Karina's dinner date with Chaehyun blossomed into an unexpected friendship, or perhaps something deeper – a camaraderie built on shared experiences. 

They discovered that they had similar reasons for leaving their ex-girlfriends. The next few hours flew by as they confided in each other, swapping stories of hidden desires, harrowing coming-outs, and the weight of unspoken truths.

She felt a lightness she hadn't known in years. Never before had Karina met someone who truly understood the tight knot of fear and longing that had constricted her for a decade. It was a revelation, a heartfelt therapy session where she poured out a decade's worth of bottled emotions to a kindred spirit who had walked the same path.

Karina was glad that her mom pushed her to come for this meeting. Seems like Chaehyun thought so too. Given that they exchanged numbers and have been talking for two days now. 

She would also consult Chaehyun in regards to her issue with Winter. 

 

[Chaehyun]
It's been three days and she haven't get back to you? 

Girl, you must have really hurt her so badly that she's not even willing to work with you. 
 

Karina rolled her eyes at the text. 

 

[Karina]

Oh shut up. At least I know where my girl is at!

Unlike you who know nothing and decided to just abandon her life in Busan and come to Seoul to find someone you hurt 10 years ago. 

Plus, her assistant did inform us that she is not in town! She's busy maybe that's why she haven't had the chance to look through the proposal yet. 
 

At least that is what Karina is trying to psycho-ed herself into believing that. 

 

[Chaehyun]

who said I know nothing about my Jeongie? 

I visited her workplace today!

 

[Karina]

and...? did you met her?

 

[Chaehyun]

no... she's out of town... 

but she will be back in three days! 

 

[Karina}

i guess we are really on the same boat aren't we.

 

[Chaehyun]

For real. Do you want to grab some drinks later this evening?

I'm bored. 

 

[Karina]

You may be a rich unemployed but I have a whole corporation to run. 

 

[Chaehyun]

too busy to even have a simple dinner? 

 

[Karina] 

Fine.
Drop me the location later. 

 

The young CEO sets her phone away with a sigh, the weight of unanswered emails and looming deadlines pressing down on her.  But her focus keeps drifting. Had Winter even considered their proposal?

Frustrated, she taps her pen against the desk, the rhythmic click echoing in the silence.  Just then, a sharp rap on the door shatters her concentration.

"Come in," Karina said, forcing her voice to sound calm as Leeseo, her ever-reliable secretary, entered. A hint of a smile played on Leeseo's lips as she announced, "We have good news. Ms. Kim finally got back to us."

Karina's heart leaped into as Leeseo continued, "She agreed. However, due to Ms. Kim's packed schedule, she requies us to head down to her studio for an in-person meeting to discuss further about the project." 

With a surge of suppressed excitement, Karina cleared and adopted a professional demeanor.

"Ask her when she'll be available. We'll clear our calendars and set the earliest date possible."

Leeseo nodded and exited, leaving Karina alone with her barely contained elation. A triumphant jig erupted in the room – a moment of pure joy before the CEO mask snapped back into place.

Grabbing her phone, she fired off a text to Chaehyun, her confidante, and a call to Giselle, to share the exhilarating news to which the latter picks up almost immediately.

 

"Giselle," Karina began, her voice adopting a more measured tone, "you won't believe this."

"Intriguing," Giselle replied on the other end. "What's the good news?"

"Winter's agreed to the proposal!" Karina announced, a hint of excitement peeking through her professional mask.

 

"Wow, really?" Giselle chuckled. "First step towards Operation: Get-Kim-Minjeong-Back, huh?"

A small smile tugged at Karina's lips. "Operation: Get-Kim-Minjeong-Back is a go," she confirmed. "This might just be my chance."

"Eight years, Karina," the latter reminded her. "Don't you dare back down now."

Karina's grip tightened on the phone. "Eight years," she echoed, a newfound determination hardening her voice. "No way I'm backing down. Winter agreeing to work with me feels like a sign."

Her fingers brushed against the two rings dangling from her necklace, a silent promise carried close to her heart.

 

The wait is over, Minjeong.

I'm going to make things right.

This time.

 

//

"Hey, are you even listening to me?" A knock on the table jolts Karina out of her monologue about Operation: Get-Kim-Minjeong-Back.

Karina blinks, caught red-handed. "Ah, yes," she clears , straightening in her chair.

Chaehyun rolls her eyes, arms crossed. "Liar. Just because your ex finally gives you a crumb of hope doesn't mean you can drown out my misery!" 

A chuckle escapes Karina's lips. "Easy there, tiger. I was all ears about your battle with the receptionist from hell."

"Exactly! What did I say about—"

"That she was clearly annoyed you kept pestering her for something she can't control?" Karina finished, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice.

Chaehyun furrows her brow. "You're supposed to be my wingwoman, not the enemy, you prick!"

"Just stating the facts, my friend." Karina chuckles. "The woman practically begged you to leave, and here you were, turning her day into a personal game of receptionist roulette." 

The younger girl shrugs, a hint of sheepishness in her voice. "I thought maybe she was just trying to avoid me. Turns out, she is actually in Japan."

"Japan?" 

"Yup. I managed to guilt-trip that receptionist into showing me the plane tickets."

The black-haired shakes her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Honestly, Chaehyun, if I were that receptionist, I'd have called security."

"Shut up," Chaehyun grumbles, but a playful glint returns to her eyes. "Alright, enough about my disastrous mission. Now, spill the tea. What's the plan with your ex replying?" 

Karina shrugs, a playful nonchalance masking a well of emotions. "Win her back, of course."

 

The brunette rolls her eyes, the playful facade dropping for a moment and resisted the urge to send a slap at the back of Karina's head for her response, "Duh. But specifics, you idiot!"

"You do know that I'm older than you right?" The black-haired narrowed her eyes. 

"And you do know that I don't really care right?"

Chaehyun tossed her a cheeky smile that reminded Karina of her younger niece.

 

"I mean, you can't just waltz in there after eight years with nothing but empty promises!" 

"Honestly," Karina admits, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice, "I'm not entirely sure. I guess I'll figure it out when I meet her."

Chaehyun gasps, "No way! You need a plan, something to show her how serious you are after all this time!"

 

"I just don't want to overwhelm her," Karina confesses, her voice soft. "The last thing I want is for her to feel obligated to reciprocate my feelings just because I waited."

A heavy sigh escapes her lips as she continues, her gaze dropping. "I waited for her, and I'll keep waiting, even if it means she will never feel the same way anymore. She's the only one for me, Chaehyun. There's no one else."

 

Lost in her own world of longing, Karina doesn't notice the way Chaehyun stiffens. The playful banter comes to an abrupt halt as Chaehyun lets out a dramatic cry.

 

"This is SO SAD!"

Startled, Karina jumped up. Tears streamed down Chaehyun's face, mascara smudging her cheeks. Panic flickered in Karina's eyes.

 

"What the ?" she asks, bewildered.

 

"Ahhh!!!" Chaehyun brawled, "LET'S GET OUR WOMEN BACK AND HAVE A DOUBLE DATE."

Karina stared at her, dumbfounded, as she handed Chaehyun a tissue.  A disbelieving laugh escaped her lips. "I hope that day will come" she whispered.

Unbeknownst to them both, the object of their affections wasn't just some ex-girlfriend. They were still both in love with the same woman: Kim Minjeong.

//

Four days.

Four days until her meeting with Winter.

 

The anticipation gnawed at her, a mix of nervous excitement and raw vulnerability that left her feeling exposed.

Karina glanced at the two silver rings nestled against her heart, a silent reminder of their past. A bittersweet pang tightened her chest. Would Winter even recognize them? Did she still hold onto any remnants of what they shared? 

The thought of reopening old wounds made Karina's breath hitch. The last thing she wanted was to appear desperate or clingy. But the vulnerability Winter always managed to draw out in her threatened to surface.

This wasn't just about the proposal; it was about a chance encounter with the past, a past that held both joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

 

Fidgeting with a pen, Karina tried to focus on work. Spreadsheets blurred before her eyes, the numbers meaningless against the backdrop of her swirling emotions. Images of Winter's smile, the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed, filled her mind, 

Finally, with a resolute sigh, Karina pushed back from her desk.  She craved a distraction, a way to channel the nervous energy coursing through her veins.  The sterile confines of her office offered no solace.

Grabbing her bag, Karina yearned for a familiar space, a place where the scent of coffee and the murmur of conversation could wash away the swirling anxieties in her mind.  With a quick text to Giselle, requesting her friend's presence at their favorite cafe, Karina made her escape.  A cup of coffee and a listening ear – that's what she needed right now.

 

[Aeri]

Omw, get me an ice latte 

[Karina]

coffee? no way

i ordered tea for you

you know coffee isn't good for your baby!

[Aeri]

Omfg it's okay to have a cup each day!

I need my coffee you bish

[Karina]

Nope.

No aruging w me aeri.

Get your here safely.

 

Karina pocketed her phone and took a sip of her coffee, instantly feeling slightly better now.

Ten minutes after, the bell above the door chimed, momentarily pulling Karina out of her reverie. She glanced up, expecting to see Giellse, but instead, her breath hitched. Standing there, framed by the entranc bathed in warm sunlight, was undoubtly Winter. 

 

There eyes matched and Karina saw the look of surprise and recognition. 

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drum solo threatening to burst out of her chest. Winter looked different, a touch older but still undeniably captivating.

Her hair was still that bright red that Karina had last seen in the pictures, The years had etched a few worry lines around her eyes.  But the glint of determination in those eyes, the same glint that had stolen Karina's heart all those years ago, remained unchanged.

For a moment, they were frozen in time, a silent movie playing out between them. Memories flooded back – stolen glances across crowded lecture halls, nervous laughter over shared cups of coffee, whispered promises that were ultimately broken. 

The weight of those memories threatened to suffocate Karina.  But before she could overthink it, Winter, now infront of her, dpoke, her voice a husky whisper that sent shivers down Karina's spine.

 

"Jimin?" 

The single word shattered the tension, bringing a flurry of emotions to the surface. Surprise. Regret.  But most of all, a flicker of hope.

"M-Minjeong," Karina managed, her voice barely a croak. "It's... It's you."

There was a question hanging in the air, unspoken but clear. What was Winter doing here, when she was supposed to be overseas right now and be only back in Korea 2 days later?

 

A small smile tugged at the corner of Winter's lips. "Fancy seeing you here."

Gathering her courage, Karina gestured to the empty seat opposite her. "Would you like to join me? Unless you're in a rush or meeting someone?"

Winter hesitated for a beat, then offered a reluctant nod. As she slid into the seat, the familiar scent of vanilla and sandalwood filled Karina's senses, a potent reminder of their past.

The silence stretched on, filled with a million unspoken words. Finally, Karina broke the ice. "Weren't you only supposed to be back on Wednesday?"

"Change of plans," Winter said simply. "I came back early."

 

"Oh," Karina managed, the weight of the unexpected encounter settling on her shoulders.

 

A beat of silence followed before Karina, needing to bridge the chasm between them, ventured a question. "So... how are you?"

"Been okay, just busy with work," Winter replied simply.

A smile tugged at Karina's lips, a surge of pride warming her chest. "Photographer, huh?"

Winter chuckled, the sound like a melody from a forgotten dream. "Yeah, and fashion designer? CEO?"

 

"We've both grown, haven't we?" Karina said, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. Winter mirrored the sentiment with a nod, the unspoken weight of the years hanging heavy in the air.

 

Suddenly, Karina impulsively broke away from the emotional intensity. "What drink do you want? I'll order for you."

"No, it's fine, I can get one myself," Winter protested.

Karina's smile widened. "Consider it a thank you for accepting the proposal. Still a salted caramel latte with two extra pumps of sugar syrup?"

 

Surprise flickered across Winter's face. How could Karina possibly remember? A silent nod was her only response as she watched Karina practically sprint towards the counter, leaving her alone with the echoes of the past and a heart full of unexpected emotions. 

That's when Winter noticed the extra cup of hot tea still sitting idly next to Karina's coffee. A flicker of curiosity ignited within her.

 

When Karina returned with her order,  Winter couldn't help but point to the tea and question, "Sorry, am I interrupting your meeting with someone?"

Karina shook her head, "Not at all. It's just Giselle. She should be arriving soon."

"Giselle unnie?" Winter's eyes brighten up at the senior that she used to be really close to and really missed after all these years. 

 

Speaking of the devil, the bell above the cafe door chimed once again. This time, it announced the arrival of a huffing and very pregnant Giselle, muttering colorful curses under her breath about the sweltering summer heat.

When she reached their table, Giselle froze in her tracks. Her eyes widened comically, bouncing between Karina and the woman sitting opposite her.

 

"Winter?" she finally managed, her voice barely a whisper.

"Hi, unnie. It's been a long time," Winter replied with a gentle smile.

"Oh my god," Giselle breathed, then lurched forward, letting out an embarrassingly loud squeal that echoed through the cafe. "Winter Kim!!! You're actually here?" 

The outburst garnered several curious glances from neighboring patrons. Karina couldn't help but facepalm at Giselle's dramatics, while Winter just let out a soft laugh.

Standing up, Winter wrapped Giselle in a tight embrace, the kind that left Karina feeling a pang of… jealousy.

The warmth radiating from their reunion was undeniable, and a tiny part of her wished for a similar greeting.

 

"Becareful there unnie," Winter warned gently when Giselle tried to jump in her arms, "You have a little life in your tummy."

"Oh come on," Giselle rolled her eyes playfully, "My little champ can handle a jump of happiness for seeing my old friend." 

"Still, we don't want to risk it."

 

Giselle grumbled playfully before settling into the seat next to Karina. A look of mock horror spread across her face as she spotted the steaming mug beside Karina's coffee.

"Yoo Jimin!" she exclaimed. "It's freaking 39 degrees out there and you ordered me a HOT tea?"

Karina shot her a mock glare. "Too many cold drinks are bad for the baby, Gi," she explained. "Besides, I ordered it fifteen minutes ago. It's probably cool by now."

Giselle sighed dramatically, then jabbed a thumb towards Winter. "Having one worrywart is enough, Win. Don't be like Jimin."

 

Winter chuckled at their familiar banter, a wave of relief washing over her. Despite the years that had passed, some things never seemed to change.

 

The arrival of Giselle had broken the initial awkwardness, a relief for both Winter and Karina. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by playful jabs and shared memories.

 

"So, how's life treating you these days?" Giselle asked.

"Just keeping busy with work, as usual," Winter replied.

"Yeah, we've been following your career with KMJ Studios. Wish I could have snagged you as my wedding photographer."

A hint of regret flickered in Winter's eyes. "Sorry I couldn't be there for your big day," she said with a small pout. "I would have loved to celebrate with you. How's your partner treating you?"

"Oh, Yunjin's amazing," Giselle beamed. "Don't you worry about that. We'll set up a meeting soon so you two can meet properly. I have a feeling you'll hit it off perfectly."

Curiosity flickered in Giselle's eyes. "How about Ningning? What's she up to these days?"

"She's working as a psychologist now with a line of patients lining up to see her."

"Damn, everyone is so successful." 

"I'm sure you are too, unnie." Winter chuckled. 

"Yeah, ms. big shot lawyer." Karina chimed in with a tease, "If I ever get into trouble, you'll totally hook me up with free legal services, right?"

Giselle scoffed playfully. "In your dreams, Jimin," she retorted. "Business and pleasure stay separate."

 

Winter chuckled seeing the look of betrayal in Karina's expression. 

"Ahh I missed this." Giselle pouts, running her finger at the rim of the cup, "We should totally gather again someday. It's been way too long."

"Absolutely." Winter agreed, a genuine smile warming her features. 

 

A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the clinking of spoons against mugs and the soft murmur of conversation from other patrons.

Giselle, however, noticed the lingering look in Karina's eyes, a gaze filled with something akin to longing that seemed to soften whenever it landed on Winter.

 

Seems like she have to help her friend out.

 

A mischievous glint flickered in Giselle's eyes. She nudged Winter playfully. "So, Win," she began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. 

"Hmm?" Winter responded, her attention drawn back from her thoughts.

Giselle leaned in further, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Any... significant other in your life right now?"

 

The question hung heavy in the air, and Karina practically choked on her tea. A sharp pinch landed on her thigh, courtesy of Karina's hidden hand under the table. Giselle, however, pretended not to notice, her gaze fixed expectantly on Winter.

Giselle knew Karina was just as curious about the answer, perhaps even more so. This was her chance to give her best friend a little nudge in the right direction. After all, fate seemed to be taking a hand in this unexpected reunion, and who was she to deny a little matchmaking magic?

 

"Significant other? Well    "

Seems like fate is really playing with them because there was suddenly a booming voice that interrupted them.  

 

"Winty! There you are!"   

All three of them swivellled their heads towards the source of a sound.

 

A tall, brunette with a confident stride approached their table, a wide grin plastered on her face. It was then that recognition dawned on Karina. This was the annoying new girl and the rumored girlfriend of Winter. 

 

"Minju..." Winter mumbled, a hint of unease in her voice.

"Sorry babe! My photoshoot ran long," Minju chirped, the term of endearment hanging heavy in the air.

 

Babe...? 

 

Karina felt a pit form in her stomach, a cold knot of dread twisting tighter with each passing second. She averted her gaze, clenching her fist beneath the table. Sensing her friend's distress, Giselle reached over and squeezed Karina's hand silently.

 

 

"I-It's alright," Winter stammered, offering a weak smile before turning back to the pair.

"Hey, Minju. Long time no see," Giselle greeted with forced cheer.

"Oh! Giselle unnie!" Minju's smile seemed genuine enough, until her eyes flickered towards Karina. "And Karina." Her tone was laced with a subtle hostility.

"Thought I was seeing things when I spotted you with Winty," Minju chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. Karina saw Winter nudge the woman with her elbow, earning a resigned sigh from Minju.

 

 

"Sorry to interrupt your little reunion, but we have somewhere to be," Minju announced politely, her gaze flickering to Giselle. "I'm stealing Winty for now."

"Y-Yeah, no problem," Giselle offered a strained smile, "Maybe we can all gather someday to catch up and all?"

"Sure," Minju beamed, flashing Karina one last icy glare before whisking Winter away with a hand clasped around her arm.

The cafe door shut behind them, leaving Karina with a shattered heart in its wake.

 

Giselle's gaze softened with concern. "Rina?"

Karina forced a smile, swallowing a lump in . "I'm fine," she rasped, "We kind of saw this coming, didn't we?"  

Coming here to unwind had backfired spectacularly, leaving her feeling worse than before. All thanks to that obnoxious pink-haired woman.

 

"Let's get out of here," Karina announced, pushing her chair back. "I need to get some fresh air. Did Yunjin drop you off?"

Giselle could only offer a sympathetic sigh and a nod.

"I'll take you home, then head back to work," Karina decided, a flicker of determination replacing the earlier dejection.

 

As they exited the cafe, the familiar weight of responsibility settled back on Karina's shoulders. Her phone buzzed insistently in her purse, a constant reminder of the work awaiting her. With a sigh, she reached into her pocket and retrieved it as they climbed into her car.

Unlocking the phone, a new message notification instantly grabbed her attention. It wasn't from who she expected. The unfamiliar number displayed on the screen sent a jolt through her:

 

[+010 7889 6377]

Hey Jimin, Minjeong here. I got your number from Leeseo.

it was nice seeing you and Giselle unnie again. 

I'll see you on Thursday? 

and... I don't have a signicant other currently.

 

With that last message, Karina's mood had a 180 degrees change. A smile creeped up on Karina's lips and she started laughing unncontrollably, earning concerned looks from Giselle.

 

"Are you okay? Why are you laughing like a mad woman?"

"Aeri!" "Karina exclaimed, wiping a joyful tear as she turned her phone towards her best friend. "THEY ARE NOT TOGETHER AND MY MINJEONGIE IS SINGLE."

 

Giselle's face mirrored Karina's newfound joy. They erupted into excited cheers and hugs.

 

"Dude! The fact that she texted you to clear things up?" Giselle squealed. "This is a sign! She's totally into you!"

 

"You better not screw this up, Yoo Jimin."

"I swear I won't."

 

With newfound purpose and confidence, she saved the number and quickly typed a reply.

 

[Karina]

By any chance, you will be free tommorrow for a dinner?

just the two of us?

my treat.

 

[loml]

sure but i'll be with minju for a photoshoot till 7pm 

so i'll only be able to do late dinner

are you okay with that? 

 

[Karina]

don't worry, i can wait

just drop me the location and i will pick you up

 

[loml]

will do

see you, jimin

have a good day

 

[Karina]

you too, minjeong :)

 

"Look at that stupid silly smile." Giselle teased, relief washing over her as she saw her bestfriends' renewed cheer, "you're so whipped."

Karina's smile widened, "I scored myself a dinner date with her tommorow!" she declared triumphantly, finally stepping on the gas with a playful whistle. Glancing over at Giselle, whose face held a hopeful smile, Karina squeezed her friend's hand. "Wish me luck, Gi."

Giselle returned the squeeze, her eyes shining with genuine warmth. "You don't need luck, Karina. You've got this."

 

//

The studio throbbed with heat, suffocating and clinging to Karina like a damp towel. The rhythmic camera clicks and murmured instructions were a stark backdrop to the nervous butterflies flitting in her stomach.

Though Winter had told her to wait outside, Karina yearned to see her in action – Winter, alive and in her element, not just through photographs.

 

Across the vast space, Winter, bathed in the same relentless glare, commanded the scene with the quiet authority of a seasoned photographer. 

Minju, the object of Winter's lens, was a whirlwind of practiced poses and dazzling smiles. Her laughter echoed through the studio, bouncing off the high ceilings, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in Karina's chest. 

Winter moved with a focused intensity, her brow furrowed in concentration. Every so often, she'd bark out an instruction, adjust the lighting, or offer a small word of encouragement, her voice a low hum against the rhythmic click of the camera.

 

Karina watched, a tangled mess of emotions warring within her. Jealousy was the most prominent, a bitter taste coating her tongue. Here was Winter, radiating an energy Karina hadn't seen in a while, completely absorbed in her work – and Minju, the dazzling model, was at the center of it all.

A pang of guilt followed the sting. Winter wasn't hers to be jealous of – not yet, at least. But seeing Winter so alive, so passionate, reignited a yearning in Karina. The determination to win her girl back doubled.

 

Suddenly, a buzz in her pocket shattered the trance. 

 

[Aeri]

Have fun on your date, Rina.

I hope you have all the flowers and stuff ready to sweep your girl off her feets. 

I'm expecting good news later. 

 

[Chaehyun]

Good luck on your date~

While I am still waiting for mine to return to Korea tomorrow :(

 

The messages, like bursts of sunshine, lifted Karina's spirits.

 

Winter's triumphant "cut" echoed through the studio, snapping Karina out of her reverie. A satisfied smile curved Winter's lips as she stretched her arms high, relief mingled with contentment.

Briefly addressing the crew with a quick bow of thanks, Winter turned, her gaze snagging on a familiar sight across the bustling room.

There, amidst the tangle of wires and towering lights, stood Karina. A vibrant bouquet of roses, a riot of pinks and reds, practically glowed in her hands.

Winter's eyes widened in surprise. A delighted chuckle escaping Karina's lips at the younger's adorbable reaction. Mustering a smile to counter the frantic hammering of her heart, Karina navigated the maze of cables and lights. Reaching Winter, she stretched out her arms, the roses a bridge between them.

 

"Hey," Karina greeted with a nervous grin, "These are for you."

Winter's smile softened as she accepted the flowers with a grateful nod. "Hey yourself," she replied, her voice warm. "Thank you. How long have you been here?"

"Long enough to finally have the chance and honor to see photography Minjeong in action," Karina attempted, a playful tease aimed at easing her nerves.

Winter's resulting giggle sent a joyous tremor through Karina. That adorable gummy smile, the one she'd missed so much, was back, directed at her.

 

"So," Karina began, her voice barely a whisper above the city's hum, "Are you ready for the dinner?" 

"Yeah, let me just get my bag   "

"   here." a voice interrupted. 

 

Minju stood there, a practiced smile pasted on her face, holding Winter's bag aloft. Winter shot her a surprised look before taking the bag with a mumbled thanks.

The sight of Minju sent a fresh wave of irritation through Karina.

 

"So, you gonna bring her out for dinner?" Minju quirked a brow, with her arms folded.

"Yes," Karina responded firmly, meeting Minju's gaze head-on.

"A date?" Minju pressed.

Karina glanced at Winter, then back at Minju. 

 

"If Minjeong allows it to be," Karina started, her voice steady, "I would certainly wish for it to be a dinner date."

Minju's playful facade faltered for a moment, replaced by something more contemplative. She shrugged and hummed, a noncommittal sound. "Take good care of her, Karina Yoo. Or else I'm coming after you."

Her threat lacked the bite Karina expected. In fact, Minju's eyes, when they met Karina's again, held a flicker of... approval?

 

Before Karina could decipher that unexpected look, Minju turned to Winter, her expression softening. "Text me, if anything okay?"

"I will, thanks," Winter replied, offering Minju a reassuring smile.

The exchange left Karina bewildered. What's with Minju's change in attitude? It was a question that would have to wait for another time. Right now, the focus was on Winter, and the dinner date that hung in the balance.

 

// 

The car ride to the restaurant was filled with a comfortable silence. Karina, usually the chatterbox, found herself stealing nervous glances at Winter. The way Winter tapped her foot to the music, a habit Karina hadn't seen in years, filled her with a bittersweet nostalgia.

 

"That was a great shoot," Karina finally ventured, attempting to break the ice.

"Yeah," Winter replied, her voice a touch distant.  "Minju has a natural presence in front of the camera."

A pang of jealousy shot through Karina, but she forced it down. Now wasn't the time for possessiveness.

 

"She does," Karina conceded, choosing her words carefully. "But you, Winter... you're incredible behind it."

Winter's lips curved into a small smile, a flicker of warmth returning to her eyes. "Thanks, Karina. That means a lot coming from you." 

 

The restaurant that Karina chose, nestled in a quiet alleyway. Stepping inside was like stepping back in time – worn wooden tables, flickering lanterns, and the comforting aroma of kimchi and grilled meat hanging heavy in the air. Karina felt a warmth spread through her, a mix of nostalgia and nervous anticipation.

 

Winter's eyes widened in surprise. "This place reminds me of Ajumma Kim's back in our neighborhood," she said, a flicker of a smile playing on her lips.

Karina seized the moment. "Remember how we used to sneak out after curfew just for their japchae?"

A genuine smile bloomed on the red-haired face, chasing away the shadows. "How could I forget? And you, ever the daredevil, always climbing the fire escape back into your window."

 

The conversation flowed more easily after that, a tapestry woven from shared memories. Karina strategically peppered her words with inside jokes and references to their past adventures, a silent plea for recognition. Each time Winter's eyes lit up with a spark of remembrance, a tiny flame of hope ignited in Karina's chest.

As they sipped on steaming cups of makgeolli, a sweet rice wine they used to share on special occasions, Karina knew it was time.

 

"Winter," she began, her voice barely a whisper above the soft murmur of conversation in the restaurant. "This might seem crazy after all this time, but..." she hesitated, taking a deep breath. "I want to be honest with you."

"I miss us. I miss you." 

 

The air crackled with unspoken emotions. Winter met her gaze, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling in her eyes – surprise, a hint of sadness, and a flicker of something that looked suspiciously like longing. But it was fleeting, replaced by a gentle smile.

 

"Jimin," Winter began, her voice soft, "we were young back then. We both made mistakes."

 

 

A flicker of relief danced in Karina's heart – warm, sweet. It wasn't a love confession, but it wasn't a dismissal either. It was a bridge, a tentative step towards rebuilding a lost melody.

 

Swallowing her nervousness, Karina blurted out, "I... is it okay if I consider this... a date?"

Winter chuckled at Karina's transparent fumbling, "Sure, Jimin. You can call it that.”

 

//

Leaving the restaurant, the cool night air enveloping them, Karina felt a fragile hope bloom in her chest. Winter hesitated for a moment, then surprised Karina by accepting her suggestion a walk along the nearby Han River, a spot they used to frequent for late-night strolls.

 

Under the soft glow of the city lights reflecting on the water's surface, Karina stopped, turning to face Winter. Her gaze held a silent plea, a yearning for the years that had slipped away. 

"Winter," she began, her voice filled with a newfound determination, "I know eight years is a long time. But..."

 

 

Karina gulped and reached into her pocket, taking out the promise ring. It gleamed under the soft light, a silent reminder of a past vow. "Remember? During my graduation, you told me to put this on your fingers the next time I see you. When it is the right time."

"I don't know if it is the right time now," Karina paused, "But I want to make it the right time now if you allow me to." 

"I've missed many of your important events in these 8 years," Karina admitted, her voice soft. "And I hope you will give me the chance to see what I've missed and be there for you for the rest of your life."

 

The black-haired woman carefully took Winter's left hand, searching for any sign of rejection.

"Can I?" she questioned nervously, the ring positioned in front of Winter's fourth finger.

 

Karina waited patiently.

Then, a slow smile curved her lips, a smile that held a hint of something new, something hopeful.

 

"I waited for 8 years."

"You better make it right this time, Yoo Jimin," Winter said, her voice laced with a playful challenge, yet filled with a tenderness that sent shivers down Karina's spine.

 

Her heart soared. 

Karina swore she almost screamed out of joy. Containing her excitement, she slid the silver ring along Winter's long, dainty finger with her shaky hands.

 

The ring finally found its way back to its owner. 

 

Unable to hold back her happiness, Karina broke into a huge, silly grin and gently lifted Winter's hand to meet her lips, giving a small kiss on top of the ring sitting prettily on Winter's finger.

 

 

"Thank you," Karina muttered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you."

"I promise I won't fail you this time," she whispered, kissing Winter's hand again. 

Winter chuckled, a sound like music to Karina's ears. "Hey, stop. It tickles!" she said, a playful glint returning to her eyes. The little nose scrunch that followed was the same adorable habit Karina remembered from their younger days.

 

 

Karina dropped Winter's hand and took it in hers slowly, swinging it back and forth, relishing the familiar warmth after eight years. A forgotten melody played in her heart, a sweet ache blooming in her chest.

 

"Ah..." she murmured, a bittersweet sigh escaping her lips. "I missed this so much."

Winter's eyes softened as she squeezed Karina's hand gently. 

Suddenly, a flicker of realization crossed Winter's face. "What about yours?" she asked, glancing at Karina's empty hand.

 

"Hm?"

"Your ring," Winter clarified. "I don't see you wearing yours."

"Ah, right, mine."

 

Reaching into her pocket again, she retrieved a second ring, identical to the one now adorning Winter's finger. "Mine will stay with you," Karina said, her voice soft, "until you decide that I am worthy enough for it."

 

Winter's eyes widened in surprise. "But..."

"I'm going to make it up to you, Minjeong," Karina interrupted, her gaze filled with determination. "Until then, when I truly deserve to wear this ring on my finger, you will put it around me."

This unexpected turn of events left Winter speechless.  The vulnerability in Karina's eyes, the silent promise hanging in the air – it was a powerful counterpoint to the playful banter of just moments before.  

A smile, both hesitant and hopeful, touched Winter's lips, "Okay..."  she whispered, the single word holding the weight of unspoken forgiveness and a chance at a new beginning.

 

"Can I drive and walk you home?" Karina asked, her voice hopeful.

Winter tilted her head, considering. Then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Only if you promise not to trip and fall on this uneven pavement," she teased, gesturing with a laugh.

 

Karina's heart soared. The teasing, the playfulness – it was a return to their old dynamic, a glimmer of hope for a future where they could walk hand-in-hand, not just on cobblestone streets, but through life itself.

 

---

Author's note:

This story is getting longer than I planned... I hope you guys are okay with it... >.<

are yall ready for the upcoming fluff? hehe XD