Dinner had been a quiet affair, with the occasional clink of utensils against plates and polite exchanges between the table’s occupants.

As the meal ended, Karina and Winter exchanged a glance, silently agreeing to wait for the right moment.

Winter, feeling restless, stood and began gathering the dishes. She followed Mrs. Yu into the kitchen and placed the stack beside the sink.

"Let me help," Winter offered, rolling up her sleeves.

Mrs. Yu paused mid-scrub, turning to Winter with an arched brow. Her gaze was sharp but not entirely unkind.

"Don’t push your luck, kid," she said dryly, her voice firm but laced with a hint of amusement.

Winter froze for a second, her cheeks tinged pink. Then she nodded quickly, stepping back with a sheepish smile. “Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Yu smirked faintly before returning to the dishes. Winter lingered for a moment, watching her work, before retreating back to the living room. Karina was sitting on the couch, her hands nervously twisting in her lap.

Winter sat beside her, leaning in slightly. "She told me not to push my luck," she whispered with a playful smile.

Karina glanced at her, amusement flickering through her nerves. "She’s not wrong tho," she teased softly, nudging Winter with her shoulder.

They waited in companionable silence, stealing glances toward the kitchen as the sound of running water gradually quieted.

Each second felt like an eternity, the anticipation of the upcoming conversation weighing on them. When the kitchen lights finally switched off and Mrs. Yu emerged, drying her hands on a towel, both girls sat up straighter.

It was time.

Mrs. Yu sat on the armchair, her legs crossed, arms folded as she looked at the two girls seated on the couch before her. Her sharp gaze flicked between them, and with a raised brow, she asked bluntly, “What is it now? What do you want?”

Karina fidgeted, her hands twisting together nervously. She glanced at Winter before finally speaking. “It’s about the pictures...”

Mrs. Yu tilted her head, her brow furrowing. “What pictures?”

Winter leaned forward slightly, her tone careful as she elaborated. “Our pictures... At the dorms...”

Mrs. Yu sighed deeply, her expression hardening as she leaned back in the chair. “Those... Why?”

Karina hesitated, biting her lip as she exchanged a quick glance with Winter. Finally, she gathered her courage and began, her voice steady but tinged with unease. “It’s about our high school days. You remember Seieo, don’t you?”

Mrs. Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to recall. “Seieo? I think I heard about a student who was involved in... fighting? Something about bullying, too.”

Winter nodded, sitting straighter. “Yes, that’s her. She caused a lot of problems for us back then.”

Karina took a deep breath, her hands gripping her knees. “Mom, those pictures aren’t just random. It has to be her. She hated us in high school. She attacked us both, and we found out what she did to Mai. This… this feels like her.”

Mrs. Yu’s brows furrowed deeply as she processed their words. “You’re saying… Seieo is still holding a grudge after all these years?”

Winter nodded firmly. “It’s the only explanation that makes sense. The way those pictures just appeared, the feeling of being watched… it all points to her.”

Karina’s voice trembled slightly as she added, “And you remember Mai, right? The girl who was missing? We found her, but it was because of Seieo. She’s dangerous, and she doesn’t let things go.”

Mrs. Yu exhaled slowly, rubbing her temples. “So, you’re telling me that this Seieo girl is still out there, targeting you two for something that happened in high school?”

“Yes,” Karina said quietly, her gaze dropping.

Mrs. Yu leaned back, her expression unreadable as her gaze shifted between the two. “And you think she’s the one behind these pictures?”

Winter answered, her voice calm but resolute. “We’re almost certain.”

Mrs. Yu closed her eyes for a moment, her jaw tightening before she finally opened them again. “If that’s the case, we’re going to have to deal with this carefully.”

Mrs. Yu leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

“I don’t remember much,” she admitted after a pause. “They were just left on the table. Could have been anyone—any customer. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s this Seieo.”

Karina and Winter exchanged glances, but Mrs. Yu’s tone grew sharper. “That doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If Seieo is as unstable as you say, you need to be careful. That girl sounds crazy.”

The two nodded in unison, their expressions serious.

After a moment, Mrs. Yu’s gaze softened slightly as she turned to Karina. “Anyway you should go back tomorrow...”

Karina’s face lit up, a bright smile spreading across her lips. “Really? I can go back?”

Mrs. Yu sighed but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Yes. But,” she added, her gaze flicking toward Winter, “this doesn’t mean everything is settled. You... still have a lot to work. My daughter is precious to me.”

Winter straightened, determination flashing in her eyes. She nodded firmly. “I understand. I won't let you down.”

Mrs. Yu studied her for a moment before nodding slightly, a satisfied look crossing her face. “Make sure you do.”

_

The next morning was a flurry of activity at the Yu household. Karina stood by the door, adjusting her bag over her shoulder, while Winter waited patiently. Mrs. Yu, ever watchful, handed Karina a small container.

“Here. Some food for later,” Mrs. Yu said, her tone is soft but her expression is still firm.

“Don’t skip meals, Jimin. And don’t let her,” she added, casting a pointed glance at Winter.

Winter nodded. “Yes, ma'am. I'll.”

Yun appeared from the kitchen, munching on toast.

“Don’t forget to call if you need anything. And take care of yourself, okay? Both of you.” His tone was casual, but his eyes lingered on Karina with a brotherly protectiveness.

“We’ll be fine, it's just college dorm” Karina assured him.

Winter bowed slightly. “Thank you for letting me stay, Mrs. Yu.”

Mrs. Yu waved her hand dismissively but couldn’t hide the faintest hint of a smile. “Just go before you miss your bus. And Jimin,” she added as they stepped outside, “remember what I said.”

Karina nodded earnestly, while Winter gave a small, determined smile.

—

Once on the bus, the two found seats in the back, away from the chatter of other passengers. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over them. Winter slid into the window seat, and Karina plopped down beside her, their bags wedged between them.

Karina turned to Winter, her eyes sparkling. “I’m so excited to be back. It feels like forever since we were at the dorms.”

Winter chuckled. “You mean you’re excited to be away from your mom.”

Karina grinned mischievously. “Maybe a little. But I’ll miss her nagging. She’s always so…” She paused, searching for the right word.

“Terrifying?” Winter teased, raising an eyebrow.

Karina nudged her playfully. “Hey! Don’t talk about my mom like that.”

Winter laughed, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. But admit it—she scared you a little too when she caught us ...”

Karina shook her head, laughing. “Fine, maybe. But she loves me, so I have immunity. You, on the other hand…” She trailed off, her tone teasing.

Winter feigned hurt, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. “Ouch I’m trying here! I even survived her intense interrogation last night.”

Karina tilted her head, pretending to think. “Hmm… I guess you deserve some credit.”

Winter leaned closer, a playful glint in her eyes. “Just some? After everything?”

Karina smirked, leaning in too until their noses were almost touching. “Okay, maybe a little more than some.”

Their laughter filled the small space around them, earning a glance from a fellow passenger, but neither cared.