Women in Love | A Winrina Romance

The Runway Cross

The lights dimmed in the grand hall of Seoul's most prestigious fashion venue, a hush settling over the audience as anticipation thickened the air. Karina sat in the front row, her fingers lightly tapping against her knee, hidden beneath a long, elegant dress. Cameras flashed around her, capturing her flawless visage, but Karina hardly noticed. Her attention was focused solely on the runway that stretched out before her like a silver river.

Tonight was the highly anticipated launch of the new collection by Kim Winter Design, one of the most sought-after fashion brands in the world. Karina had always admired the brand's exquisite designs, known for their minimalist elegance and intricate detailing, mirroring the creator's rumored personality: a blend of aloof sophistication and mysterious allure. This was Karina's first opportunity to attend one of Winter's shows, and she was eager to see the visionary's work up close.

As the show began, models floated down the runway, each piece more breathtaking than the last. Silk gowns that shimmered like water, suits that redefined power and grace, and avant-garde designs that seemed plucked from a dream. Karina was mesmerized. It was as if each outfit told a story, and she found herself drawn into the world Winter had created with each passing ensemble.

Then, as the final model made her way down the runway, a figure appeared at the far end, stepping out from the shadows. The audience's applause crescendoed, cameras focusing in, as the designer herself emerged.

Winter.

Karina's breath caught in her throat. Winter was everything the rumors had promised and more. Striking, with a sharp, chiseled beauty that seemed almost unreal, she moved with an effortless grace, her long hair pulled back to reveal high cheekbones and a confident, enigmatic expression. Dressed in a tailored black suit, the designer's presence was commanding, her gaze sweeping over the audience as if she was both aware of the attention and entirely unaffected by it.

And then, Winter's eyes met Karina's.

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Karina felt an inexplicable pull, as if an invisible thread had linked them together. Winter's gaze was intense, unreadable, and Karina's heart began to race, a flush creeping up her neck. It was as though everyone else in the room had vanished, leaving just the two of them locked in a silent, unspoken conversation. Karina was used to being the one in the spotlight, the object of admiration and attention, but now, under Winter's scrutinizing stare, she felt vulnerable, exposed.

The moment lasted only a few seconds before Winter broke eye contact, her attention shifting back to the models and the audience, acknowledging the applause with a slight nod and a composed smile. But Karina could still feel the lingering intensity of that gaze, like a ghostly fingerprint on her soul.

As the show ended and the lights brightened, the audience erupted into a standing ovation. Karina rose with the others, clapping along, but her mind was elsewhere, still replaying that brief encounter. The models began to file out, and Karina's manager, Sejin, appeared at her side, whispering in her ear.

"Karina, there's an invite for you to go backstage," Sejin said, glancing at the crowd. "Apparently, Winter herself would like to meet you."

Karina's heart skipped a beat. Winter wanted to meet her? A mixture of excitement and nerves bubbled up inside her. She had faced thousands of fans, performed on countless stages, but the thought of meeting Winter face-to-face made her hands slightly tremble. She nodded at Sejin, who guided her towards a side entrance guarded by security.

Backstage was a flurry of activity, with models changing, makeup artists and stylists working in a blur. Amid the chaos, Karina spotted Winter standing by a large mirror, speaking with her assistants. Even from a distance, Winter's presence dominated the room. As if sensing Karina's gaze, Winter turned her head, her eyes locking onto Karina once more.

"Karina," Winter called out, her voice smooth and authoritative. She dismissed her assistants with a flick of her hand, and they scurried away, leaving the two women alone.

Karina approached, feeling a strange mix of shyness and boldness. Up close, Winter was even more captivating. Her eyes, a deep, dark brown, seemed to hold secrets that Karina wanted to uncover. Winter extended a hand, her lips curving into a slight smile.

"Thank you for coming to my show," Winter said, her grip firm and cool. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Karina smiled back, trying to steady her voice. "The pleasure is mine. I've admired your work for a long time. Your designs are... breathtaking."

Winter's smile widened just a fraction. "I'm glad you think so. And I must say, you look stunning tonight. That dress suits you perfectly."

Karina glanced down at her outfit, a custom piece from a recent fashion line. "Thank you. I've always loved your aesthetic. It's so... powerful and elegant."

Winter's eyes sparkled with amusement. "It's nice to meet someone who truly appreciates the art behind the fashion. Most people only see the surface."

There was a brief silence, the noise of the bustling room fading into the background as they stood together, caught in the magnetism of each other's presence. Karina felt an urge to say something, anything, to keep the moment from slipping away.

"Maybe we could talk more about your designs sometime," Karina said, her voice softer, almost hesitant. "I'd love to know what inspires you."

Winter's gaze lingered on Karina's face for a moment longer before she nodded. "I'd like that," she replied. "I'm hosting an after-party tonight. Perhaps you could join me there?"

Karina's heart did a little flip. "I'd love to," she said, trying to keep her tone casual, though excitement tingled at the edges of her words.

"Great," Winter said, handing Karina a sleek, black invitation card. "I'll see you there, then."

Karina took the card, their fingers brushing briefly. Winter's touch was cool, yet it sent a warmth through Karina's entire body. As she left backstage, heading towards her car, Karina glanced back once more, catching a glimpse of Winter's silhouette against the backstage lights.

For the first time in a long while, Karina felt something beyond the thrill of the stage, beyond the superficial adoration of fans. It was something deeper, something real. And she couldn't wait to see where it would lead.