The Tables Turn
Winter Kim had never imagined herself in this position. Yet, here she was, standing outside Karina Yu's classroom with a small bouquet of sunflowers in hand. Her heart raced as she rehearsed what she was about to say. For someone who was so reluctant to entertain Karina's advances, Winter now found herself willingly stepping into the role of a suitor.
Earlier that day, Winter had been seated with Giselle and Ryujin during lunch. The two were eating quietly when Giselle broke the silence.
"So, Winter, have you thought about…, you know, returning the favor?" she asked, her eyes glinting mischievously.
Winter raised an eyebrow. "Returning what favor?"
"You know, courting Karina," Ryujin said, wiggling her eyebrows. "She’s been bending over backward for you. It’s only fair to give her a taste of her own medicine."
Winter snorted. "Courting isn’t about payback."
"True," Giselle agreed, "but you like her now, don’t you?"
Winter hesitated, her ears turning red. "Maybe."
"Maybe?" Ryujin exclaimed, nearly choking on her drink. "Girl, you’re smiling like an idiot every time she’s around. That’s not a 'maybe.'"
Winter groaned. "Fine, I like her. Happy now?"
Giselle clapped her hands together. "Finally! So, what are you going to do about it?"
That was how Winter found herself in this predicament. The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Students began filing out, and Winter’s nerves only grew as Karina stepped out, chatting animatedly with Ningning and Yeji.
Karina’s eyes landed on Winter, and her expression shifted to one of surprise. "Winter? What are you doing here?"
Winter cleared her throat, holding out the bouquet. "These are for you."
The hallway fell silent as Karina’s friends gawked at the scene. Karina blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What?"
"I’m… courting you," Winter said, her voice firm despite her racing heart. "I thought it’s time to return the effort you’ve been putting in for me."
Karina’s face broke into a wide smile, and she accepted the flowers. "You’re serious?"
"Dead serious," Winter replied. "But don’t expect me to be as over-the-top as you."
Ningning let out a dramatic gasp. "Winter Kim, the Ice Queen, is courting someone? I need to document this historic moment."
Yeji elbowed her. "Leave them alone. This is romantic."
Winter’s attempts at courting were a mix of awkward and endearing. The next day, she showed up early to Karina’s basketball practice with a thermos of iced coffee.
"Thought you might need this," Winter said, holding it out.
Karina accepted it, her smile soft. "You’re really doing this, huh?"
"Don’t make me regret it," Winter teased, though her tone was light.
Karina laughed. "I wouldn’t dream of it."
As the days went by, Winter’s gestures became more natural. She’d leave small notes in Karina’s locker, crack jokes to make her laugh during boring lectures, and even walked her home a few times. Each act chipped away at the initial awkwardness, leaving behind a growing connection that felt effortless.
One evening, after dropping Karina off at her house, Winter lingered on the porch. Karina turned to her, her expression curious.
"What’s on your mind?" Karina asked.
Winter hesitated, then said, "I’ve been thinking. Maybe we’re both terrible at this courting thing. But it’s… fun trying with you."
Karina’s eyes softened, and she stepped closer. "Maybe we’re not so bad after all."
For the first time, Winter felt the full weight of her emotions. This wasn’t just a game or a challenge anymore. She was falling for Karina, and for once, she didn’t feel the need to hold back.
The next morning, Winter arrived at school with a small gift bag. Inside was a bracelet she’d picked out the night before, simple yet elegant. She found Karina waiting by her locker, as if anticipating her arrival.
"What’s this?" Karina asked as Winter handed her the bag.
"Just something I thought you’d like," Winter said, trying to sound casual.
Karina opened the bag and pulled out the bracelet, her eyes lighting up. "It’s beautiful."
"It reminded me of you," Winter said, her cheeks tinged pink.
Karina’s smile grew, and she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. "Thank you, Winter."
Winter shrugged, though her heart swelled at Karina’s reaction. "Don’t mention it."
As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Karina leaned in and whispered, "You’re doing a great job, you know."
Winter’s face turned red, but she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe this courting thing wasn’t so bad after all.