The conversation at the café the night before had ended in anger and confusion, left Winter feeling more vulnerable than ever. She replayed the argument in her mind, the sharp words exchanged, and the lingering hurt. Although Karina had apologized, her hurtful words was still there.
As she got dressed and prepared for the day, Winter received a message that kinda made her day. It was from Minju, her childhood friend. They had been inseparable growing up, but life had taken them on different paths, and they had lost touch. Seeing Minju's name on her phone brought a smile to Winter's face, a welcome distraction from her current turmoil.
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Winter felt a rush of excitement. Minju had always been a source of comfort and understanding. Maybe reconnecting with her would provide the emotional support Winter desperately needed. She quickly replied, and they arranged to meet at a nearby park later that afternoon.
When Winter arrived at the park, she spotted Minju sitting on a bench, waving enthusiastically. They hugged tightly, the years of separation melting away in an instant. Minju’s warm smile and familiar presence brought a sense of comfort that Winter hadn’t felt in a long time.
"It's so good to see you, Minjeong!" Minju exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.
"You too, Minju. I've missed you," Winter replied, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart.
They spent the afternoon reminiscing about their childhood, sharing stories, and laughing like they used to. Minju’s easygoing nature made Winter feel at ease, and for a while, she forgot about the tension with Karina.
As they walked through the park, Minju noticed Winter's occasional silences and thoughtful expressions. "Is everything okay, Minjeong? You seem a bit distant."
Winter hesitated, unsure if she should burden Minju with her problems. But the concerned look in Minju’s eyes encouraged her to open up. "It's just... things have been complicated lately with my girlfriend."
Minju listened intently as Winter recounted the events of the past few days, including the hurtful comments and the unresolved tension. Minju’s expression grew serious as she absorbed every word.
"I'm really sorry you're going through this, Minjeong," Minju said softly. "It sounds really tough. But I'm here for you, okay?"
Winter nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Minju. I really needed to talk to someone about this."
They continued their walk, talking about lighter topics and catching up on each other's lives. As the sun began to set, they found a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the view. Winter felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a while.
Just then, Winter’s phone buzzed with a message from Karina. "Where are you? I thought we could spend the evening together."
Winter’s heart tightened. She hadn’t told Karina about meeting Minju, and she knew this could potentially cause more friction. But she couldn’t deny the comfort and support Minju had provided.
"I’m with an old friend, catching up," Winter replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.
Karina’s response was almost immediate. "An old friend? Who?"
Winter sighed, feeling the tension rising again. She decided to be honest. "Minju. We grew up together."
Karina’s reply took longer this time. "Oh. I didn’t know you were meeting her."
Winter could sense the underlying tension in Karina’s words. She decided it was best to head home and face whatever reaction awaited her. She hugged Minju goodbye, promising to stay in touch, and made her way back to the apartment.
When she arrived, Karina was sitting on the couch, looking visibly upset. "Why didn’t you tell me you were meeting her?"
Winter took a deep breath, preparing herself for another difficult conversation. "I didn’t think it would be a big deal. We haven’t seen each other in years, and I needed to talk to someone."
Karina’s eyes flashed with a mixture of hurt and jealousy. "I get that, but you could have at least told me. I was worried."
"I’m sorry," Winter said, trying to keep her voice calm. "I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I just needed some time to clear my head."
Karina’s expression softened slightly, but the tension remained. "I understand that. But I feel like you’re shutting me out."
Winter felt a pang of guilt. "I’m not trying to shut you out. I just... I needed a friend, and Minju happened to be there."
Karina nodded slowly, her frustration giving way to a more resigned expression. "I just wish you would talk to me more. I want to be there for you, Minjeong."
Winter reached out and took Karina’s hand. "I know. And I’m trying. But this is all just... it’s hard."
They sat in silence for a moment, holding hands, each lost in their own thoughts. Winter knew that the presence of Minju in her life was a complicating factor, but she also knew that she needed all the support she could get.
Over the next few days, Winter spent more time with Minju, catching up on old times and finding solace in her friend’s unwavering support. Karina noticed the growing closeness between them, and it gnawed at her, fueling her jealousy and insecurity.
One evening, Winter returned home after spending the day with Minju. She found Karina pacing the living room, her anxiety palpable. "We need to talk," Karina said, her voice tense.
Winter nodded, bracing herself for another difficult conversation. "Okay. What’s on your mind?"
Karina stopped pacing and faced Winter, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "I’m trying to understand what’s going on between us, Minjeong. But it’s hard when you’re spending so much time with Minju."
Winter sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "Minju is just a friend, Jimin. She’s been a great support for me during this tough time."
Karina’s expression softened slightly, but the jealousy was still evident. "I get that. But it feels like she’s taking my place."
Winter’s heart ached at the pain in Karina’s voice. "No one can take your place, Jimin. But I need to feel supported and understood. Minju has been helping me with that."
Karina nodded slowly, her shoulders sagging with a mixture of relief and resignation. "I just... I don’t want to lose you, Minjeong."
Winter stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Karina in a reassuring embrace. "You won’t lose me, Jimin. But we need to work on this together. I can’t do it alone."
Karina hugged her tightly, a silent promise to do better. She knew their journey was far from over, but with Minju back in her life and the unresolved issues between her and Karina, the road ahead was bound to be filled with challenges.
As they stood there, holding each other, Winter silently vowed to navigate this complicated path with as much honesty and love as she could muster. The presence of her childhood friend had added a new layer of complexity to her life, but it had also reminded her of the importance of genuine support and understanding.
And so, the journey continued, with Winter caught between the love she had for Karina and the comfort she found in Minju.
