The morning sunlight filtered softly through the tall windows of the house, spreading warm light across the living room floor. One by one, the contestants slowly gathered downstairs, some still sleepy while others chatted quietly over coffee.
Dahye sat on the couch with a glass of iced coffee resting in her hands. Her thoughts drifted back to the roller-skating date the day before. Every moment replayed in her mind—the laughter, the teasing, the way Yerin's hand had felt in hers.
Across the room, Yerin stood near the kitchen island speaking casually with Jiyeon and Sohee. She seemed relaxed, but every now and then her eyes wandered across the room.
Eventually, they landed on Dahye.
Their gazes met briefly.
Dahye quickly looked down at her drink, pretending not to notice, though a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Before anyone could start a conversation, the familiar voice of the show suddenly echoed through the house speakers.
"Good morning, contestants."
Everyone immediately looked up.
"Today marks Day 10 of your stay in the house."
A few surprised murmurs spread across the room.
"Out of the fourteen days of this dating experience, you now have four days remaining to form meaningful connections."
The words hung in the air.
Four days.
Some contestants exchanged thoughtful glances while others shifted slightly in their seats.
"For today's activity," the voice continued cheerfully, "you will all be participating in a general pool party. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the time together… because time is running out."
A soft chime followed, signaling the end of the announcement.
Almost instantly the atmosphere changed.
"A pool party?" Jiyeon said excitedly.
"That actually sounds fun," Sohee added.
But Dahye barely heard them.
Four days.
That number echoed loudly in her mind.
Four days left to figure out what was happening between her and Yerin.
Across the room, Yerin seemed to be thinking the same thing.
Their eyes met again.
This time neither of them looked away immediately.
About an hour later, the backyard had completely transformed.
The large pool sparkled under the bright afternoon sun. Colorful floaties drifted across the water while lounge chairs surrounded the pool area. A long table held drinks, fruit, and snacks while soft music played through outdoor speakers.
The contestants gradually stepped outside wearing swimsuits and light summer clothes.
Jiyeon wasted no time jumping straight into the pool.
Splash.
"Come on, everyone!" she shouted.
Sohee dove in right after her, swimming smoothly across the water.
Laughter quickly filled the backyard.
Dahye stepped outside a little later, wearing a light blue swimsuit with a loose white shirt over it. She paused near the edge of the pool, watching the others splash around.
She didn't notice Yerin approaching until a voice spoke beside her.
"Are you just going to stand there?"
Dahye turned.
Yerin stood next to her, wearing a black swimsuit, sunlight catching the damp strands of her hair.
Dahye's heart skipped slightly.
"I was just… watching," she admitted.
Yerin glanced toward the pool where Jiyeon and Sohee had already started splashing each other.
"They're going to start a water war soon."
"Probably," Dahye laughed.
For a moment they stood quietly beside each other.
Then suddenly Yerin reached for Dahye's wrist.
"Come on."
Before Dahye could react, Yerin gently pulled her forward and jumped into the pool.
Splash.
Cold water rushed around them as they resurfaced.
Dahye pushed her wet hair back, laughing.
"Yerin!"
Yerin laughed too.
"You looked like you needed help getting in."
"You could've warned me!"
Nearby, Jiyeon swam closer.
"Oh look," she teased loudly. "The skating partners are together again."
Sohee floated beside her, smirking.
Dahye felt her cheeks warm slightly, but Yerin didn't seem bothered.
Instead she turned to Dahye with a playful look.
"Want to race to the other side?"
Dahye raised an eyebrow.
"You're competitive today."
"Only a little," Yerin said.
Dahye shrugged.
"Fine. But don't complain if you lose."
They moved to the edge of the pool.
"Three… two… one!"
They pushed off at the same time.
Water splashed as they swam forward. Dahye kept pace easily beside Yerin, her strokes smooth and steady.
Halfway across the pool, she glanced sideways.
Yerin looked focused, determination clear in her expression.
Dahye smiled underwater.
She could win.
But instead… she slowed slightly.
Just enough.
Yerin reached the wall first.
"I won!" Yerin said triumphantly.
Dahye reached the edge right after her, pretending to catch her breath.
"Wow… you're fast."
Jiyeon swam over dramatically.
"Wait, Yerin actually won?"
Sohee raised an eyebrow.
Dahye simply shrugged. "Guess she's better than I thought."
But Yerin watched her carefully, as if trying to figure something out.
Still, she didn't say anything.
Instead she moved closer in the water until their shoulders brushed lightly.
"Well," Yerin said with a grin, "thanks for the good race."
Dahye smiled back.
"Anytime."
The pool party continued for the rest of the afternoon with games, splashing, and a chaotic pool volleyball match.
But somehow, no matter where Dahye went, Yerin always ended up nearby.
Sometimes they talked.
Sometimes they just shared quiet smiles.
Eventually Dahye climbed onto a large flamingo-shaped float, letting it drift lazily across the water.
She sighed contentedly, enjoying the peaceful moment.
Then suddenly the float shifted.
Her eyes opened.
Yerin had climbed onto the other side.
"Well," Dahye said jokingly, "that's one way to sink it."
Yerin laughed.
"I thought you looked lonely."
"Lonely? At a pool party?"
"Maybe," Yerin shrugged. "Or maybe I just wanted the float too."
Dahye moved slightly to make space.
"Well, now you're here."
The flamingo float drifted slowly toward the quieter corner of the pool.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
The sky had begun to glow with soft orange and pink colors as the sun lowered.
"Today was fun," Dahye said quietly.
Yerin nodded.
"I think today might be my favorite day here."
"Really?" Dahye asked. "Not the skating date?"
"That too," Yerin smiled. "But today felt lighter."
Dahye dipped her fingers into the water.
Then she noticed a small strand of wet hair stuck to Yerin's cheek.
"You've got something here," she said.
"Where?"
Dahye gently brushed the strand away.
For a moment, they froze.
Their eyes met.
Yerin smiled softly.
"Thanks."
Dahye pulled her hand back quickly.
"So… do you still think you won that race earlier?" Dahye teased.
Yerin leaned slightly closer.
"You let me win, didn't you?"
Dahye blinked innocently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Yerin laughed quietly.
"I'll accept the victory anyway."
The float drifted gently as the sunset reflected across the water.
Around them, the others were still laughing and talking.
But in that quiet corner of the pool, the moment felt different.
Closer.
Warmer.
And as Dahye leaned back against the float, one thought lingered in her mind.
There were only four days left in the house.
But somehow…
Those four days suddenly felt full of possibilities.