i'd rather lose (my mind)

Episode 3.2

Karina had been in bed all morning, trying to shake off the hangover that had been plaguing her since last night.

She couldn't stop thinking about Winter and the way her kiss had made her feel. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her ringtone blasting in her room.

Dragging herself out of bed, Karina stumbled out of the bed and grabbed her phone from the table. She saw Minju's caller id and immediately answered, worried sick that something might have happened to her best friend.

As soon as she answered, she heard Winter and Minju locked in a heated argument. Karina couldn't hear what they were saying, but the tension between the couple was palpable.

A quick, "Come here, quick." from Minju came from the other line before the call was disconnected.

Karina couldn't help but wonder what was going on between the two. Were they fighting about her? Had Winter told her wife about the kiss?

The older woman felt a surge of anxiety rise in her chest as she realized that her feelings for Winter were becoming more and more intense and noticeable.

She knew she needed to talk to them, but the thought of confrontation was terrifying.

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Karina is sitting in her best friend's favorite office chair, surrounded by Winter and Minju who stand in front of her, waiting for her answer, both looking like wild animals ready to pounce.

"So, were you ever in a relationship with Winter in college?" Minju asked, her eyes flicking back and forth between her spouse and Karina.

The taller woman felt her heart race. She knew that whatever she said would have consequences, not just for herself but for the married couple as well.

Taking a deep breath, she answered truthfully. "No, we were never in a relationship. We were just dorm mates, nothing more."

Minju expected a triumphant laugh from her wife since Winter's theory was proven wrong. Instead, she saw how the younger girl deflated.

It was then that Minju realized its implications. Out of love, she tried to lessen the tension. She fished for fifty bucks from her wallet before shoving it into Winter. "Here's what I owe."

The recipient laughed but pocketed the money nonetheless.

On the other hand, Karina couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She is seeing the two of them banter like an old married couple once again, obviously comfortable in each other's company.

"Are you sure you weren't in a relationship with me?" Winter tries once again.

Karina shook her head. 'I wouldn't have let you go if we were.' she thought.

"How about the accident? There was an explosion in our dorm, how about that?"

"There's no such thing as well," Karina honestly answers.

Winter's voice softened in defeat, "Are you sure? Maybe it was too long ago and you forgot?"

Before Karina can catch herself, she let out her unfiltered thoughts, "I remember every moment I've spent with you, especially back then. Nothing like that ever happened."

Winter sighed in frustration.

She gazed upon Karina who had the same long dark hair and piercing eyes. Every time Karina looked at her, Winter's heart yearned to be closer, to feel her warmth and embrace her tightly.