"All right, Pat, we're down to the final question!" the director said, raising one finger to signal there was only one left.
"So, is there anything you are looking forward to in this program?"
"Of course. I'm hoping for lots of relaxing and fun moments with everyone," I replied with a small shrug. "…and maybe I might even find someone special here… haha." I pressed my lips together and smiled softly right after saying that.
The director gave me a thumbs up and called, "Cut!"
Welp. That wrapped up the pre-show interview.
Beth hurried over, handing me a bottle of water while fanning me with a small handheld fan. I let out a satisfied sigh.
"Oh, new toy? That's pretty cool!"
"Yeah, this place feels hotter than an oven, so I borrowed it from the producer team," she said. "I still cannot believe they decided to do the pre-show interview outdoors under this blazing sun! This booth doesn't even have a roof."
"Seriously! I thought we could have filmed this part a few days ago in the US."
"Exactly. I thought so too. That is usually how it works. The other day, I even told you I was getting anxious as they had not contacted us about the interview, so I reached out myself to check. They just told me to follow the exact time and location written in the contract."
"Oh… so they want to keep the hidden gem until the very end!"
"I think it feels a little sus," Beth muttered while glancing toward the producers and director with clear irritation.
"It's fine. I actually love surprises." I smiled and gave her shoulder a light pat. "So what do we do now?"
"You get about ten minutes to rest here. After that, you will move through that door over there. What happens next… I honestly do not know yet."
"Wait, we don't get to see our accommodations first?"
"No. But your luggage has already been delivered to your assigned villa."
"Oh well. They really know how to arrange schedules for celebrities. I feel like I might end up working my butt off instead of relaxing in a reality show that is supposed to feel like a vacation, at least according to their promotion."
"See? Kinda sus," Beth said again.
"But why have we not seen any of the other celebrities yet?" I suddenly asked, feeling curious.
"Oh, you noticed that too?"
I nodded. Beth pointed toward a red door in the distance.
"That door looks normal, but soon we will be taking an RV straight to the main filming area. You'll probably meet everyone else there."
"So they are keeping the participant list secret until the very end?"
"Yeah. And from what I overheard, the booths for the other participants are nearby too. They will also be transported by RV through their own assigned doors."
"So they blocked everything off from the booths to those doors to stop us from sneaking a peek around."
"Exactly!"
We both nodded thoughtfully when a production staff member approached us and spoke politely.
"Could your team please move to the RV now? We will be heading toward that door in about five minutes."
I turned to Beth. "Wow, time flew by that fast! Has it really been five minutes already?"
Beth shrugged and shook her head before answering the staff member. "Okay, we are coming right away."
The staff member waved cheerfully. "Go have fun and shake things up, Your Highness!"
"Right, thanks." I winked at her.
---
The moment I stepped out of the RV, two staff members greeted me and quickly helped attach my microphone, adjust my outfit, and fix my hair.
"Perfect! Please follow this way," they said, stepping aside and gesturing toward a blue door.
"Please wait for the signal before opening the door and stepping out."
"Got it. Thanks." I nodded, straightening the collar of my polo shirt before taking a deep breath.
Why did I suddenly feel nervous? This wasn't my first reality show. But it was true that I had never participated in one that filmed for so many consecutive days, especially one with a matchmaking theme. There was not even a script this time, nothing to rely on.
Or… was it because I might see her again?
The more I thought about it, the faster my heart pounded, so loud that I could almost hear each beat echoing in my ears.
What is wrong with you? Do you seriously want to see her that badly? I closed my eyes and frowned, silently scolding myself.
And just like that, the director's voice echoed through my earpiece, pulling me back to reality.
"Thank you for your patience.
3… 2… 1… Please open the door and step forward."
---
As soon as I stepped through the door, the other participants were stepping out as well. We naturally formed something close to a circle. Some lifted their hands in casual waves while a few tossed out quick hi's. I had not expected the doors to be placed so close together.
Everyone looked around with slightly awkward curiosity, even though we were all top-tier celebrities.
Hmm… let me see…
I could spot a few familiar faces.
There was veteran actor Raymond. Comedian Miguel. The famous host Wilson. And another handsome guy… whom I didn't recognize. Okay… mystery dude.
What about the female participants?
I turned toward the women and glanced at the person standing next to me. Okay, that was Lucia.
Whoa… the twin ballerina sisters Clara and Tara were here too?! That was seriously impressive.
And that must be supermodel Elise. Wow. They actually managed to invite her. That is kinda wild.
Then there was one more girl standing with her back turned.
Who is that…?
I caught myself staring longer than I probably should have. Something about her felt oddly familiar, and then she turned around.
It was her.
Mimi.
She looked radiant. She looked radiant. Brighter than I remembered. It seemed like she had changed her hair color. No wonder I hadn't recognized her right away. Her long rose-platinum hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her fair skin almost made her glow, standing out even with the bold pink door behind her.
She looked a little shy. It was unbelievably adorable.
Was this what Beth meant when she talked about legendary love at first sight?
Because if it was, then this was worse. Or better. I honestly couldn't tell.
This was not even the first time I had seen her. And yet, somehow, my chest tightened all over again, like my heart had decided to start the race from the beginning without asking me first.
My pulse drummed wildly in my ears, loud enough that I was sure someone standing next to me might hear it.
Seriously… what's wrong with you?