GIVE ME LOVE (WINRINA AU)

CHAPTER 24

On their third meeting, Winter refused Yeji's request to join her again. The last meeting was chaotic enough for Winter that she couldn't work too well. That's why, Winter and Yeji are not in their best term today.

"hey, Win." Yeonjun who sits beside her, turns to her fully with suspicious eyes. "I know we're not that close, but, I used to have a girlfriend like that."

"can we just work on this? we have to submit it next week." Winter sighs.

"he has the best advice for things like that." Kai chimed in.

"the only advice I need is for the project, okay?" Winter looks at him. "go back to work."

"maybe we can talk over a cigarette or two." Yeonjun slaps her arm lightly. "c'mon... I know you wouldn't join us because of her." he steals a glance at Chaehyun.

"fine."

-

Karina just got time to visit Winter's mother. since she's being nice to her, Karina thought that she should return the favour.

"oh, ma'am, don't worry. I'll cook for you. you must be tired after cleaning up the house." Karina helps her to walk towards the couch. She quickly grabs a glass and filled it with some water for the woman. "have a drink. I'll see what I can make."

"you have a good heart, dear. Thank you so much for your help today."

Karina smiles at her before going to the kitchen. She opens the fridge to look for some ingredients. Sadly, what she found are some eggs, wilted vegetables, and some condiments. With what's left, Karina starts cooking for the family.

After some time, Karina is finally done cooking. She prepares the plates and utensils as well. In the meantime, she heard the woman talking to a girl that must be Winter. Karina walks out of kitchen and found them talking at the living area.

"hi, Winter." Karina greeted. "I cooked dinner for you."

"yeah, I know." Winter presses a small smile. "thanks."

"she helped me a lot today." The mother said, while walking towards the dining table, followed by the other two.

"let's eat first. I don't think dad will be happy to see her." Winter sits down. seeing that the table is clean and tidy is really pleasing for her. especially when she's exhausted from sitting and focusing on her laptop screen.

Karina sits across Winter with the mother beside her. she waits for Winter and the mother to eat first before she do the same.

"his dad is quite sensitive to guests." The mother explained. "he thinks it's a burdensome thing to accept them in our home."

"it's okay, ma'am. I'm happy to help you anytime." Karina responded.

On the other hand, Winter peacefully enjoys her food. She has no energy to have a conversation right now. then, a glass of water slides in in front of her. Winter looks up and see Karina smiling at her then back to talk with her mother.

"how's Yeji, by the way? I see that you didn't go to her house as often." The mother looks at Winter.

"she's alright.... I think." Winter looks down. "the food is nice. Thanks, again." She looks up again.

"oh, no problem at all." Karina replied shortly.

"if you have problems with Yeji, you should solve it nicely, okay? always be nice to people. Think before you say anything." the mother advised as she finished her meal.

"I'll wash the plates." Winter said as she watch her mother stands up with a plate.

"okay. thank you, dear. I will rest inside." She put back the plate and walks inside her room.

"are you okay?" Karina asked the short-haired girl.

"yes, why?" Winter looks up at her then back at her food. She eats a lot more tonight.

"Yeji told me that you... avoided her. I just wanna hear it from your side." Karina decided to just talk it out.

"avoided her?" Winter furrowed her eyebrows. "did she say something else?"

"she said that you flirt with your friend." Karina said unsurely. She doesn't even believe her bestfriend.

"I guess having a girlfriend is not that calming after all." Winter said, more like thinking out loud.

"your mom is right. maybe you can talk it out with her." Karina suggested.

"what's the point of that if she doesn't even trust me? she doesn't even listen." Winter sighs. "I'm sorry. I'm just really tired."

"I'll help you with the dishes." Karina stands up, grabbing the plate.

"you should go. I don't want you here when my dad is home. Sorry for that. I didn't mean to be rude."

"it's okay. I understand. Have a good night, Winter."

Soon enough, after doing her works and assignments, Winter found herself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. She's starting to doubt her relationship with Yeji. At first, it was all filled with happiness and butterflies. Now that that has been going for more than half a year, things starts to crumble. There's no trust and care from Yeji. Winter often blames herself for it.

Yeji: are you asleep?

Yeji: can we call tonight?

Winter reads them through the notification bar. then, a call from Yeji arrived. She picks it up weakly.

"I can't sleep." Yeji started. "I'm sorry."

"why?" Winter replied.

"I've been a bad girlfriend."

"I should be the one that needs to fix myself. I know I've been too nice to other girls. I made you jealous." Winter tries to reassure her.

"I overthink things. I'm scared that I'll lose you."

Winter stays silent. Thinking that there's nothing left to fight for is very wrong for her. every argument ended up like this. in a soft night call where Winter usually would be the one who take the blame. Then, it all goes back to normal.

"Winnie, baby? Are you there?"

"yes. yes, I'm here." Winter closes her eyes, putting her phone on the pillow and set it on speaker. "I'll go to sleep."

"okay, baby. Goodnight."