Until You Know [Winrina]

January 14, 2024

(aka worst day for winrina shippers lol)

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The car pulled to a slow stop, and Karina could already hear the distant murmur of the crowd beyond the tinted windows. She let out a small breath, pressing her hands flat against her lap. Her stylist had assured her she looked stunning tonight, but even with years of experience walking red carpets, there was always a flutter of nerves before stepping out.

The door opened, and the crisp evening air brushed against her skin. The first flashes of cameras made her blink, but she quickly composed herself, stepping out onto the red carpet with practiced ease. Her white dress shimmered subtly under the lights, the fabric hugging her figure and falling perfectly with each step.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"She's gorgeous," someone whispered.

"Yu Jimin—always so elegant," anotheru voice chimed.

Karina offered a poised smile, turning slightly for the photographers to capture every angle. The flashes were relentless, but she moved with the grace of someone who'd done this a hundred times before.

"Jimin, over here!"
"Karina, look to your left!"

She obeyed the calls with small tilts of her head, maintaining her poise even as her ears caught the faint buzz of speculation.

"Who's that she's with?"

"She and Lee Jae Wook would look incredible together."

Karina glanced subtly over her shoulder to see Lee Jae Wook arriving at the other end of the carpet. Tall, striking, and exuding effortless confidence, he looked every bit the leading man he was known to be.

As he made his way toward her, Karina adjusted her posture. The event staff introduced them quickly, and he extended a hand, his smile warm and charismatic.

"Karina," he said, his deep voice resonating over the hum of the crowd. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

She shook his hand, her grip firm but polite. "Likewise. I've seen your dramas—you're amazing in everything you do."

He let out a soft chuckle. "Thank you. Though I think tonight, all eyes are on you."

She smiled faintly, not entirely sure how to respond.

"Let's get a photo," one of the staff suggested, motioning for them to step closer together.

Karina hesitated for a fraction of a second but moved gracefully to stand beside him. The cameras erupted into a frenzy.

"They look so good together," someone muttered nearby.

"This is definitely going to trend," another voice added.

Lee Jae Wook leaned slightly closer, keeping his voice low enough for only Karina to hear. "I think they're already shipping us."

She laughed softly, glancing at him. "It's just for the headlines."

"Headlines or not, I think we've already made someone's dream pairing list." He tilted his head toward the photographers.

The moment stretched as they posed for a few more shots before being ushered into the main venue.

Inside, the atmosphere was vastly different. The red carpet's noise was replaced by soft classical music and the quiet murmur of conversations among the fashion elite. Karina found herself navigating through the crowd with Lee Jae Wook by her side.

He glanced down at her, his voice tinged with curiosity. "First time at an event like this?"

"Not quite," she replied. "But it's always a little overwhelming."