Women in Love | A Winrina Romance

Into the Spotlight, Together

Paris felt different the next morning. The city of lights was always magical, but for Karina, it now held an even deeper meaning—love. After the kiss she shared with Winter, everything seemed brighter, as if the world had subtly shifted to focus on the two of them. Her heart was light, her mind was calm, and for the first time in a while, she wasn't worried about what the future would bring.

They spent the morning walking around the city, moving through the narrow streets and past the busy cafés. Karina and Winter didn't need to talk much. The comfortable silence between them was enough. They were rediscovering each other, slowly, in the most natural way.

They ended up at the "Jardin des Tuileries", where the crisp fall air carried the faint scent of flowers. Karina sat on a bench, watching the breeze rustle the leaves around them. Winter sat beside her, her arm casually draped across the back of the bench, their fingers brushing occasionally, creating a spark each time.

"I forgot how beautiful Paris can be," Winter said, breaking the silence. She glanced at Karina, her eyes soft and reflective.

"It's been a while since I've actually had time to enjoy it," Karina replied. "Usually, it's in and out, just for work."

Winter chuckled softly. "Same. But I like this version of Paris—calm, peaceful." She paused, her eyes scanning the skyline. "I like this version of us."

Karina turned to face her. The look in Winter's eyes spoke volumes, but there was still so much to say. "Do you think we're ready for this?" Karina asked, her voice filled with vulnerability. "For everything? For the media, our careers, the distance?"

Winter's smile faded slightly, but not in a sad way. It was thoughtful. "I've been thinking about that too," she admitted. "We live such public lives. There's no easy way to navigate this, and I won't lie—it's scary. But..." She reached for Karina's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm not afraid to face it if we're doing it together."

Karina let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I want that too," she whispered. "But how do we handle it? Do we tell people? Keep it quiet? I don't want to hide us, but..."

Winter interrupted her with a soft laugh. "I know what you mean. It's hard when everything about us is on display for the world to dissect." She took a deep breath. "But I think we start small. Let's take our time, figure out what works for us. We don't need to rush into making announcements or dealing with the press. We just need to be real with each other first."

Karina felt a wave of relief wash over her. Winter always knew how to calm her nerves. She nodded, the tension easing from her shoulders. "That sounds perfect."

As the day unfolded, they continued to explore the city, visiting art galleries and small bookstores, all while savoring the quiet moments together. Their bond felt natural, as if time and distance had only deepened their connection. Karina couldn't help but feel that everything was falling into place, even if the road ahead remained uncertain.

By late afternoon, they found themselves at a small café near Winter's office. As they sat down, Winter's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and sighed.

"I should head into the office soon," Winter said, though her reluctance was clear.

Karina gave her a playful smile. "You're a boss, Winter. You can tell them to wait."

Winter laughed, but shook her head. "Sadly, fashion waits for no one. I have a meeting with my design team that I can't push. They're prepping for Fashion Week, and I promised I'd be hands-on this year."

Karina felt a pang of disappointment, but she nodded in understanding. "Of course. I don't want to keep you."

Winter reached across the table, taking Karina's hand in hers. "I'll make it up to you," she said, her voice soft, sincere.

Karina squeezed her hand, smiling. "You already have."

After finishing their coffee, Winter stood, adjusting her coat. "You're going back to Seoul tomorrow, right?"

Karina nodded. "Yeah, we fly out in the morning."

Winter paused for a moment, as if contemplating something. "I'll be in Seoul in a few weeks for work. Maybe we can meet then? Dinner, or something more... private?"

Karina's heart skipped a beat. "I'd love that."

Winter smiled, leaning in to kiss Karina gently on the cheek. "I'll call you," she whispered, before walking away toward her office, leaving Karina sitting at the café with a warm flutter in her chest.

---

Later that night, Karina returned to her hotel, exhausted but content. Her groupmates were out celebrating, but she needed a moment to reflect on everything. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the day in her mind.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message.

Giselle: "Where are you? Come out with us!"

Karina smiled, typing a quick response.

Karina: "I'm good. Just need some rest. Have fun!"

She put her phone down and closed her eyes, letting the weight of the day settle over her. She wasn't sure what the next step would be, but she knew that whatever happened, she and Winter were on the same page.

As Karina drifted off to sleep, she realized that for the first time in a long time, she wasn't worried about the future. She didn't know what was coming, but she felt ready to face it, hand in hand with Winter.