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The early morning air was brisk, biting Winter's lungs as she jogged down the quiet street.
It had been a long time since she'd done this-her muscles protested at first, the ache of neglect making itself known.
But as her legs stretched into a rhythm and her breath fell into sync, the familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins. Memories of her time in the ring surfaced, unbidden-the grueling drills, the punishing sparring sessions, the thrill of victory.
For a moment, she forgot about everything else: the irritatingly charming socialite sleeping under her roof, the utter mess of her life right now, and the gnawing question of what would come next.
By the time she returned, the sun had risen, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. Winter wiped the sweat from her brow and entered the house, her stomach growling softly. The stillness inside made her pause.
She peeked into the guest room, half expecting Karina to be awake and complaining about her boredom. But there she was, sprawled out on the bed like she owned the place, her face buried in Banana's fur. The cat's tail flicked lazily against her cheek, and Karina let out a little mumble, squeezing the feline tighter in her sleep.
Winter folded her arms, watching the absurd scene with a mix of amusement and disbelief. She's way too relaxed for someone who's been kidnapped.
Karina shivered slightly, pulling Banana closer like a stuffed toy. The sight made Winter hesitate. Her hand hovered over the doorknob before she clicked it shut quietly.
Back in the kitchen, Winter got to work on breakfast. As she cracked eggs into a bowl, she cursed under her breath. Her hands, as if on autopilot, reached for more ingredients than necessary.
Why am I making enough for two?
She huffed, stirring the batter a little too vigorously, trying to push the thought aside. But it was too late-visions of Karina's annoyingly bright smile over pancakes popped into her head, and she groaned.
"Stupid hostage," Winter muttered. "She's infecting my brain."
Winter stepped into the guest room, tray in hand, her resolve steeled. She had promised herself-no entertaining Karina today.
No conversations, no distractions, and definitely no giving in to her absurd antics. She set the tray on the bedside table with a thud, watching as Karina stirred, her face scrunching up adorably.
Adorably? No. Annoyingly. Definitely annoyingly.
Winter crossed her arms, waiting for Karina to wake up. When Karina finally cracked open one eye and groaned, Winter clicked her tongue.
"Breakfast. Eat it and don't talk to me," she said sharply.
Karina sat up, stretching with a yawn that seemed far too content for someone held hostage.
