Winter sat in silence, her tears subsiding, but the weight of the moment was still heavy in her chest.

She wiped her cheeks and fixed her gaze on the floor, her mind racing. Yeji broke the silence, noticing Winter's deep thought.

"Winter, do you think you or Karina might have any enemies? Someone who'd want to hurt you both or break you apart?"

Winter's breathing was uneven as she let out a shaky breath.

A memory surfaced: Sei Eo.

Her stomach churned at the name, and her throat tightened as she thought back to how Sei Eo had almost ruined her life. Winter's fists clenched on her lap as doubt crept in.

It can't be... right?

She shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss the thought, but it lingered.

The sense of being watched, the intimate photos... it's impossible... but...

The silence stretched too long, and the three girls exchanged glances, their unease growing.

"Winter?" Ryujin prompted softly, her hand still resting on Winter's shoulder.

Winter blinked, realizing she hadn't answered.

"I...I don't know," she replied hoarsely. She stood up abruptly, startling the others, and then sat back down on her bed, rubbing her temples. The room fell silent, each of them lost in their thoughts.

After a moment, Winter spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let me..."

She hesitated, her voice cracking. She reached for her phone with trembling hands and scrolled until she found Giselle's name. She pressed call and listened to the rings, her heart racing.

"Winter! Hey!" Giselle's cheerful voice greeted her after a few rings.

"It's been a while! How are you? Is everything okay?" Winter swallowed hard, her voice shaking as she began, "I...I'm sorry."

Giselle's tone faltered. "Sorry? What for? Winter, what's wrong?"

Winter gripped her phone tightly. "I failed. I didn't keep my promise to you. I tried, but-" Her voice broke off as her throat tightened again.

"Winter, slow down," Giselle interrupted, her voice turning serious.

"What happened?" Winter explained everything, her voice wavering. After she finished, there was a pause on the other end of the line before Giselle sighed.

"I knew something like this would happen..." she muttered.

"Winter, are you okay right now? Where are you?"

Winter asked, her voice trembling, "Do you think it's possible...for Sei Eo...?"

Giselle replied, "I don't know, Winter. Her family is powerful, but I'll investigate. I'll find out what I can."

She paused, then added gently, "But for now, you need to stop crying. It won't help. You need to think about what you're going to do next."

"Thank you," Winter nodded slightly, tho Giselle can't see and ended the call.

The room was silent until Chaeryeong entered, her eyes widening in shock at Winter's tear-streaked face.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Winter nodded weakly, and Chaeryeong immediately pulled back, flushing in embarrassment. Yeji and Ryujin offered her a nod and a faint smile, respectively, while Lia barely acknowledged her.

Winter took a deep breath and began, "You all need to know. There's a girl, Sei Eo. We didn't get along in high school."

The group's attention sharpened, and Winter explained everything, leaving out the time loop.

"She's in a mental hospital now, not jail. Her family made sure of that." The room fell silent, and Winter's voice was laced with uncertainty.

"I can't think of anyone else."

_

Winter sit in bed, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She rubbed her temples, but the pain persisted. Her gaze drifted to her packed belongings, which now seemed vulnerable. She thought about her journey, breaking free from her father's control, finding love with Karina, and experiencing true freedom.

But now, everything feels precarious. Winter's breathing grew uneven as she clenched her fist. She reminded herself that crying wouldn't solve anything and that she couldn't let despair consume her.

She thought about the photos and the sense of being watched, realizing it wasn't just paranoia.

This realization sparked anger, and she decided she wouldn't let the stalker win.

Winter took a deep breath and steadied herself. She thought firmly, "I won't let them ruin us. I've fought too hard for this life, this freedom."

Her resolve intensified, overshadowing the pain. She leaned back against the wall, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, determined not to let fear control her again.