"I'll only stop if you bring me to your place now."
"No, no, no! This is not right!"
The intern didn't seem to get it. "What's right for you then? This?" Somi started unbuttoning her shirt.
Oh shit!
Winter realized that it was serious when she saw a small pink brassiere already being exposed.
"Hey, stop doing that!" said Winter, buttoning back the shirt while Somi was still unbuttoning the others.
What should I do with this girl! Damnit!
🎶 Feels like I'm walking on tightrope, my heart is in my throat, I'm counting on high hopes to get me over you 🎶
Both turned their attention to the ringing phone on the dashboard. It was Winter's.
"Excuse me, I need to take that call." said Winter, slightly panting.
Somi sighed loudly but eventually gave in. She sat back on the passenger seat and buttoned her shirt back. Winter went out of the car to answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Winter? Are you alright?" It was Yunjin calling.
"I think so. I'm glad you called." Winter wiped her sweat with her handkerchief.
"Why do you sound exhausted? Were you running or something?"
Winter glanced at her car before saying, "I was in wresting with someone..."
"What?"
Winter facepalmed herself when she realized what she said. "One of the new interns in the office was assaulting me in my car a while ago. I don't know how to tame her."
"Assaulting?" Yunjin laughed. "You should try to stop being charming for once, Winter. It's just your fault."
"It's not funny, Yun," Winter hissed. "She was about to kiss me before you called."
"What? So I was right, you were really in trouble."
"Huh?"
"I was having a weird feeling just now that I need to call you and I don't know why. It turns out that you really need someone to save your butt then."
Winter chuckled. "Yeah. Thanks Yun, I'll make it up to you next time."
"girls nowadays are so aggressive, eh?"
"Tell me about it." Winter rolled her eyes. "Tsk. What should I do with her?"
"Tell her you already have a girlfriend. She'll stop if you do that."
"But I don't want to break her heart, Yun."
"What if she keeps on assaulting you? Don't tell me you'd give in?"
"No. Of course not. I'm still in love with Karina, okay?" said Winter. "I don't have the slightest interest in this kid inside my car."
"Then tell her that you're with Karina."
"I can't. Karina is the one supervising her. I'll be dead if she finds that out."
"Then tell Karina about it."
Winter thought of it as a good idea. She'd do anything to stop this girl from harassing her. "Do you think she would agree to that?"
"If she likes you she will surely agree to it."
"But she has been avoiding me lately. In fact, she has been avoiding me after the trip," Winter confessed.
"Avoiding you in what way?"
"Well, we rarely talk," said Winter, scratching her head. "She doesn't chat me anymore. Thinking about it, I believe it started when Giselle noticed our closeness."
"Really? That's interesting."
"What do you think?"
"There could only be two possible reasons why she's doing that, Winter."
"The only reason I could think of is everything that she'd shown me was just part of the play," said Winter, dejected. "Since the trip is over, the acting is over too."
"That's the first reason I have in mind."
"What's the second one?"
"It's the other side of the rainbow."
"And that is?"
"You told me she's been avoiding you after the trip, right? Maybe she's doing that because she's totally fallen for you and just can't accept it yet?"
Before Winter's mind could process what Yunjin told her, she heard a knock on the door glass from inside her car. Somi eventually rolled the window down.
"Winter, what's taking you so long? I'm bored."
Ugh. This blonde is really annoying.
Winter went back to Yunjin. "Hey, I need to go. I'll talk to you later."
"Yeah, I heard that."
"Yah! Why are you giggling?"
"Make sure not to get raped, okay?"
"Ugh, YUNJIN!"
They ended the call and Winter walked back into her car.
---
"So, where to?" asked Somi, looking excited.
"I'm driving you home. I got urgent stuff to attend to later," said Winter, turning on her car engine.
"Aww, that's too bad. I thought I could spend some more time with you."
Winter smiled apologetically. "Sorry..."
"I'll let you pass this time on one condition." Somi raised a finger.
"What?"
"Pick me up for work tomorrow morning."
Winter frowned and looked away. Tsss. What a persistent brat.
"Just this one last time, please? Please?" Somi pleaded, tugging Winter's arm.
"Fine, just one last time, okay?"
"Okay! Yeeee!!!" Somi wrapped her arm around Winter's neck.
Your girlfriend is crazy, Mark!
---
Karina was restless the whole night to the point that she didn't enjoy the final episode of the drama she'd been watching.
I wonder how their date went. Did Somi confess? I know Winter isn't the type of person who'll take advantage of a situation like that. But what if she likes Somi too? Aish!
She keeps looking at her phone from time to time but was disappointed to see nothing. After thinking about it, she sent a message to Winter.
To: Winter
Message: Make sure Somi will come tomorrow for work, okay?
The first few minutes were like hell while she was waiting for a reply. She got excited when her phone beeped but she was disappointed with the response she got.
From: Winter
Message: I will.
Karina threw her phone on the bed.
That's just it? Did Somi confess already? Are they together?
She messed her hair up in frustration. Aaaaarrrrrgggghh!
---
Something's weird here.
Karina was staring at the empty table beside her. She's already used to see Somi coming to the office earlier than she does but today is different. Usually, she'll see Somi's bag already sitting on the chair if the blonde decided to go somewhere first, but today is empty.
She felt hopeful when she heard footstep in the hallway. She never thought she'd be happy to see Mark coming early, which could only mean that Somi is just a few steps behind him. Mark walked straight to graphics department without looking around the area. Karina was motionless from where she's standing, waiting for Somi to appear from the door.
Three...
Two...
One...
No one? Is she not with Mark?
Karina sat in her chair feeling totally disappointed. It doesn't really matter is Somi is late or what, what worries her is the thought that the blonde is still with Winter at the moment.
After checking herself in the mirror, she decided to get her morning coffee in the pantry. Karina was passing by the elevator area when the elevator bell dinged. The lift door opened on their floor, revealing Somi who stepped out and went inside the office without noticing Karina.
But just as before everything feels right, to her disappointment, a certain person went out of the lift after Somi.
W-Winter....?
Karina was frozen from her spot, thinking that the only reason these two came in together is because Winter picked up the intern from her house. Not to mention that Somi's ear to ear grin is giving all the answers to Karina's enigma.
She met eyes with Winter for a fraction of a second. Karina turned away immediately and went straight to the pantry. She's not really in the mood to even say hi. She's not sure if she's mad. It was just the start of the morning but she felt like her day has already been ruined.
Were they together? Why are they together?
Karina stared blankly at the coffee machine. She can't take the image off her mind: how Winter went out of the lift, how Somi's victory smile looked like, and that single eye contact she had with Winter. Karina wanted to give Winter an idea that she's not pleased with what she saw, that's why she went to the pantry without saying a word.
---
"Morning!" said Somi, humming happily.
"Oh, hey," Karina replied shortly. She settled her coffee down.
"Are you alright, Ms. Karina?"
"Mmm? Yeah, why?"
"Hmmm, something's just different in your aura. You seem to be emitting negative vibes today."
Karina knew herself that something's off in her mood too. "Don't mind me. I just woke up in the wrong side of the bed."
"You sure?" asked Somi.
"Yeah." Karina faked a smile. She turned back to her computer. "What about you, you seem to be happy..."
Great! Why am I even asking that...
Somi giggled. "It's because Winter is so sweet. She drove me home yesterday and picked me up for work this morning."
"Ah, yeah? Were you able to confess?" said Karina, annoyed.
She picked me up countless of times already, don't be too proud yet.
"Yesterday."
"So.. what happened?"
"She... she confessed something to me too..." said Somi, pouting a little. "After she dropped me home last night she told me that she's already in love with someone else."
That caught Karina's attention. "D-did she.. did she tell you who is it?"
Somi shook her head. "She told me it's someone I don't know."
Karina curved her eyebrows. Someone Somi doesn't know?
"But I have a feeling that it's the girl named Yunjin."
"H-how did you know her?" asked Karina.
"I saw her name flashing on Winter's phone," said Somi, looking jealous. "Winter had to step out of the car to talk to her. I wonder what they were talking about that she doesn't want me to hear."
Karina stared blankly at her monitor.
I remember her doing the same thing when we were in Gampo. What's with you, Yunjin?
---
Karina was filling her tumbler with water when she felt someone stood behind, waiting for her to finish. Upon recognizing perfume of the person, Karina smiled. It's the familiar scent she'd been missing all the time.
Karina turned around and involuntarily took a step backward when she realized that they were so near each other. "Oh..."
"Hey." Winter smiled at her. "Why you looked surprised to see me? I'm also an employee here, you know..."
"I know, I'm sorry... It's just that -- oh, go ahead..." Karina realized her stupidity and stepped aside to give way to Winter.
"Thanks," said Winter, bending a little to fill her tumbler with water.
Instead of walking away from that place, Karina can't help but admire the exquisiteness of the person in front of her. Winter is wearing a white shirt, sleeves rolled up showing her silky forearms. Her light blue baggy pants fit perfectly on her legs.
Her hair is a bit messy but looks hot on her.
Karina may not have admitted it to herself before, but the truth is she finds Winter unbelievably attractive, chiseled perfectly to tease hearts.
"How's your day?" asked Winter, not looking at her.
It was then when Karina realized what she's doing. Oh, gosh. Did I just check her out? "Busy as usual. How about yours?"
"It's quite stressful for a Friday," Winter replied, giving a quick look, showing crooked smile. "Can't wait for the day to end."
And that smile just did the trick.
Karina felt her heart starting to act weird, beating twice or maybe even thrice it's normal rate. For the nth time in her history, just because of Winter, she was once again lost for words.
Oh my gosh, this is not good!
--
Karina felt the need to be out of that scene right away. She doesn't want Winter to notice her internal turmoil. In fact, she's a bit concerned about her heart's behavior that she already considered going to the infirmary to have it checked,
"So, uh, I'll go ahead."
Just as when Karina regret saying it, but left with no choice but to leave, Winter grabbed her by her arm. "Wait. Can we.. talk?"
Karina felt her body heating up with Winter's touch. She missed it. She missed the warmth and comfort that palm had given her. She'd be lying if she'd say she doesn't want to stay. All her body parts are telling her to stay, except maybe for her heart who knows nothing but to pump faster.
"Uh, so... what are we going to talk about?" asked Karina instead, trying to sound natural.
"Are you alright?" asked Winter, raising her tumbler to drink from it.
Karina opened her mouth to say something but got distracted by Winter's reddened wet lips from the drink. She was brought to more agony when Winter pressed her lips together after putting down the tumbler at the counter.
Oh, Karina, get a grip on yourself!
"Karina?" Winter tapped her. "Are you alright? You're zoning out."
"Y-yeah, I'm... I'm okay.." Karina looked away, pinching her nose with her fingers.
"Okay." Winter exhaled. She placed her hands inside her back pockets and said,
"Uhm, like I said, can we talk?"
Karina put a hand on her side neck, unsure of what it meant. "Mm, aren't we talking now?"
"Uhm," Winter scratched the top of her head. "I mean can we.. talk alone?"
"Alone?" Karina looked around the pantry and saw no one around but them.
Winter scrunched up her face and facepalmed herself. "Uh, well, you know, it's Friday and uh... I was thinking if... I mean.. can we talk alone in some other place.. later?"
"Ahhh, later?" A smile slipped across Karina's face, all because of Winter's cute nervousness. "You mean after work?"
"Y-yeah..." Winter rubbed her palms together slowly. "Uhm, only if you're free."
She bit her lower lip on the last word.
Karina observed the somewhat embarrassed Winter in front of her, amused by the obvious coyness. "Don't worry, I'm free." There's no point playing hard to get now, Karina surely missed being with this person alone.
Winter's face lit up. "So, how should we do this? Should we go down together or I'll pick you up in front?"
"Let's just meet in the parking lot like before. I'm still trying to avoid your fan girls, you know."
Winter had a slightly sheepish look on her face as her hand reached for her nape. Then she brought her clenched fist in front of Karina for a fist bump.
"Okay, just like before."
Karina smacked her closed fist to Winter's. "I'll see you later then."
"Okay, I'll go ahead." Winter walked out first of the pantry.
After the door was shut, Karina was left alone in the pantry. She was trying her best to hold off her smile, looking around to make sure no one is looking at her at the moment.
Did she just ask me out?
She covered her face with a hand while trying to stop herself from squealing.
Eeeeeeeee!
---
All her anxieties from the past few days vanished after that little talk with Winter. It just made her feel that they are mutually missing each other. Karina scratched off the "Somi" event this morning from her head.
When the clock struck five, Karina went to the restroom to retouch her makeup. It's not necessary to hurry up because Winter will surely wait for her like before. She's not in the mood for any interrogation yet so she doesn't want Giselle or the other fan girls to notice them together.
After the quick retouching, Karina went back to her station and saw Somi fixing her own stuff hastily.
"Hey, you in a hurry?" asked Karina.
"Yes, Ms. Karina.." Somi was too busy putting things in her bag.
"Dating?" Karina's feeling confident to ask something like that now because she knows that whoever Somi is gonna be with this afternoon, it's not going to be Winter.
"Not really. But I have to catch up with Winter."
"W-what did you say?"
"I asked Winter to go out earlier, but she said she can't because she's seeing someone today," said Somi, busy arranging her stuff. "I have a feeling that it's her girlfriend so I need to go with her. I want to see that girl."
Karina's mouth fell agape, impressed with the blonde's boldness.
"I'll go ahead, Ms. Karina... Enjoy your weekend." Somi grabbed her bag and strode out of the area.
Karina was still dumbfounded, trying to process what Somi is doing. When she realized that Somi is gonna ruin her plan, she quickly fixed her things too and pulled out her phone to warn Winter.
Please pick up! Please pick it up!
Brrr... Brrr... Brrr...
"Hey."
"Winter, where are you now?" Karina walked quickly, heading to the elevator area.
"Uhm, I'm waiting for the elevator down."
"What? You're supposed to be on your car by now."
"I know, but something came up."
"You need to hide from S---" Karina reached the elevator area and was frozen with what she saw.
Aside from the other fellow employees who are also waiting, three people caught Karina's eyes: Winter, Mark, and Somi.
Somi's hands were firmly placed on Winter's arm, making sure the latter won't escape. Winter's other hand was holding her phone. And Mark, who looked disappointed again, was just standing few steps away from the two with both hands in his side pockets.
The elevator door opened. All the other employees in the area went in except for those four.
Karina slowly took her phone away from her ear. She knew the meaning of Winter's disappointed face.
"Ms. Karina.."
Karina turned her eyes to Somi who called her.
Somi glanced at Winter first, specifically looking at the phone in Winter's hand.
She looked at Karina after and asked, "Were you the one who just called Winter?"
———
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