"Design Star's" Josh Johnson and Scott Corridan

Still, it's obvious that for Scott and Josh, their own friendship is what means the most to both men. “Josh and I partnered in a big way,” said Scott. “As far as keeping one another's sails full and not losing sight of who you are as a human being, he and I were very much there for one another.”

“Scott's from the other side of the country, but we can look at each other and know what the other's thinking,” agreed Josh. “We connected on that level.”

Both men say they had nothing but support from family and friends, and both say they're in long-term relationships. Scott chatted easily about being comfortable with public displays of affection between he and his partner, Mauro, and Josh just celebrated three years with his boyfriend. “His name is Michael and he has been, of course, the number one fan,” Josh said. “He's supported me and known everything from the very beginning. It's just been great. He's so excited about it and willing to move if we have to move. It's fantastic.”

Although filming is over, everyone's lips are sealed as to who ends up being the new design star. As of the second week, three designers have been sent home, and two more are slated to get the axe next week. The backstage cameras and “behind the scenes” footage over on the Design Star website reveal their share of tears and frayed tempers, although in its second season, the show is still focused more on design than personal interactions. Still, the experience took its toll on everyone.

“Every challenge, there are different time constraints, there are different budgets, there are different setups, different areas,” said Josh. “The nerve-wracking part was the next challenge; what's that going to be?” He laughed, “Is this going to be something where I'll have to stretch and use power tools? I mean, all I have is my hair dryer and my flat iron, so…”

“I can tell you I will never, and I told my manager and my agent, and everybody else, I will never ever again do a competition reality television show,” said Scott. “It's too much, it really is too much. Emotionally, physically, psychologically, it is a very, very difficult task.”

Win or lose, though, they both agree it's been worth it. Said Josh, “I did feel good about what I actually put forth in the design, but even bigger than that, I felt that I represented myself, was true to who I am…. If you do get to the end, and you do get your own show, or whatever happens, what matters is that you remain real and true to yourself. Being real on a reality show is the biggest prize for me.”

Design Star airs Sunday night on HGTV at 9 PM ET/PT.