The van stopped near the edge of a peaceful riverside district.
Tall trees lined the walkway, their shadows stretching across the stone path.
The afternoon sunlight reflected softly on the water.
Kiara stepped out of the van first.
She adjusted her sunglasses and looked around.
"Well…"
"Whoever chose this place has good taste."
Yuri stepped out behind her, his hands casually in his pockets.
"It's quiet."
Kiara glanced at him.
"You say that like it's a good thing."
"It is."
She smiled slightly.
"I guess we'll get along then."
They began walking along the riverside path.
Unlike the other dates, there were no crowds.
Just the sound of water and occasional footsteps.
Kiara studied him for a moment.
"You're not very talkative."
Yuri shrugged.
"I talk when necessary."
"That sounds like a challenge."
"For you?"
"For anyone."
They reached a small outdoor café beside the river.
The staff had already prepared a table for them.
Two iced coffees waited on the table.
Kiara sat down and took a sip.
"Perfect."
Yuri sat across from her.
"You seem confident everywhere."
"That's part of the job."
"Being an idol?"
"Being me."
For a moment, the conversation paused.
Then Kiara leaned forward slightly.
"Can I ask something?"
Yuri nodded.
"Go ahead."
"You're very hard to read."
"That's intentional."
She smiled.
"I noticed."
After finishing their drinks, they continued walking along the river.
Eventually they reached a small street chess table where two elderly men were playing.
Kiara stopped.
"Oh."
Yuri looked at the board.
"You play?"
She shrugged.
"Sometimes."
One of the older men looked up.
"Do you want to try?"
Yuri pulled out a chair.
"Why not."
A small crowd slowly gathered as Yuri and Kiara began their game.
Kiara watched the board carefully.
"You're thinking too much," Yuri said.
"That's part of strategy."
"Or hesitation."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You're provoking me."
"Yes."
Ten minutes later, Yuri moved a piece.
"Check."
Kiara leaned back slightly.
"You planned that."
"Three moves ago."
She sighed.
"You're annoying."
"That's a compliment."
After the game ended, they walked back toward the river.
Kiara crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"You're competitive."
"Everyone here is."
"You hide it better."
They stopped near the railing overlooking the water.
The evening light shimmered across the river.
Kiara looked at him.
"You sent a message yesterday."
Yuri looked slightly amused.
"That's a bold assumption."
"You called me hard to read earlier."
"Everyone here is."
She smiled slightly.
"Fair answer."
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, the other contestants were watching the date highlights on the living room screen.
Luna leaned forward.
"This feels like a chess match."
Minho nodded.
"Two calm people quietly trying to outplay each other."
Merlin laughed softly.
"That might actually be more dangerous."
Across the couch, Jisoo watched thoughtfully.
Near the window, Leon observed silently.
Each date was revealing something new.
Not just about the contestants…
But about how the connections inside the mansion were slowly beginning to shift.