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Karina's eyes roamed the small, minimalist kitchen, taking in the same muted colors and simple design that characterized the rest of the house.
Winter's world was neat, tidy, untouched by anything resembling chaos... until Karina had arrived. It was easy to wonder how someone like Winter had ended up in the business of kidnapping, and Karina couldn't help but notice that no one seemed to visit or even contact her.
When Winter finished drying her hands and pulled out a chair to sit across from her, Karina seized the opportunity, flashing a grin. "So, any chance I can check my account? Just to see what's going on with my followers?"
Winter closed her eyes and let out a slow, exasperated sigh. When she opened them again, her gaze was sharp, staring straight through Karina as if she were trying to decipher an alien.
"Why do you care so much about people online?" she finally asked, her voice edged with genuine confusion. "More than your own life?"
Karina tilted her head back and flopped onto the table, her arms stretching out dramatically as her face sank into the surface.
"Because I need it," she mumbled into the wood, before lifting her head and grinning. "I'm a celebrity, Winter! Cool, rich, a fashion icon. People want me!" She punctuated her words with a smug little flip of her hair, flashing an unapologetic smile.
Winter could only exhale, mildly in disbelief at the nonsense Karina seemed to live for.
"And as for my father..." Karina continued, her grin fading just slightly, though her eyes stayed bright.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he hasn't even noticed I'm missing." She giggled, her voice trailing off as if it were the most natural thing in the world to say.
For a moment, Winter just stared at her, her face softened-not with pity, but with something quieter, a glimpse of understanding.
It was almost like she was seeing Karina for the first time, the reason she hid in that glossy, filtered world.
The way Karina laughed at herself made Winter feel a heaviness she hadn't expected, something that settled deep and didn't quite go away.
Then Karina waved a dismissive hand and joked, "Really, don't worry. You're not in trouble, at least not for kidnapping me." Her smile broadened, as if they were sharing some secret joke.
Winter could only blink, not sure if she should laugh, roll her eyes, or maybe both.
Winter, seated across from her, leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, watching Karina with a half-lidded, suspicious gaze.
"Alright, spit it out," Winter said.
Karina's head tilted, her expression one of mock innocence. "Spit what out?"
Winter rolled her eyes, already regretting her question. "You've got that look. Like you're about to say something stupid again."
Karina gasped, her hand flying to her chest in a mock offense. "Me? Stupid? How dare you. I am nothing but a fountain of wisdom."
Winter groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Right, fountain of wisdom. Whatever."
Karina smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Actually, I was wondering... what's with all the 'visiting my mom' stuff earlier? Is she okay? What happened?"
The question made Winter freeze for a moment, her gaze flicking toward Karina.
"Oh, so you were listening," Winter muttered, her lips twitching into the faintest of smiles.
Karina puffed out her chest with mock pride. "Of course! I am an attentive captive. Now, spill. What's going on with her?"
Winter hesitated. "Why do you even care?"
Karina leaned in, resting her chin on her palm, her grin teasing. "Because you said you like me. Obviously."
Winter blinked, completely thrown off. "What!? When did that even-"
Karina waved a hand, cutting her off. "Relax. Don't worry about it. I told you I'm single and you're cute. So as I'm just saying, since we're practically soulmates now, it's only natural for me to know about my in-laws."
Winter's face flushed a deep shade of red. "In-laws?!"
Karina nodded seriously, her grin widening. "Exactly. Now, tell me."
Winter threw her hands up, giving in with a dramatic sigh. "Fine. She's... in the hospital. She's sick. Chronic illness, nothing new, but it's-"
Karina's teasing expression softened, her gaze steady as Winter struggled for the right words.
"She's tough," Winter finished, voice quieter now. "But sometimes it gets bad, so... yeah. I visit her when I can."
Karina's smile was small, almost fond, before she quipped, "Aw, so you do have a heart under all that brooding."
"Don't push it," Winter warned, though there was no real heat in her voice.
Karina, seemingly satisfied, leaned back and stretched. "Alright, serious moment over. So, what's the deal with the MMA trophies? I mean, are you, like, a retired champion or something?"
Winter's expression darkened slightly. "I don't play anymore."
Karina's eyebrows shot up. "Ooh, mysterious. Did you quit because you got bored of punching people?"
Winter didn't answer, her gaze sliding to the side.
And that was all Karina needed to draw her own conclusion. She gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. "Oh my gosh. I get it now. You're not really a kidnapper. You're just... lonely! A lonely, wannabe kidnapper who needed someone to hang out with!"
Winter snapped her head toward Karina, eyes wide. "What?! No, that's not-"
Karina shrugged nonchalantly, grinning like she'd just solved the world's biggest mystery. "It's okay. No need to be embarrassed. I mean, it's kind of cute, really."
"I'm not lonely," Winter growled, her face heating up again.
"Sure, sure," Karina replied, waving her off like she didn't believe a single word. "Don't worry. You have me now. Your charming, fashionable, completely amazing hostage to keep you company."
Winter buried her face in her hands. "I regret everything."
Karina's laughter filled the room, Banana meowing as if in agreement, and for a moment, Winter wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or strangle her.
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