Morning sunlight filled the villa's living room, but the relaxed atmosphere from earlier days was gone. After the announcement about the afternoon date, everyone understood the rule—only pairs who chose each other would be able to go.
That meant one thing.
Intentions had to be shown.
Small groups quickly formed around the house as contestants began looking for the people they wanted to talk to.
Yerin stepped outside onto the terrace for some air.
She leaned lightly against the railing, looking over the garden while trying to organize the thoughts running through her mind.
Footsteps approached.
"Yerin."
She turned and saw Kim Sohee.
Sohee looked slightly nervous, which was unusual for someone who normally carried herself with bright confidence.
"Do you have a moment?" she asked.
Yerin nodded.
"Of course."
They sat at a small table near the garden.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Sohee finally exhaled softly.
"I'll just say it honestly," she said with a small laugh. "I'm not good at pretending."
Yerin waited quietly.
"So far… the person I'm most curious about here is you."
Her voice was straightforward.
Yerin blinked slightly.
"I enjoy talking to you," Sohee continued. "And yesterday's date made me want to know you better."
Her eyes searched Yerin's face.
"So I was thinking of choosing you for the date today."
Yerin stayed quiet for a moment.
Her expression remained calm, almost unreadable.
"I see," she said softly.
Sohee waited for more.
But nothing came.
Yerin didn't confess any interest.
She didn't promise to choose her.
She simply added quietly,
"I enjoyed yesterday too."
That was all.
They talked a little longer about random things, but the answer Sohee wanted never came.
When they finally stood up, Sohee forced a small smile.
"Thanks for talking with me."
Yerin nodded.
After Sohee walked away, a quiet thought crossed her mind.
Maybe she doesn't like me.
The idea bothered her more than she expected.
But she shook her head slightly.
Still… I'll try my best.
Inside the villa, Bae Dahye had been waiting.
When she saw Sohee come back inside, she approached her.
"Sohee."
Sohee looked up.
"Oh—Dahye."
"Can we talk?"
They stepped into a quieter hallway.
Unlike Sohee earlier, Dahye didn't hesitate.
"I'll say it directly," she said calmly.
Sohee blinked.
"The person I'm most interested in here… is you."
The words were clear.
Steady.
"I want to know you better," Dahye continued. "So I'm planning to choose you for the date."
Sohee looked genuinely surprised.
Dahye held her gaze without wavering.
"I just wanted you to know."
For a moment Sohee didn't respond.
Her thoughts immediately tangled.
Someone I'm interested in…
Or someone who is interested in me…
She forced a polite smile.
"Thank you for telling me honestly."
Dahye nodded once before leaving.
Sohee stayed standing there for a moment, deep in thought.
Meanwhile, Yerin had been approached by two more contestants in the garden.
Lim Jiyeon and Shin Areum.
They sat together at a small outdoor table.
Jiyeon leaned back in her chair casually.
"I'll go first," she said confidently.
Areum laughed.
"I knew you would."
Jiyeon turned to Yerin.
"I like you."
The confession came naturally, without hesitation.
"You're calm, interesting… and honestly, I want to know what you're thinking half the time."
Yerin blinked slightly.
"So I'm choosing you for the date," Jiyeon added.
Areum immediately raised a hand.
"Well… that makes this awkward."
She laughed lightly.
"Because I'm interested too."
Yerin looked at her.
Areum shrugged.
"You caught my attention from the beginning."
Both girls looked at Yerin expectantly.
But Yerin remained composed.
"I see," she said quietly.
Again, she gave no clear answer.
Just calm acknowledgement.
When they eventually left, Yerin sat alone for a moment.
Her thoughts began turning slowly.
Should I choose someone I'm interested in…
Or someone who clearly likes me?
It wasn't an easy choice.
Across the villa, other contestants were also having their own conversations.
Some were shy.
Some were bold.
Some carefully tested the waters.
Others confessed directly.
Everyone was trying to understand where they stood before the deadline.
But one thing never happened.
Yerin and Dahye never spoke.
Not even once.
Eventually the familiar chime echoed through the villa.
The voice returned.
"Contestants."
Everyone gathered in the living room.
"It is now time to submit your date choice."
Phones vibrated at the same time.
"You must send the name of the contestant you wish to go on a date with."
Silence filled the room.
"This decision cannot be changed."
Some girls looked nervous.
Others already seemed certain.
One by one, the contestants picked up their phones.
Typed a name.
And pressed send.