mean it - winrina

thirteen

Karina was strolling through the park near her temporary apartment, unwinding and inhaling the fresh air. It was late in the afternoon, and the sun was casting a warm golden glow over the people walking beneath it.

She didn’t expect to see a special someone there at the same park. It was Winter, sitting alone under their favorite oak tree from when they were still dating.

The past few days had been really good for Karina; she and Winter were starting to do well together again. The tension between them hadn’t completely disappeared, but the progress they’d made since Karina’s return was promising and didn’t seem like it would end quickly.

Quietly, Karina approached Winter, trying not to startle her. She had a small gift she intended to give Winter if the opportunity arose.

Step.
Step.
Step.

Karina gently tapped Winter’s shoulder with her finger, hoping she’d turn around.

Winter turned and said, “Oh? Karina? Hi!”

Karina smiled at Winter’s surprised expression and replied, “Minjeong! I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I usually visit when I have free time,” Winter answered.

Karina just smiled at Winter’s statement, remembering the times they had hung out here before. She looked at the bench Winter was sitting on and asked, "May I?"

"Sure, you may, Karina," Winter replied with a smile, gesturing for Karina to sit beside her, hoping to chat more with this opportunity.

Karina sat beside her, thinking of ways to start a conversation. Attempting to break the silence between them, Karina said, "What brought you here today? Just relaxing?"

Winter sighed softly. "Yeah, I needed a break from everything. This place is my escape."

Karina thought to herself, "Escape? Why? What’s happening between her and Minju?"

"I’m glad we’re starting to talk again. I’ve missed this," Karina said, her voice gentle and sincere.

Winter hesitated but then smiled, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Me too," she said, nodding slightly. "It’s nice to have these moments back after all this time without you."

Remembering how Winter had acted during their last meeting made Karina worried. She was left curious, wanting to know more about Winter's current state and if she was actually still doing well.

Now, with Winter beside her, Karina decided to ask about this, hoping to resolve the issue troubling her mind.

Karina took a deep breath and gently said, "I hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable, but are you really okay? How have you been? Is there anything new going on with you... or with Minju?"

Winter, shocked by Karina's questions, was left speechless. She didn’t know how to respond. Should she lie, tell the truth, or come up with an excuse? She was at a loss for words.

"Um... I-I don't know," Winter stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I guess I am?"

"Winter, are you really? You can trust me," Karina said softly, her eyes searching Winter’s for any hint of the truth.

Winter shook her head, denying any issues. "No, really. I'm okay. Please don't worry."

Karina, still unsure if she could believe Winter, was now left with even more turmoil. Her heart ached as she looked at Winter, seeing the familiar face that once held so much joy and now seemed shadowed by something she couldn’t quite grasp. She wanted to reach out, to hold Winter and assure her that everything would be okay, but she feared pushing too hard and driving her away.

The thought of Winter struggling alone, possibly hiding her pain, made Karina’s chest tighten. Her mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. She felt an overwhelming need to protect Winter, to be there for her, but she didn’t know how to break through the wall that seemed to be between them.

"If that's what you say," Karina replied reluctantly, her voice tinged with doubt.

She forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension, but inside she was far from convinced. She knew she had to respect Winter’s boundaries for now, but she resolved to keep an eye on her and be there whenever Winter was ready to open up.

Winter, now feeling guilty, stood up, trying to get away from Karina.

"Are you leaving?" Karina called out, her tone worried but louder than intended.

Winter didn't respond, just kept walking.

Karina quickly stood up and followed Winter, grabbing her wrist and gently pulling her back before wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug.

"What?" Karina whispered, realizing Winter was crying. Her eyes were red and swollen, a stark contrast to the person Karina had seen moments before.

"No, no," Karina murmured softly, her voice filled with concern. "Winter-"

Winter sobbed into Karina’s shoulder, clutching her clothes tightly. She felt that this wasn’t right, that she shouldn’t be doing this, that she wasn’t allowed. But she couldn't suppress her emotions any longer. She let her vulnerable side show to Karina—the new Karina she had met after all these years.

Minutes passed, and Karina gently guided Winter back to the bench. She caressed Winter, her hands moving softly over her head and back, providing comfort wherever Winter could feel safe. Karina whispered soothingly, "Shh, it's going to be okay."

Winter still couldn’t speak, but Karina knew she was in pain. She had held this back for so long, only for Karina to see it now.

It hurt Karina deeply to see Winter in this state, knowing the pain she had caused her before. She couldn’t bear the thought of history repeating itself. Determined to make things right, Karina vowed to herself that she would do everything in her power to support Winter and ensure she never felt this way again. She would be there for her, no matter what it took.

"That darned Minju," Karina thought to herself angrily.

The two of them sat in the park for a while longer, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow around them. Karina continued to comfort Winter, gently stroking her hair and speaking soothing words. They didn’t need to say much; the quiet companionship was enough.

However,

Minju was there, watching them from a distance.