The moment Dahye stepped into her apartment, the familiar warmth of her space wrapped around her like a comforting hug. She tossed her bag onto the sofa and sank into the cushions, letting out a long sigh. The dating show had ended, but her mind was still racing, replaying every moment — every laugh, every glance, every confession.
Kwon Nari and Cho Yu Na were already there, lounging casually with snacks and drinks spread across the coffee table. Nari looked up first, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So? How was it? Tell us everything!" she demanded, leaning forward.
Yu Na nodded eagerly. "Yes! I've been waiting for this since you left the house. Don't leave anything out, Dahye."
Dahye laughed softly, running a hand through her hair. "Okay, okay, calm down. I'll tell you everything. But you might want to sit… this is going to be long."
Nari and Yu Na immediately sat up straighter, ready for a story. Dahye took a deep breath and began, recounting the entire two-week experience. She spoke of the games, the dates, the fun and the awkward moments, the unexpected connections, and finally, the confessions.
"And then came the final day," Dahye said, her voice dropping slightly, almost reverently. "The moment where everyone had to pick who they wanted for the final one-on-one. And… well, Yerin picked me. I… I went to see her after everyone else had made their confessions."
Nari leaned forward, eyes wide. "Wait… she picked you? Dahye, that's huge!"
Yu Na clapped her hands softly. "Finally! So, what happened? Tell us everything!"
Dahye paused, gathering her thoughts. "I confessed to her. I told her… everything I've felt since the start. How I admire her, care about her, everything. I told her I want to know her, to support her, and see if we can grow something real outside the show. And…" Her voice softened. "She… she didn't respond the way I hoped — at least, not in the way I wanted. She said she doesn't know her feelings yet. She doesn't even know if she's into women. But she said… maybe, if we spend time together outside of the show, she could figure it out."
Nari's mouth dropped open slightly. "Oh my gosh… Dahye, that's… that's intense! What did you say?"
"I told her I'll wait," Dahye admitted, a small, nervous smile tugging at her lips. "I told her I'll be there and we'll take it one step at a time. That's all I can do."
Yu Na let out a soft whistle. "Wow… Dahye. That's brave. And romantic. And terrifying all at once!"
Dahye chuckled softly, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the couch cushion. "It was terrifying. But also… the most honest thing I've ever done. I had to tell her. I couldn't leave it unsaid. And now… I just hope we can figure things out in the real world."
Nari reached across and grabbed Dahye's hand, squeezing it supportively. "You were amazing, Dahye. Honestly, if I were in her shoes, I'd be blown away by your honesty and how much you care."
Yu Na nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! And you know what? That nervousness and excitement she felt? That's going to stay with her. She'll think about you, I promise."
Dahye let out a deep breath, feeling some of the weight lift off her chest. Talking to her friends, reliving the confessions, and sharing her feelings out loud helped calm the nervous energy that had been coiled inside her since the show ended.
"But it's also… confusing," Dahye admitted quietly. "I don't know exactly how she feels. She said she's not sure about her feelings yet. She said maybe we can explore them outside of this world. I want to be patient, I really do… but it's hard not knowing. I've wanted this for so long, and now that the moment is here, I feel… suspended, like everything is possible and nothing is certain at the same time."
Nari smiled knowingly. "That's life, Dahye. Sometimes the best things take time. You've planted the seed, and now you'll get to see it grow."
Yu Na leaned back with a grin. "And let's be real — Yerin is lucky to have you. I mean, you went in with your heart on your sleeve. Not many people can do that. You've given her a chance to see the real you. And that's powerful."
Dahye smiled softly, feeling both comforted and still a little anxious. "I just… I hope she's willing to explore this with me. That's all I want."
Nari nudged her playfully. "She's going to. Trust me. And in the meantime, you've got us. We'll help you survive the waiting game."
Yu Na laughed, raising a snack in the air. "To Dahye and Yerin — may the sparks grow outside the show!"
Dahye laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. For the first time since leaving the house, she allowed herself to imagine the possibilities — a future where she and Yerin could explore what they felt, free from cameras, rules, and expectations.
She leaned back, sipping her drink, and finally let herself breathe. The dating show was over, but her story with Yerin — the real story — was just beginning. And with Nari and Yu Na by her side, Dahye felt ready to face whatever came next.