CHAPTER ONE:
SHE'S HERE.

I WALK WITH GRACE, each step confident and deliberate, my Valentino heels clicking softly against the island's sun-warmed ground. The delicate fabric of my Miu Miu dress flows with every movement, the soft pastels a stark contrast to the vibrant landscape. The wind tousles my hair gently, but I don't let it break my poise. I'm the focal point of the scene, and I'm more than used to it.

As I approach, the curious eyes of the four people—two guys and two girls—immediately latch onto me. I can feel their gaze, sharp and filled with intrigue, and it only adds to the thrill that pulses through me. After all, I haven't been here long. The others are off on their perfect dates in paradise, and here I am, walking in like I own the place. Something is intoxicating about the attention, the unspoken question hanging in the air: Who is she?

They watch as I draw nearer, their expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity, and I can feel the subtle shift in the energy. It's almost like they weren't expecting me, or maybe they weren't prepared for someone like me to make an entrance.

I reach them, standing tall and poised, taking a moment to let the tension settle. Then, with elegance, I lower myself into a perfect 90-degree bow, my movements fluid and precise. My dress folds around me like a delicate wave, the smile on my face soft yet confident as I rise from the bow.

"Hello," I say with a sweet smile, my voice smooth and warm, the kind that lingers in the air long after. Their gazes flicker between me, surprise and admiration mixed in their expressions. This is exactly where I want them to be.

"Contestants of Single's Inferno, I present you the new contestant, Hong Yoori," a robotic female voice says from the speakers. The voice echoes across the island, cutting through the air like a wave, and for a split second, everything pauses. The words "Hong Yoori" hang in the air, almost like an invitation, drawing every eye to me with an intensity I can feel in my chest.

I stand there, poised, letting the name resonate with its weight. The four in front of me blink in unison, their expressions shifting from surprise to curiosity, then maybe a hint of calculation. They're sizing me up, trying to figure out who I am, what I'm about, and why I've arrived when everyone else is off in their so-called paradise.

"As that," I wave my finger around the island, gesturing to the endless view that surrounds us, "said, I'm Hong Yoori. Pleasure." My voice is sweet, smooth—friendly, but with just the right amount of confidence to make them pause.

The brunette girl, who's got that sun-kissed tan and a body that screams confidence, steps forward first. "I'm Sejeong," she says with a raised brow, clearly assessing me but with a hint of curiosity.

The other girl, the one with the soft black hair who looks like she could melt you with her smile, chimes in next. "I'm Soe," she says sweetly, and there's something about her demeanor that's immediately warm, and inviting.

Next, a boy with glasses—he's hot, no doubt, but not exactly my type—gives me a look before introducing himself. "I'm Yoongjae," he says, and I nod, appreciating the effort to seem approachable, even if his smirk doesn't quite mask the hint of discomfort.

The last guy, in a casual blue t-shirt, seems like the puppy dog type—the kind who's sweet and always wants to make everyone feel at ease. "I'm Joongwoo," he says, and I can't help but notice the way his eyes linger on me for a second too long. It's endearing, but I can't help but wonder what's going on in his head.

They all look at me expectantly, waiting for my next move. Sejeong speaks up, breaking the silence. "The others are on paradise, so your first day is gonna be with us..."

I tilt my head slightly, sensing something unspoken in her words. "In hell?" Yoongjae mutters, trying to add humor to the situation, but it feels like more of a defense mechanism than a joke. I can tell from his expression that he's probably upset—maybe the girl he wanted didn't choose him.

I smile a little, a soft laugh escaping me. "Let me guess, the people you chose went with others?" I say, reading their long faces with ease. At their silent nods, I offer a reassuring smile, my tone light and playful. "Whatever. Hong Yoori is here, and she is about to make this thing funny."

I glance over at Sejeong and Soe, both of them giving off a vibe that makes me want to connect. I'm not here to make enemies; I came to have fun, to make new friends, and maybe even change the tone of this place. A genuine bond is always worth more than the temporary drama, and I can already tell that, with them, I might just have found my starting point.

"You're going to enjoy having me around," I add, my eyes twinkling. "Trust me."

It's not arrogance—just the simple truth.

Joongwoo's eyes light up, and I can tell he's trying to make light of the situation, to add a bit of humour to this otherwise awkward first meeting. "Well, it would make us happy if you told us you know how to cook..."

Joongwoo gives an exaggerated salute, and even Yoongjae cracks a reluctant smile. For the first time, the atmosphere feels lighter, charged with the promise of something new.

I raise an eyebrow at him, my lips curling into a playful smile. "I'm Hong Yoori," I say, accentuating my name with a teasing tone. "I know how to cook. Why, your chef is in paradise?" I glance at the others, letting the subtle jab settle in. If they're all in a bit of a slump, then I'm going to be the one to lift it.

Sejeong chuckles, shaking her head. "Kinda? I mean, we only do what he says..." she trails off with a shrug, clearly not the best chef in the group, but at least she's trying to make light of it.

I give them a sly grin. "Then your day is getting better," I say, leaning in slightly as if I'm sharing a secret. "I know how to cook, but I can't cook with this dress..."

I glance down at my summer Miu Miu dress, the ruffles and delicate fabric so pristine it practically screams don't even think about spilling—a far cry from an apron. The other three chuckles at my dramatic pause, and I can tell they appreciate the light-heartedness. I may be making an entrance, but I know how to ease the tension, how to make them forget that they've been stuck on this island without much to smile about.

Sejeong smiles as she extends her arm toward me, the gesture smooth and welcoming. "Let's change then," she says with a playful tone, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

Without missing a beat, I link my arm with hers, feeling an easy warmth between us. Yoongjae, who had been trying to hold onto a bit of humor, nods toward Joongwoo. "Let's go, Joongwoo. We have to get our things," he says, but his voice is more resigned now, the joke fading as reality sets back in.

I flash a smile in their direction before turning my attention to Sejeong and Soe. Linking arms with both of them, the three of us begin walking toward the women's dressing room. The others can wait. I have a feeling this will be a far more enjoyable part of the day.

As we walk, Soe glances at me with a warm smile. "I like your dress," she says, her voice sweet, genuine.

I laugh softly, appreciating the compliment. "Once you go to paradise, I'll let you wear it," I tease, winking at her with a playful smile. The light-hearted banter helps break the ice even more, and I'm already feeling more comfortable with these two than I thought I would be.

We reach the women's dressing room, and my suitcase, along with my Louis Vuitton bag, is waiting for me. A quick scan tells me everything is in order. There's no time to dwell on anything extravagant right now—it's time to switch to something comfortable for the evening.

I unpack swiftly, grabbing my favourite pink tracksuit from the bag, an outfit that screams casual elegance—perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Sitting at the makeup vanity, I begin brushing my hair, smoothing it down so it falls in soft waves, effortlessly styled. Sejeong and Soe are doing their makeup, their movements focused yet relaxed. I apply a light pink lip oil, just enough to keep the subtle shine but not overwhelm the natural softness of the moment.

Once we finish getting ready, the three of us stand up together, ready to leave the dressing room. We step out and find the boys already waiting for us, standing near the open kitchen with expectant looks.

Jongwoo grins, his eyes lighting up as soon as he sees us. "Let's go eat," he says with enthusiasm, and both he and Yoongjae start walking with us, their footsteps in sync. The mood shifts from the tension of our arrival to something more relaxed, something I could get used to.

We walk toward the open kitchen, the smell of something simmering already hanging in the air.

Jongwoo tilts his head slightly as he notices something on the counter. "I only see onions, what's that?" he asks, looking at the array of ingredients laid out in front of him, clearly curious.

"There's Ramyeon and eggs," I answer smoothly, stepping into the kitchen with confidence. It's nothing too complicated, but honestly, sometimes simplicity is what makes food feel like home. I reach for the pot of boiling water for the noodles, ready to get things started.

Sejeong lets out a little gasp, her face lighting up in surprise. "Woah, I never thought I would say this, but I missed Ramyeon," she admits, and we all burst into laughter. The atmosphere is light, the kind of shared comfort that makes a moment feel easy and familiar.

Jongwoo, unable to contain his excitement, drops to his knees with his hands pressed together as if he were about to pray. "Gosh, it's Ramyeon," he says with a dramatic flair, his voice full of mock reverence.

Soe, who had been silently watching, can't help but laugh. "Jongwoo, get up," she says, playfully pushing him back to his feet.

Yoongjae chuckles along with us, his voice light. "Get up," he teases, his tone filled with amusement.

Sejeong joins in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, this is paradise," she jokes, and I can't help but laugh along. The banter is easy, like we've all known each other longer than just a few minutes.

As I begin to stir the noodles in the pot, Yoongjae looks at the eggs we've set aside. "Should we fry the eggs? Or scramble them?" he asks, his eyes on the eggs, already thinking about the details.

Jongwoo, sensing the opening for a joke, points at me with a grin. "Let the chef think," he says, giving me a wink. His voice is playful, but I can see a touch of respect in the way he says it.

I smirk at his comment, feeling the slight pressure of my self-appointed title as chef of the group, but I don't mind. If this is what it takes to break the ice and make these moments feel more like home, then so be it.

I tie my hair back and roll up my sleeves, stepping into the small, modest kitchen that suddenly feels a little less lonely with everyone buzzing around. "Alright, let's make this happen," I say, gesturing toward the small assortment of ingredients we'd managed to gather. "Jongwoo and Sejeong, can you boil some water for the ramyeon? Soe, can you cut the onions? And Yoongjae, the eggs? I'll handle the seasoning."

Everyone moves into action, the clatter of pots and utensils breaking the silence. Jongwoo and Sejeong start bickering over the right amount of water to boil, their voices playful but animated. I glance over my shoulder and smile at their dynamic—it's nice to see them so natural and unguarded. Sejeong, ever the instigator, pokes Jongwoo in the side, and he retaliates by splashing a few drops of water her way, earning a loud, dramatic gasp.

Soe stands at the small counter with a knife in hand, her focus entirely on the onions. Her movements are careful and deliberate, though I catch her sneaking glances toward Yoongjae every now and then. He's stationed at the other end of the kitchen, cracking eggs into a bowl with a calm efficiency that feels very... Yoongjae. There's a stillness to him, but it's not the kind that fades into the background—it commands attention in a quiet, unspoken way.

And it's not just me noticing. Soe seems hyperaware of him, her occasional glances lingering just long enough to make me wonder. Yoongjae, for his part, doesn't appear to react, but something about the air between them feels heavy, like a conversation is happening without words. I make a mental note to ask Soe about it later—or maybe Sejeong. She's always good at reading between the lines.

"Yoori, seasoning?" Jongwoo's voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I realize I've been standing idle with the spice packets in hand. "Right, sorry," I mutter, moving to the pot now bubbling with water. I tear open the packets, sprinkling the mixture in while stirring with practiced ease. The aroma fills the room, warm and familiar, and I feel a small sense of satisfaction knowing we're turning this barebones kitchen into something that feels more like home, even if just for a meal.

Sejeong finishes stirring the eggs Yoongjae prepped and transfers them to a plate, her face smug as she declares, "Perfectly fluffy. You're welcome, everyone." Jongwoo rolls his eyes, but the corners of his mouth lift in a grin. Soe adds the chopped green onions to the pot with the noodles, her quiet diligence a contrast to the easy banter around her. I watch her for a moment, catching the way her hands tremble slightly when Yoongjae moves closer to hand me the eggs.

We pull everything together quickly—ramyeon in bowls, eggs on a shared plate. The table fills with food and energy as we gather around. I take a seat beside Yoongjae, the spot feeling oddly natural, while Sejeong plops down on his other side. Jongwoo sits across from me, and Soe beside him.

Sejeong clasps her hands together and says, "Thank you for the food."
We all clap in unison, chiming in with the familiar phrase, "Thank you for the food," before picking up our chopsticks.

Jongwoo grins and turns to me. "And Yoori, welcome."

"Thank you," I reply, smiling warmly as I grab my chopsticks.

The first bite of ramyeon is pure comfort, the perfect mix of salty and spicy, with just enough chew to the noodles.

Soe breaks the silence, her voice soft but pleased. "We cooked the ramyeon really good."

"On point," I agree, gesturing to my bowl with a chopstick. "Bet the others don't have this in paradise." My joke earns a round of laughter and nods of agreement.

Sejeong sighs dramatically, her expression content. "I feel good now that I'm eating."

Jongwoo, never one to miss an opportunity for a poetic remark, "I feel even better since I'm eating this while looking at the ocean."

"Really?" I ask, craning my neck to glance over my shoulder at the view. The waves shimmer faintly in the fading light, the sound of the tide lapping against the shore completing the serene backdrop.

Sejeong interrupts with a pout. "I can't see the ocean," she says, gesturing to her position at the table, facing away from it.

We all laugh at her comment, but Sejeong isn't done. She narrows her eyes at Jongwoo. "And you didn't even look at the ocean while saying that!"

Caught red-handed, Jongwoo immediately swivels his head to the side and squints at the horizon, as though he's truly taking it in. "Mmmm, it's delicious," he says, pretending to savour the sight.

Another round of laughter fills the table, but it eventually dies down into a comfortable quiet as we focus on the food. The only sounds are the gentle clink of chopsticks against bowls and the distant crash of waves.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Yoongjae looking at Soe, who seems completely unaware as she eats peacefully, her face soft with quiet satisfaction.

Yoongjae's voice breaks the silence. "Since I'm eating radish while I'm eating ramyeon, I feel like I can cut myself some slack."

Soe chuckles at his comment, her laugh light and melodic.

"Really?" Sejeong quips, her tone teasing.

Yoongjae nods, a small smile on his lips. "It's like I'm doing detox." His laugh intertwines with Soe's, and for a moment, the tension I'd noticed earlier feels less heavy. "It feels like it," he adds, shaking his head in amusement.

Jongwoo looks between them, clearly uninterested in detox jokes. "Isn't the ramyeon we're eating better than the special meal in paradise?"

"Of course it is," I say, lifting my chopsticks like a toast. "We made it."

Yoongjae nods in agreement. "It is good."

Jongwoo, ever the instigator, leans back with a smirk. "Of course, so you should keep staying in Inferno."

The comment makes me pause mid-bite. Oh, so Yoongjae has already gone to Paradise, and none of the others have... I glance at him, but his face remains unreadable as he focuses on his food.

Once dinner is finished, the atmosphere feels lighter, even with the unspoken dynamics lingering in the air. We decide to take a walk through the island. The night is calm, with the faint glow of candles lining the pathways, guiding us back to our little rooms. The warm flicker of the light contrasts with the cool night breeze, wrapping the evening in a kind of quiet magic.

Sejeong sits cross-legged on her bed, her expression relaxed but curious, as if she's ready for a proper girl talk. I settle across from her, leaning back on my hands.

"How are the others?" I ask, pouting slightly to emphasize my curiosity. "I'm dying to know."

She laughs softly, clearly amused by my dramatic tone. "Okay, let's see..." She tilts her head, as though mentally organizing her thoughts. "Seoun is the mature, sweet one. She's like the mom of the group, but not in a nagging way—just really warm and thoughtful."

I nod, imagining Seoun already as the type to check if everyone has had enough water throughout the day.

"Nadine," Sejeong continues, "she's super extroverted. Very cool, very chill, but you can tell she's also ambitious. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say it."

"She sounds fun," I muse, wondering how I'd vibe with her.

"Jinyoung," Sejeong says with a sly smile, "he's new. He only got here this morning, like you, but he's already made an impression." She leans in conspiratorially. "He's cool... and hot."

I let out a