Karina’s POV

I’m overwhelmed with happiness right now. It’s hard to believe that I finally told Winter how I truly feel. I’ve kept my feelings hidden for so long, and nobody, not even my friends, knew who I had a crush on.

Currently, I’m researching how to court someone. I’m not exactly sure why, but I want to be Winter’s girlfriend, and I hope it happens soon.

Even if she’s not ready, I’m willing to wait patiently. But I want to do something special that will touch her heart. Right now, all I can think of is to court her.

From now on, I will invite her on dates. I will also give her compliments, as usual. I will show her how much I love her, and, of course, I will give her some gifts that can melt her heart.

During our dates, I will try to create memorable moments while trying to get to know her more deeply. I listen carefully to her thoughts, dreams and fears, and support and encourage them along the way.

Compliments will flow from my mouth, but they will have real meaning. I take the time to notice and appreciate the little details that make her special. Whether it’s complimenting her infectious laugh, captivating smile, or unwavering kindness, I want to make sure she knows how beautiful she is inside and out. Every compliment is meant to boost her confidence and make her feel loved and appreciated.

When it comes to gifts, I choose carefully to reflect her interests and wishes. Each gift will symbolize my love and understanding for her as a person. It’s less about materialistic value and more about the thought and effort that go into choosing something that makes your heart beat faster. For instance, I can send her a bouquet of her favorite flowers, or a loving handwritten note expressing my feelings and making her feel valued and loved.

Most of all, I want her to know that she can always count on me to be there for her through life’s ups and downs. My love for her will be unwavering and I will do everything in my power to make her feel like the most important person in the world.

As I sat facing my laptop, I found myself searching for an online flower shop where I could order a beautiful bouquet in secret, intending to surprise Winter. I was eager to witness her reaction firsthand.

Once I completed the order, I began getting ready for the day ahead as Winter and I had planned to go to school together. After a refreshing shower, I settled down to have my breakfast. I couldn’t help but wonder if the flowers I had sent to Winter’s house had already arrived. Although I wished to personally hand them to her, I couldn’t resist the anticipation of seeing her reaction later.

Finally, I’m done and now I’m texting Winter as I’m heading to her place. It’s hard to put into words the immense joy I feel right now because I’ll get to see her. You know, even though we just saw each other recently, I really miss her. The smile on my face never fades whenever I see her or spend time with her.

I arrived at their place and I saw her standing outside their house, with a big smile on her face. So, I honked the horn to get her attention. She immediately walked towards my car. I opened the door for her and she got in.

Oh, God, she’s so beautiful.

“Seems like you’re having a good morning,” I said to her, and she kept smiling.

“Uhm, someone gave me flowers,” she happily said.

“Oh,” I pretended to be disappointed.

“Nagseselos ka ba? Don’t worry, if I find out who gave them to me, I’ll let you know right away. Tapos, magtanong ka sa kanya kung saan niya nabili, nagustuhan ko talaga ’yung binigay niya eh,” I chuckled quietly.

She’s so cute.

She liked what I gave her. 

GOSH.

“Ahh, baka ikaw ang nagbigay sa akin niyan? Ikaw ha” she said.

“Umh...”

“It’s obvious, Miss President, because you’re the only one who has a crush on me,” she said, pinching my cheeks.

“Ouch!” it’s so hurt.

“Ihh, sorry na. May nalalaman ka pa kasing ‘Oh,’parang disappointed ka pa eh,” she said, making me laugh.

“I just wanted to see your reaction,” I confessed.

“Whatever you give me, I’ll be happy. It came from you, after all,” she said, and I glanced at her as she started pinching my cheeks again.

“You’re so cute,” she said with excitement. ”Start driving now, we’ll be late."

Her cheek pinching hurt, but I just let it be and started driving.

...

We have arrived on campus. We don’t have class this morning, but Winter does, so I decided to come here as well. I’m also busy with what I’m doing because I have to report attendance daily to the guidance office.

Well, attendance is a requirement in this school. If your absences exceed ten, your parents will be called in and you will have to do community service. In other words, it’s really important not to be absent so you don’t end up doing community service.

Now, I’m here in my office, doing my usual tasks. While my attention is focused on my laptop, suddenly the door opens, and it’s my sister who enters.

”Hey, Karina,” she called out to me. I looked up and saw her gaze.

“Yeah, Ate?” I responded.

“Mom and Dad are coming home tonight, so make sure you head back later,” I sighed.

“What’s with the sigh?” Ate raised an eyebrow, curious.

It’s such bad timing. 

I was actually planning to ask Minjeong out tonight. But I miss my parents so much, I can’t say no. I’ll just have to invite Winter tomorrow, or maybe even for lunch. I’ll make sure she comes over.

But I really wanted to have a special date tonight. And honestly, I’m not ready to introduce her to my parents yet. Maybe in the near future.

“Nothing, Ate,” I gave a simple response.

“Alright, be ready later, okay?” I nodded in agreement.

Ate left, leaving me all alone here in my office. Since I finished my work, I thought of grabbing my phone for a bit.

I went through my photos and checked out the pictures I took of Winter back then. There were so many, over a thousand even. Well, no wonder—it was a daily ritual to capture her in snapshots.

While swiping through my phone, a smile crept onto my face at the sight of those pictures. She’s just so incredibly beautiful. My feelings for her haven't changed one bit. Whatever I felt before, it’s still the same now.

I’m head over heels in love with Winter, and that’s never gonna change.

...

It’s lunchtime, and I’m still here in my office, but this time Winter is by my side. She’s sharing stories about what happened earlier in her classroom. I can’t really grasp the details because my attention is fixated on her face, rather than on her words.

She seems a bit annoyed, which I find incredibly endearing.

”You’re so beautiful,” I blurt out.

“Huh?” she looks at me, puzzled once again.

“You're more beautiful than anyone else,” I told her, causing her cheeks to turn a shade of pink.

”Parang tanga naman ‘to,” I heard her whisper.

“Why?” I asked.

Totoo naman talaga na she’s undeniably stunning compared to others out there.

“Nothing,” she replied, “Have you eaten?” I shook my head.

“Kain tayo, libre ko na. Palagi na lang ikaw nanlilibre sa akin akin,” she says.

“No, let me treat you this time,” I firmly insist. 

I saw her angry gaze, so I’ll take back what I said.

“Alright, ikaw na,” I said. She smiles, her grin reaching for the sky.

“Ako lang talaga,” she says, smirking.

We’re already here at the restaurant. This is where I first took her. But something interesting happened with that girl Yeji, I don’t know her full name, but Winter mentioned she goes by Yeji.

It brings back memories of how she looked at that other girl. Even though I was right there with her, her eyes were fixated on the other girl.

It made me wonder, so I acted a bit cold towards her that day. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of annoyance because of what she did. I mean, she didn’t do anything wrong, but it hurt to see how she gazed at the girl I couldn’t stand.

I can’t believe I’m the only one who’s attracted to her. Winter is stunning, really stunning, so I find it hard to believe that no one else is interested in her. That’s why I’m making my moves now. I don’t want her to end up with anyone else, I only want her, no one else.

”Are you okay?” Winter asked me. 

“Yes, baby,” I said, flirting.

“Parang tanga talaga, ” and now, I saw her cheeks turning red again. She also avoided eye contact with me. All I can say is kinikilig siya.

After a minute passed, I