"I know nothing of the stars and the moons' whole spiel. Retrograde has something to do with it, too, right?" he chuckles. Cameron liked things simple and easy most days of the week. Every now and then, he'd be more exploratory and try something new, which is why his sisters signed him up for the show. 'More vitality, bro!' is what they said when they dropped him off at the airport. "That's a very fair and highly accurate assessment," he smiles before bringing the glass to his lip for a sip. "And you?"

"It does! Retrograde kind of throws the whole sun and moon charts in a tizzy, and people think their bad excuses can tie to it. Pretty sure I stopped buying into it all after a while," The practical winning out, rather than the celestial reasons convincing her otherwise. "Another win for me," she gave a smug smile, sipping her glass before continuing. "The game is that you only can read me if I didn't get your assessment right," she teased, but a slight glimmer of interest came to her eye, as she turned slightly. "But, let's see you try to figure me out. I'm having a Manhattan."

a slight smile tugs on his lips. " can never go wrong with a rum and coke , " he leans over with crossed arms. he didn't drink much outside of social settings so he was curious about what his drink choice reflected. " what does that say about me ? "

"definitely a classic," she nodded in agreement, as she angled herself on the bar stool slightly. "usually it's more of a free-spirit type of person who orders it, someone approachable, and someone who doesn't overthink things," she gave a grin, and tilted her head slightly. "think it's fitting, or did i completely misread you?"

she bites the inside of her cheek as she takes in the view of the wide pool. it gave her butterflies as the water shimmered under the sun. " i can't speak for anyone else but i'll definitely be using the pool , " she looks up at the other with a smirk. " i'd happily take that title from you if you don't want it. "

"what's the point of having if you don't use it? besides a pretty backdrop?" anthony lifted his shoulder, as if it'd been a no brainier. "i feel like on these reality shows, people really don't use the amenities as much as they should. it's not the point, but damn, if you're sending me to a villa, i'd at least like to live it up a little."

"i think it's cute. not really that sexy, which i think defeats the whole purpose of it, but still cute." she said with a laugh. "i'm usually the opposite. i love to be the one to listen, especially in big groups, and making sure everyone gets listened to, but get me comfortable, and you'd be wishing i stop yapping." lex joked before feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. did he just call her pretty? "i get that. i tend to be nervous as heck at every first date, so i guess this is taking away that nervousness because it's a first date for everybody. kind of like exposure therapy." she said with a bit of a laugh. "i don't find that surprising at all. i like someone who understands that sometimes we just need a good reality show here and there. brain off, tv on, you know? what's your fave show?"

"look, if i am leaning in, smoldering glance and all and ask if they want to take things to the boom boom room, it'll be an instant mood killer. suppose i'll have to figure that out," he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. he probably should've been taking this a bit more seriously. "i think having those who listen is just as important, because people like me, i feel i kind of take over the room, even if it's not my intention. being able to make someone feel seen, that's a rare talent. but if you're looking for someone to yap to, i'll try to be the best listener," an earnest look from him, before nodding. "exactly that. knowing we're all on the weirdest first date ever, kind of makes it less intimidating." not that anthony was ever one to be nervous, or shameful, but the intention was there. "yeah, sometimes you don't want heavy, you want throwing wine, messy antics. i think big brother, traitors. what about you? have a favorite way to escape?"

"hm, suppose i could've been more clear..." she considered, a careful tilt of her head. "i'd say those are solid options though, depending on the vibe. what if you're trying to impress someone? still the same choices?" she gave a teasing glance, taking a sip from her own glass. "usually a negroni, or a manhattan. the rare espresso martini, but only with friends, because drinking them alone is like asking for trouble."

"if it helps, i'm just that girl who's only in it for the beach." she smirked, gesturing towards the view. "it's close to torture knowing the only time we can actually head out of this villa is by going on dates because that beach is just calling my name already." candy added. "if it helps, i'll be in the pool with you everyday if you want. shame to have it here if we're not going to use it, you know?"

"it's the worst. i feel like we should be contracted beach time," anthony considered, with a thoughtful glance. "think we should unionize?" he raised an eyebrow conspiratorially, before chuckling. "but i'm glad we'll be able to put it to good use, and not just have it be an afterthought we regret after we leave here. not that the pool is the biggest priority in my mind, but i'd feel like it would raise moods around here. "

kaan nodded his head, a small, impressed smile on his lips. "i like someone with ambition. i don't need to tell you how hard it's going to be, because you wouldn't have gotten into it without knowing that it would be already, and you still went ahead and did it anyway. that's impressive. and besides, a med-school student is pretty much a full-time job. especially with residency and all the studying you have to do." kaan said, before softening slightly. "agreed. i don't think there's ever a good excuse to cheat. just break up with someone if you're no longer happy, you know? but hey, if it helps, i don't think you're the villain at all. in fact, all i see is someone who knows what they want, and knows what they can give, and i think that's sexy. not a lot of people are like that, but then that makes me curious. what made you join the show then?"

"basically a career before a career, you understand it to a tee," she gave a teasing glance. "but i love it. being able to have an impact on someone's life? it'll be so rewarding, even if it takes a while, and takes a lot out of me. it'll be worth it in the end," she was glad he understood, many people in her life often hadn't, but hana knew her calling, and was stubborn about seeing it through. "i think the tough conversations are something people shy away from, even when it comes to compatibility. but there's no excuse for it all. i'm sorry that happened to you." a shake of her head, before a softer smile came to her lips. "i mean he wasn't wrong... but i know the right person will be a bit more tolerant. it isn't just me i was thinking about, it was having something stable for both of us, for a potential future." pursing her lips, she gave a ghost of a smile. "my younger sisters- my biggest cheerleaders- wanted me to put myself out here, they think i deserve something good. i'm not sure a dating show was their first thought, but i like to keep things interesting."

"nah, i think you're selling yourself short. i think it's more like 99% accurate." king said, a jovial grin forming on his lips as he sees the slight redness on her cheeks. "hidden adventurous side, eh?" he asked, an eyebrow raising slightly. "i like the sound of that. i fell like you're full of little surprises, hana." king added. "so if i tell you i'm gonna take you out on an adventure, on a fun date, but i won't tell you what it is, will that excite you or will the need to know what it's going to be surpass everything else? will you let me take the lead, or would you rather be the one to?"

"you're probably giving me far too much credit," she shook her head, always one to take compliments with a grain of salt, but the words seemed genuine when they came from him. "guess you'll have to stick around and see," a coy smile, although she never considered herself the adventurous type in any capacity, a clear set of instructions, or plans always something she abides by. so at the question, she titled her head slightly, considering it for a moment. "as much as i like being the one to be over prepared, i may be willing to let it go for an evening, or whenever this hypothetical date would happen. i like a man who is able to take charge when the situation allows."

tala laughed. "i think you're safe. if you end up being known as the pool guy, that probably means everyone else is making much worse decisions than you are. statistically, that feels very likely."

"phew," he released a breath at the comment, glad it probably was the least embarrassing thing he could do on live television in hindsight compared to what else the season most likely has in store. "well, what bad decisions do you have on the bingo card for the season? it doesn't have to be yours, just something wild that you think may or may not happen."

"oh, you know ball," anthony gave a teasing smile, listening to the blonde's words with a nod. "damn, seems like i picked the wrong state to live in. pretty sure new york has the wrong idea, i'm the only one who uses the pool at my apartment complex, but i'm glad i'm not going to be the only one to use it here. i'll be in good company with you," a warm glance toward her. "texas though...can't say i've ever been. is southern hospitality really a thing down there?"

"well, i'm trying to keep myself humble. don't want it to go to my head," a teasing grin, a hand rested under her chin as she nodded at his elevator pitch, at least finding someone sane enough to not consider proposal after one conversation. she found the love at first sight concept entirely absurd. "a solid pitch. and good to know you're not seeing this whole experience through rose colored glasses. the same can't be said for some of the others around here," an exaggerated roll of her eyes, before she continued. "i'm hana. i'd like to think I'm interesting to be around, whether that be good or bad, it's up to you to decide. i love hosting, which is a win-lose because somehow i always end up being the go-to person for girl's night. or any occasion, really. i believe love takes time as well, which may be contradictory to the whole concept of the show, but i stand by it."

"whiskey, neat. probably sounds way cooler than reality. truth is, i just got tired of pretending i liked fancy cocktails with fourteen ingredients and a flower sticking out of them." he tilted his head. "so what's the diagnosis, doctor? am i emotionally unavailable or just pretending to be mysterious?"

"mm, would you fault me if i said it seems a bit of a...pretentious choice?" she followed it with a considering look at his posture, as if she could consider the answer based on his demeanor. "maybe you're trying to be mysterious, at ease and comfortable in this setting, with an 'i don't care attitude', but i have a feeling there's more that meets the eye."

"I have heard that before, but never delved into it much." His drinking habits were pretty standard and social. An IPA during a game. An espresso martini on a date night. "Lately I've been on the old-fashioned and bourbon on the rocks, depending on my mood. What's that say about me?"

"It may be an icebreaker, but I think the answer is more reliable than star signs, with it being vastly changing based off retrograde and such," she gave a nonchalant shrug, one clear on solid opinions before nodding at his answer, taking his casual demeanor and comfortable as well to factor in. "Well, both could say you're the grounded type. Down-to-earth, and you value balance above all else since this is a classic drink option. Think I read you correctly?"

"I mean, eventually, yes. Why wouldn't we?" It was as pristine a pool on a private property as she’s ever seen. And if she wasn't in it, she'd definitely be lounging by it to get in all the vitamin D she so desperately needs. "Someone's gonna have to be the first in. Would it be easier if I just shoved you in?"

"because pool conversations aren't as sexy as chats in the sun?" he answered, a puzzled expression at the question, as he eyed the pool again, longing eyes that should've been used on a person rather than just water. "i'd be glad to be the first one in. though before we do, can we make sure i'm in a thin white t-shirt? i feel like it'd be impressive to both you and the masses."

"at this specific moment?" hana tilted her head, already perched on one of the bar stools in the kitchen, legs crossed. she probably should've been chatting up someone rather than taking a moment to herself but she was glad the other came along. "i'd say a solid six," the ghost of a grin threatened to tug at her lips, not even sure if it's been close, but wanting to give the air of someone completely sure of her options. maintaining her cool complexion before she spoke again. "so, if you want to give me your elevator pitch, i'm all ears."

"no, i think you're completely hitting the bullseye with that." king said as he looked over at her with a curious smile. "see, i never would have guessed that, but i think that's because i've never had a negroni before. all i can say is that you're beautiful, and you probably like figuring things out, or just learning in general. or maybe you just don't want to be caught off guard." king murmured. "if someone said they were a negroni person, what would you say they'd be like? so you can give me the chance to figure you out as well."

"i'm usually 90 percent accurate in my assumptions," a rare teasing comment and a tug of her lips from her, as her eyes caught his at the compliment. a slight warmth crept, but she hoped it hadn't shown, as she schooled her expression back. "you pretty much described me to some degree," she coyly stated, not admitting that all of it fit her to a tee, taking a sip from her beverage, eyeing him over the rim of her glass. "i'd say people who drink negronis are decisive, and the non-nonsense type, but also have a hidden adventurous side."