The house buzzed with energy as everyone prepared for the New Year’s Eve celebration and the following day’s festivities—Winter’s birthday.

Giselle’s place was lively with chatter, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, and a playlist of upbeat songs filling the space. Ningning, back from her world tour, commanded the kitchen like a general, barking playful orders at Lia and Yeji as they perfected the decorations.

“Careful with those balloons! They’re for the centerpiece!” Ningning scolded with a mock glare.

Lia rolled her eyes but complied, laughing. “You act like we’re decorating for royalty.”

“Well, it is Winter’s birthday,” Yeji chimed in, carefully placing a banner over the fireplace. “She deserves the best.”

Outside, Ryujin stepped out of her car, tugging Yuna along. The younger girl dragged her feet, her expression conflicted as she hesitated near the driveway.

“I don’t think I should go in,” Yuna muttered, her voice barely audible over the sound of laughter spilling from the house. “What if… what if they don’t want me there? What if Winter…” She trailed off, glancing nervously toward the door.

Ryujin sighed and turned to her sister, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Yuna, it’s been months. Winter and Karina aren’t the type to hold grudges. It’s okay. Trust me.”

Yuna shook her head, guilt still heavy in her heart. “I just… I can’t face them. Not after everything. What if they kick me out? Winter has every right to.”

Ryujin gave her a soft smile, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Winter won’t kick you out. And if she tries, I’ll handle it, okay? You’re not alone in this.”

Before Yuna could respond, the door swung open, revealing Karina, who stood with a warm smile despite the cold evening air. Her eyes lit up at the sight of them.

“You’re finally here!” Karina greeted, stepping outside with a light laugh. She opened her arms as if to hug Ryujin but noticed Yuna hesitating behind her.

Yuna immediately looked down, unable to meet Karina’s gaze. Her guilt from the incident months ago still loomed large, and she felt like an intruder.

Karina tilted her head slightly, observing Yuna’s discomfort, but instead of saying anything, she stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Come on in. Everyone’s excited to see you.”

Yuna blinked in surprise, lifting her gaze slightly to see Karina’s genuine smile. There was no anger, no bitterness—only warmth.

“I… I’m not sure if I should…” Yuna stammered.

“Nonsense,” Karina said firmly, steering her toward the door. “You’re here, and that’s all that matters.”

Yuna glanced nervously around the living room as they stepped inside, her eyes darting in search of Winter. She felt her stomach twist at the thought of facing her, wondering if Winter would still resent her or lash out.

Karina seemed to sense her unease and leaned in close, her voice low and reassuring. “Relax, okay? Just enjoy the night.”

Yuna nodded faintly but couldn’t shake the worry, her gaze continuing to scan the room as they moved further inside.

As Yuna stood nervously in the doorway, her eyes still downcast, Winter finally emerged from the hallway, her expression unreadable as she walked into the living room. For a moment, the room seemed to pause, the energy shifting, and Yuna braced herself for whatever might come next.

Winter’s gaze lingered on Yuna for a heartbeat, her usual warmth replaced by a cool neutrality. Yuna’s heart sank as she expected some harsh words, some form of reprimand. But then, Winter tilted her head slightly and smirked, extending her hand as she took in the tension in the room.

“So, Yuna,” Winter started, her tone playful yet teasing, “still afraid I’m mad at you?”

Yuna froze, her chest tightening, but she dared to look up. Winter’s eyes were gleaming with mischief, a playful glint that was impossible to miss.

“I… I…” Yuna’s voice faltered. Winter raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. Shaking hands slowly, griping tightly.

“Relax. I’m not going to bite,” Winter teased, her smirk widening. “But you’re going to have to do more than look miserable if you want to join the party.”

Yuna exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, offering a hesitant but grateful smile.

“Come on, let’s have some fun, huh?” Winter continued, her usual lightheartedness returning, her earlier coolness melting away. She winked and walked past Yuna, nudging her gently with her shoulder as if nothing had ever happened.

The room seemed to exhale in relief as the mood lightened. Yuna followed Winter into the living room, feeling the awkward tension slowly dissolve as everyone gathered around, exchanging smiles and laughter.

As the clock neared midnight, the countdown began, the excitement building as everyone moved closer to the living room windows, ready to ring in the New Year.

“Ten… nine… eight…” The voices of the group blended together as the seconds ticked away.

Winter, now standing next to Karina, glanced at her with a soft smile, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. As the countdown reached zero, everyone screamed in excitement.

“Happy New Year!”

Winter and Karina shared a brief, breathless laugh before Karina cupped Winter’s face in her hands and leaned in for a kiss, soft and full of love.

“Happy birthday, Winter,” Karina whispered against her lips. “And happy New Year.”

Winter’s heart fluttered, the kiss lingering in the air as the room exploded with cheers and applause. The lights dimmed, the soft glow of candles casting a cozy ambiance around them.

“I think it’s time for cake!” Ningning’s voice cut through the moment as she emerged from the kitchen, holding a large, beautifully decorated birthday cake. The room erupted into excited chatter as she set the cake down on the table.

The party began in earnest, with drinks being poured and laughter filling the room. Everyone seemed to relax into the festivities, the games, and the warmth of each other’s company.

As the night wore on, the group grew louder, the games getting more competitive, the drinks flowing freely, and the atmosphere shifting into something more carefree. Winter and Karina, side by side, seemed inseparable, their bond deepening in quiet, affectionate moments between rounds of games and bursts of laughter.

Yuna, now feeling completely at ease, joined in on the fun, her earlier guilt melting away in the warmth of the group’s acceptance. Even Ryujin, usually a bit reserved, couldn’t help but laugh at the antics around her, pulling Yuna into a playful arm lock as they all screamed with joy.

The year had turned, and with it, everything felt different—lighter, easier. The tension of the past had finally been put to rest, and the future stretched before them, full of hope and possibility.