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The café buzzed with activity, the smell of coffee and pastries filling the air.
Winter darted from table to table, her apron slightly askew, balancing trays and offering quick smiles to customers.
It had been a long shift, and though her feet ached, she powered through.
"Thanks for coming!" she called out to a group leaving, her voice warm despite her exhaustion. Finally, her time for exchange shift. She slipped into the back, changing out of her uniform into jeans and a warm sweater, and dashed out of the café.
The cold night air greeted her as she stepped outside. Parked under a streetlight was Karina, leaning casually against the SUV, her arms crossed and her face lit up by a happy smile.
"You're late," Karina teased as Winter approached, slightly out of breath.
Winter rolled her eyes, fumbling for her keys. "I was working, unlike someone who just stands around looking smug."
Karina laughed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Well, I'm here, aren't I? So where are we going?"
Winter smirked, opening the passenger door. "Get in. You'll see."
As Karina climbed in, Winter reached into the center console and pulled out a blindfold.
Karina raised an eyebrow. "Oh no. Not this again. Are you kidnapping me for the second time?"
Winter chuckled, tying the blindfold gently around Karina's eyes. "Do you trust me?"
Karina hesitated, her lips quirking into a playful smile. "Against my better judgment... yes."
Winter grinned, started the engine, and drove off.
The SUV rumbled to a stop after a short drive. Winter hopped out, moving to Karina's side to help her out of the car. "Careful," she said, holding Karina's hands.
Karina followed Winter's lead, stumbling slightly as the uneven ground crunched under her boots. "I swear, Winter, if I fall into a ditch or get eaten by a wild animal..."
Winter snorted, guiding her with a steady grip. "You won't. I've got you."
Finally, Winter stopped and positioned Karina carefully. "Alright," she said, her voice soft with anticipation. "You can look now."
Karina pulled off the blindfold, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the stars above. In front of her was a small table and two chairs, a candle flickering bravely against the cold wind. The field around them stretched endlessly, quiet and serene under the night sky.
Karina's mouth fell open. "You... did all this?"
Winter shrugged, her cheeks slightly red, handing her a bunch of roses, she got earlier. "I may or may not have had help from two annoying birds."
