SEASON TWO!
SEASON TWO!
SEASON TWO!

CHAPTER FOUR:
Jealousy?

THE HELICOPTER'S BLADES WHIRRED ABOVE US, whipping my hair into a mess as we stepped out onto the rocky ledge of Single's Inferno. Jinyoung was already ahead of me, his figure effortlessly commanding attention as he slung his black duffle bag over one shoulder. In his other hand, he held my Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50, carrying it like it weighed nothing. The contrast of his rugged presence with my polished designer bag shouldn't have been as attractive as it was, but here we were.

The steps down to the main beach were uneven, a mix of stone and sand that required careful navigation. Jinyoung walked ahead, his broad shoulders and confident stride making the descent seem easy. I followed just behind him, one hand brushing my hair out of my face and the other gripping the railing for balance.

"Careful," he called over his shoulder, glancing back at me with a faint smirk. His gaze swept over me in a way that made my cheeks flush despite the heat of the sun.

"I'm fine," I replied, my voice steady, though my heart wasn't.

As we reached the bottom, the familiar sight of the pitfire and tents came into view. The atmosphere was lighter than usual, but the moment Jinyoung and I appeared, I felt the shift—the way eyes flickered toward us, curiosity brewing under the surface.

Unbothered, Jinyoung adjusted his grip on the bags, carrying them like a gentleman escorting his date. I couldn't help but glance at him, noting how effortlessly he navigated the terrain, as if the weight of the bags—and the attention—didn't faze him at all.

When we reached the women's tent, he stopped just outside the entrance, turning to face me. His dark eyes locked onto mine, his intensity as unrelenting as ever. He held out my bag, the straps dangling from his fingers.

"Don't go too far," he murmured, his voice low and rough, carrying a weight that made my breath hitch.

There it was again—that feeling that his words weren't just about the distance between tents. It was a reminder, a warning, and a promise all wrapped into one.

I hummed softly, nodding as I stepped closer. Our fingers brushed when I took the bag from him, the brief contact sending a jolt of awareness through me. His lips quirted into a faint smirk, as if he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

"Thanks," I said, my voice quieter than I intended.

Jinyoung held my gaze for a second longer, then turned without another word, heading toward the men's tent. His broad back disappeared behind the fabric, leaving me standing there with my heart racing and my bag clutched tightly in my hand.

"There they are!" Sejeong said excitedly, clapping her hands together.

Seulki's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between us. "Yoori, Soe, did you have a good time?"

I nodded, smiling as I made my way to my bed beside Seulki's. Sitting down, I placed my bag carefully at the foot of it. "It was nice," I replied simply, though the memories of the last twenty-four hours were anything but simple.

Sejeong, however, wasn't letting things slide. Her sharp eyes zeroed in on Soe's oversized jacket. "What's with that jacket? Haven't seen it before," she asked, her voice teasing as she gestured at Soe.

I couldn't help but laugh, leaning back against the bed frame. "We were on the helicopter," I began, glancing at Soe, who blushed slightly. "And Sejun was like, 'You cold?' and Soe was like"—I mimicked a shy nod, making everyone laugh—"and he gave her his jacket!"

The girls erupted into giggles and squeals, the sound filling the tent.

"Oh my god!" Sejeong exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

Seulki grinned, leaning forward. "How was it?" she asked Soe, clearly dying for details.

"I'm curious too," Sejeong added, her excitement palpable.

Soeun gave Soe a soft smile. "You look so nice, though," she said sweetly, eyeing how the jacket swamped Soe's petite frame.

Soe giggled, her cheeks turning pink. "I slept really well, so that was nice," she said in her soft, shy voice. "And we both like dessert so much that we ate three cakes."

"Three cakes?" Seulki repeated, her eyebrows lifting in surprise.

Soeun laughed softly. "You both like desserts," she said warmly before turning her attention to me. "Now, Yoori, how was it?"

I glanced up, meeting her expectant gaze. "It was good, yeah," I said with a small smile. "We were both really comfortable, so I really enjoyed myself yesterday."

But Sejeong wasn't letting me off that easily. "You enjoyed yourself only?" she teased, her grin mischievous. "Or did you also enjoy Jinyoung's presence?"

The girls erupted into giggles again, their curiosity like a tidal wave that couldn't be stopped.

I tried to keep my composure, but my lips quirked into a smile. "I enjoyed myself," I said simply, laughter bubbling in my chest.

The girls burst out laughing at my carefully worded answer, their teasing only intensifying.

Seulki nudged me lightly. "Uh-huh, sure," she said, her tone playful.

Sejeong leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "The smile on your face says otherwise, Yoori."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, laughing as I reached for a pillow to toss at her.

The room was filled with our laughter and teasing, the bond between us making the tent feel warmer than the tropical island outside. If there was one thing about this experience, it was the way moments like this felt like stolen pieces of normalcy amid the whirlwind of Inferno.

Tin tin tin. The sound echoed across the island, slicing through the lazy midmorning air. The faint rustle of the waves against the shore provided a gentle backdrop to the sudden announcement.

"The hottest inferno in the world, Single's Inferno. Soon, you will play a game to win an opportunity to go on a date in paradise. Participants, please come to the beach." It's heard through the speakers from outside the tent, and again, the tin tin tin is heard

I sighed, flopping back onto the bed dramatically, my arms spread out as I stared at the ceiling. "Here we go again," I muttered, feeling the collective groan from everyone in the tent.

Sejeong chuckled, pulling herself up from her bed. "Time to play 'Who Wants a Romantic Getaway?'" she teased, already reaching for her outfit change.

Seulki tossed a pillow at me with a laugh. "Come on, Yoori. It's just one game. Think of it as cardio."

"Cardio in this heat? Great," I shot back, sitting up and stretching my arms.

Soe, ever the optimist, chimed in, "But the prize is paradise! Totally worth it, right?"

"Only if it comes with an air conditioner and room service," I said with a smirk, grabbing my bag to pull out an outfit.

We all began moving around the tent, changing into something more appropriate for whatever physical torture awaited us on the beach. I opted for a sleek yet practical black two-piece set, pairing it with a cropped tank top that wouldn't betray me during any sudden movements.

I walked with Seulki clinging to my arm, her head lightly resting on my shoulder as we headed toward the beach. The sand shifted beneath my feet, soft but slightly damp from the morning mist. The closer we got, the more I could feel the nervous energy building in the air. We joined the other girls, positioning ourselves in a neat line, while the boys settled on the opposite side, creating a subtle but undeniable divide.

My gaze traveled forward, and I tilted my head, staring at the setup. A large mud pool glistened in front of the boys, while a circle of sand marked the battlefield in front of us. Memories of my morning Pilates classes flickered in my mind.

tin tin tin

The voice of the host filled the air, crisp and direct: "Now, we will begin the female contestants' game for the chance to win an opportunity to go on a date in paradise."

I hummed lightly, glancing at my acrylic nails, their shiny coat practically mocking me. Guess I'd have to break a few today. Hate this already.

Sejeong let out a soft laugh, laced with nervousness. "Female game," she echoed mockingly, her unease barely hidden.

The host continued, unbothered by our reactions. "Only the first, second, and third-place winners of the game can choose a male participant to go on a date in paradise with."

Soeun's eyes widened slightly. "Three get to go?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"If there's an overlap, we can't go?" Soe tilted her head, her tone innocent but apprehensive.

Nadine's sharp voice cut through. "First place will choose first."

I tilted my head, her words sinking in. The realization hit me: If the guy I want to go to paradise with is already chosen, I'll have no choice but to pick someone else. Plan A, Plan B, Plan C... fantastic.

The host didn't skip a beat. "Today's game is... Korean wrestling."

My head snapped to Seulki, whose wide eyes mirrored my own. We stared at each other in mutual disbelief. This wasn't just a game—it was war. And here I thought only men were obligated to go to war and the military.

"No way!" Soeun gasped, her disbelief clear.

"Woah!" Nadine's tone carried a hint of amusement, though her brows furrowed slightly.

The host elaborated: "First, the female contestants are to choose a ball from the black box in front of you. People who choose the same-coloured ball will be duelling each other."

A collective murmur of surprise rippled through our group.

"That's tough," Hanbin commented from the boys' side, his gaze shifting toward us.

The host pressed on, ignoring the reactions. "First, second, and third place will be determined by how fast the winners eliminate their opponents."

"That's rough... and mean," I muttered, pouting slightly.

"So you have to end the match fast," Jinyoung observed, his voice calm but serious.

Hanbin added, "So they have to be aggressive."

The host's voice came again, crisp and commanding: "Now, choose your ball."

Hanbin stepped forward, the black box clutched in his hands as he walked toward us. He leaned the box toward Seulki first, allowing her to pick. She reached in and pulled out a red ball.

Next, it was my turn. I grabbed a green ball.

Soe reached in after me, drawing a red ball—putting her against Seulki.

Sejeong grabbed a green ball, and our eyes met as realization dawned. We both burst into laughter, knowing our match was going to be hell.

Soeun and Nadine each pulled a yellow ball, sealing their fate as opponents.

I chuckled to myself. Let the Hunger Games begin.

The first match started with Seulki and Soe stepping into the sand circle. Both of them were evenly matched, gripping the red ropes wrapped around each other's wrists and thighs. Their movements were careful, and calculated, each trying to destabilize the other.

Finally, after an intense struggle, Soe shifted her weight just right, causing Seulki to stumble. Seulki fell backwards, and Soe followed, landing on top of her and securing her win.

My turn.

I took a deep breath as I stepped forward, my sandalled feet brushing against the rough ground. Pulling my hair into a high ponytail, I could feel eyes on me—specifically, Jinyoung's gaze.

Yoongjae chuckled lightly. "Tough match."

"The expectation is high," Jinyoung added, his voice calm but edged with anticipation.

I positioned myself in the ring, facing Sejeong. We both grabbed the ropes around each other's wrists and thighs, the fabric coarse under my fingers. I inhaled deeply, steadying myself.

"You've got this!" the boys called out from their side, their cheers echoing through the air.

"Don't be nervous!" Jongwoo added.

Jinyoung's voice cut through, firm and clear: "It already looks intense."

The whistle blew, sharp and final.

The match began.

Sejeong charges toward me like a freight train, her strength focused entirely on pushing me back and breaking my stance. Her hands grip the blue rope tied around my wrist and thigh, twisting it tightly as she forces me to take one step back into the sand circle. I can hear the tension in the air—the collective murmurs of the boys and the occasional gasps from the girls. My lips curl into a subtle smirk. She's strong, I'll give her that, but strength alone isn't enough here.

"Push harder, Sejeong!" Soeun yells from the sidelines, hyping her up.

Sejeong doubles down, her forehead creased with determination as her body presses into mine, trying to break my balance. I hold my ground, feet rooted in the sand, my thighs flexing as I absorb her momentum. Still gripping her rope, I barely flinch, letting her efforts play out.

"Still standing?" I tease, breathless but amused, as a chuckle escapes my lips.

Jinyoung's voice cuts through the crowd. "She's not even moving!" His comment earns a laugh from Yoongjae.

Sejeong grits her teeth and pushes harder, leaning her weight into me, but all she does is tire herself out. I feel the shift—the moment when her muscles strain a little too much, her footing falters, and her rhythm breaks. This is my opening.

"Alright, my turn," I murmur, low enough for only her to hear.

I tighten my grip on the red rope around her wrist and thigh, plant my left foot firmly into the sand, and twist my body. The movement is sharp and precise, the kind that doesn't waste energy but delivers maximum impact. With one swift pivot, I pull the rope with calculated force and yank her off balance. Sejeong stumbles, her eyes widening in panic as she tries to regain control, but it's too late.

She falls backwards, her body hitting the sand with a dull thud, and because I'm still holding onto her rope, the momentum drags me down too. I land on top of her, my hands braced against the sand on either side of her head. The crowd erupts in cheers and laughter, but all I can hear is Sejeong groaning beneath me.

"Ow," she mutters, her voice barely audible over the noise.

"Sorry about that," I say with a smirk, pushing myself off her and offering a hand. She grabs it, pulling herself up with a huff and a reluctant laugh.

"Don't get cocky," she says, brushing sand off her clothes. "Next time, I'll win."

"Next time, I'll let you try," I tease, giving her a wink before walking back to join the group. My hair's a mess, my nails have taken a hit, and there's sand in places I'd rather not think about, but hey, I won.

The next match begins: Nadine versus Soeun. Nadine moves with precision, her sharp instincts and strength putting Soeun on the defensive almost immediately. Despite Soeun's best efforts, Nadine manages to sweep her off balance with a clean, calculated move. Soeun hits the sand, and the match is over.

The host's voice echoes through the speakers as we regroup. "The results of the women's game to win an opportunity to go on a date in paradise are..."

She pauses for dramatic effect, even though we all know what's coming. "First place: Lee Soe with 6.40 seconds."

We clap as Soe beams, clearly proud of her victory. I give her a big smile, genuinely impressed. She earned it.

"Second place: Lee Nadine with 7.24 seconds," the host announces.

Everyone claps and congratulates Nadine, who shrugs modestly but can't hide the proud grin on her face.

"And third place: Hong Yoori with 7.68 seconds. Congratulations!"

The crowd claps again, and I nod, tilting my head slightly. "Thanks," I say simply, not overly enthusiastic but satisfied with my placement. My eyes flick toward the boys, noting their reactions. Some are impressed, some amused, and Jinyoung—well, he's just smirking like he expected nothing less.

Let the dates begin, I guess, Do you feel me excited? No? Me either

Hanbin's bright smile was contagious as he led me towards the kitchen, his steps bouncing with that undeniable energy he always carried. The evening breeze from the beach brushed against my skin, but my attention momentarily flickered to the scene ahead of us—Jinyoung leaning casually against a railing, deep in conversation with Nadine. His laugh echoed faintly in the distance, and just as his gaze lifted to meet mine, I shifted my eyes forward, walking on without hesitation.

Hanbin, oblivious to the glance exchanged, turned to me with a grin. "I've been waiting for a moment to talk to you alone, you know."

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. "Oh? Should I be flattered or concerned?"

He laughed, the sound bright and full of ease. "Flattered, obviously. Why would you be concerned? Do I look like a suspicious guy?"

We reached the kitchen, the warm glow of the lights creating a cozy contrast to the cool night outside. Hanbin pulled out a chair for me with an exaggerated bow, making me roll my eyes playfully before sitting down. He plopped into the seat beside me, his elbow resting on the counter as he turned to face me fully.

"You're a little too nice, Hanbin," I teased, leaning back slightly. "You've gotta watch out. Someone might take advantage of that."

He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Yoori, are you saying you'd take advantage of me? I thought we were building trust here!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "I don't take advantage. I take initiative. Big difference."

Hanbin tilted his head, pretending to ponder my words. "Interesting. So... you're a leader, not a follower?"

"Exactly," I replied, leaning forward. "And you seem like someone who's always following the sunshine."

He grinned at that, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, if you're leading, then I guess I'm following the right sunshine."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Smooth, but you're trying too hard."

"Am I?" he asked, feigning innocence. "Or am I just naturally like this?"

I gave him a look, arching an eyebrow. "You're definitely trying."

Hanbin laughed again, his voice filling the kitchen with an infectious warmth. "Okay, fine. I admit it. I'm trying because I think you're fun to talk to. Most people don't keep up with me like this."

"Keep up?" I echoed, my tone teasing. "You're not exactly running