Karina ended the call with her brother, slipping her phone into her pocket as her gaze fell on Winter.

She was just outside, moving with a kind of urgency that instantly caught Karina's attention, her brows knitting in confusion. Winter wasn't her usual self-her head was down, her steps uneven, almost hurried. Something was off.

Without a second thought, Karina left her books and jogged down the stairs, her mind racing, dismissing her brother's promise to arrive soon. She pushed open the heavy exit doors and stepped outside, her eyes immediately searching for Winter.

She finally spotted her-just a little ways away, collapsed to her knees on the ground, her face hidden in her hands. A pang of worry gripped Karina's chest, and she bolted forward.

"Winter!" Her voice was soft but urgent, echoing slightly in the empty corridor. She rushed toward her, and Winter's tear-streaked face looked up, her cheeks flushed and eyes red-rimmed, her expression helpless and raw.

Karina instantly crouched beside her, her hand reaching to gently steady Winter's trembling shoulders.

"Hey...hey, it's okay." Her words were soft, full of concern, and she gently helped Winter to her feet, wrapping an arm around her to support her. Winter leaned heavily against her, her fingers gripping the fabric of Karina's jacket tightly, her breathing still ragged as she struggled to regain composure.

But then Karina felt it-the weight of a glare, sharp and hostile. She looked up and met the eyes of Mr. Kim, standing just a few feet away.

His eyes narrowed, his mouth twisted in an expression of utter disgust as he took in the sight of the two of them, his daughter clinging to Karina's shoulder. He spat on the ground, his lip curling in contempt.

"So this is it, huh?" Mr. Kim's voice dripped with disdain, his words practically a snarl.

"This is what's become of her...you." He looked at Karina, a sneer creeping onto his face.

"You're the one. You're the one who's ruined her. You've turned her against me, made her forget who she is."

Karina felt her anger flare, a wave of heat rushing through her. She tightened her grip on Winter protectively, lifting her chin and facing Mr. Kim head-on.

"Me? No. You're the one who's failed her. Winter is your daughter. She was supposed to be safe with you-cared for, protected. But look at her, look what you've done!"

Mr. Kim's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides.

"Protected?" he scoffed, his tone mocking.

"What do you know about any of it? She's my blood, my responsibility. You're just some...distraction. You made her weak. She used to be strong, she knew her place." His voice was cruel, his gaze never wavering from Karina.

Karina took a deep breath, her voice unwavering. "She knew her place? Her place isn't being berated, hurt, used as your...your pawn, someone to control. Winter deserves a life of her own, a life where she's happy and free from-"

"Free from me?" he interrupted, his face flushed with anger, taking a step closer.

"Who do you think you are, huh? You think you know her? Think you know what she's been through? You're just some kid playing at being important. She doesn't need you to protect her."

Karina didn't back down, her eyes blazing. "Maybe she doesn't need me, but she sure doesn't need you tearing her down! And I'm not going to just stand by and let you do it. Winter deserves a real family, people who care for her, not someone who keeps her bound in guilt and fear."

Mr. Kim's face turned a shade deeper, his jaw clenched tightly, fists shaking slightly with the intensity of his rage. He took a threatening step forward, his glare piercing. But Karina held her ground, her gaze as firm and unyielding as his.

A tense silence settled, each of them locked in their stance, neither willing to yield. And in that silence, Winter's fingers gripped tighter on Karina's arm, the only sign of life she showed, as if trying to draw strength from her presence.

Mr. Kim's eyes flared with fury as he stepped forward, his hand raised, ready to strike.

But before he could swing, Winter, though still teary-eyed and shaken, instinctively stepped in front of Karina. She pushed him back, using every ounce of her strength despite the trembling in her hands. Her defiance only seemed to fuel his anger. He stumbled but recovered quickly, and his face twisted in rage as he lunged again.

This time, Winter braced herself, taking a hard kick to the ribs. She collapsed to the ground with a sharp gasp, the pain stealing her breath. Karina rushed forward, panic flooding her face as she tried to help Winter to her feet.

But Winter, gritting her teeth, forced herself up, wincing through the pain. She moved protectively in front of Karina, arms wrapped around her in a desperate attempt to shield her, her eyes squeezing shut as if bracing for the next blow.

But instead of another hit, they heard a sickening crack. A low groan broke through the air. Winter opened her eyes just enough to see Mr. Kim staggered back, clutching his jaw, his eyes wild with confusion and pain.

Behind him stood Yun, his fists clenched, his face a picture of cold fury. Winter's grip on Karina loosened as she stared in shock.

Karina's voice was barely a whisper, thick with relief. "Brother...?"

Mr. Kim tried to rise again, but Yun was faster, his face a mask of steely determination. He held Mr. Kim in a relentless grip, his voice a low, commanding growl. "Call the cops, Jimin."

Karina fumbled for her phone, her fingers shaking slightly as she dialed. Meanwhile, Yun held Mr. Kim, his expression impassive but firm, his stance unbreakable.

The seconds stretched on as Yun held him in place, preventing any escape or further retaliation. Soon, the sound of sirens grew louder, and the police arrived, taking Mr. Kim into custody.

As the officers led him away, Yun remained behind with Winter and Karina, his gaze shifting between the two of them. Winter could feel Karina's hand in hers, fingers still tightly interlocked. Karina's grip was unwavering, a silent reassurance that she wasn't letting go. They both looked down, avoiding Yun's intense stare, bracing themselves for his reaction.

After what felt like an eternity, Yun finally sighed, crossing his arms and breaking the silence.

"You," he called, his voice calm but edged with a subtle intensity. Winter's shoulders stiffened, and she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. She couldn't quite read his expression, but there was something in his eyes-disapproval, but mixed with a strange, almost reluctant respect.

"You..." Yun started, his gaze piercing.

"You should fight back for yourself instead of trying to shield Karina all the time. He won't stop otherwise." His tone was steady but held a note of concern that caught Winter off guard.

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, Yun reached into his pocket and pulled out a small item, placing it in Karina's hand.

It was something he'd brought for her, something small and simple. With a final look, he turned and walked away, leaving Karina and Winter standing together in silence, a mixture of relief and confusion passing between them.

Winter turned to Karina, her eyebrows furrowed in question. "Did he...did he just-approve?"

Karina's lips spread into a relieved smile, her heart lifting. Without warning, she hugged Winter tightly, forgetting the bruises and the pain for a brief moment of joy. Winter winced, but she laughed softly, letting Karina's happiness wash over her.

"Careful, I'm still sore," she mumbled, her tone light, though the pain lingered.

"Oh, right!" Karina said, pulling back slightly with a sheepish smile, but her fingers stayed intertwined with Winter's as she gently guided her back toward the dorm. "Come on, let's get you back and take care of this."

Together, they walked, Karina's hand never leaving Winter's as they made their way back, both silently grateful to have each other through it all.