This is NOT an official update
It's a part that was originally at the end of book 1 that only few got to see 😇 (So my writing might seem alil diff, plus it's long. I'll prob move this placement soon)
But pls still vote! I'd love to hear feedback <3 (& I have a surprise for you next chap...)

[Trigger warning:
Contains self-harm]

❄️
—NINE YEARS OLD—

Months spent on prayers, yet her condition wasn't getting any better...

Dad sits by her bed and caresses her hair as I only peak from around the wall, my fingers tracing the wood and school uniform still on. The room is orange from the sunset's intensity, darkening their silhouettes into shadows.

"I'm going to have a word with her. I'm sure she'll understand... She's strong. You just get some rest honey." He places a gentle peck on her forehead.

A tear threatens my eye as I grip the wooden curb tighter. He didn't have to tell me... I already knew.

And it wasn't until days later that we were sitting in front of a flatlined monitor.

My screams swarm and echo like a distressed siren as dad pulls me back from the bed. Even with a dry throat, I continue to bawl until there's no sound left.

I'd never cried so hard, and to this day, it still remained that way.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—THIRTEEN YEARS OLD—

If felt weird coming home from school without checking on her first to see if she ate, or to have chat our girly chats. It even felt weirder not having Dad drive me here and wish me a good day today or whatever. I have to wash, iron, shop, feed and transport myself from now on.

Here, I'm the mean isolated girl. But when I was with mom... I was able to be vulnerable. Something I could never be in a place like this, where I'm surrounded by idiotic strangers and bullies who are quick to identify the weak.

Sitting at the back of the class, I continue to doodle in my textbook as the teacher speaks. Skulls, demons and monsters ink the paper until it's practically pierced.

I scribble harder, my teeth gritting and the table shaking slightly at my pace—

"Ms. Kim."

I stop when the teacher stands before me with a hand on her hip. I don't meet her gaze, but instead slowly cover the page with my arm...

Making sure to stretch my sleeve in hopes that she won't see the cuts of course.

Everyone stares at me with snickers and murmurs. The teacher's eyes soften at the sight of my kneeled head before she clears her throat.

"I was just going through the partner list for your upcoming project. You'll be working with Nicki."

"What?! Aw gross, I don't wanna work with her!"

"Nicki please, that's no way to treat your peer."

"But she's weird... And she never talks."

"Now Nicki that does not—"

"It's not like I want to work with you either." I grumble, finally fed up after months of having to endure her annoying voice.

The girl rolls her eyes and points with grinding teeth.

"And that is why you have no friends. You're a creepy goth who's mean to anyone that talks to you. Maybe if you weren't so cold your mother would be alive and your dad wouldn't have ran a—"

It's then that I lunge from my seat and swing a punch that becomes followed by many others. Students jump away from their chairs with screams of panic as Nicki's face becomes bruised and full of knots at my fists.

My teeth grit tighter, tears welling in my eyes as all the hurtful words these past few years swarm around my mind. As if a monster took over me, I continue to punch repeatedly with wet eyes.

The teacher finally manages to pull me back and everyone runs over the Nicki in panic. It's not like she's dead or anything. Just coughing with two black eyes and a bleeding nose...

I got expelled after that.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—SIXTEEN YEARS OLD—

Nine... Ten... Eleven guys.

I sit on the brick wall with one knee arched, watching the gang exchange drugs while they smoke by the graffiti-painted tunnel. My look... A leather jacket, black jeans, boots, a beanie and fingerless gloves.

One of them steps away from his motorcycle, and that's when I swoop in.

"—HEY HEY! YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED HERE!"

"It's that "Snow" kid!"

"Dude YOUR BIKE!"

I quickly swing a leg over the seat and wind the handle once the loud engine catches their ears. Speeding off through the tunnel, I make sure to kick one of them down while the rest of the crew chase behind me in the distance with yells and shaking fists.

"YOU'RE DEAD YOU LITTLE BITCH! YOU HEAR ME? MY BOYS'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE!"

"They can tryyyy!" I sing, my laughter growing distant to them.

I always wanted my own motorcycle, it beats sneaking on the bus. With some purple spray paint, I think this could look cute.

(A/N: idk if y'all remember, but Winter had a motorcycle in book 1. This is how she got it :)

I continue to drive until I'm at a safe distance, some downtown park.

Hopping off, I lean on the bike and take out a cigarette, shielding the tip as I burn it with the lighter and inhale the addictively salty taste.

Since I got expelled from school, I guess this was my lifestyle. It's thrilling at times, but it can get rather repetitive and lonely.

I slowly exhale the ashy cloud and tap off the excess with pursed lips and an impatiently shaking right leg...

"...Fuck, I'm hungry."

My head rotates around the park for an easy target, when I spot a luxuriously dressed guy sitting on the bench with his head thrown back and eyes shut, taking in the sweet sunny weather. He looks like some sort of hype beast.

Taking a look back to ensure my bike is safe, I silently skip over and squat behind the bench where my slender fingers carefully snake through the bars to reach his pocket—

"Wha— Hey! Let go!"

"Just what do you think you're doing?" He asks casually.

His voice is extremely deep, eyes long and eyelashes like fluffy curtains. He has brunette hair with touches of green dye at the front and a mole that marks the tip of his nose.

I hiss at the tightness of his grab, "Ah! What does it look like? Getting some free change dumbass."

His eyes widen when he gets a clear view of my face and pulls me closer to practically scan it.

I raise my eyebrows and widen my eyes sarcastically. "Uh hey, rich guy, think you could let go of me now?"

He suddenly releases me and twists his torso to face me better. I didn't really expect him to obey that quickly.

"What's your name?"

I rub my wrist and deliver him a scowl, "Winter."

"Winter... Something tells me that's not your real name."

My scowl only tightens as I look down and roll my eyes out of habit.

"So why are you stealing?" He tilts his head.

"Because I'm hungry, obviously. Look this is a waste of time, I'll just find another—"

"I'll buy you food."

"No thanks. I don't need help, especially from a man."

"Is there something wrong with men?"

I fall mute again, not wanting to elaborate. He sighs and stands up with a head jerk. "Come on."

".....Where to?"

He looks at me and points straight ahead, making my head follow. A pink cafe, not too far from where we're standing.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️

The cafe is kinda dark when we enter despite it's pink walls. There's boxes everywhere, the only furniture settled being the counter and some tables covered in plastic wrap. I guess they're still renovating.

"Building your own little doll house. Cute. Can I go now?"

"Actually It's a cafe. I'm still working on it, but I have high hopes for this place."

"So I'm here because?"

He takes a seat on one of the chairs and crosses his legs.

"Because I'm in need of waitresses. How would you like to be the first?"

"You want to hire me? After I just tried to steal from you? Good one."

"No joke. You're troubled and I wanna help, is that wrong?"

"Look, I don't want your help. I'm fine the way my life is so... Bye." I turn around.

But he catches my arm—

"You have no money. No food. I'm guessing no home or family either. I'll pay well and get you a place to stay if you work for me. If you plan on surviving, stop being so stubborn for fuck's sake."

He continues to drill me with his eyes and I look down at the floor to swallow in thought. I've never been nervous or intimidates by anyone, but something about his stare is different.

I hold me throat when he lowers himself. "Is there something you wanna talk about?"

I shake my head and whisper with a turned cheek. "L-let me go."

"I can help you Winter, but I can't do shit if you won't talk to me."

"I'm not explaining myself to a complete stranger! And I'm definitely not taking orders from a man! Let me go right now or I swear to God I'll—"

"Taehyung."

I pause and look up at him with squinted eyes to hide the glassiness. He shows a faint smile.

"My name's Kim Taehyung. I'm 17, and my parents are dead. Both of them. I was there when it happened and I was nine at the time. In order to tribute my mom and help others, I'm opening this place. Now that I'm no longer a stranger... We can talk, right?"

I stare into his eyes with slacking shoulders, my gaze falling back at my feet.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️

"I see..." He taps the table.

My eyes stay glued to my lap, careful not to make eye contact. He inhales through his nose deeply.

"So he didn't even say goodbye... Do you have any good memories with them?"

"H-huh?"

"My Dad worked a lot, so I didn't see him much. Is there a time when all three of you made a good memory?"

I look back down into my lap as the image crawls to the surface of my mind.

...Winter Wonderland. My hands were entangled with theirs while they swung me back and forth and we laughed all night. I remember looking up and admiring the frosty white lights that tented over us... There were people in colorful costumes everywhere wishing us a happy holiday, and I hugged every single one of them. Then there was the countdown... Dad propped me on his shoulders so I could see the lights travel up the tree from amongst the crowd, and I remember gasping with real lit up eyes. Even though it was freezing... It was a good memory.

I can feel myself getting lost in the scenario as if Taehyung were no longer there. It's like I didn't even care about him seeing me smile.

He grins opposite me at the sight but eventually I instantly a cheek and clear my throat.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—THREE WEEKS LATER—

This dude was changing me, and why? Beyond me.

Since I've been helping him set this place up I haven't smoked in forever, nor have I stolen. He was already giving me everything so there was never any need.

"And this is your uniform." He lays the box on the table.

I lean over to view the purple t-shirt and socks, and white shorts and boots. Beside it is another box of the same clothes, except a yellow version.

"Which one's for me?"

"The purple one."

"Then who's—?"

"WOWYYY WOWWOW! OH THIS PLACE IS SO CUTE AND SHINY!"

I turn around at the loud and squeaky voice when a chubby-cheeked little blonde girl runs in and does a soldier salute.

"Teddy Lazowski, at your service Mr. Bossman Sir!" She bows. "I'm so excited to have my first job! Wait 'til my brothers get a load'a this!"

She then pauses, finally spotting me. I look her up and down weirdly.

"Hi! My name's Teddy! Like a bear— Only not a bear! What's yours?? *Gasp!* Are we going to be working together?!"

"Working together?" I arch a brow at Taehyung. He clears his throat and holds out a palm. "Winter, this is Teddy. She'll be your first co-worker."

"Excuse me?"

"OMG THIS IS AWESOME! MY FIRST NON IMAGINARY FRIEND...AND SHE'S SO PRETTY! CAN WE BE BESTIES?!" Teddy hugs me so tight a puff of oxygen wheezes from my lips.

My arms remain raised as she squeezes making Taehyung chuckle.

"Teddy, why don't you go in the back and see if this fits."

"Okay! Be back soon!" She runs out hyperly. As soon as she's gone, I give Taehyung a look.

"Well did you think you'd be my only waitress?"

"What is she, like twelve?"

"Thirteen in a couple months."

"What? O-oh my gosh I was kidding. Just what the hell are you into?"

"Uh I'm not into anything. I found her street performing by some some run-down bus-stop, I couldn't just leave her. She's a kid."

"She's also a headache. I'll put up with her but I don't have to like her—"

The little bell above the door rings unexpectedly. I guess I'm still getting used to the new sound...

Two guys stroll into the cafe. One has overgrown black bangs, black studs, wears a dark oversized sweater with baggy sweats and timberland boots. The other has brunette coconut hair, wears a sleeveless jersey, a SnapBack, jeans, and sneakers.

"Oh great, who are they now? More co-workers?" I toss a hand.

Taehyung replies, "Nah, just friends."

The one black hair stops dead in his tracks when he sees me and smacks his friend without breaking focus. His round eyes grow even rounder and lips part as if I were Jesus Christ himself. I have to admit, he's not bad looking. But it's the attractive ones that are least bearable.

"Since we're finally opening this week, it's about time you met these guys. These two idiots are Jungkook and Jimin."

"John Cook?"

"Jung." The boy smiles like a rabbit, finding my mispronunciation both cute and funny. "But I can be whatever you want baby."

"Ah, Taehyung has mentioned you." Jimin chimes in, "What's your name again?"

"Winter."

"Winter..." Jungkook's practically purrs, taking my hand and giving it a tender kiss.

"Mmm... I like you Winter. I think we'd make a good pair."

"Yeah, not happening." I pull my hand harshly. He only stares at me with infatuated eyes and a dazed smile.

"It's fine, you'll come around. They always do."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—SIX MONTHS LATER—

The cafe is still quite new, so business is quiet enough for just Teddy and I to handle. I hate the fact that she's growing on me, but... the kid's got a kind heart I suppose...

"Yoohoo." Somebody taps my shoulder.

I turn around to see Jungkook on one knee with a bouquet of flowers in his hand, his nose scrunched into a smile.

"Happy Valentine's Day."

I turn around and continue making the customer's smoothie emotionlessly, "Valentine's is next month, dumbass."

"Oh... Well take these flowers and I'll bring you more next month."

"Don't bother." I attempt to step past but he spins me by the arm smoothly and catches me into his chest.

"Damn babe... You're so cold all the time. Want me to thaw you?"

"Jungkook, move before I snap your skinny little fingers off one by one."

"Ouch. Ever just heard of no? Why won't you give me a chance?"

"Let's see, maybe because I saw you hitting on that cougar yesterday? And that high schooler the day before, and the other before that, and that one this morning—"

"Well yeah but they're average, you're not. Please Win... You're the first girl I've ever gotten flowers for. I even drove 4 HOURS to my Grandma's garden in the country and picked them myself!"

"Jungkook, I don't like flowers."

"Then what do you like? I'll get it for you. Makeup? Shoes? Earrings? Lingeri—"

"You know what, give it." I snatch the bouquet with a huff, then push his face. "A-And get out already! I'm trying to work."

Despite my coldness, he beams until his eyes are half crescent moons.

Then Jimin enters, grinning at us both with his new red hair that makes him look like a ketchup bottle from Walmart.

"You two flirting again?"

"Don't you start."

The door chime rings and a delivery man announces, "Letter for Ms. Winter!"

I take the card and read the name on the envelope...

And then I freeze.

My body tenses up like ice and lower lip trembles subtly.

"Ooo who's it from who's it from?! Is it a looove letter?!" Teddy bounces over my shoulder, but I quickly bury the envelope in my chest.

"I-I have to go."

I speedily untie my apron. Before anyone has the chance to ask any questions, and leave the cafe to drive to my apartment.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️

The sky is now a dark navy. I bite my nails, sitting on the floor of my dark, grungy apartment.

It's been hours and yet all I've done is stared at the name.

"—To Summer,

—from Dave"

Why did he use his first name instead of Dad?

...Should I open it? I mean what could he possibly have to say after abandoning me when mom passed? Does he have any idea how hard life has been since he left?

I slept in tunnels, train stations, bus-stops... But only now he reaches out.

Finally overtaken by curiosity, I tear the envelope open and read the note. The date is old, going back years...

My eyes fill with tears and rage at every word that comes next.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—TAEHYUNG'S POV—

Teddy said Winter randomly ran home, which isn't like her. I feel like something's wrong. I don't know why I just... Sense it.

Jimin keeps making jabs saying that I'm falling for her because I'm so soft towards her, but that isn't the case. I feel I should protect these girls as long as the work for me... Doesn't mean there's anything romantic going on.

I casually hop up the steps of the apartment complex I bought her with a hand in my pocket...

When I hear an ear-piercing scream.

I suddenly sprint towards the noise, it sounds like it came from Winter's door, so I burst in without second thought. That's when I find her crying on the floor with her sleeve rolled up, the cool blade quickly slashing her skin, blood spewed on her lap from cutting too fast.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" I grab a towel before pushing it onto her arm. Her head sways dizzily, making her whimper slur.

"Are you out of your mind?! Do you want to die HUH?! IS THAT WHY YOU WANT SUMMER?!"

She only look at me with squinted eyes that are bawling with tears, teeth gritting on display and head shaking.

"You knew... Didn't you? That's the only reason you care about me... You knew we shared the same dad. That's why mine left. Because he saw no obligation in caring for a girl who was the daughter of another man's one night stand... And I bet you were never even gonna tell me! I hate men... I can't trust them... I swear I..."

Her head falls into my neck as she sobs weakly and my eyes lower to the blood-splotched envelope that rests on the floor.

My eyes droop as I scan the words before holding Winter in my arms.

"I'm sorry..."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—WINTER'S POV—
—BEFORE THE BREAKOUT—

"So you killed Dad, Lilo took the blame... And now you're busting her out?"

He kneels on one knee with rolled sleeves and messy bangs, too focused on the bulletproof wheels he's installing to respond.

With my arms and legs crossed, I sit on a stack of boxes in the garage and watch quietly.

"Wow. So you're as insane as each other."

He replies without breaking focus, "Well I can't just leave her in there. She won't last."

"And you don't think you should think this through some more? I mean you're risking your life and image..."

"That's what Lilo's doing for me right now Winter." He snaps back, finally turning my direction. I press my lips and shrug.

"Okay. Then do it."

He cocks an eyebrow, wondering if I'm being sarcastic, to which I just shrug. "What? If you love her and want to do this then go for it. Just don't get caught."

Taehyung grunts as he finally finishes installing the final wheel and dusts off his hands. "Don't worry, I have it all planned out. But the others can't know about this."

I nod before my ringtone blares and I hold my phone up with a groan.

"Hel— geez Jungkook I literally just picked up! ...Yes I'm coming right n— OKAY the restaurant isn't going anywhere! Jungk— look I'll see you soon. Yeah yeah love you too now bye." I hang up and exhale, making Taehyung laugh as he wipes his hands clean.

"What was that about?"

"Our first date. Jungkook's waiting for me at the restaurant, he hasn't shut up about it all week."

"Better get there fast before he picks up a new girl." Taehyung teases and I grin.

We both step forward to share an embrace. Taehyung's arms wrap around my waist while my chin rests on his shoulder.

"You'll see us again soon."

"I know just... Be safe Taehyung. Remember, it's only us left."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ❄️
—NOW—

"So that's everything." I exhale.

"My name's not Winter... My parents are gone... Taehyung's my step-brother and I used to—"

My story is interrupted when I turn around and notice Jungkook with his head thrown back, snoring loudly while drool trickles from his mouth.

I clench my jaw with an irritated expression. Fighting the urge to smack him with a pillow, I roll my eyes and get up from the couch to head to bed.

"Forget it."

❄️❄️❄️

AND THAT'S WINTER'S STORY!
If this felt choppy, that's becoz it was a 7 part spin off called '7 days of Winter' that I shaved down into ONE PART! I hope this answered your questions!

[DISCLAIMER]: I've never performed, considered or witnessed self harming. If you're battling it however, please stop immediately and talk to someone that is here to help 💜

Helplines:
U.K: 08088027777 (4PM—10PM)
U.S: 1-855-384-7068 (24hrs)

Ok, back to regular updates... Chileee you're gonna love it