Women in Love | A Winrina Romance

The Unexpected Visit

A week after the public statement about their relationship, life slowly began to return to a semblance of normalcy for Karina and Winter. The media frenzy had died down, and while the topic still occasionally resurfaced, it no longer dominated the headlines. Karina was back in the studio, rehearsing with her group for their upcoming comeback, and Winter was busy overseeing the final stages of her new collection.

One crisp afternoon, as Karina wrapped up a particularly exhausting rehearsal, her phone buzzed with a text from Winter: "Are you free tonight? I have a surprise for you." The message was accompanied by a winking emoji, and Karina couldn't help but smile.

"For you? Always," she quickly replied, excitement bubbling up inside her.

Winter responded almost immediately: "Great. Be at my place by 7. Don't be late. ;)"

Karina spent the rest of the day distracted, her mind wandering to what Winter might have planned. By the time she arrived at Winter's apartment that evening, she was practically buzzing with anticipation.

Winter greeted her at the door, looking effortlessly chic in a simple yet elegant outfit. "Right on time," she teased, pulling Karina into a warm hug.

Karina grinned, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. So, what's the big surprise?"

Winter's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Patience, love. First, dinner."

The table in Winter's dining room was set for two, with candles flickering softly in the dim light. The smell of delicious food filled the air, and Karina's stomach growled in appreciation. They sat down to eat, the conversation flowing easily as they talked about their day, the food, and their plans for the upcoming weekend.

As they finished dessert, Winter stood up and took Karina's hand, leading her into the living room. The room was cozy, with soft music playing in the background. Winter gestured for Karina to sit down on the couch, and Karina complied, curious.

Winter disappeared for a moment, only to return with a small gift box in her hands. She handed it to Karina with a shy smile. "This is part one of the surprise."

Karina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a delicate silver bracelet with a small charm in the shape of a music note. The charm was engraved with a tiny heart. Karina's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at Winter.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you."

Winter smiled, sitting down beside her. "I wanted to give you something that represents us. The music note for your passion, and the heart because... well, you know."

Karina leaned in and kissed Winter softly. "I love it. And I love you."

"I love you too," Winter murmured against her lips. "But that's not all."

Before Karina could ask what she meant, there was a knock on the door. Winter's smile widened as she got up to answer it, leaving Karina on the couch, puzzled. A moment later, Winter returned, followed by a woman Karina recognized instantly.

"Karina, I'd like you to meet my mother," Winter said, her voice filled with warmth and just a hint of nervousness.

Karina's eyes widened in surprise as she stood up. Winter's mother was a striking woman in her early fifties, with the same elegant grace that Winter possessed. She had an air of sophistication, but her eyes were kind as she smiled at Karina.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Karina," Winter's mother said, extending her hand.

Karina took it, trying to mask her nerves. "The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Kim. I've heard so much about you."

Winter's mother laughed softly. "Please, call me Hyunsoo. Mrs. Kim makes me sound so old."

Karina smiled, relaxing slightly. "Hyunsoo, then. It's lovely to meet you."

They all sat down in the living room, and Karina found herself feeling a little out of her depth. She hadn't expected to meet Winter's mother tonight—especially not as part of a surprise. She shot a questioning glance at Winter, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"I know this is a bit sudden," Winter said, addressing both Karina and her mother, "but I thought it was time. Karina, my mom has been wanting to meet you for a while now, and I thought tonight would be perfect."

Hyunsoo smiled, looking between her daughter and Karina. "Winter has told me so much about you, Karina. I've been eager to meet the woman who has captured my daughter's heart."

Karina blushed, feeling a rush of affection for Winter. "I'm glad we could finally meet. Winter means the world to me."

Hyunsoo's eyes softened. "I can see that. And from what Winter has told me, you've been a great support to her, especially with everything that's been happening lately."

Winter reached out and took Karina's hand, squeezing it gently. "Karina has been my rock, Mom. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."

Karina felt her heart swell with emotion. Meeting Winter's mother was a big step, and hearing Winter speak so openly about their relationship in front of her mother meant the world to her.

As the evening progressed, the three of them fell into easy conversation. Hyunsoo shared stories about Winter's childhood, much to Winter's embarrassment, and Karina found herself laughing along with them. The initial nerves she had felt slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of warmth and belonging.

At one point, Winter excused herself to get more tea, leaving Karina and Hyunsoo alone for a few moments. Hyunsoo turned to Karina, her expression gentle but serious.

"I want you to know, Karina, that I'm very happy for Winter," Hyunsoo said softly. "She's been through a lot, and seeing her so happy with you—it brings me peace."

Karina nodded, feeling the weight of Hyunsoo's words. "I love her very much, Hyunsoo. I'll do everything I can to make her happy."

Hyunsoo smiled, reaching out to pat Karina's hand. "That's all a mother can ask for."

When Winter returned, she found them sitting together, chatting as if they had known each other for years. A soft smile spread across her face as she watched them, her heart full.

---

Later that night, after Hyunsoo had left, Karina and Winter cuddled on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. The evening had gone better than Karina could have imagined, and she felt a deep sense of contentment.

"Thank you for tonight," Karina whispered, resting her head on Winter's shoulder. "Meeting your mom... it means so much to me."

Winter kissed the top of Karina's head. "I'm glad you two got along. It was important to me that you meet her, and I couldn't have asked for it to go any better."

Karina smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest that spread through her entire being. "You really are full of surprises."

Winter chuckled softly. "I try."

They stayed like that for a while, the comfortable silence between them filled with unspoken love and understanding. As Karina drifted off to sleep in Winter's arms, she couldn't help but think that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they were ready to face them together.

For the first time in a long while, Karina felt like everything was exactly where it was meant to be.