Women in Love | A Winrina Romance

A New Beginning

Seoul Fashion Week had come and gone, leaving behind a whirlwind of memories. Karina's role as "Les Merveilles"'s global ambassador had solidified her presence in the fashion world, and Winter's designs had been hailed as the highlight of the event. For both women, it was a career-defining moment, but neither could focus on that. Instead, their thoughts were on each other.

It had been weeks since they had their heart-to-heart, and life, as always, found a way to intrude. Between Karina's K-pop commitments—rehearsals, performances, and endless promotions—and Winter's fashion empire constantly pulling her across continents, time together was rare. But whenever they had a moment, they made it count.

Tonight was no different.

Karina stood in front of her apartment's full-length mirror, adjusting the last piece of jewelry—an elegant bracelet Winter had given her as a gift after their first official date in Paris. The memory still made her smile. The small gesture of Winter slipping the delicate piece of jewelry onto her wrist felt more intimate than all the grand romantic gestures combined.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. She knew who it was before she even opened it.

Winter stood there, dressed in a simple yet striking outfit—a soft, cream-colored blouse tucked into tailored trousers. She looked effortless, as always, but there was something different in her eyes tonight—something soft, vulnerable.

Karina smiled, stepping aside to let her in. "You're early."

Winter chuckled, stepping into the warmth of Karina's apartment. "I couldn't wait any longer."

There was a nervous energy in the air, one Karina couldn't quite place. As Winter walked inside, she glanced around the familiar space, her hands tucked in her pockets, like she was trying to steady herself.

Karina watched her for a moment before walking over to the kitchen. "Do you want some tea? Or wine?" she offered, already reaching for two glasses.

Winter shook her head, following Karina to the kitchen counter. "No, I'm okay."

Karina sensed something was on Winter's mind, but she didn't push. She had learned that Winter liked to ease into things, letting her guard down in her own time. So, Karina poured herself a glass of water, taking a sip as Winter leaned against the counter across from her.

Winter took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on Karina. "I've been thinking a lot about us."

Karina set her glass down, her heartbeat picking up. She had a feeling this conversation was coming, but now that it was here, she felt a mix of anticipation and nerves. "Me too," she said softly. "It's been...a lot to figure out."

Winter nodded, her gaze softening as she stepped closer. "I know we said we'd take it one step at a time. And I still want to do that, but...I don't want to be afraid of what we can have anymore."

Karina's heart raced. She took a breath, trying to steady herself as she asked, "What are you saying?"

Winter reached out, taking Karina's hand in hers. "I'm saying I don't want to keep finding reasons to hesitate. I want to be with you, Karina, in every way. And I know it's not going to be easy. We both have careers that demand everything from us, but...I think we can do this."

Karina stared at Winter, her heart pounding in her chest. She had wanted to hear these words for so long, but hearing them now—spoken with such certainty—made it feel real in a way she hadn't dared to hope for.

"I want that too," Karina whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I want us to be together."

Winter smiled, a real, genuine smile that reached her eyes. She took a step closer, pulling Karina into her arms. The embrace was warm, solid, and everything Karina had been longing for. She melted into Winter's arms, her head resting against her shoulder, feeling the steady beat of Winter's heart.

They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of their decision settling around them like a warm blanket. For once, neither of them was rushing to the next thing, worrying about schedules or appearances. It was just them, together, in this moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Winter looked down at Karina, her hands still resting on her waist. "I know we'll have to figure out the details. But I'm not afraid of that anymore. I'm ready for whatever comes next, as long as it's with you."

Karina smiled, her heart full in a way she hadn't felt in years. "I'm ready too."

Winter leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Karina's lips, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt simple. There were no complications, no fears—just love, pure and unwavering.

---

The next few weeks passed in a blur, but this time, the chaos felt different. Karina and Winter had made a promise to each other, and they were determined to keep it. There were still challenges, of course—long stretches where they couldn't be together due to their demanding careers, the pressures of fame constantly looming—but they found solace in each other.

Late-night phone calls, stolen weekends, and whispered promises became their new routine. It wasn't always easy, but it was enough.

One evening, after one of Karina's performances, they found themselves in Winter's apartment again. The city lights flickered below them, casting a soft glow over the room. Karina was curled up on the couch, her head resting on Winter's lap as Winter absentmindedly ran her fingers through her hair.

"I've been thinking," Winter said, her voice soft.

Karina looked up, a teasing smile on her lips. "Dangerous."

Winter chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm serious. I've been thinking about how to make this...easier. Being apart all the time is hard."

Karina sat up, turning to face her. "What do you mean?"

Winter hesitated for a moment, then said, "I've been thinking about opening a design studio here. In Seoul."

Karina's eyes widened. "Wait, seriously?"

Winter nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I love Paris, but I've spent so much time there. And now that "Les Merveilles" has expanded, I can be anywhere. Seoul feels like...a new beginning."

Karina's heart swelled. The idea of Winter being in the same city—of them not having to navigate the constant back-and-forth between countries—felt like a dream.

"I can't believe you're considering this," Karina whispered.

Winter smiled softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Karina's ear. "I'd do anything to be with you. To make this work."

Karina leaned forward, kissing Winter softly, her heart brimming with love and gratitude. "I love you," she whispered against her lips, the words flowing easily now, no longer held back by fear.

Winter pulled her closer, resting her forehead against Karina's. "I love you too."

And in that moment, with the city buzzing below them and the future full of possibilities, they both knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together—stronger, braver, and more in love than ever before.

Their story was just beginning.