The van stopped near a quiet hillside overlooking the city.
From the parking area, the entire skyline stretched beneath the golden afternoon sun.
Merlin stepped out first, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Wow."
Leon stepped out behind her and followed her gaze toward the view.
The city looked peaceful from up here.
"So this is our date location," Merlin said.
Leon nodded.
"Not bad."
She turned toward him with a playful smile.
"You say that like you're reviewing a hotel."
"Old habit."
"You review date locations too?"
"Only the important ones."
They began walking along the path leading up the hill.
A light breeze moved through the trees around them.
Merlin stretched her arms slightly.
"This is actually nice."
"You sound surprised."
"I expected something more dramatic."
Leon glanced at her.
"You prefer dramatic?"
Merlin laughed.
"I prefer unpredictable."
They reached a small café terrace built along the hillside.
Several tables overlooked the city view.
The staff guided them to a table near the railing.
Merlin leaned forward slightly, looking down at the streets far below.
"Everything looks so small from here."
Leon sat across from her.
"Perspective."
She raised an eyebrow.
"That sounded philosophical."
"I have my moments."
Their drinks arrived a few minutes later.
Merlin studied him while stirring her drink.
"You're quieter than most people in the mansion."
"Is that a problem?"
"No."
She tilted her head slightly.
"It just makes people curious."
Leon smirked faintly.
"Does it make you curious?"
"Very."
After finishing their drinks, they continued walking up the hill.
The path eventually led to a small garden filled with lanterns and flowers.
Merlin stopped near a wooden railing.
"This place feels like something from a movie."
Leon stood beside her.
"You watch a lot of movies?"
"Too many."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The breeze moved softly through the trees.
Merlin suddenly turned toward him.
"Can I ask something?"
Leon nodded.
"Sure."
"Why did you join the show?"
He looked out toward the city again.
"For a reason."
"That's vague."
"It's supposed to be."
Merlin laughed.
"You're really mysterious."
"People say that."
"Do you enjoy it?"
Leon thought for a moment.
"Sometimes."
They continued walking through the garden until they reached a small street stall selling handmade bracelets.
Merlin stopped immediately.
"Oh these are cute."
The seller smiled.
"Would you like to try one?"
Merlin picked up a simple bracelet made from small silver beads.
She tried fastening it, but the clasp slipped from her fingers.
Leon reached over.
"Hold still."
He gently fastened the bracelet around her wrist.
For a moment, their hands were close.
Merlin blinked slightly.
"Thanks."
Leon nodded.
"It suits you."
As they walked further down the garden path, Merlin glanced at him again.
"You know something?"
"What?"
"You're different from what people think."
"In a good way?"
"Yes."
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, the contestants were watching the date highlights in the living room.
Luna leaned forward dramatically.
"OHHHH."
Minho laughed.
"That bracelet moment was smooth."
Tara nodded quietly.
"That was very intentional."
Merlin appeared on the screen again, laughing during the date.
Across the couch, Jisoo watched silently.
His expression didn't change.
But his eyes lingered on the screen slightly longer.
Near the window, Aria observed the room again.
Leon.
Merlin.
Jisoo.
The lines between everyone were becoming clearer.
And tonight…
Those lines might shift even more.