Chapter 10
The sound of gentle rain pattering against the windows filled the quiet atmosphere of the café where Karina and Winter sat. It was one of those rare afternoons when they could spend time together without distractions. Despite the serenity, Karina was unusually quiet, stirring her drink absentmindedly. Winter noticed, as she always did.
"Okay," Winter said, breaking the silence. "What’s going on?"
Karina glanced up, startled by the question. "What do you mean?"
Winter leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You’ve been spacing out for days. I know something’s bothering you, Karina. Spill."
Karina hesitated, her fingers tightening around the mug. She debated whether to confide in Winter, her heart warring with her mind. But when Winter’s gaze softened, filled with genuine concern, Karina decided to take a leap of faith.
"It’s about someone from my past," she began cautiously. "My mom messaged me recently to let me know he’s coming back."
Winter tilted her head. "He?"
Karina nodded. "Yeah. He’s someone… complicated. Someone I haven’t seen in a long time."
Winter’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t push further but offered a reassuring smile. "If it’s bothering you, you can talk to me about it. Or if you don’t want to, that’s fine too. Just know I’m here."
Karina’s chest tightened, gratitude blooming within her. "Thanks, Winter."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the rain outside a soothing backdrop. It wasn’t long before Winter, always the one to lighten the mood, leaned back with a playful smirk.
"By the way, does this mean you’re going to make me work even harder for your attention now?"
Karina blinked, momentarily thrown by the shift in conversation. "What?"
Winter chuckled. "You’ve been so distracted lately that my amazing courting skills are being wasted. Should I step it up? Maybe serenade you in public?"
Karina couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing. "I’d like to see you try."
"Challenge accepted," Winter teased, though her grin softened as she watched Karina’s laughter fade into a smile.
The next day, Winter decided to put her words into action. She arrived at Karina’s university, armed with a bouquet of daisies and a small box of Karina’s favorite macarons. Giselle and Ryujin had insisted on tagging along, more for entertainment than support.
"You’re seriously going to do this?" Ryujin asked, struggling to keep a straight face. "In broad daylight?"
"Why not?" Winter replied, her confidence unwavering. "Karina deserves the best."
Giselle rolled her eyes but smiled. "You’re so whipped."
Winter ignored the comment, spotting Karina near the library steps. Taking a deep breath, she approached, her heart racing. When Karina looked up and saw Winter, her eyes widened in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" Karina asked, though her voice was tinged with amusement.
Winter grinned, holding out the flowers and the box. "Courting you, obviously."
Karina’s cheeks flushed as she accepted the gifts. "You didn’t have to go through all this trouble."
"It’s no trouble," Winter said earnestly. "I told you I’m serious about this."
Karina opened the box, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her favorite treats. "You remembered."
"Of course," Winter replied, her tone gentle. "I notice a lot more than you think."
For a moment, Karina didn’t know what to say. Her usual composure wavered under Winter’s unwavering gaze. "You’re really something else, Kim Winter."
"I’ll take that as a compliment," Winter said with a playful wink.
Nearby, Giselle and Ryujin watched the interaction, sharing a look.
"They’re disgustingly cute," Ryujin muttered.
"Agreed," Giselle replied, though she couldn’t hide her grin.
As the days passed, Winter’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Karina’s friends. Ningning and Yeji found themselves increasingly impressed by Winter’s determination.
"She’s really going all out," Ningning remarked one afternoon as they watched Winter help Karina carry her books.
"Yeah," Yeji agreed. "I didn’t think she’d be this persistent."
Karina overheard them and rolled her eyes. "You two are enjoying this too much."
Ningning grinned. "Can you blame us? It’s like watching a live rom-com."
Karina shook her head, though she couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through her chest. Winter’s actions were slowly breaking down the walls she had built around her heart. And while the lingering shadow of her past still loomed, Karina found herself wanting to focus on the present—on Winter.
One evening, as Karina prepared to head home, she found Winter waiting for her by the campus gate. It had become a familiar sight, one she secretly looked forward to.
"Hey," Winter greeted, falling into step beside her. "Ready to call it a day?"
Karina smiled. "Yeah."
They walked in comfortable silence, the city lights casting a soft glow around them. Eventually, Winter spoke up.
"You know, I’ve been thinking," she began, her tone casual. "About what you said when we first started this whole thing."
Karina glanced at her, curious. "What about it?"
Winter stopped, turning to face her. "When you said that you don't know how to court someone and made me do it instead, I didn't agree at first. I actually thought that you'll stop if i reject that proposal, but you didn't. You made an effort just to make me and agree and it's fun and fluttering seeing you making an effort. You might not notice it, but you're literally doing all the things that is usually done by suitors just to make me agree. So, I'm making it up to you."
Karina stared at her, momentarily speechless. Then, to Winter’s surprise, she laughed—a genuine, carefree sound that made Winter’s heart skip a beat.
"Maybe you’re right," Karina admitted, her eyes sparkling. "But I think you’re doing a much better job at it than I ever could."
Winter grinned. "Well, I aim to impress."
As they continued their walk, Karina couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. For the first time in a long while, the future didn’t seem so daunting. And with Winter by her side, she thought maybe, just maybe, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.