Shadows of the Past
The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed through the windows of the library, casting a golden glow over the scattered books and papers on the table. Winter sat across from Karina, diligently working on her homework while sneaking occasional glances at the girl who now occupied a significant part of her thoughts.
Karina caught Winter staring and smirked. "Something on my face?"
Winter shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just wondering how someone can look so serious and adorable at the same time."
Karina rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Focus on your work, Kim."
Before Winter could respond, Karina’s phone vibrated on the table. She picked it up, glancing at the screen. Her expression shifted from amused to unreadable as she read the message.
"Everything okay?" Winter asked, sensing the change in Karina’s demeanor.
Karina hesitated before replying, "Yeah, it’s just my mom."
Winter nodded, not wanting to pry. But Karina’s mind was far from at ease. The message from her mother lingered in her thoughts:
Dear, he’s coming back. He might arrive in the Philippines by next week.
The words felt heavy, stirring a mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to confront. She slipped her phone back into her pocket, forcing a smile at Winter. "Let’s finish this so we can grab something to eat."
Winter narrowed her eyes but decided not to press further. "Alright, but you’re buying."
Later that evening, Karina sat on her bed, staring at the message on her phone. Her mother’s words replayed in her mind like a broken record. She hadn’t thought about him in years, yet the mere mention of his return brought back memories she had worked hard to bury.
A knock on her door broke her reverie. "Come in," she called, quickly locking her phone.
Ningning peeked her head in. "Hey, everything okay? You’ve been quiet since we got back."
Karina offered a weak smile. "Just tired."
Ningning wasn’t convinced. She walked in and sat on the edge of Karina’s bed. "You know you can talk to me, right?"
Karina sighed, debating whether to share her worries. "It’s nothing serious. Just… someone from my past might be coming back."
"Someone?" Ningning asked, raising an eyebrow. "Like an ex?"
Karina shook her head. "No, it’s… it’s complicated."
Ningning studied her friend for a moment before nodding. "Well, if you ever want to un-complicate it, I’m here."
"Thanks, Ning," Karina said, grateful for her friend’s understanding.
The following days passed in a blur. Winter continued her efforts to court Karina, unaware of the storm brewing in her mind. Her gestures grew more thoughtful, from packing Karina’s favorite snacks to surprising her with handwritten notes filled with little jokes and compliments. Winter even managed to rope Giselle and Ryujin into helping her plan a small lunch surprise for Karina, though their teasing almost made her regret asking for their assistance.
"You’re going all out," Ryujin teased, handing Winter a bouquet of sunflowers. "She’s not even your girlfriend yet."
Winter rolled her eyes, her cheeks turning pink. "It’s called making an effort. You should try it sometime."
Giselle snickered. "I think it’s cute. But seriously, you’ve got it bad for her, don’t you?"
Winter didn’t answer, but her silence spoke volumes.
One afternoon, Winter found Karina sitting alone by the school garden. She approached cautiously, noting the faraway look in Karina’s eyes.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Winter asked, taking a seat beside her.
Karina blinked, snapping out of her trance. "Oh, hey. Didn’t see you there."
Winter tilted her head, studying her. "You’ve been distracted lately. Is everything okay?"
Karina hesitated before nodding. "Just a lot on my mind."
"Want to talk about it?" Winter offered, her tone gentle.
Karina considered it but shook her head. "Not right now. But thanks."
Winter nodded, respecting her boundaries. "Alright. But if you ever need to talk, I’m here."
Karina smiled, touched by Winter’s sincerity. "Thanks, Winter."
That evening, Karina joined Ningning and Yeji for dinner at their favorite cafe. Despite their lively chatter, Karina’s mind wandered. Yeji noticed and nudged her. "You’re quiet. Something on your mind?"
Karina shook her head. "Just tired, that’s all."
Ningning exchanged a glance with Yeji but didn’t press further. Instead, she steered the conversation toward lighter topics, hoping to lift Karina’s spirits.
That night, Karina sat on her balcony, the cool breeze brushing against her skin. Her phone buzzed with a new message. This time, it was from Ningning:
Are you okay? You seemed off today.
Karina typed back: I’m fine. Just thinking about what my mom told me.
Ningning replied almost instantly: Want me to come over?
No, it’s late. I’ll be okay. Thanks, though.
Setting her phone aside, Karina leaned back, gazing at the stars. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her world was about to change. And as much as she wanted to confide in someone, she wasn’t sure where to begin.
In another part of town, Winter lay in bed, staring at her ceiling. She couldn’t stop thinking about Karina and the walls she seemed to be putting up. Winter had never been one to pry, but she found herself wanting to be the person Karina could lean on.
Meanwhile, Karina’s thoughts drifted back to Winter and the warmth she brought into her life. Despite the looming uncertainty of her past, Karina couldn’t help but feel grateful for Winter’s unwavering presence. It was a new kind of comfort she hadn’t known she needed.
Little did they both know, the coming days would test their growing bond in ways they never expected.