Women in Love | A Winrina Romance

Distance and Desire

The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of activity. Karina's schedule became even more packed as her group embarked on a series of promotional events, interviews, and variety show appearances. The comeback was a massive success, and the group was riding high on a wave of popularity. But with success came more demands on Karina's time, leaving her little room to breathe, let alone see Winter.

Winter, meanwhile, had her own whirlwind to navigate. The international expansion of her fashion brand was moving forward at a rapid pace. Meetings with investors, strategy sessions with her team, and travel plans consumed her days. She found herself working late into the night, trying to balance her responsibilities while thinking of Karina, who was often in another city or even another country.

They kept in touch as best they could, texting throughout the day and video calling whenever their schedules allowed. But the distance, both physical and emotional, was beginning to take its toll. The easy intimacy they had shared was now strained by the realities of their demanding careers.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day, Karina returned to her hotel room in Tokyo. She collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the past few weeks settle on her shoulders. The room was quiet, the city outside buzzing with life, but all she could think about was how much she missed Winter.

She reached for her phone, scrolling through their recent messages. They were full of love and encouragement, but also tinged with the frustration of missed connections and canceled plans. Karina knew that Winter was feeling the strain too, and it broke her heart that she couldn't be there with her.

As she lay there, her phone buzzed with a new message from Winter.

Winter: "Hey, how was your day?"

Karina smiled at the familiar sight of Winter's name on her screen. She quickly typed out a response.

Karina: "Long, but it went well. How about you?"

There was a brief pause before Winter replied.

Winter: "Same here. I had a meeting about the London store opening. It's exciting, but also overwhelming."

Karina could picture Winter sitting at her desk, surrounded by papers and fabric swatches, her brow furrowed in concentration. She wished she could be there to support her, to offer comfort and a listening ear.

Karina: "I'm so proud of you, Winter. You're doing amazing things."

Winter: "Thanks, Karina. I'm proud of you too. But... I miss you."

The simplicity of Winter's words hit Karina hard. She missed Winter too—more than she could put into words.

Karina: "I miss you too. So much. I hate that we're so far apart right now."

Winter: "Me too. It feels like we're living in different worlds."

Karina sighed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she tried to think of something reassuring to say. But the truth was, she felt the same way. Their lives, once so intertwined, were now running on parallel tracks that rarely intersected.

Karina: "We'll figure it out, Winter. This is just a rough patch."

Winter: "I know. It's just hard sometimes. I wish I could be there with you."

Karina: "I wish that too. Every day."

There was a long pause before Winter replied again.

Winter: "I've been thinking... maybe I could fly out to see you when things calm down a bit? Even if it's just for a few days?"