There were occasional posts supporting certain couples, but since these pairings were made just based on profile pictures, the support seemed shallow and likely to shift quickly once the show actually aired.
For now, the most important thing is tomorrow's first broadcast and the reactions it will generate.
Still, judging by the massive number of retweets the contestants' profile pictures have gotten on social media, it looks like the show is headed for another huge success.
I also checked YouTube and saw that a popular review YouTuber had coincidentally uploaded a short video about one of the contestants.
It happened in an instant.
"Hey, Lee!"
With a curse, a rough hand suddenly lashed out and struck Haeyoung's hand. Caught off guard by the surprise attack, her phone clattered to the floor. Haeyoung's eyes widened in shock.
"Woo Minji."
Minji stood with her arms crossed, clearly ready for a fight. Her face, twisted with rage, looked fierce and venomous. It was a stark contrast to the smiling, composed expression she had worn while hiding her true feelings until now.
The surprise only lasted a moment before a rush of exhilaration surged through her veins. This was the reaction she had been waiting for all along.
Showing one's true colors meant that emotions had reached a breaking point. And the more that happened, the more reason would fade—and the easier it would be to spot someone's weakness.
Right now, there were no cameras and no one else around,
But one day, I'll be waiting for the moment when you reveal your true self in front of everyone. Go ahead -- live up to my expectations.
I should return the favor, Woo Minji.
"You're doing this on purpose to screw me over, aren't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
Back then, would I have found this sharp-edged version of you scary? Shocking, maybe? Maybe I would have.
Maybe I would've apologized without even knowing what I'd done wrong. But now? It's just laughable. Honestly, I've been waiting for this moment all along. I've already figured out exactly how to deal with you.
Haeyoung picked up her phone. The screen was completely shattered. She blew on it -- dust and shards of glass scattered into the air.
Great, she thought. Still paying this off in installments.
"You're playing dumb? You've been setting me up to fail from the start."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Even when we went to the sheep farm, everything turned into a mess because of you!"
"You? Is that any way to talk to your older sister? And that day, you said you enjoyed it too. What? Did something not go according to your plan?"
She spoke calmly, the corners of her mouth curling up into a slight smile. That only made Minji angrier; her face twisted in frustration. Still, she couldn't come up with a proper response.
Exactly. If you can't argue your case, you should just keep your mouth shut.
Then again, if you were that kind of person, we wouldn't have ended up tangled in this mess, would we? You're just the type who vents all your built-up frustration on whoever's closest.
"You think that's all? You pretended to be sick to put me in a tough spot, and even with Ga-eun unnie, it was the same!"
Ah, that was so long ago, I'd almost forgotten.
"Pretended? You saw me with a fever. How would I fake that? Saying you're sick when you're not -- that's pretending. But I actually had a fever."
"You just insulted me, didn't you?"
Wow, you sure catch on quick when it comes to things like this.
Haeyoung quickly smiled, her eyes crinkling.
"As if. I was genuinely worried about you. If it had been serious, I was even ready to take you to the hospital. How was I supposed to know you wouldn't have a fever at all?"
"When have you ever been worried about me…"
"If I didn't care, would I have sent Seongjun to you every time you said you were sick --- on my birthday, on our dates? You think I'm some gullible pushover? Don't tell me… you actually thought I was that naïve this whole time?"
"...."
Can't quite bring yourself to say yes, huh?
Is it because the cameras are still rolling, and you can't fully drop the act yet? Good. Smart move.
"And about Ga-eun unnie, too—what do you think would've happened if I'd just left things alone? One bad edit, and it's game over. You got lucky it was me who stepped in and smoothed it over so it could be laughed off like a joke."
Minji's large eyes darted around nervously.
"And most importantly, you know me. Do I seem like the kind of person who holds a grudge against someone for no reason? Even if I could, it's not like you ever did anything that bad to me. So why would I? Did you ever do something wrong to me?"
"Of course not! What could I have possibly done to you?"
"Exactly. If you haven't done anything wrong, then I have no reason to dislike you."
"Still… something just felt off…"
Her tone was still defensive, but her voice had definitely softened. Just a few words, and it seemed like she was already swayed. Easier than Haeyoung had expected.
So simple. So stupid. How did I ever get pushed around by someone like her?
The reason was obvious:
Because I didn't realize just how awful a person you really are.
Because I didn't know any better.
It must've been a misunderstanding. Yeah… maybe, like Seongjun said, it was just jealousy. If I just kept it to myself, Seongjun, Minji—everyone—could be happy.
Those were the thoughts I used to repeat to myself like a habit.
"Why are you flirting with Yoonhyuk oppa?"
"Oh, you mean Yoonhyuk-nim?"
"Isn't it just because things were going well between me and him? Know your place. Do you really think someone like you even has a chance with Yoonhyuk oppa?"
"Hmm… how should I put this?"
Haeyoung paused deliberately.
Minji tapped her foot against the floor, showing off what little patience she had. Still, she seemed curious enough to wait for Haeyoung's answer.
"Yoonhyuk's my friend."
"…What?"
"He's my guy friend."
Minji frowned deeply, her mouth dropping open in disbelief.
"No way. Don't lie. Why would Yoonhyuk oppa have a friend like you? Even friendships have standards."
Wow. She's saying the exact same thing Seongjun once did. Birds of a feather.
"Right? Why would Yoonhyuk want to be friends with someone like me? Still, the truth is the truth."
"This is ridiculous. You're just making that up, aren't you?"
"Think about it. If Yoonhyuk were actually interested in me romantically, would we be that close?"
Minji fell silent, lost in thought.
Being just a friend of Yoonhyuk's is probably easier for her to accept than thinking I'm someone he's into. That's the version she wants to believe.
"Really… seriously? It's true?"
"Yeah."
Watching the change in Minji's expression was entertaining.
"No way… no way…"
Her eyes filled with doubt, and she began biting her lip.
It was obvious what she was thinking. What if Haeyoung really was friends with Yoonhyuk, and what if Haeyoung told him everything Minji had done?
That would be a problem. Especially since Yoonhyuk had said how much he valued his friendships.
"Uh, unnie!"
Minji's tone suddenly took on a whiny edge. She grabbed Haeyoung's sleeve in a hurry. In an instant, Haeyoung had become someone she needed to impress.
"I didn't know! I totally misunderstood!"
"See? That kind of hurts. Did you misunderstand because you just don't like me?"
"Ah, no, that's not it. Why would I dislike you? I think of you like a real sister, Haeyoung unnie!"
Minji crossed her arms. Feeling uncomfortable, Haeyoung quickly pulled her arm away. Maybe it was the artificial floral scent coming from Minji—or maybe she just hated being touched by her—but Haeyoung felt a wave of nausea.
"But how did you become close with Yoonhyuk oppa?"
Minji's eyes lit up—a genuine look Haeyoung had never seen before.
Just then, a sleek black SUV with smooth lines like an orca pulled up beside them. The window slowly rolled down.
"What are you two doing?"
Yoonhyuk peeked his head out from inside the car.
"Oppa!"
Minji's voice rose a notch.
"Is this oppa's car? Wow!"
"Haeyoung, I'll give you a ride home."
Yoonhyuk casually ignored Minji and spoke directly to Haeyoung.
"Oh? Your house, unnie? Perfect timing! I'm headed that way too! Can I get a ride?"
Minji jumped up and down excitedly.
Watching Minji like that brought back memories from the past.
*****
It was the day Haeyoung landed a big translation contract. She said she'd treat everyone, and for once, Seongjun said he'd come pick her up.
I should take him to his favorite steakhouse.
Maybe I'll even have a glass of wine after a long time.
Feeling excited with those thoughts, Seongjun's car approached and stopped in front of her. She reached for the door handle, but before she could, the window rolled down.
"Unnie!"
"Minji? Why... are you going with us?"
Could it be that this was going to be another date?
"No, no. I have plans today, so I can't go with you. Didn't unnie say she'd treat us? I'd love to go together, but it's too bad."
Even though she hadn't been invited, Minji clasped her hands apologetically.
"Then why are you in Seongjun's car?"
"Oh, I was just coming out of Seongjun's house. He called me for lunch to eat Jjapagetti! Come on, get in quickly. It's cold."
Minji gestured behind her.
Just then, a car approaching from behind honked. Haeyoung hurriedly got into the back seat.
Minji tidied up the coat she had taken off as Haeyoung finally settled into her seat. She caught sight of Seongjun and Minji's backs. Minji peeked her head behind.
"Unnie, you should sit here. Sorry, but if I sit in the back seat, I get really carsick."