Wishlist [txtzy#1]

Wishlist-41(switch?)

Later that night, the participants gathered in the cozy living room of the villa. The warm glow of the lights softened the mood as everyone relaxed after the day's activities.

"Today's activity was really fun," Shuhua said, hugging a pillow on the couch.

"Definitely," NingNing agreed, her lips curving into a smile.

"Well, some people were having other kinds of fun," Jay teased, his tone laced with mischief as he looked pointedly at Taehyun and Chaeryeong.

Taehyun let out a soft chuckle, but Chaeryeong's cheeks flushed. "It wasn't like that!" she protested, glancing down in embarrassment.

"No, but really," NingNing added, laughing, "you two were having a literal splash fight. It was hilarious! Even the crew couldn't stop laughing."

Chaeryeong tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to suppress her own laughter. "It was fun," she admitted softly, her smile genuine.

For a moment, Taehyun's heart felt lighter. Watching her laugh like that—so carefree—was a sight he hadn't seen in a long time.

But peace, it seemed, wasn't meant to last.

The Next Morning: A New Challenge

The sun rose over the villa, casting golden rays across the courtyard where the participants gathered. Everyone stood in a semicircle, buzzing with anticipation.

"Good morning!" the PD greeted enthusiastically. "Today's challenge is an obstacle course through the jungle."

Excited murmurs spread through the group.

"The course has three stages," the PD continued. "First, there's the three-legged race, where your leg will be tied to your partner's. Next, you'll cross a narrow bridge made of a single tree branch. Finally, you'll transport balloons to a basket without using your hands or touching each other. The fastest team wins."

"That sounds intense," Shuhua said, her eyes widening.

"To make things interesting," the PD added with a sly grin, "we've paired you with someone new."

Everyone exchanged curious glances.

"Here are the teams: Jisung and NingNing. Shuhua and Taehyun. And lastly, Jay and Chaeryeong."

Chaeryeong felt a wave of relief wash over her. After spending so much time paired with Taehyun or navigating Jisung's lingering jealousy, she welcomed the change.

Taehyun, however, was far from pleased. He tried to hide his irritation, but the way Jay's hand lingered on Chaeryeong's shoulder as he cracked a joke didn't help his mood.

"Looks like we're a team, partner," Jay said, giving Chaeryeong a playful nudge.

"Let's do our best," she replied with a small laugh.

Taehyun's jaw tightened, his fists curling at his sides.

"Taehyun, focus," Shuhua said, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, his tone clipped.

The Three-Legged Race

At the starting line, the pairs stood side by side, legs tied together with a band. The energy was electric, and the countdown began.

"Three, two, one—go!"

Jay and Chaeryeong found their rhythm quickly, moving in sync. "Left, right, left!" Jay called out, his arm instinctively wrapping around Chaeryeong's waist for support.