Karina stood by her apartment door, her single luggage bag by her side. She checked her watch for the umpteenth time, nervously smoothing down the skirt of her sundress. It was one of the many outfits Winter had insisted on buying during their shopping spree at the mall, and while it was undeniably cute, Karina couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious in the flowy, feminine garment.

She glanced at her phone, confirming that it was indeed 9 AM on the dot. Winter had been adamant about punctuality, and Karina didn't want to start their weekend off on the wrong foot by being late.

As if on cue, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and Winter emerged, looking every inch the effortless fashionista in a chic top and shorts combo that screamed "beach vacation." Her vibrant red hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and oversized sunglasses perched on her nose, completing the look.

Karina felt go a little dry at the sight of Winter's toned legs and the way her top clung to her curves. It was unfair, really, how someone could look so put-together and glamorous at such an early hour.

Winter sauntered over, a smirk playing at the corners of as she took in Karina's appearance. "My, my," she drawled, lowering her sunglasses to give Karina an appreciative once-over. "Don't you look adorable, all dolled up in your little sundress."

Karina felt her cheeks heat at the comment, unsure whether to be flattered or annoyed by Winter's teasing tone. "Yes, well, I packed all the clothes you chose at the mall, just like you asked," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Winter's smirk widened into a grin. "Perfect," she purred, stepping closer to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Karina's ear. "I knew that dress would look amazing on you. It's almost like I have impeccable taste or something."

Karina rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile. "Yeah, yeah, you're a regular fashion guru. Can we just get this show on the road? I don't want to be late meeting your family."

Winter chuckled, gesturing for Karina to follow her to the car. "Relax, babe. The resort is only a couple of hours away, and we've got plenty of time. Besides, my family loves me. They'll forgive a little tardiness if it means I'm bringing home a hot doctor girlfriend."

Karina snorted, shaking her head as she climbed into the passenger seat. "You are so full of it, Kim."

"Mmmm, but you love it," Winter singsonged, sliding behind the wheel and starting the engine.

As they merged onto the highway, Winter fiddled with the radio, settling on a Top 40 station that had Karina bobbing her head along to the catchy beats. It was strange, being in such close quarters with Winter outside of their usual fake dating shenanigans. The easy banter and teasing was still there, but without the buffer of other people around, it felt more intimate somehow.

Karina cleared , trying to distract herself from that train of thought. "So, tell me more about your family," she said, glancing over at Winter. "I feel like I should know some basics before I'm thrown into the lion's den."

Winter laughed, the sound rich and warm. "Lion's den? Please, they're harmless. Well, mostly."

At Karina's raised eyebrow, Winter sighed. "Okay, fine. They can be a bit...intense. We're a family of lawyers, after all. Even Taeyeon unnie's wife, Tiffany, is a lawyer. Arguing is kind of our love language."

Karina groaned, sinking lower in her seat. "Great. So I should expect to feel like I'm on the stand all weekend? Surrounded by a bunch of high-powered attorneys ready to grill me at every turn?"

Winter reached over, giving Karina's knee a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don't worry. I'll be right there with you, remember? We're in this together."

Karina felt a flicker of warmth at the contact, and she smiled despite herself. "Yeah, I guess we are. Though I have to admit, the thought of going toe-to-toe with a bunch of high-powered attorneys is a little daunting. I mean, I can barely keep up with you and your sneaky lawyer ways. How am I supposed to hold my own against a whole family of you?"

Winter laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, first of all, 'sneaky lawyer ways?' Rude. I prefer to think of it as strategic verbal maneuvering."

Karina snorted. "Tomato, to-mah-to."

"And secondly," Winter continued, ignoring Karina's sass, "you're selling yourself short, Yu. You're one of the smartest people I know. If anyone can handle a little friendly interrogation, it's you."

Karina blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in Winter's voice. It wasn't often that the redhead doled out genuine compliments, and Karina found herself flushing with pleasure at the praise.
"You really think so?" she asked, hating how uncertain she sounded.

Winter glanced over, her gaze softening. "I know so. You're Karina freaking Yu. You deliver babies and deal with hormonal pregnant women on a daily basis. A little verbal sparring with my family will be a cakewalk in comparison."

Karina laughed, feeling some of the tension drain from her shoulders. "Well, when you put it like that..."

"Exactly," Winter said, grinning. "Just be your usual charming, brilliant self, and they'll love you. Just follow my lead. I'll make sure to steer the conversation away from anything too incriminating."

Karina raised an eyebrow. "Incriminating? Is there something you're not telling me, Winter?"
Winter shrugged, a playful sparkle in her eye. "Let's just say there are some stories from my law school days that are better left in the past. I wouldn't want to tarnish my shining reputation as the perfect girlfriend."

Karina barked out a laugh. "Oh, please. Like you've ever been anyone's idea of the perfect girlfriend."

Winter clutched her chest in mock offense. "Excuse you, I am a catch. Just ask any of my exes."

"I would, but I don't have an Ouija board handy," Karina shot back, smirking.

Winter rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Wow, I have never felt so attacked in my own car before."

"Get used to it, Hot Stuff. If I'm going to be spending the weekend pretending to be madly in love with you, you can expect plenty of playful banter."

"Ugh, fine," Winter grumbled. "But for the record, the feeling is mutual. Both the pretend love and the roasting."

Karina's expression softened at Winter's grumbling, a small smile tugging at her lips. She appreciated the playful banter between them, even if it was all part of their act.

About halfway through their journey, Winter pulled off the highway and into the parking lot of a quaint roadside restaurant. "Time for a lunch break," she announced, unbuckling her seatbelt. "I'm starving, and I know a place nearby that serves the best kimchi jjigae in the country."

Karina's stomach grumbled at the mention of food, and she realized she was pretty hungry herself. They settled into a cozy booth and placed their orders, falling into comfortable conversation as they waited for their meal.

"So, tell me more about Busan," Karina said, sipping on her iced tea. "I know it's your birthplace, but I've never actually been there myself."

Winter's eyes lit up, a fond smile playing at her lips. "Oh, you're going to love it. The beaches are gorgeous, especially Haeundae. That's where the resort is, actually. Right on the water, with the most incredible views."

She launched into stories about her childhood summers spent playing in the surf and exploring the rocky cliffs, her voice turning wistful with nostalgia. Karina found herself hanging on every word, enchanted by this rare glimpse into Winter's past.

Their food arrived, steaming and fragrant, and they dug in with gusto. Winter hadn't been exaggerating about the kimchi jjigae - it was quite possibly the best Karina had ever tasted, the perfect balance of spicy and savory.

As they ate, Karina couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable she felt with Winter, even outside of their usual fake dating bubble. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and teasing jabs, and for a moment, Karina could almost forget that this was all just an act.

But as they climbed back into the car and set off on the final leg of their journey, reality came crashing back in. She just had to keep reminding herself that this was all temporary. No matter what happened this weekend, come Monday morning they would go back to being acquaintances. Two women who ran in the same circles but lived vastly different lives.

Karina sighed and looked out the window, watching the scenery fly past. Despite her reservations, she couldn't deny the small thrill of excitement that ran through her at the thought of what lay ahead.

A whole weekend of playing Winter's adoring girlfriend in front of her family. It was the very definition of "fake it till you make it," and while a part of her feared the blurred lines and potential for heartache that came with such an arrangement, another part of her relished the challenge.

After all, wasn't that what had drawn her to medicine in the first place? The chance to push herself, to rise to the occasion and prove that she had what it took to succeed against the odds?

She looked over at Winter, who had started singing along to the latest Ariana Grande song, her usually reserved glamor slipping as she bobbed her head a bit too aggressively.
Karina bit back a smile, wondering for the millionth time how she'd gotten herself into this mess.

Oh well. Too late to back out now.

–

As they approached the final stretch of their journey, Winter turned off the main road and onto a private, tree-lined drive. Karina couldn't help but gape as they passed through an ornate gate, the words "Seaside Serenity Resort” emblazoned across the top in elegant script.

The resort was a stunning sight, with its sprawling complex of white stone and blue glass nestled right on the edge of a secluded cove. Palm trees swayed in the warm breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore could be heard even from the car. It was like something out of a dream, a private oasis just waiting to be explored.

Winter pulled up to the drop-off area, and Karina took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. This was it. The moment of truth.

"Well," she said, aiming for nonchalance but missing the mark slightly. "Here goes nothing."
Winter glanced over, a smirk playing at her lips. "Relax, Yu. It's just a weekend with my family, not a firing squad."

Karina shot her a look. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to convince a bunch of high-powered lawyers that you're madly in love with their daughter."

Winter's smirk softened into something almost resembling sympathy. She reached out, giving Karina's hand a brief squeeze.

"Hey," she said. "We've got this, remember? Just stick to the script, and let me handle the rest. And if all else fails, just picture everyone in their underwear."

Karina snorted, some of the tension draining from her shoulders. "Isn't that supposed to be for public speaking?"

Winter shrugged. "Same principle applies. Nothing takes the edge off like imagining your audience in their skivvies."

Karina shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous."

"But effective," Winter countered with a wink. "Now come on, let's get this show on the road. The sooner we make our grand entrance, the sooner we can raid the mini bar."

With a deep breath, Karina followed Winter into the resort's grand lobby. As soon as they stepped inside, she was taken aback by the warm reception Winter received from the hotel staff. Everyone seemed to know her by name, greeting her with broad smiles and respectful nods

"Welcome back, Ms. Kim," the concierge said, handing Winter a set of key cards. "Your usual suite has been prepared for you and your guest."

Winter accepted the keys with a gracious smile, while Karina stood beside her, mouth agape. She turned to Winter, eyebrows raised. "You forgot to mention that your family owns the place?"

Winter shrugged, looking slightly sheepish. "It didn't seem relevant at the time," she said, her tone humble. "It's just a place for family gatherings, nothing more."

Before Karina could respond, a cheerful voice rang out across the lobby. "If it isn't my favorite sister-in-law!"

They turned to see a gorgeous woman with long, wavy black hair and a bright smile approaching them, a camera held up to her face as she recorded their arrival. Winter grinned, stepping forward to pull the woman into a one-armed hug.

"I'm your only sister-in-law, Tiffany unnie," she laughed, rolling her eyes good-naturedly.
The woman, Tiffany, pulled back, her gaze landing on Karina. Her smile turned sly. "Not if this gorgeous girl right here will be one too," she said with a wink.

Karina felt her face flood with heat, while Winter sputtered beside her, both caught off guard by the bold statement.

Before either of them could formulate a proper response, another voice chimed in. "Honey, save the teasing for later."

A beautiful woman with shoulder-length black hair and an amused glint in her eye appeared at Tiffany's side, looping an arm around her waist.

Winter let out a sigh of relief. "Taeyeon unnie, thank God. Can you please rein in your wife?"
Taeyeon chuckled, giving Tiffany a fond squeeze. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, she has a point. Your girlfriend is stunning, Winter."

Winter smiled, turning to Karina with a soft look in her eyes. "She is, isn't she? Taeyeon unnie, Fany unnie, this is Karina, my girlfriend."

Karina felt her heart skip a beat at the way Winter said "girlfriend," even as she tried to remind herself that it was all just an act.

Taeyeon and Tiffany both stepped forward, enveloping Karina in a warm hug. "It's so wonderful to meet you, Karina," Taeyeon said, pulling back with a sincere smile. "Winter's never brought anyone home before, so you must be pretty special."

Karina smiled gratefully at Taeyeon's words, feeling a warmth spreading through her. "Thank you, Taeyeon. It's great to meet you too." She turned to Tiffany, who was grinning at her. "And you, Tiffany. I'm really happy to be here."

Tiffany nodded, grinning. "And so beautiful, too! Way more than grumpy-pants over here deserves."

"Hey!" Winter protested, but there was no real heat behind it. "I'll have you know, I'm a pretty hot commodity."

Taeyeon snorted, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. We're just glad to see you with someone who actually seems kind and genuine. Unlike some of your past choices."

Winter's smile turned tight, and Karina could sense the tension in her shoulders. Clearly, there was some history there that she wasn't privy to.

"Yes, well," Winter said, clearing . "The past is the past."

Sensing Winter's discomfort, Karina reached out and laced their fingers together, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Winter glanced over at her, surprise and gratitude mingling in her eyes.

Tiffany, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile, clapped her hands together. "Well, as much as I'd love to stand here and grill you two lovebirds all day, we should probably let you get settled. I'm sure you're exhausted from the drive."

Winter nodded, looking relieved at the change of subject. "Speaking of, who all is coming to this little family reunion? I know Mom and Dad will be here, but..."

Taeyeon laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, you know how our family is. When they say 'family reunion,' they mean 'invite everyone we've ever met.' So, in addition to the usual suspects, we've got some cousins, a few aunts and uncles, and I think Mom even invited some of her book club friends."

Winter groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Great. Just what I needed, a bunch of nosy relatives all up in my business."

Tiffany grinned, patting Winter's shoulder. "Hey, look on the bright side. At least you've got Karina here to help you fend them off. I'm sure she's much better at polite small talk than you are."

Winter smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Please, I don't need Karina to fend off nosy relatives. I'm perfectly capable of handling them on my own."

Karina raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "Oh, really? And how do you plan on doing that? Death glares and sarcastic comebacks?"

Winter grinned, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed eye roll, Yu. It's a true art form."

Karina laughed, shaking her head. "Well, lucky for you, you've got me as backup. I'll be there to smooth things over with my charm and wit when your 'art form' inevitably falls short."

Winter scoffed, but there was no real heat behind it. "Wow, so humble. And here I thought I was the cocky one in this relationship."

The word 'relationship' hung in the air between them, charged with a sudden tension. Karina felt her pulse quicken, a flush creeping up her neck.

But before she could dwell on it too long, Taeyeon cleared , breaking the moment. "Alright, you two. Save the bickering for later. We've got a full weekend of family fun ahead of us, and you're going to need all the rest you can get."

Winter sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're right, unnie. We should probably head up to the room and get settled."

Tiffany nodded, a sly twinkle in her eye. "Of course. And make sure to make use of your king-sized bed. Plenty of room for... activities," she added with a mischievous grin.

Winter's eyes widened, a blush staining her cheeks. "Unnie!" she hissed, looking thoroughly embarrassed.

Taeyeon just laughed, shaking her head. "Ignore her, Winter. You know how she gets when she's excited."

With a final round of hugs and promises to catch up later, Taeyeon and Tiffany headed off, leaving Winter and Karina alone in the lobby.

Winter let out a breath, turning to face Karina. "Well, that was...something."

Karina laughed, still feeling a bit flustered from the earlier moment. "That's one way to put it. They are...interesting."

Winter grimaced, running a hand through her hair. "That's putting it mildly. I'm sorry if they made you uncomfortable. They can be a bit much sometimes."

Karina shook her head, smiling. "No, it's okay. They seem really sweet. And it's obvious they care about you a lot."

Winter's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability peeking through her usually confident facade. "Yeah, they do. I'm lucky to have them."

There was a brief silence, Winter's words hanging between them, laden with significance. Karina felt a sudden impulse to reach out, to offer reassurance.

Before she could act, Winter cleared , dispelling the moment. "Anyway, we should probably head up to the room. Get unpacked and settled before the real chaos begins."

Karina nodded, pushing aside any fleeting emotion. "Lead the way."

As they made their way to the elevators, Winter's hand found hers once more, their fingers laci