Chapter 7
Winter Kim had been wrestling with her thoughts for days. Karina Yu’s antics were relentless, persistent, and… oddly charming. It wasn’t just the grand gestures—the lemonade, the karaoke serenade, or the way Karina always found a way to be near her. It was the sincerity behind everything that made Winter’s resolve waver.
It was a cloudy Friday afternoon, and Winter found herself walking through the school courtyard with Giselle and Ryujin. The two were chattering away about the upcoming basketball match, but Winter’s mind was elsewhere.
“Earth to Winter?” Ryujin waved a hand in front of her face. “What’s got you so spaced out?”
Winter shook her head. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
“Let me guess,” Giselle said with a smirk. “Karina?”
Winter groaned. “Can we not?”
“You’ve been in denial for weeks,” Giselle said, nudging her playfully. “Maybe it’s time to just give her a chance.”
“She’s… exhausting,” Winter muttered, though there was no heat in her words.
Ryujin chuckled. “And yet, you’re smiling right now.”
Winter’s hand shot up to her face, as if to wipe away the betraying smile. “I’m not.”
Giselle and Ryujin exchanged knowing looks but said nothing more, letting the topic drop for now.
After school, Winter found herself lingering near the gymnasium. She didn’t know why—maybe it was the faint hope that Karina would show up. And, as if on cue, Karina emerged from the gym doors, her hair slightly disheveled and a basketball tucked under her arm.
“Hey,” Karina said, her face lighting up when she saw Winter.
“Hi,” Winter said, shoving her hands into her pockets. “You’re still here?”
“Just finished practice,” Karina replied, spinning the basketball effortlessly. “What about you? Waiting for someone?”
“No,” Winter said quickly. “Just… thinking.”
Karina raised an eyebrow, sensing an opportunity. “About what?”
Winter hesitated, then sighed. “About your proposal.”
Karina’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh? And?”
Winter rolled her eyes. “Don’t look so smug. I haven’t agreed yet.”
“Yet?” Karina said, a grin spreading across her face. “So, you’re considering it?”
“Maybe,” Winter admitted, crossing her arms. “But I have a question for you first.”
“Shoot,” Karina said, setting the basketball down and leaning against the wall.
Winter took a deep breath. “Are you sure you don’t know how to court someone? But look at yourself and all the things that you’ve done just to make me agree to that proposal of yours. It’s literally courting, Karina. I don’t know what’s the definition of courting to you.”
Karina blinked, taken aback by Winter’s bluntness. Then, she laughed, a soft, genuine sound that made Winter’s heart skip a beat.
“Maybe you’re right,” Karina said, scratching the back of her neck. “I guess I’ve been courting you without realizing it.”
Winter shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Does that mean you’ll let me keep doing it?” Karina asked, her tone hopeful.
Winter sighed dramatically. “Fine. You win. I’ll agree with your proposal. I'll court you and you can do whatever you want. It doesn't matter if you'll continue your antics or what, but I'll court you.”
Karina’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Really? You mean it?”
“Yes, but on one condition,” Winter said, holding up a finger.
“Anything,” Karina said eagerly.
“No more public declarations,” Winter said, narrowing her eyes. “And no more embarrassing me in front of everyone.”
Karina pouted. “That’s two conditions.”
“Take it or leave it,” Winter said, crossing her arms.
“Take it,” Karina said quickly. “I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise.”
Winter rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile that crept onto her face. “We’ll see.”
The following days were… interesting, to say the least. True to her word, Karina toned down the public displays of affection, but her efforts to “court” Winter were still as creative as ever.
One morning, Winter found a neatly folded note tucked into her locker. It was a handwritten poem, equal parts cheesy and heartfelt. She couldn’t help but smile as she read it, though she made sure to tuck it away before anyone saw.
During lunch, Karina would casually slide her favorite snacks onto Winter’s tray, pretending not to notice the amused looks from Giselle and Ryujin.
“You’re enjoying this way too much,” Winter said one day, eyeing the extra pack of strawberry milk Karina had given her.
“What can I say?” Karina said, grinning. “Your happiness is my mission.”
Winter rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her neck.
One evening, as Winter was walking home, she heard someone calling her name. She turned to see Karina jogging toward her, slightly out of breath.
“What are you doing here?” Winter asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I thought I’d walk you home,” Karina said, falling into step beside her.
“You live on the other side of town,” Winter pointed out.
“Details,” Karina said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m just being a good suitor.”
Winter shook her head, but her lips twitched upward. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, you’re smiling,” Karina said, bumping her shoulder lightly against Winter’s.
Winter huffed but didn’t deny it. As they walked, she found herself relaxing, the day’s stress melting away in Karina’s presence.
By the time they reached Winter’s house, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Karina turned to Winter, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
“Thanks for giving me a chance,” Karina said softly. “I promise I won’t let you regret it.”
Winter’s heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Karina’s voice. She looked away, her cheeks heating up. “Just don’t screw it up.”
Karina grinned, her confidence returning. “Never.”
As Winter stepped inside her house, she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, giving Karina a chance wasn’t such a bad idea after all.