mean it - winrina

eleven

As Karina's time abroad drew to a close, she had a fresh sense of purpose. She had learned so much about herself and was ready to face the future with a clearer heart and mind. She knew that returning home wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to fight for the love she and Winter shared.

Karina sat by the window of her small apartment in Paris, staring at the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the night. It had been three years since she left Korea, three years of self-reflection and personal growth. The memories of her last conversation with Winter were still fresh in her mind, and the pain of their separation lingered. But during her time away, Karina had changed. She had learned to understand the impact of her words and actions, and now she was ready to make things right.

With a heart full of hope and determination, Karina boarded the plane back home, ready to start the next chapter of her life and her relationship with Winter. She knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was prepared to face them head-on, with love and understanding guiding her every step.

When she arrived in Seoul, the familiar sights and sounds felt both comforting and daunting. Karina wasted no time in reaching out to Winter. She planned a surprise date, hoping to show Winter how much she had changed and how deeply she still cared. The date was meticulously planned—a walk through their favorite park, followed by dinner at the restaurant where they had their first date.

When Karina finally stood in front of Winter’s door, her heart raced. She took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened to reveal Winter, who looked both surprised and cautious.

"Jimin," Winter said softly.

"Minjeong," Karina replied, her voice filled with emotion. "I’ve missed you."

Winter nodded, her eyes searching Karina’s face. "I’ve missed you too."

They went to the park, their conversation initially stilted but slowly easing into a more comfortable rhythm. They reminisced about old memories, and for a moment, it felt like nothing had changed. However, the presence of Minju loomed over them, an unspoken tension that neither could ignore.

As they sat down for dinner, Karina finally broached the subject. "Minjeong, I know things have been complicated between us, especially with Minju back in your life. But I’ve spent the last three years working on myself, trying to become someone you can be proud of."

Winter looked down at her plate, her expression conflicted. "I appreciate that, Jimin. I can see you’ve changed. But…"

The sight of the leaves drifting down from the trees reminded Winter of Minju's confession that night in the park.

With the moon full, the wind carrying a chill, and the stars scattered across the sky, the only thing left was the risk Minju was about to take. But Minju didn’t mind. It was the joy of the chase, the feeling of freedom and pure happiness that mattered. The pure and absolute feeling that she let her feelings out.

"Minjeong, I know you chose Karina, and I respect that," Minju began, her voice trembling slightly. "But I need to be honest with you. I still have feelings for you. I can't just turn them off."

Winter's heart ached at Minju's words. She had hoped that things would become simpler, but life rarely followed such straightforward paths. "Minju, I care about you deeply," Winter replied, her voice shaking. She looked into Minju's eyes, seeing the raw vulnerability there. "But I've made my choice..."

"I will choose you, Minju."

Winter blinked before talking again, the vivid memory fading. She looked at Karina, now stronger. But life had a way of changing things, she thought with a sigh. She wasn’t sure if she and Karina could ever go back to those carefree days, but sitting here, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty.

"Minju confessed her feelings for me, and I accepted."

Karina's heart sank, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I see. Thank you for being honest with me."

Winter reached out, taking Karina’s hand. "I still care about you, Jimin. I always will. But right now, I’m with Minju."

Karina nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I understand. I just needed you to know how much you mean to me. Take all the time you need."

Winter watched as Karina walked away, her heart conflicted. She had never stopped caring for Karina, but Minju had been there for her when she needed someone the most. Could she really open her heart to Karina again?

They parted ways, each carrying a heavy heart and a sense of unresolved longing. Karina knew that winning Winter back would not be easy, but she was determined to prove her love and dedication.