Mrs. Yu looked at the clock on the wall, her expression thoughtful and sigh.

"It's getting late," she said, crossing her arms as she turned her gaze to Winter. "You'll stay the night."

Winter's eyes widened slightly, and she quickly shook her head. "Um... it's okay, Mrs. Yu. I can-"

"Did I ask for your opinion?" Mrs. Yu cut her off, her tone leaving no room for argument. She pointed toward Karina. "Take her to your room."

Karina's face lit up with an uncontrollable smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Winter.

"Come on," she said, her voice brimming with excitement as she grabbed Winter's hand, tugging her toward the stairs.

But just as they reached the first step, Mrs. Yu's voice stopped them in their tracks. "And let me make one thing very clear."

Karina and Winter turned back slowly, Karina clutching Winter's hand as they both glanced nervously at Mrs. Yu. Her sharp gaze moved between them, her expression stern.

"No funny business under my roof," she said, her voice firm and unwavering.

Karina's face turned a deep shade of red, and Winter's ears burned as she tried to stammer out a response. "Mom I-I would never-"

"I mean it," Mrs. Yu interrupted, her glare cutting through their protests. "Behave yourselves."

"Yes, ma'am," Winter said quickly, bowing her head slightly in respect.

Karina nodded, still flustered but trying to suppress her giddy smile. "We'll be good, I promise."

Mrs. Yu gave them one last look before turning away, muttering something under her breath about "kids these days" as she walked toward the kitchen.

Karina tightened her grip on Winter's hand and leaned in to whisper, her voice low and teasing. "Looks like you're staying."

Winter chuckled softly, her nervousness melting into something warmer. "Looks like I am."

Karina led Winter to her room, her fingers loosely wrapped around Winter's hand. Her steps were hesitant, and her face was tinted with a faint blush, her usual confidence replaced by an endearing shyness.

Winter trailed behind, her eyes wandering curiously around the hallway until they reached Karina's room.

As the door creaked open, she stepped inside, immediately feeling the warmth and comfort of the space. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, and the soft glow of fairy lights strung along the walls gave the room a cozy, inviting vibe.

"This feels... like home," Winter murmured, glancing around with a small, content smile.

Karina closed the door behind them, leaning against it for a brief moment before stepping forward. Her gaze softened as she watched Winter take it all in. Without thinking, Karina reached out, grabbing Winter by the wrist and pulling her close.

Winter barely had time to react before Karina pushed her gently against the door and kissed her. The kiss was eager, filled with longing, and Winter immediately responded, her hands finding their way to Karina's waist. Their movements were in sync, the built-up emotions pouring into every touch and shared breath.

When they finally pulled back, both of them were flushed and slightly breathless. Karina smiled shyly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Winter's face. But before Winter could say anything, Karina tugged her toward the bed.

Winter chuckled softly as Karina nudged her to sit, the tension in her body easing into the comforting atmosphere. She glanced up at Karina, who climbed onto the bed without hesitation and pushed Winter down onto her back.

"Love... ," Winter said, her voice gentle but teasing, as she rested a hand on Karina's shoulder. "Remember what your mom said?"

Karina let out an exaggerated sigh, resting her head on Winter's chest and burying her face into the fabric of her sweater.

"I just missed you," she mumbled, her voice muffled but laced with emotion.

Winter's heart softened, and a tender smile spread across her lips. "Me too," she said softly, her fingers weaving through Karina's hair in soothing strokes.

They stayed like that, the room falling into a peaceful silence, broken only by their steady breathing. Karina's arms wrapped around Winter, holding her close as if afraid to let go.

Winter lay still for a moment, her fingers idly tracing patterns on Karina's back as her mind churned. After a brief hesitation, she spoke softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence.

"Love," Winter said, her tone hesitant but affectionate.

Karina hummed in response, tilting her head up to look at Winter with curious eyes. "Hmm? What is it?"

Winter sighed deeply, sitting up against the headboard. The movement made Karina frown slightly, sensing the shift in her mood. She straightened up as well, her brows furrowing with concern.

"What happened?" she asked softly.

Winter avoided her gaze for a moment, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her sweater.

"It's about the pictures..." she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What pictures?" Karina tilted her head, confused.

"The one my mother threw at us?" she asked, trying to piece it together.

Winter nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Yes, those. I've been thinking... about how close the angles were. It feels like someone had to be following us-someone like Sei Eo, or maybe even someone else."

Karina's expression shifted, a mixture of confusion and concern. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... I've felt like I've been watched for a while," Winter admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure, but those pictures-those angles-they weren't normal. They were too close, too deliberate."

Karina's pout deepened, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hurt and worry.

Winter winced at the question, her eyes darting to the floor. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to worried, unless I was certain."

Karina reached out, cupping Winter's face gently and forcing her to look up.

"Winter," she said firmly, her tone softening. "Next time, tell me. Everything, no matter how small. Okay?"

Winter nodded slowly, guilt flashing in her eyes before giving Karina a small grin. "Okay," she said, her voice tinged with relief.

Karina leaned back slightly, her posture relaxing as she watched Winter regain her composure.

"And," Winter added after a pause, "your mom is scary, you know?"

Karina's lips curled into a proud smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"She is," she admitted with a chuckle, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up slightly. "But you did good, Winter."

Winter blinked, startled for a moment by the unexpected praise. A warm smile spread across her face, and she couldn't help but laugh softly.

"Thanks," she said, her heart feeling a little lighter.

Karina reached out, threading her fingers through Winter's, her touch warm and reassuring.

"We'll figure this out together," she said, her voice steady and confident. "Whoever's behind this, we'll deal with it."

Winter squeezed her hand, her smile lingering as she nodded. "Yeah..."

A familiar voice rang out from downstairs, cutting through the cozy atmosphere.

"Dinner's ready!" Mrs. Yu called, her tone sharp and clear.

Karina smiled, her worry easing for the moment. She reached for Winter's hand, pulling her up gently.

"Come on," she said, her voice light but with a determined edge. "Let's go eat."

Winter followed her, their hands still linked, as she glanced toward the door. She began, hesitantly, "about the pictures..."

Karina turned to face her, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"After dinner," she said confidently, her eyes bright with resolve. "We'll talk with my mom. She might know more."

Winter studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," she agreed, a small smile forming.

Karina's grin widened, a mix of pride and relief. "Good." She tugged Winter closer, their shoulders brushing as they walked toward the door. "Now let's survive this dinner first."

Winter chuckled softly, the warmth of Karina's presence steadying her nerves as they made their way downstairs.