"Wow, this place is incredibly elegant," Nabi exclaimed as they entered the spacious restaurant.
The decor featured charming grey walls and an abundance of candles, while tables were adorned with grey and black roses.
"Are we the only one here ?" he asked with amusement, approaching the centrally placed wooden table.
"Yeah, it seems that way," she replied, taking the seat he had courteously pulled out for her before settling into the one opposite.
"I'm starving ; I feel like ordering everything," she chuckled as they perused the menu.
"Same here. Everything looks tempting; it's tough to decide on just one.. " he nodded with a slight laugh.
"I've got a craving for a burger," she admitted, flipping through the menu pages.
"We can order one for you. You're not a fan of spicy food, right?" he asked with a smile, shifting his gaze from the menu to meet hers.
"Yeah, how did you guess?" she replied.
"The last time we had barbecue, Gwanhee added wasabi to your wrap, and you looked like you were struggling," he said, laughing as he remembered her expression.
"I'm not that bad; he just added too much," she laughed along as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their food.
"Thank you for choosing me. It's because of you that we get to share this delightful meal and engage in meaningful conversation," he expressed while delicately cutting into his steak.
"No need to thank me, Minkyu-shi. I'm savoring every moment just as much as you are," she replied, casting a warm smile as she adorned the gloves provided, preparing to indulge in the burger.
"I'm not sure how I'll manage eating this on camera without making a mess," she confessed, holding the sizable burger in her hands.
"Don't worry, you're beautiful no matter what. Just savor the moment," he assured with a gentle laugh.
"You're only saying that to flatter me," she teased, smiling at him before taking a bite. The burst of flavors prompted her to momentarily place the burger on the plate, and she couldn't help but express her delight with a satisfied clap and a joyful tilt of her head.
"Wow, Minkyu-shi, you've got to taste this—it's incredibly delicious," she exclaimed with delight, speaking between bites.
"Should I?" he asked, intrigued, his eyes focused on her as she extended the burger toward his mouth, attempting to take a bite.
"It's truly amazing," he acknowledged, savoring the flavors as she nodded in agreement.
'... soo how old are you ..'he asked with a gentle smile, prompting her to chuckle
"Well, I think you should spill your age first," she replied, locking eyes with him as he leaned back in his chair.
"I'm 34," he admitted, observing her throw her head back, covering her mouth with her hand as laughter bubbled out.
"Why, am I too old?.. " he quipped, joining in her laughter at her amusing reaction.
"No, no, I just guessed right. I knew you were older than me; I'm 24," she confessed, witnessing his face shift from shock to laughter as they shared a lighthearted moment.
"We're 10 years apart," he said, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"Oh, that's no big deal. Honestly, I find older men more attractive. I appreciate the reliability and comfort that comes with maturity, just like you, Oppa," she shared, smiling as she took a sip of her drink.
"It's not an issue for me either. I was just taken back , I knew you were younger, but I hoped the age gap wouldn't be substantial so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable. The way you carry yourself made me think you might be older than your actual age," he explained, studying her with thoughtful observation. .
"I'm anything but uncomfortable with you. In fact, as I previously said I find older, reliable men incredibly attractive. The way you've always taken care of me, especially this morning, has given me a sense of comfort—that's the main reason I chose you," she admitted. He responded with a shy smile and a nod.
"I'm glad you feel that way about me. I've been attracted to you since our first conversation, and I guess I've found myself taking care of you without even realizing it. I suppose I like you that much," he expressed, and she couldn't help but smile at his endearing shyness evident on his face.
"After you gave me a bandage this morning, I thought taking care of people was just part of your job," she admitted, and he nodded in response.
"Well, you could say that. I'm a coast guard, part of the rescue team," he informed her.
"Wow, you must be a fantastic swimmer," she commented with a smile.
"Yeah, you could say so," he shyly responded with a nod.
"No wonder you have such broad shoulders and a great posture," she complimented him, observing as he broke into a shy smile.
"What about you?" he asked, skillfully cutting the steak and transferring it from his plate to hers.
"I'm a fashion student," she admitted, observing him nod with amusement.
"Wow, no wonder you have a great fashion sense," he complimented, genuinely intrigued.
"My mom works in the clothing industry, so I grew up with her always dressing me . I developed a deep fondness for it, and that's why I decided to study something I'm passionate about," she explained, and he listened attentively.
"That really suits you, to be honest," he smiled at her as they continued enjoying their meal and conversation.
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"Observing Minkyu and Nabi, it's evident that they share a genuine comfort with each other. The conversation is flowing smoothly and comfortably,"
remarked Dahee as she observed the two on the screen.
"Yeah, he did seem a bit taken aback by the age gap initially, but Nabi handled it with grace, steering the conversation in a positive direction and putting him at ease,"
added Dex.
"I'm really excited to see more of their date,"
admitted Kyuhyun.
"Comparing it to the other dates, this one seems to be going exceptionally well. Minwoo and Gyuri are good, but there's a sense that Minwoo's mind might be elsewhere,"
explained Dahee, and everyone nodded in agreement.
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"These hotels are massive," Nabi commented as she entered the expansive suite, with Minkyu in tow.
"Yeah, it's quite impressive," he agreed, settling their bags on the floor.
"Pool or hot tub?" he inquired, eyeing the inviting pool through the glass.
"Let's go for the pool," she replied from inside the room.
"Should we order some champagne?" he asked, leaning on the door as he watched her search for a swimsuit.
"Yeah, I think that's a great idea," she smiled, holding a white swimsuit in her hands.
"I'll get changed and meet you at the pool," she said with a smile, playfully pushing him out of the door amid his laughter as she prepared to change.
"Is the water cold?" Nabi inquired as she approached the pool, noticing the men already immersed in it.
"Nah, it's fine," he reassured, extending a hand to help her in.
"Be careful not to slip," he cautioned as she descended the steps.
"With a coast guard by my side, slipping is the least of my worries," she chuckled, finally entering the pool.
"Yeah, I'll just save the day like a superhero," he quipped, making her burst into laughter as they swam towards the small counter where glasses and a bottle of champagne awaited.
"I thought the night would be too chilly for a dip, but it's not that bad," Nabi admitted as she watched him pour champagne into the glasses.
"Yeah, it actually feels great, and the view adds to the experience," he remarked, handing her a cup with a smile.
"The view is stunning tonight," Nabi agreed, taking a sip of her champagne.
"Did you enjoy it, coming here with me?" he asked, his hand caressing the water's surface.
"Yes, I adored our meal and conversation, and now, this feels beyond perfect," she expressed with a tender grin.
"At first, I was quite anxious, but when I heard Gyuri was going with Minwoo, I felt relieved. I really wanted to come here with you," he confessed with a smile, and she reached for his arm, gracefully swimming closer.
"Really? Do you like me that much?" she teased, a soft smile playing on her lips. He laughed, averting his gaze.
"Yeah, you could say that," he murmured, reaching to hold the hand that clung to his arm, intertwining their fingers
"I'm truly delighted that we've had the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and express our feelings. I've been to paradise before, but with Jinseok, it felt different. It's not that he made me uncomfortable; it's just that it seemed like we chose each other based on looks , We did have a good time, but not nearly as much as when I'm with you," she expressed, and he shyly smiled, nodding in understanding.
"Honestly, hearing that feels wonderful. Knowing that Gwanhee is interested in you and seeing how close you are to Minwoo made me anxious that maybe you didn't like me as much. Hearing you say this puts my mind at ease," he admitted with a shy smile, and she nodded in reassurance.
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"Looks like I was right; they're having the best date today,"
Kyuhyun smiled, nodding approvingly at the pair.
"They're absolutely adorable and sweet. Minkyu appears to be head over heels for her,"
Dahee chimed in, sharing a warm smile.
"I'm intrigued by how things will unfold for Minwoo and Nabi. His attention seems fixed on her, even Gyuri noticed. Yet, Nabi is fully embracing the moment with Minkyu,"
mused Hanhae.
"She's taking her time, keeping her options open, genuinely getting to know him. It's refreshing to see her enjoying every bit of this paradise trip without rushing into decisions,"
Dex explained, offering thoughtful commentary.
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"Allow me to take care of that for you," Minkyu said, delicately applying a small patch to her scratch as She turned, offering her elbow within his view.
"I'm genuinely happy you won today ... " he added from behind her, and she smiled, examining her hands.
"I owe it all to you, I suppose. Your help with my nails earlier felt like a lucky charm," she smiled, their eyes meeting.
"Well, I'm pleased you see it that way," he shyly responded, reclining on his bed.
"You have a wonderfully deep voice," she remarked, hearing him chuckle at her observation.
"And you are exceptionally beautiful. That dress you wore this morning suited you perfectly," he admitted as she moved to lie on her bed, dimming the lights.
"Really? I wore it with you in mind," she teased with a laugh, reciprocated by his laughter.
"Yeah, you're turning me into a love-struck fool with all this blushing," he smiled at her before they peacefully drifted into sleep.
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Day 06
"I'm finding it hard to believe our day in paradise has come to an end," sighed Minkyu as he and Nabi, alongside the other couples, headed toward the communal area.
"Absolutely. It feels unreal that we're back in 'hell' now," Nabi concurred as they approached the table where the others were enjoying their breakfast.
"I'll leave your bag in the women's changing rooms," Minkyu offered, and Nabi nodded, a small grin on her face.
"Thanks. I'll grab some water first and then head to the women's room," she informed him, receiving a nod in acknowledgment.
"Jinseok-shi, what brings you here all alone?" she laughed, noticing him dipping his bread in milk before taking a bite.
"Just trying to enjoy a peaceful meal," he replied, shifting his gaze to the girl filling her cup before taking a seat next to him.
"Having a tough time, huh?" she laughed, and he simply nodded.
"It feels like I'm a married man having an affair," he confessed, and she chuckled at his words.
"Why, though?" she questioned.
"You see, after returning to heaven with Minyoung, I made it clear that she interested me the most. However, after spending time with Minji, I felt the need to explore other connections. Now, Minyoung is nagging me as if I'm cheating on her," he explained, and the girl nodded in understanding.
"Well, you really shouldn't beat yourself up about it. We all have changes of heart. What stood out to me is that you've been straightforward. When we went to heaven together, and you felt more drawn to Minyoung, you made it clear for her and me. I appreciated that a lot—you being honest without leading anyone on. So, if you feel the need to explore your options, that's perfectly fine. Just be mindful of how you express it, so it doesn't hurt anyone, and know where to draw the line," she advised with a warm smile, and he nodded in appreciation.
"To be honest, it's not that I didn't like you. I did, but I felt a stronger connection with Minyoung. You were amazing too, and I could see that a lot of men were interested in you. That's why I didn't approach you afterward," he admitted, and she smiled kindly at his words.
The men tents ;
"How was heaven?" Minwoo lounged on the bed in the men's room, asking Minkyu about his date.
"It was fantastic, my best one so far," Minkyu admitted with a smile and a nod.
"The best among the three dates?" Gwanhee questioned curiously.
"She's delightful to talk to, and I think we clicked exceptionally well. Even during awkward moments, she has a knack for lightening the mood and sparking a conversation," Minkyu explained with a nod.
"And what about you, Minwoo? Did you enjoy your time? You seemed a bit disappointed when Gyuri picked you up," Gwanhee inquired.
"I enjoyed seeing the lively and new side of her, but yeah, she wasn't the one I anticipated leaving with," Minwoo confessed.
"Is Nabi the one you're most interested in?" Minkyu asked, exchanging looks with the others.
"Mhmm, well, I'm also curious about Sieun. We had a conversation, and I feel like we could click in a great way," Minwoo admitted.
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"I'd bet Minkyu's feelings for Nabi have intensified after their date. But look at Gwanhee; he's undeniably curious about her,"
shared Jinkyung with the others.
"He mentioned he's close to making his final pick, but Minji and his curiosity about Nabi might be throwing a wrench into things for him,"
explained Dex, offering his perspective.
"Gwanhee is genuinely hard to read. I'm not sure if Nabi shares the same feelings. The way she acts with Minwoo and Minkyu is so different; you can tell she genuinely likes them. However, with Gwanhee, it seems like she's just playfully messing with him and just trying to have a good time,"
added Kyuhyun.
"I'm genuinely unsure about how things will play out. For Minwoo, Sieun seems interesting, and Nabi is too. Plus, he appeared to have a good time with Gyuri. I can't even fathom what might happen next,"
Dahee chimed in, expressing her confusion about the unfolding dynamics.
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Abruptly, a voice echoed from the speakers, catching everyone's attention. It announced that the men would be participating in a game today, with the prize being the opportunity to secure a date to paradise with the person of their choice.
Nabi and the others traversed to the opposite side of hell under the scorching sun, eventually reaching the flags planted on the hill where they formed a line.
"This is the most legit workout I've had since I got here," Nabi remarked with a laugh, Sieun nodding beside her.
"Singles today; the men will be competing in a game for a date in paradise. The top three contestants, in order of rank, will get to choose the women they'd like to go to paradise with. Now, here are the rules for today's game: There are three flags on top of this hill. At the sound of the signal, the men will sprint from the starting line toward the flags as fast as they can. The first three men to seize the flags will be placed first, second, and third," explained the voice through the speakers, surprising everyone.
Gwanhee reached over to pat Minkyu on the shoulder with a laugh.
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"This feels more like a marathon,"
Jinkyung laughed, assessing the distance from the start to the end line.
"It's turning into a showdown between Gwanhee, Minkyu, and Minwoo,"
she added, noting the three men standing side by side at the start line.
"Ranking is crucial this time,"
chimed Dex, emphasizing the significance of their positions.
"Hanbin looks like a professional runner," Kyuhyun observed, eliciting laughter from the others.
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"Gwanhee looks like a pro athlete with that headband," Minji remarked, and Nabi couldn't help but laugh in agreement.
"I'm really curious about who's going to come out on top," Nabi mused, mentally trying to predict the final three contestants.
"Wonik aced the last game, so he's got potential," she noted, reminiscing about Wonik's performance during the squat game.
"Minwoo's got those strong legs; he could definitely win too," Sieun added with a nod.
"Good luck," Nabi smiled, receiving a playful nudge from Minkyu as he walked past her with a smile, joining the other men heading to the start line.
The six men stood poised before the white line, awaiting the sound of the siren. As it blared through the speakers, Gwanhee surged ahead, leading the race with Minkyu, Hanbin, and Minwoo closely trailing. Suddenly, Jinseok stopped, fatigued, while Hanbin tired, allowing Minwoo and Wonik to catch up. Gwanhee reached the finish line first, securing the flag, and surprisingly, Minkyu and Minwoo were neck and neck as they simultaneously grabbed the remaining two blue flags. The other four men finished the race amid the applause of the watching girls. Jinseok, last to arrive, strolled in, prompting laughter from everyone.
"Did you see him? He just winked at me," grinned Minyoung as Jinseok joined the others.
"That's so cringe," Nabi told her, laughing along with the others.
"Who secured third and second place?" Nabi asked, feeling a bit puzzled and unable to discern the order.
"..Yaaah, why are you bothering? You're going to heaven anyway," Jinseok joked, trying to catch his breath, which sparked laughter from the others.
"I'm just curious. Does losing make you bitter or something?" she laughed, and her eyes connected with Minwoo's as everyone awaited the final ranks.
"In second place is Choi Minwoo, followed by Park Minkyu in third place with a difference of 3 seconds," announced the voice, prompting gasps at the narrow gap.
"Waaah, they were so close," Sieun exclaimed, grinning at the announcement and clapping happily.
"You did great," Nabi silently mouthed, noticing Minkyu's eyes on her once the announcement was made. He responded with a small smile and a nod.
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"I'm genuinely intrigued about what's going to unfold. Gwanhee's pick and Minwoo's choice are complete mysteries to me,"
Jinkyung admitted, sharing her thoughts with the others.
"To be honest, it's going to be messy either way if Nabi gets picked by Gwanhee or Minwoo,"
Dex remarked with a nod.
"With only three days left, and considering he's heard great things about Nabi and Minji, having previously chosen Hyoseon and Hajeong, my guess is he'll go with either Nabi or Minji,"
Kyuhyun speculated.
"If he chooses based on curiosity, it'll likely be Nabi. But regardless of what he's heard, he might pick Hyoseon if he has feelings for her, to find out how she feels,"
argued Jinkyung, presenting her perspective.
"He seems shaken up by what he's heard, and given his talks and bickering with Nabi, he admitted to loving unpredictable people, and she fits the bill perfectly,"
added Kyuhyun.
"But if he chooses Minji, I doubt he'll have a chance with either Nabi or Hyoseon,"
reasoned Dahee, earning nods of agreement from everyone.
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"...Oppa, don't be upset," Nabi comforted him, noticing the pronounced pout on his face at the wooden table outside the rooms. Stepping out from the room as she held a bottle of sunscreen in her hand.
"I just wanted another chance to go to paradise with you. After the great time we had yesterday, thanks to you, I thought I could repay the favor, but it didn't go as planned," he explained, watching her approach.
"You don't need to repay me for anything. I picked you because I genuinely like you and wanted to get to know you better. Besides, you never know if I'll get picked by the other two , so I might end up going with you," she smiled, dispensing sunscreen into her palm. Her other hand gently moved his hair away from his face.
"Is my skin burn that bad?" he asked, a shy smile playing on his lips as he observed her applying sunscreen to his face.
"Yeah, I don't want that pretty skin of yours to get burned. You had to run quite hard along with five other guys, but your skin looks the most worn out," she laughed, her hands massaging his skin before using the remaining sunscreen on her arms.
"I really hope Gwanhee and Minwoo noticed this , so they might consider taking other girls to heaven with them," he sulked, his cuteness eliciting laughter from her.
"You're adorable when you're jealous," she said with a wide smile.
"How can I not be? You even got dressed up, and you look stunning," he complimented, his eyes appreciatively lingering on her orange dress, earning yet another laugh from her.
"Maybe I dressed up just for you," she teased before Jinseok and Minwoo joined them at the table.
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"Waah, Minkyu is adorable, like a little puppy!" laughed Jinkyung.
"He's genuinely head over heels for Nabi," agreed Dahee with a chuckle.
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"..nabi are you free to have a talk .." asked minwoo the girl as soon as he sat on the table as she shifted her gaze from minkyu pouting face to the guy in the blue shirt with a small nod .
"..yeah I don't mind .." she replied as she laughed a bit waving at minkyu .
"..waah these is what I meant when I told you , you are going to hevean no matter what .." joked jinseok
"..waaah jinseok shi you are like an ajjuma , can't let me catch a break can you ? .." she quipped with a laugh as she strolled away with Minwoo towards the small boat by the shore.
"..I missed you, truly," Minwoo confessed as they settled inside the small boat.
"Really? If you did, you would've talked to me sooner," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes as he laughed, alluding to his recent conversation with Gyuri.
"No, I genuinely did. I just wasn't sure how to approach you," he said with a small laugh, observing her as she moved her hair back.
"I'll let it slide this time. Congrats on winning; you did a great job today," Nabi smiled at him, accompanying her words with a small clap of her hands.
"I aimed for the top spot, and even though I secured the win, there's still a hint of anxiety," he confessed, meeting her gaze.
"Don't worry, you gave your best. Whatever comes next, just enjoy the moment," Nabi comforted with a sweet smile.
"Did you enjoy yesterday?" he inquired.
"Yeah, it was fun. How about you? Did you have a good time?" she grinned.
"It was great, but honestly, I'm unsure about my feelings. Gyuri choosing me caught me off guard. Do you think Paradise helped you decide?" he pondered, and Nabi nodded.
"Not yet. There's someone I need to know better before making up my mind," she admitted, observing his face breaking into a grin.
"Did you consider choosing me yesterday?" he asked.
"Of course, but that's not crucial now," she teased with a grin.
"What is important then?" he inquired, his hand playing with her bracelet.
"You won today, so who are you picking? That's what matters the most," Nabi teased back.
"I have two people in mind—one I'm irresistibly drawn to and another I haven't had a proper talk with," he confessed, making Nabi nod in understanding.
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"..Looks like Minwo missed the memo; that wasn't the playful answer she was after .."
Dex laughed at the men's words
"..Exactly, she just wanted to keep things fun..." Jinkyung nodded in agreement
"..I wonder where this conversation will lead us.'"
Hanhae, perplexed, as he tilted his head
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"..Sieun seems to be the person on your mind," Nabi nodded, acknowledging the situation.
"Our timing hasn't been ideal for a conversation, making it a bit frustrating," he explained.
"I understand. If choosing me isn't right for you, I won't be upset. If Sieun offers a better connection, go for it. I want you to be without regrets," Nabi assured with a sincere smile.
"Any chance you spoke to her today?" Nabi asked, receiving a negative head shake in response.
"Good news, she's on her way here. It's your opportunity for a talk," Nabi said, rising and waving at Sieun with a hopeful grin.
"Best of luck, Minwoo. Choose wisely," Nabi conveyed before leaving.
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"..Bringing up his issues with Sieun really dampened the atmosphere,"
Dahee sulked.
"Nabi might interpret it as him losing interest," Jinkyung chimed in.
"Why? I thought he conveyed his attraction to her, or at least hinted at it,"
Dex questioned.
"The vibe was positive until he mentioned Sieun. Perhaps he's more comfortable opening up to Nabi than Gyuri, but it still wasn't what Nabi expected,"
Dahee explained, nodding in agreement.
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"Look who's flying solo, Gwanhee!" Nabi exclaimed, approaching the lone figure by the cushions.
"You look pretty," he complimented out of the blue, triggering laughter from her as she took a seat beside him.
"Well, that was random. But hey, you don't look too shabby yourself," she responded with a nod and a smile.
"..Miss Nabi giving compliments? Now, that's a surprise," he chuckled in response.
"Nothing wrong with your looks. You're great until you decide to talk, and then boom—Ruined everything," she teased, prompting even more laughter.
"Yeah, yeah, got it. Minkyu said you were his favorite date," Gwanhee mentioned as Nabi leaned back on her couch.
"Really? He didn't share that with me," she replied with a nod.
"I've been interested in you. Every time we talk, I get more curious. It's like I can't help it," he admitted.
"Well, I think you and I just have a different vibe," she smiled at him.
I
"Made up your mind?" he asked, and she shook her head.
"No, there's someone I want to know more before deciding. But after today and tomorrow, things should clear up for me," she assured him with a smile as he nodded.
Suddenly, an announcement rang out, signaling it was time to pick couples.
"Let's go," he told her, and they rose,
He smiled at her as they parted ways he to the entrance and her to the women's room .
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"He could be thinking she's curious about him," Kyuhyun chuckled.
"With her mentioning a decision soon, he might choose her to secure more time together before she decides,"
Dex added.
"I'm honestly not sure anymore," Kyuhyun admitted.
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. "..the person I would like to go to heaven with Is ....."
Gwanhee declared
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. End of episode 07
It's 00:00 in my country and just finished this hope you guys like it and enjoy this chapter .
Thanks so much for the love you are showering me with we are close to the ending so I thought some drama wouldn't hurt would it ?
Who do you guys think nabi will be leaving paradise with next ep ?
Who Do you think minwoo and gwanhee will pick ?!
Did you enjoy minkyu and nabi moments this chapter ?!
Tried to add more jinseok moments cause he's our favorite green flag 🤍
Please know I welcom all kind of feedback and ideas hope you are enjoying the story so far 💗
I don't think next week the uploads will be as fast cause I have upcoming exams I have to prepare for been podcasting since ever , plus how ever decided we should have exam during the holidays/new years season 😭?!
Wrapping 2023 what was your favourite trend in it (could be anything ) ?!
+the burger scene inspired by this
😭😭😭😭
Love and good night 💗🫶🏻