Signals

Signals: Part 6 (END)

"Hey," she said, calling for her attention. When Winter glanced at her, Karina gave her a warm smile.

Her girlfriend raised her eyebrows questioningly.

She pulled Winter closer by the loop of the girl's jeans. "I'll hold your hand, okay? Even when it's hot."

Winter rolled her eyes at her as she sipped her drink, but nodded anyway, making Karina laugh softly. She gave the sulking girl a kiss on the cheek, and held out her hand.

"Come on, let's take a walk while we drink and see what else we can ride, and take some pictures too."

Winter slipped her hand into Karina's, and laced their fingers together. A hint of smile graced her face, and that Karina was relieved. She guessed even when it's hot, she'd tolerate it a little bit more if it made Winter happy.

--

Winter fiddled with the car's radio as Ryujin was driving her home. They had just finished dinner and was catching up for the past few hours. It had gotten pretty late but she had updated Karina when they left the restaurant. She knew the girl stayed late at work and had only gotten home an hour ago, so when she didn't get a reply, she assumed that maybe Karina was taking a shower or was having dinner.

"Oh, how's things with Karina?" Ryujin asked when Winter settled on radio channel.

Winter let herself smile a little at the mention of her girlfriend. "Pretty good, actually."

Ryujin threw her a glance and pointedly looked at Winter's couple ring. "I thought you didn't like rings."

Shrugging, she replied, "It makes her happy, and I guess it's not too bad."

They had been wearing couple rings for over a year now, and Winter had been thinking a lot about it— about them.

Ryujin smirked at her answer. "She's treating you well then?"

Winter laughed, pushing her lingering thoughts away. "Yes, always. What about you?"

Ryujin shrugged. "Eh. Haven't met anyone I'm interested in."

"Maybe I should introduce you to someone," she replied light-heartedly as she glanced at her phone to check if Karina had replied.

"You could try."

Winter whipped her head to look at her, surprised. She had offered to introduce Ryujin to someone for years since freshman year but the girl had always rejected the idea. She always thought Ryujin was a catch, and had her share of admirers but none of them made the cut. "Wait, really?"

Ryujin gave her a cheeky grin. "I mean, sure, why not."

Returning a grin, Winter stated confidently, "Challenge accepted. We could double date."

Her phone vibrated and she looked down to see Karina's reply, 'I'll come down to get you in a few minutes.'

She sent a cute emoji before turning to focus on Ryujin again. "So, what's your type?"

She knew Ryujin had dated a girl in highschool, and briefly dated a couple of guys in university but none of them lasted long.

Ryujin shrugged. "Someone kind, a little playful, and easy going."

"Any preference for physical traits?"

Laughing, Ryujin grinned. "I guess a cute smile wouldn't hurt anyone. Contrary to beliefs, I don't think I'm that picky?"

"I mean, definitely not picky. I just think you haven't met the right person yet." Winter nodded, smiling reassuringly at her. She had someone in mind, but she'd have to check some things first before saying anything.