Karina sprang forward, a tear stained smile lighting her face as she flung herself into Winter’s arms, hugging her tightly.

Winter staggered at the sudden embrace, eyes wide with surprise, but managed to catch Karina just in time. She let out a soft laugh, steadying herself before glancing over at Giselle, who approached with an amused smile.

Giselle shrugged playfully, rolling her eyes and waving across the park at Ningning, who responded with a warm smile and a polite bow.

Winter’s gaze returned to Karina, a teasing pout forming as she gently wiped away Karina's lingering tears.

"Aww, is my girlfriend gonna miss me?" she asked in a tone exaggeratedly sweet, as if speaking to a toddler.

Karina’s cheeks flushed as she rolled her eyes, though a small smile betrayed her true feelings.

"I hate you," she muttered, giving Winter a light smack on the arm that only made her grin wider.

Giselle raised an eyebrow, catching on immediately.

"Girlfriend, huh?" she smirked, her eyes glinting with approval.

Beside her, Ningning let out a small gasp, covering her mouth before breaking into a bright grin.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

The group erupted into laughter, their voices filling the park as if heralding a new beginning. It was a moment suspended in warmth, with no distance between them, only the promise of memories yet to come.

As the morning chill lingered, Karina adjusted her bag, brushing away the last remnants of tears. Standing next to Winter with Giselle and Ningning close by, her heart felt fuller than ever, though the ache of leaving pressed in.

Giselle smirked knowingly.

"So, are we all pretending you're not ready to cry every five seconds, or…?"

Karina shot her a playful glare, nudging Winter's arm.

"She’s just jealous she doesn't have a girlfriend to miss her," she teased, meeting Winter’s gaze. Her lips softened into a smile, warm and familiar.

Winter grinned.

"Oh? My girlfriend might miss me more than you think." She leaned in close, and Karina felt a rush of warmth across her cheeks. Quickly, she pulled back, hiding her smile.

Ningning chuckled, glancing between them.

"Yahh, I think Winter’s already making us all jealous, right?" Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Though, Karina, maybe I’ll keep an eye out at KS for any competition."

Karina narrowed her eyes at Ningning, crossing her arms.

"Ningning, you better keep Winter’s eyes from straying while I’m gone," she half-joked, nudging Winter gently.

Giselle rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Oh, please, if Winter even glances at someone else, she’ll have to answer to us." She winked at Ningning, who nodded in agreement.

Winter’s teasing pout returned, though her eyes softened. She pulled Karina aside, her voice dropping to a whisper, "You really think I’d look at anyone else?"

Karina blushed, reaching up to trace her fingers along Winter's cheek. She leaned in for a soft, lingering kiss, full of unspoken words, before pulling back, her eyes shining.

"I just don’t want to miss everything we’ve built together."

Winter squeezed her hand, her voice tender. "I’ll be right here waiting for you when you return."

Behind them, Giselle and Ningning shared knowing smiles. As Karina moved toward the car, she looked back, holding onto the memory of Winter’s hand in hers.

When Giselle started the engine, Karina’s eyes found Winter’s through the window, a silent understanding settling in her chest—not a goodbye, but the beginning of something they’d carry with them no matter where life led.

Winter leaned in, a teasing smile on her lips, though her gaze softened as she looked at Karina.

"You know,” she started, her tone light yet laced with a hint of vulnerability, “you better not even think about looking at anyone else at that college. Only me, got it?”

Karina chuckled, reaching out to gently squeeze Winter's hand one last time.

“Only you," she promised softly, the warmth in her eyes mirroring Winter's own. She gave Winter’s hand a final squeeze before slowly letting go, her heart feeling that familiar tug, yet there was a steadiness in her voice that seemed to settle them both.

She waved as Giselle drove away, her gaze lingering on Winter until they rounded the corner, feeling that rush of warmth stay with her, even as the road stretched ahead and the city loomed closer.

As the car pulled away, Winter stood in the distance, one hand lifted in a silent farewell, her lips curled in a small, soft smile meant only for Karina.