Love Begins at Jeju

2-Jealousy & Manipulation

The sun hung low over Jeju Island, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The competitors had been on the island for days now, and the pressure was starting to mount. The physically demanding challenges were wearing them down, and the island's harsh conditions were beginning to test their mental fortitude. But amidst the chaos of Survivor, there was one thing Jungkook could not ignore: Seokjin.

Jungkook had always admired Seokjin, not just for his career as a renowned journalist, but for the easy charm and intelligence he brought into every situation. Seokjin had a magnetic personality that made it easy for others to feel at ease, and it was no surprise that, despite the intense nature of Survivor, he was quickly forming connections with nearly everyone.

However, despite Seokjin's social nature, he often kept to himself. He preferred spending time alone, taking in the views of the island or quietly observing others. But there was one person he seemed to gravitate toward more than the others: Moonbyul.

It started subtly at first. Jungkook had noticed the way Seokjin and Moonbyul would sit off to the side during breaks, conversing in low voices, their words drifting on the wind. Moonbyul's fierce, independent energy complemented Seokjin's calm, collected nature. The two had formed an unexpected but powerful connection. They balanced each other in ways that made them seem almost inseparable.

For Jungkook, however, this growing bond was hard to ignore. He had come to the island with one goal in mind: to win. And it was clear to him that Seokjin and Moonbyul, with their combined social acumen and sharp instincts, could easily dominate the game together if left unchecked.

At first, Jungkook tried to shake off the nagging feeling of jealousy that simmered within him. After all, it wasn't like he didn't understand the strength of their alliance. Seokjin was charismatic, respected by everyone, while Moonbyul had the physical and mental toughness to go far. Still, the more time they spent together, the more it gnawed at him. Something about their connection made him feel like he was being left out.

Seokjin, who had always been a mentor-like figure in the camp, seemed completely unaware of how his relationship with Moonbyul was affecting Jungkook. Seokjin didn't have to fight for attention-his mere presence commanded respect. But Moonbyul was different. She was strong, direct, and fiercely independent, traits that Jungkook both admired and envied. What frustrated him even more was the ease with which they seemed to understand each other, their quiet conversations often turning into laughter that Jungkook felt shut out from.

The competitive fire inside Jungkook began to grow. It wasn't just about the game anymore. He couldn't allow Moonbyul to become the center of Seokjin's attention. The game was about alliances, but it was also about trust, and if Moonbyul kept gaining Seokjin's trust, it could be disastrous for his own strategy.

Jungkook knew that Survivor was a mental game just as much as it was physical. Alliances would be tested, and loyalty was something that could change with the wind. He needed to act fast before Moonbyul's growing influence became a serious threat. So, in the shadows of the island, Jungkook began to craft his plan.

He quietly began speaking with the others-Soobin, Wendy, and Nayeon-forming a secret alliance to target Moonbyul. Jungkook's strategy was clear: he would play up Moonbyul's independence and her tendency to be a lone wolf. They could argue that her unpredictability would make her a liability as the game progressed. The others, who saw her as a strong and capable player, would start to second-guess her intentions.

With each conversation, Jungkook's confidence grew. He knew that taking out Moonbyul would be a game-changer. But he had to tread carefully. If the wrong person found out about his plan too early, it could backfire. And he couldn't afford to make enemies just yet.