice calm and steady, "you can squeeze my hand."

Hye In looks at him, surprised by the unexpected kindness. For a moment, she hesitates, her eyes flickering between his face and his outstretched hand. Then, just as the helicopter begins to lift off the ground, she reaches out, slipping her hand into his.

The aircraft ascends into the sky, the island below growing smaller and smaller, but all Hye In can focus on is the warmth of Hyun Jin's hand in hers. As the wind howls around them, she grips his hand just a little tighter, finding comfort in the silent reassurance he offers.

________

________

The dim lighting of the hotel dining room casts a warm glow over the table, the soft hum of music playing in the background. Hye In watches with an amused smile as Hyun Jin carefully slices the steak, his movements precise yet effortless. He places a neatly cut piece onto her plate before reaching for the burger in front of them. With the same methodical care, he cuts it into four equal quarters, setting one onto her plate. Without a word, he gestures for her to eat.

She looks at him with a grateful smile. "Thanks," she says softly before picking up her fork and knife. She spears a piece of steak and takes a bite, her teeth sinking into the tender meat. The moment the flavor bursts on her tongue, her eyes widen in pure delight.

Hyun Jin, who had been quietly watching her, lets out a small chuckle at her reaction. "Is it that good?" he asks, an amused glint in his eyes.

Hye In nods enthusiastically, still chewing. After swallowing, she quickly insists, "You have to try it."

"I will," he replies, glancing down as he continues cutting the rest of the steak into smaller pieces.

But Hye In shakes her head, unwilling to wait. She picks up another piece with her fork and holds it up toward him, her eyes expectant.

Hyun Jin raises a brow but leans forward slightly, taking the bite from her fork without hesitation. He chews thoughtfully before nodding. "It's good," he admits.

Hye In watches him closely. "Do you really like it?" she asks, tilting her head slightly.

He nods again, this time with a small smile. "It's delicious."

Satisfied with his answer, she grins and goes back to eating. As they continue their meal, she occasionally feeds him another bite, alternating between the steak and the burger, while he continues cutting the meat with ease.

Once he finishes cutting, he places his utensils down and looks at her. "How old are you?" he asks suddenly, his tone casual but curious.

Hye In chews her food thoughtfully before swallowing. "Guess," she challenges, resting her elbows on the table as she looks at him expectantly.

Hyun Jin hums, leaning back in his chair. "Give me a hint."

She taps her chin, pretending to think hard before finally answering. "I was born in the Year of the Rabbit."

He nods at the clue, his lips curling slightly as if deep in thought. Then, with a completely straight face, he says, "So... thirty-seven?"

Hye In gasps dramatically, her eyes widening in pure shock as she stares at him in disbelief. "Thirty-seven?!" she exclaims, placing a hand over her chest as if deeply offended.

Hyun Jin bursts into laughter at her reaction, his shoulders shaking as he watches her glare at him.

She points at him with her fork. "Do I look thirty-seven to you?" she demands, her voice filled with exaggerated disbelief.

He shakes his head, still chuckling. "No, no," he reassures her. "You're twenty-five, right?"

She narrows her eyes at him before finally nodding. "You're lucky you got it right," she mutters playfully before taking another bite of her food.

Hyun Jin watches her with a satisfied smirk before nodding toward her. "Alright, your turn," he says.

Hye In perks up. "I get to guess your age now?"

He nods, resting his chin on his hand as he waits.

She squints her eyes dramatically as if analyzing every feature of his face.

Hyun Jin watches her in amusement before tilting his head. "Is that really going to help?" he asks, raising a brow.

Hye In huffs. "Shh, I'm focusing," she insists, keeping her gaze locked on him.

He smirks but remains silent, waiting for her answer.

After a few seconds of deep thought, she finally speaks. "You're twenty-seven."

A small smile tugs at his lips as he nods. "That's right."

Hye In's face lights up in triumph. "I knew it!" she exclaims, immediately holding out her hand for a high five.

Hyun Jin looks at her outstretched hand and raises a brow. "What are you doing?"

She blinks at him. "Holding my hand up for a high five," she says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

He chuckles, shaking his head slightly before finally lifting his hand to meet hers in a gentle high five. The soft sound of their palms meeting makes her smile wider.

"See? That wasn't so hard," she teases.

Hyun Jin smirks. "I just wasn't expecting it."

"You should always expect a high five when I get something right," she declares, taking another bite of her food.

He watches her for a moment before nodding. "Noted."

As they continue eating, the atmosphere between them feels even more comfortable. Hye In finds herself smiling more, enjoying the lighthearted conversation and the natural way they fall into an easy rhythm. Hyun Jin, usually reserved, seems to be opening up little by little.

As they continue eating, Hye In suddenly stops mid-bite, her fork hovering in the air as a realization dawns on her. Her eyes widen slightly before she carefully places her utensils down.

Hyun Jin, noticing the shift in her expression, tilts his head slightly. "What's wrong?" he asks, watching as she straightens in her chair.

She lets out a small laugh, shaking her head. "I just realized... we haven't talked about what we do for work."

Hyun Jin raises an eyebrow, as if surprised. "That's true," he admits, leaning back slightly.

Hye In hesitates for a moment before looking at him with a hopeful expression. "Since we're in Paradise, can we speak casually?"

A small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. "Of course," he says easily.

Hye In lets out a relieved sigh, relaxing into her seat. "Good, that makes things easier," she says with a grin. "So... what do you do?"

Hyun Jin sets his utensils down and rests his arms on the table. "I'm a producer and songwriter," he answers simply, his voice calm and composed.

Hye In's eyes widen in awe, her lips parting slightly. "Wait, really?" she asks, leaning forward slightly.

He nods. "Yeah."

Immediately, she claps her hands together, looking genuinely impressed. "That's so cool!" she exclaims.

Hyun Jin lets out a soft chuckle at her reaction, shaking his head slightly. "It's not that impressive," he says modestly.

"It is impressive," she insists, her eyes shining. "You must be super talented."

Hyun Jin looks down for a moment, a small but genuine smile playing on his lips. "Thank you," he says, his voice softer.

Hye In nods enthusiastically before motioning toward herself. "Okay, your turn to guess my job."

He studies her for a moment, his eyes scanning her face. "Hmm," he hums, tilting his head. "You look like someone who works in the creative field."

She gives him an approving nod. "Good start."

"Fashion?" he guesses, his gaze flickering to the stylish outfit she's wearing.

She grins. "Close."

Hyun Jin thinks for a moment longer before his expression shifts. "Are you a stylist?" he asks.

Hye In's smile widens as she nods. "Bingo!" she says, pointing at him.

He nods, clearly intrigued. "What area do you work in?"

"I mostly work with idol groups," she explains, twirling her fork between her fingers. "I style Enhypen and LE SSERAFIM most of the time."

Hyun Jin raises his eyebrows slightly. "Idols, huh?"

She nods. "Yep."

"That sounds like a busy job," he comments.

Hye In sighs, pretending to wipe sweat off her forehead. "You have no idea," she says dramatically. "Comebacks, music show performances, award shows... it never stops."

Hyun Jin chuckles at her reaction. "But you must enjoy it if you're still doing it."

She nods, her expression softening. "I do. It's rewarding seeing my work on stage or in photoshoots. Plus, I get to work with really great people."

Hyun Jin watches her for a moment before nodding. "That's nice," he says sincerely.

Hye In smiles before adding, "I also do YouTube."

His interest piques. "YouTube?"

She nods. "Yeah, I mostly do vlogs. Behind-the-scenes styling, daily life stuff, travel vlogs... things like that."

Hyun Jin leans forward slightly. "That's interesting. How long have you been doing it?"

"About two years now," she answers, taking a sip of her drink. "I started just for fun, but it ended up growing more than I expected."

"That's impressive," he comments, nodding. "So you balance styling and YouTube at the same time?"

She sighs, rubbing her temples jokingly. "Barely," she says with a laugh. "But I try."

Hyun Jin smirks. "You must have really good time management skills."

She shrugs. "I try my best, but sometimes I just wing it."

He chuckles at her honesty. "That makes two of us."

She raises an eyebrow. "Really? A producer who just wings it?"

Hyun Jin grins. "Sometimes, yeah."

Hye In shakes her head, laughing. "That's unexpected."

They continue eating, the conversation flowing easily between them. Hye In finds herself enjoying the natural rhythm of their talk, and Hyun Jin seems more comfortable as well.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Hyun Jin glances at her. "Do you ever get recognized because of YouTube?"

She thinks for a moment before nodding. "Sometimes, yeah. Not a lot, but there are times when people come up to me, especially if they're fans of the groups I style."

"Does it feel weird?" he asks.

"A little," she admits. "But it's also kind of nice. It means people appreciate what I do."

Hyun Jin nods, understanding her perspective. "That makes sense."

Hye In leans her chin on her hand. "What about you? Do people recognize you?"

"Not as much," he replies. "Producers aren't really in the spotlight."

She nods thoughtfully. "That's true, but you still play a huge role in the industry."

He hums in agreement but doesn't say much more about it.

Hye In watches him for a moment before smiling. "I think your job is really cool, though."

Hyun Jin looks at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "And I think yours is cool too."

She grins. "So we're both cool, then?"

He chuckles. "I guess so."

They share a small laugh before returning to their meal, the atmosphere between them lighter than before.

For the first time since arriving in Paradise, Hye In feels like she's truly enjoying herself.

As Hye In takes another bite of her meal, she glances up at Hyun Jin, watching him for a moment before tilting her head slightly. A question lingers on her mind, one she hasn't had the chance to ask yet.

She swallows her food and sets down her fork before speaking. "Can I ask you something?"

Hyun Jin, who had been cutting another piece of steak, looks up at her and nods. "Of course."

She hesitates briefly but then asks, "Why did you pick me?"

Hyun Jin stops for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by the question. He places his utensils down and leans back slightly, his gaze thoughtful. He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a second to gather his thoughts.

After a brief pause, he finally says, "Honestly... you were the most attractive to me." His voice is steady, but there's a certain softness to it.

Hye In blinks at his answer before a small smile tugs at her lips. "Really?" she asks, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Hyun Jin nods. "Yeah. When I was walking in, you were the first person who caught my attention." He leans forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "I wanted to get to know you."

Hye In's lips part slightly at his honesty, and she nods slowly, absorbing his words. "That's... really straightforward," she says with a chuckle.

He shrugs, a small smirk appearing on his lips. "I figured there's no point in lying about it."

She nods again, appreciating his sincerity. Then, after a moment, Hyun Jin lifts a hand and gestures toward himself. "What about me?" he asks, tilting his head slightly. "What was your first impression of me?"

Hye In purses her lips, pretending to think deeply before looking at him with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Hmm... I thought you were really attractive too."

Hyun Jin raises an eyebrow. "Just really attractive?" he asks, playing along with her tone.

She laughs. "Very attractive," she corrects, holding up her fingers as if to emphasize the difference. "Does that make you feel better?"

Hyun Jin chuckles, shaking his head. "Maybe a little."

She studies his features for a moment before adding, "But I think your mole is your most attractive charm."

He blinks, momentarily caught off guard. "My... mole?"

Hye In nods, pointing toward the small mole near his eye. "Yeah. It's really charming," she says with a bright smile.

Hyun Jin lets out a small laugh, his hand instinctively moving to touch the spot she mentioned. "I don't think I've ever had someone say that before."

Hye In tilts her head. "Really? No one's pointed it out?"

He shakes his head. "Not like this."

She watches as he gives a small, almost shy smile, and her own grin widens. "You're getting flustered," she teases, leaning forward slightly.

Hyun Jin chuckles but doesn't deny it. "I'm just not used to someone saying it so directly," he admits.

Hye In laughs at that. "You act like you don't know you're attractive," she says, shaking her head in amusement.

Hyun Jin glances at her with a smirk. "I mean... I hear it sometimes," he says, his voice laced with humor. "But usually not like this."

Hye In leans her chin on her hand, studying him with an amused expression. "So, you do know it?"

He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess?"

She grins. "Then why do you look so shy about it?"

Hyun Jin lets out a small sigh, shaking his head. "Because it's different when someone says it to your face."

Hye In laughs again, her shoulders shaking slightly. "I get that," she admits. "It's one thing to hear it in passing, but another when someone just says it."

He nods in agreement, a small smile still lingering on his lips.

After a moment, she reaches for her drink, taking a sip before setting it down. "Well, I'll say it again," she says playfully. "You're attractive."

Hyun Jin groans lightly, covering his face for a second before peeking at her through his fingers. "Are you just doing this to see me react?"

Hye In laughs. "Maybe a little," she admits.

He shakes his head, but he's smiling. "You're having too much fun with this."

She grins. "I really am."

Hyun Jin sighs dramatically. "This is unfair."

Hye In raises an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because I'm not used to losing," he says with a smirk.

She scoffs playfully. "Oh? So this is a game now?"

He leans back, folding his arms across his chest. "Everything can be a game if you look at it the right way."

Hye In narrows her eyes at him before sitting up straight. "Fine," she declares. "Then I'll win."

Hyun Jin raises an eyebrow. "And how do you plan on doing that?"

She leans forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. "By making you flustered again."

Hyun Jin chuckles, shaking his head. "You're really competitive, huh?"

She shrugs with a playful smile. "Maybe."

They continue their playful banter, the atmosphere between them light and comfortable. Hye In finds herself genuinely enjoying their conversation, and Hyun Jin seems just as engaged.

After a few more moments, Hyun Jin takes another bite of his food before glancing at her. "So, since we're being honest here," he starts, setting his fork down, "what's something you're looking for in a partner?"

Hye In thinks for a moment before answering. "Someone who makes me feel comfortable," she says simply. "Someone I can be myself around without feeling like I have to try too hard."

Hyun Jin nods thoughtfully. "That makes sense."

She tilts her head. "What about you?"

He considers for a second before responding. "Someone who can match my energy," he says. "But also someone I can talk to easily."

Hye In smiles. "Well, I think we've got the 'talking easily' part down."

He chuckles. "Yeah, I'd say so."

They share another look, a quiet understanding passing between them. Though they've only just started getting to know each other, the connection between them is already starting to feel natural.

After finishing their dinner, Hyun Jin and Hye In move toward the living room, taking their plates with them. The atmosphere between them remains lighthearted as they settle onto the plush couch, placing a small plate of cheesecake between them.

Hye In picks up a fork and slices into the cheesecake, taking a small bite before humming in satisfaction. "It's good," she says, nodding her approval. She then holds her fork out toward Hyun Jin, offering him a bite.

He leans forward slightly, accepting the food. "Mm," he hums in agreement after swallowing. "It's really good."

They continue sharing the dessert in comfortable silence for a few moments before Hye In glances at him. "So," she begins, "what's your life like outside of here?"

Hyun Jin leans back against the couch, resting his arm along the backrest as he thinks. "If I'm not working, then I'm usually drawing."

Hye In's eyebrows raise in surprise. "You can draw?"

He nods. "Yeah, but only as a hobby. It's nothing serious."

She looks at him in awe. "That's so cool. I wish I could draw."

Hyun Jin tilts his head. "You can't?"

Hye In laughs, shaking her head. "Nope. I draw like a three-year-old. Stick figures and all."

Hyun Jin chuckles. "So no fancy portraits?"

"Not even close," she says, grinning. "I prefer coloring. At least that way, I can stay in the lines."

He laughs at her honesty before nodding. "Coloring is fun too."

They take turns feeding each other more bites of the cheesecake before he adds, "I also listen to music a lot. It helps me get inspiration and ideas for my next work."

Hye In raises an eyebrow. "So... you're basically still working?"

Hyun Jin pauses, then lets out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

She smirks. "Workaholic tendencies?"

He shrugs. "Maybe."

She nods in understanding. "I get that, though. It's hard to completely switch off sometimes."

He looks at her curiously. "What about you? What do you do when you're not working?"

Hye In purses her lips in thought, staring up at the ceiling as she tries to recall.

Hyun Jin watches her struggle and laughs. "What's taking you so long?"

She groans dramatically. "I'm trying to remember because I'm always working."

Hyun Jin shakes his head in amusement. "That's not good."

She pouts slightly. "I know."

After a few seconds, she finally answers, "I read a lot, especially when I'm in the waiting rooms at music shows. It helps pass the time."

Hyun Jin nods, intrigued. "What kind of books?"

"Mostly romance," she admits, "but sometimes thrillers too."

He smirks. "Romance, huh?"

She narrows her eyes playfully. "What's with that tone?"

He chuckles. "Nothing. Just interesting."

She rolls her eyes before continuing, "Oh, and I have a huge shopping addiction."

Hyun Jin raises an eyebrow. "How bad is 'huge'?"

"I can't go into a store without buying something," she confesses, laughing.

Hyun Jin grins. "That is bad."

"I know," she says, shaking her head. "I tell myself I'll just browse, but somehow I always end up at the cashier."

Hyun Jin chuckles. "Retail therapy at its finest."

They continue chatting, sharing stories and small details about their lives until they eventually decide to move to the bedroom.

As they enter, they settle down in their respective beds, each lying back against the pillows. A comfortable silence stretches between them, both taking a moment to recharge their energy after the long day.

Hye In shifts slightly, adjusting her position as she stares up at the ceiling. The atmosphere feels calm, peaceful even.

Then, Hyun Jin's voice breaks the silence. "What do you think will happen tomorrow?"

Hye In hums in thought before answering, "Maybe the two Infernos will merge."

Hyun Jin turns his head to look at her. "You think so?"

She nods. "It makes sense. We've been separated for long enough."

He considers this before asking, "Do you think there'll be another challenge?"

Hye In nods again. "Probably. Since the men had their challenge, I think it might be the women's turn now."

Hyun Jin lets out a thoughtful hum. "That could be interesting."

She glances at him. "Are you nervous?"

He chuckles. "Should I be?"

She shrugs. "Depends on what the challenge is."

They continue talking, speculating about what the next day might bring, before eventually deciding to sleep.

"Goodnight, Hyun Jin," Hye In murmurs, her voice soft.

"Goodnight, Hye In," he replies.

As the room falls into silence, both of them slowly drift off to sleep, their conversation lingering in their minds.