Karina knocked gently on the door, shifting slightly with an eager smile as she waited.

After a moment, Chaeryeong answered, looking both surprised and a bit confused as she took in the sight of Karina standing in the doorway.

"Good morning?" Chaeryeong asked with a soft smile, eyebrows raised. "It's... kinda early, don't you think?"

Karina chuckled, shaking her head. "Good morning. Trust me, I know. But I needed to see Winter."

She peered past Chaeryeong into the dim room, where Winter was still asleep, curled up in bed. "Can I go in?"

Chaeryeong nodded, stepping aside. "Good luck waking her up. She's been out like a light."

Karina slipped inside, tiptoeing to Winter's bed with a mischievous smile on her lips. She leaned down close, her voice barely above a whisper. "Winter...wakey, wakey."

Winter shifted slightly, muttering something incoherent, but didn't open her eyes. Karina grinned and leaned even closer, her voice gentle but persistent.

"Wake up, sleepyhead..."

Without even opening her eyes, Winter grumbled, "What are you doing here, love?"

She tugged her blanket tighter, clearly not in the mood to leave the warmth of her bed.

Karina's smile grew wider at Winter's sleepy response. There was something so heartwarming about Winter recognizing her even in sleep.

"Come on, get up," she whispered, tugging gently on the blanket.

"I've got a surprise."

Winter opened one eye, giving Karina an unimpressed look.

"A surprise? Right now? But, it's too early..." She buried her face deeper into her pillow, groaning.

"And it's Saturday. I need my beauty sleep, you know?"

Karina rolled her eyes, undeterred.

"Beauty sleep? As if you need it." She tugged at Winter's arm, her tone playful but firm.

"Come on, up you go. We don't have all day."

Winter sighed dramatically but allowed Karina to pull her up into a sitting position. Rubbing her eyes, she mumbled, "Fine, fine. But why exactly are you waking me up at... whatever ridiculous hour this is?"

"Because," Karina said, crossing her arms with a smirk, "our internal assessments are coming up, and who knows when we'll have time for each other again. So, we're going somewhere."

Winter blinked, still groggy. "Going where?"

"Somewhere." Karina grinned, clearly enjoying the mystery. "Just pack light and be ready in an hour, okay?"

Winter raised an eyebrow, still half-asleep but now intrigued. "Pack light? Love, what are you planning?"

"You'll see," Karina teased, leaning in and giving Winter a quick kiss before stepping back, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Now hurry up. You've got an hour, and don't be late."

Winter watched her, trying to process the sudden excitement radiating from Karina. "You're really not gonna tell me where we're going, are you?"

Karina shook her head, laughing softly. "Nope. Just trust me." She leaned in again, this time brushing a soft kiss against Winter's forehead. "See you in an hour, okay?"

With that, she gave Winter a final smile and slipped out of the room, leaving Winter sitting on the bed, blinking as she tried to fully wake up.

Chaeryeong, who had been watching the whole interaction from her bed, finally spoke up. "You've got a keeper there, Winter."

Winter let out a small laugh, running a hand through her messy hair. "Yeah... I guess I do." She sighed, smiling to herself as she got up, Karina's excitement starting to rub off on her.

Winter and Karina boarded the train, finding a cozy window seat where they could sit side by side. Karina settled down first, pulling out a small breakfast spread she had packed-croissants, fruits, and two lattes still warm in their cups. Winter looked over, her eyes widening with surprise.

"Wait, you brought breakfast too?" Winter asked, laughing as she watched Karina open the bag with a little grin.

"Of course," Karina replied, offering her a croissant.

"I couldn't let you start the day hungry. Besides, it's kind of romantic, right?"

Winter chuckled, taking the croissant and a sip of her latte.

"Only you would call eating train food romantic," she teased, giving Karina a playful nudge.

Karina shrugged, feigning innocence. "Hey, any time with you is romantic. Even if it's on a bumpy train," she said, taking a bite and letting her hand rest on Winter's.

As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. They talked about everything from their college classes to the places they wanted to visit someday. Laughter filled the air between them, mingling with the soft hum of the train as it sped through the countryside.

Winter glanced out the window, her gaze softening as she watched the scenery blur by. "You know, I've never been out this way before. Everything feels so... open."

Karina smiled, following Winter's gaze. "That's why I thought you'd like it here. Sometimes, getting away from the city makes everything feel a little simpler. It's just us, the sea, and some fresh air."

Winter leaned her head on Karina's shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. "I could get used to this," she murmured, her voice warm and soft. "Feels like a dream."

Karina turned slightly, pressing a light kiss to the top of Winter's head. "Maybe it is. But for now, let's enjoy every second."

The train ride flew by, and before they knew it, they were pulling into a coastal town bathed in morning sunlight. After a short cab ride, Karina nudged Winter's side as they arrived at their destination-a resort set against a backdrop of cliffs and sea. Winter's eyes widened as she took in the view.

"Here?" Winter asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Really?"

Karina nodded enthusiastically, stepping out of the cab and pulling Winter along with her. "Yep! Thought we deserved a little getaway, don't you?"

Winter looked around, awe written all over her face. "I... I mean, yes, but... this is way more than I expected."

Karina chuckled, squeezing Winter's hand. "Only the best for you. Now come on, let's check in and freshen up before lunch. I already have a place in mind."

They entered the resort, and after checking in, they took a few minutes to freshen up in their room, where the scent of fresh linens and the faint sound of waves created a calming atmosphere. Winter splashed her face with cool water, the excitement catching up to her as she glanced at Karina in the mirror.

"Alright, Miss Mysterious Planner, what's next on the agenda?" Winter asked, turning to face her with an amused smile.

Karina shot her a playful wink. "A local lunch. There's this little spot I read about-perfect place for us to get a taste of the town."

Winter grinned, following Karina out of the room. They took a short walk down a sun-dappled path lined with trees, eventually reaching a small, rustic restaurant overlooking the sea. The salty breeze mixed with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood as they found a table outside.

_

The evening sun casts a warm glow over the coastal town, painting everything in hues of amber and rose. Karina and Winter stood by the little bike rental shop, two cycles waiting, gleaming under the golden light. Karina eyed them with a hint of apprehension, shifting on her feet as Winter held back a smile.

"Are you sure about this?" Karina asked, giving the bike in front of her a skeptical look. She took a deep breath, her hands fiddling nervously with the handlebars.

Winter stifled a laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Come on, it's just like riding a bike," she teased gently. "Which, by the way, I thought you already knew how to do."

Karina shot her a playful glare.

"It's not that I don't know... it's just... been a while," she said, letting out a sheepish chuckle. "And it wasn't exactly my favorite activity back then, either."

Winter grinned, moving over to the bike Karina was still uncertainly holding.

"Alright, how about we do this together?" she offered, giving Karina a reassuring smile. "You hop on the back, and I'll take the lead. All you have to do is hold on."

Karina's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing.

"Hold on... to you?" she asked, a shy smile starting to tug at her lips.

Winter nodded, tapping the bike seat behind her.

"Exactly. Just hold tight and leave the rest to me," she said, flashing a confident smile as she climbed onto the front of the bike.

Hesitantly, Karina slipped onto the back seat, her hands tentatively wrapping around Winter's waist. She could feel Winter's heartbeat under her touch, steady and reassuring.

"Is this... okay?" she murmured, her voice barely audible as she leaned closer.

Winter chuckled softly, her voice filled with a mix of playfulness and warmth. "Perfect. Now, just relax and trust me."

With a slight push, they were off, gliding down the cobbled streets of the town. Karina's grip tightened reflexively as the bike wobbled slightly before Winter steadied them, her laughter echoing in the warm evening air.

"See? You're doing great!" Winter called over her shoulder, casting a quick, comforting glance back.

"Easy for you to say!" Karina replied, laughing despite herself. She tried to loosen her grip, but each bump made her cling tighter. Still, there was something undeniably thrilling about this-riding through an unfamiliar town, holding Winter close as they shared this small adventure.

They rode along winding paths and quiet side streets, passing shops just beginning to light their evening lamps. The gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and lavender, and Karina couldn't help but close her eyes briefly, taking it all in, her cheek resting lightly on Winter's shoulder.

They rode until the first stars appeared, finally reaching a small lookout point near the edge of town. Winter stopped the bike, and Karina hopped off, stretching her legs as Winter set the bike on its stand.

"So... still scared of riding a bike?" Winter teased, raising an eyebrow as she came to stand beside her.

Karina laughed, giving her a playful nudge. "I guess not. But only because I had the best guide," she said, smiling up at her.

Winter smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Good to know. Because next time... I'm making you ride on your own."

Karina's laughter rang out, blending with the gentle sound of waves crashing in the distance. She reached for Winter's hand, their fingers intertwining as they stood side by side, watching the last of the sunset fade into night.

With the bike locked up, Karina and Winter continued along a winding path that led them to an old lighthouse perched on the edge of the cliff. Its towering form loomed against the night sky, the light rotating slowly, casting rhythmic beams over the waves far below. Karina glanced up, a smile tugging at her lips.

"This place is perfect," she murmured, tightening her hold on Winter's hand.

"Wait until you see the view from the top," Winter replied, pulling her forward gently.

Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint smell of the sea. They began the climb, footsteps echoing as they ascended the spiral staircase that seemed to go on forever. Winter's hand never left Karina's, guiding her up each step.

Finally, they reached the top. A slight breeze greeted them as they stepped out onto the narrow walkway that circled the lighthouse. They stood at the edge, looking out over the ocean stretched endlessly before them, silver waves catching bits of moonlight. The town below was quiet, only a few lights twinkling in the distance.

Karina let out a soft sigh, leaning into the railing, her fingers tracing the cold metal.

"It's beautiful," she said quietly, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

Winter stepped closer, resting her arms on the railing beside Karina, their shoulders touching.

"I thought... you might like it here," she said, glancing over with a small, tender smile.

Karina returned the smile, her gaze soft.

"You always know how to make me feel better," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Even when I'm stressed or freaking out about exams or... well, anything."

Winter chuckled softly, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"Maybe that's because you make me want to try harder," she admitted, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability. "To be someone who can stand by your side and... be there for you, like you're there for me."

Karina's eyes sparkled, touched by Winter's words. She reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Winter's ear, her fingertips lingering for a moment.

"You already are that person," she whispered, her gaze steady. "You're everything I need."

They stood in a comfortable silence, simply watching the waves crashing far below, the lighthouse casting its light over the dark waters.

"Do you ever think about the future?" Winter's voice was quiet, almost tentative.

Karina looked at her, surprised by the question.

"All the time," she replied, her tone thoughtful. "It's... it's a little scary. But I know that I want you in it, no matter what it looks like."

Winter glanced away, a shy smile forming as she stared out over the ocean. "I feel the same," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But sometimes I wonder... if you'll get tired of me, or if maybe I'm not enough for you."

Karina's eyes widened slightly, and she took Winter's hand, squeezing it gently.

"Winter, that could never happen. I love you, flaws and all," she said earnestly, her tone soft but unwavering.

"You're the one person I can truly be myself with. I don't want anyone else."

Winter looked down at their joined hands, her expression vulnerable, but a smile crept back onto her face as she held Karina's gaze.

"You mean that?" she asked, her voice laced with a bit of wonder, like she still couldn't fully believe it.

"I do," Karina replied, her gaze unwavering. "You've given me more happiness than I thought I'd ever find. So no matter what happens, I'll always choose you."

Winter's eyes glistened, and she let out a soft laugh, almost as if she were breathing out relief.

"Thank you," she murmured, leaning in to rest her head on Karina's shoulder. "You have no idea what that means to me."

Karina smiled, wrapping an arm around Winter, holding her close. They stood there together, the world around them quiet, the only sound the distant crash of waves. For a moment, it was just them, alone in their own little world, hearts aligned and promises unspoken yet deeply felt.

After a while, Karina broke the silence, a playful smile on her lips. "Think we'll still be doing stuff like this when we're old?" she teased lightly.

Winter chuckled, the sound soft and warm. "Only if we're still as daring as we are now," she replied, grinning as she looked up.

"Though I think you'll still be dragging me on these little adventures."

"Deal," Karina said with a laugh, pulling Winter close once more. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

And there, under the soft glow of the lighthouse, they shared a quiet, happy moment, knowing that whatever came next, they'd face it together.