Love Begins at Jeju

7-The Real Alliance

The days after the first elimination pass in a blur of challenges and strategy. The camp is alive with activity, the contestants moving between tasks, challenges, and casual interactions. But beneath the surface, the game is already beginning to shift. Conversations are held in hushed tones, eyes dart around the camp, and alliances begin to form.

It’s early morning when Jin, ever calm and composed, sits by the fire, watching the sun rise over the horizon. His mind is already turning. He’s seen the alliances forming—he can feel it. He knows that Survivor isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s about mental resilience and the people you can trust.

Seokjin has learned that much from his years in the industry. But who can he trust here? The question lingers as he stares into the fire.

Later that morning, Taehyung approaches Seokjin near the edge of the camp. His usual playful smile is gone; his eyes are serious, calculating. He knows he needs to make his move now if he wants to last in this game.

“Jin,” Taehyung begins, his voice low. “I think we should talk. I’ve been watching how things are going, and I think we could work together.”

Seokjin raises an eyebrow but doesn’t respond immediately, his gaze shifting to the others who are scattered around the camp. “And what would that entail, Taehyung?”

Taehyung lowers his voice further, the two of them now hidden from the view of the others.
“An alliance. You and me, and maybe a few others. We’ve got the right mix of skills, and the others are starting to make moves. We don’t want to be caught off guard.”

Seokjin considers the offer for a long moment.
“And who would be included in this alliance?” His voice is neutral, but his interest is piqued.

“I think we should bring in Jungkook—he’s strong, but he doesn’t have the full picture of the game yet. We could guide him. Maybe Rosé too. She’s been flying under the radar, and she’s smart. She’d be useful for a quiet, strategic game.” Taehyung speaks quickly but with conviction.

Seokjin nods slowly. “I agree that Jungkook is a valuable player. As for Rosé… I see what you mean. I think we can work with her. But we have to make sure it’s a strong bond—no weak links in this game.”

Taehyung smiles. “Exactly. And we can’t let the others think we’re too close too soon. Keep our distance but build trust.”

---

Later that afternoon, the alliance begins to take shape. Taehyung pulls Jungkook aside. He knows that Jungkook has been feeling uncertain after the first elimination. The younger contestant has been quiet lately, thinking about his position in the game.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung says, lowering his voice. “I think we need to talk. There are a lot of people gunning for you, and we need to stick together if we want to survive this game.”

Jungkook raises an eyebrow, intrigued but hesitant.
“What are you saying?”

Taehyung leans closer.
“I’m proposing an alliance. You, me, and Jin. We keep the others guessing. We don’t make our moves too obvious, but we make sure that we have each other’s backs.”

Jungkook thinks for a moment, the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. He knows how dangerous it is to trust people in this game, but he also knows how easily he could be voted out if he doesn’t take a stand.

“Okay. I’m in. But we need to be careful. The others are already forming alliances. If we don’t move fast, we’ll be left behind.”

Taehyung nods, his expression firm. “Exactly. And we’ll need someone else too. I’ve been thinking about Rosé.”

---

Later that evening, the group gathers around the fire. The firelight flickers across their faces as Rosé sits by the flames, quietly listening to the conversations around her. Taehyung takes a deep breath and decides to take the next step.

“Rosé,” Taehyung begins, his voice calm yet sincere. “We’ve been talking, and we think it’s time for us to team up. We all know how the game is shaping up, and I think we can help each other.”

Rosé doesn’t immediately respond. She looks between Taehyung, Jungkook, and Seokjin, gauging their sincerity.
“What’s the plan?” she asks quietly, though there’s an edge of curiosity in her voice.

Jungkook speaks next, his voice earnest. “We keep it small. We make sure we aren’t too loud, and we focus on getting through the next few eliminations. We need to survive this together. If we stick together, we’ll have a shot at the end.”

Rosé takes a moment to process their words. Her instincts are sharp, and she knows better than to trust easily in Survivor. But after the first elimination, she’s feeling more vulnerable than ever. If she wants to stay in the game, she knows she has to play smart.

“Alright,” she says finally, nodding.
“I’m in. But we need to make sure no one sees us as a threat right now. We move in the shadows until the time is right.”

---

While the others form their alliance and plan their next moves, Seokjin continues to observe, his mind working quietly in the background. He listens to their discussions, watches how they interact, but he remains mostly detached. He knows that Survivor is a game of alliances, but it’s also a game of patience. For now, he’ll bide his time.

His thoughts, however, aren’t just on the people around him. Seokjin knows that alliances shift, and as long as he keeps his distance, he won’t be anyone’s target. His silence, his calm, is his greatest weapon. He doesn’t need to make a move yet. He just needs to wait for the right moment.

---

Elsewhere around camp, Wendy and Sandeul are beginning to form a quiet bond. They’ve shared a few conversations, getting to know one another better. They both recognize that they’ve been flying under the radar, which has its advantages. While others scramble to form bigger alliances, Wendy and Sandeul see the value in keeping things low-key for now.

“We might not be the strongest physically,” Sandeul says, his tone light but earnest, “but we can work together. People won’t see us coming.”

Wendy smiles, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. “Exactly. We don’t need to dominate. We just need to stay under the radar and make sure we have the right allies when the time comes.”

---

As the days pass, the alliances within the tribe begin to solidify. But there’s a constant undercurrent of tension. No one is completely safe, and everyone knows that the second someone shows weakness, they will be targeted. The lines are drawn, and the survivors of Jeju are realizing that this game is more about deception than strength.

Taehyung, Seokjin, Jungkook, and Rosé have formed a solid alliance, though it’s still early. Their quiet strategy and close-knit bonds are a weapon they plan to wield carefully. Wendy and Sandeul have also joined forces, quietly building trust while remaining under the radar.

Meanwhile, others—Yoongi, Hoseok, Jimin, and RM—are still working on their individual games, aware of the growing web of alliances but hesitant to commit just yet. Moonbyul’s departure has shaken the others, but it also created a power vacuum, and everyone is scrambling for control.

But in Survivor, nothing is ever as it seems, and the game is always one step ahead. The true test will be when the first major twist hits, and these fragile alliances will be put to the ultimate test.