The villa was quiet that afternoon as Yerin and Dahye were led out by the production staff. The sun was beginning to tilt gently toward the horizon, casting soft golden light across the city outskirts.
Their destination was revealed gradually as they walked along a winding path lined with trees: a hidden garden café by the river, complete with floating lanterns, a small waterfall, and picnic-style tables arranged on soft grass. It was cozy, intimate, and designed for just two people.
Yerin's heart raced the moment she saw the setup. She glanced at Dahye, who had already noticed her reaction.
"You look… surprised," Dahye said with a teasing tilt of her head.
Yerin's cheeks warmed. "It's… it's just really pretty here," she admitted quietly.
Dahye's lips curved into a soft, approving smile. "Good. I'm glad you like it. I wanted somewhere calm… somewhere we could just talk."
Yerin nodded, fumbling slightly with the straps of her bag. She wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially from someone she admired as much as Dahye.
They were seated at a table near the small waterfall. Soft wind made the water ripple, and the faint scent of flowers surrounded them. Dahye leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table, her eyes fixed on Yerin.
"So… how are you feeling after today?" Dahye asked. Her tone was light, casual—but her gaze was attentive, almost searching.
Yerin shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "I'm… okay, I guess."
Dahye raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Just okay?"
"I mean…" Yerin hesitated, twisting a strand of hair around her finger. "It's… it's a bit overwhelming, all of this."
Dahye nodded knowingly. "I get that. But I hope you know… you don't have to be nervous with me."
Yerin's lips curved into a shy smile. "I know. It's just… me."
Dahye's smile widened. "I like that about you. You don't pretend to be anything you're not."
The conversation flowed naturally from there. Dahye asked about little things—Yerin's favorite books, her morning routines, even the strangest foods she had tried. Each question was followed by Dahye's laughter or teasing remark, making Yerin laugh along. It was easy, effortless.
At one point, Dahye leaned back and grinned. "Okay, I have to ask… what's the weirdest date you've ever been on?"
Yerin's eyes widened slightly, a blush creeping up. "You… you want to hear all of that?"
"Of course. I feel like it might explain why you're so cautious about this whole thing," Dahye said with a wink.
Yerin giggled softly and recounted a few of her most disastrous dates—like the guy who brought his sisters along to their blind date, the one who treated his pet like a child and insisted they'd never have kids, and the boyfriend drama that ended with her hair in chaos. Dahye listened, nodding along and chuckling quietly, her attention never leaving Yerin.
"You've survived a lot," Dahye said softly once Yerin finished. "And yet… you're still open to something new. That's… impressive."
Yerin's cheeks warmed again, and she looked down. "I… guess I just want to try."
Dahye reached over slightly, placing her hand on the table near Yerin's. "Then we'll make this date one to remember," she said confidently.
The staff had arranged a small activity next: painting lanterns to be floated down the river later. Dahye handed Yerin a brush. "You go first," she said, her voice playful.
Yerin hesitated, then dipped the brush in the paint. Her strokes were timid at first, careful. Dahye, meanwhile, painted boldly, her brush moving with confidence.
"You're too precise," Dahye teased. "It's supposed to be fun, not a test."
Yerin laughed softly, shaking her head. "I just… I don't want to mess it up."
"You won't mess it up," Dahye said gently. "And even if you do… I like it anyway."
Yerin froze slightly, the words settling warmly in her chest. Her fingers stilled on the brush, and her eyes met Dahye's. For a moment, silence fell, soft and intimate.
Dahye smiled knowingly and nudged her lightly. "Come on… let's make it messy together."
Yerin laughed again, relaxing as she painted more freely. Their brushes occasionally touched, their arms brushing, sending tiny sparks through Yerin she wasn't expecting. Dahye leaned closer a few times under the pretense of showing her technique, and each time Yerin's heart skipped a beat.
Once the lanterns were ready, Dahye held one with Yerin and they walked down to the riverbank. The staff lit the candles inside the lanterns, and Dahye gently placed hers on the water beside Yerin's.
"Make a wish," Dahye said softly.
Yerin glanced at her, feeling a little shy. "A wish?"
"Yeah," Dahye said, smiling. "For whatever you want right now."
Yerin closed her eyes for a moment. She didn't whisper it aloud, but her heart felt light, happy, and full of warmth. She opened her eyes and looked at Dahye, whose gaze was fixed entirely on her.
The lanterns floated away, bobbing gently on the river. Dahye's hand brushed Yerin's again as they watched.
"I'm really glad I got to do this with you," Dahye said softly.
Yerin's lips curved into a small, shy smile. "Me too."
They walked back slowly, talking about everything and nothing, laughing easily. Dahye kept guiding the conversation, making Yerin feel comfortable, encouraged, and genuinely happy. Every word, every glance, every little gesture made Yerin feel seen, cared for, and intrigued.
By the time they returned to the villa, the sun had set, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. Yerin felt a mix of shyness and exhilaration. She had enjoyed the date more than she expected. And Dahye… Dahye had shown her full interest, completely confident and engaged, making Yerin feel special in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
For the first time, Yerin thought about the possibility that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something real.
And Dahye, walking beside her, couldn't stop the small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips. She had chosen well, and now she was fully committed to seeing where this connection could go.
The night ended with both of them feeling lighter, happier, and… secretly curious about what the next day in the villa would bring.