Close to me

It did cross Karina's mind that she might've been making the wrong decision, endeavouring to become Winter's legal guardian for reasons other than just protecting her. She admitted feelings were involved, but to what extent? And to what extent was it morally acceptable for Karina to go through with this? She had no idea whether her choice would help or hurt Winter more; she'd never done anything like this before. But Karina knew she couldn't just sit around and do nothing, waiting for another idea to pop into her head while Yeji plotted her next scheme. Karina's feelings for Winter were growing stronger by the day, and she could barely understand it herself. But she needed Winter to feel comfortable with the changes they were making. And so far, she seemed to be.

"...How would you feel about me taking over your guardianship?"

""

"Win-Winter...? If you don't want me to, that's fine. I'll think of something-"

"A- Are you being serious, Ms. Yu?"

"Yes! Yes, of course I am. It'll take some time, but I can sort things out and make it happen."

"So... wh- what will that mean for me?"

Karina couldn't believe this. She subconsciously pulled her coat tighter around her body, an unexplainable wave of nervousness washing over her. "I'll come down to your foster home and do the paperwork, and see you and your current guardian. Taeyeon-ssi will probably want to see you and me interact a bit. After I get approval from the school, you can... you can come home with me."

Karina was glad they had that conversation over the phone, because she could practically feel Winter's anxiety radiating through the speakers as she expressed her consent and excitement. Karina spared her further torture and they continued this important conversation in school. In the meantime, she prepared all the necessary documents: her identification, education and teaching records, and her portfolio. She needed to prove that she was fit to take care of Winter.

That very weekend, Karina drove to the foster home to sit down for a private meeting with Taeyeon. She seemed to be less hostile towards her this time compared to their very first phone conversation. Karina guessed that Taeyeon was just protective of Winter and distrusted her initially. It was good. Karina was glad Winter had had a responsible guardian all this while, instead of someone representative of the messed-up foster care system.

Karina talked with Taeyeon for a whole two hours, going through the formalities of discussing Winter's new living conditions, whether Karina was financially able to provide for Winter's daily needs, and her adequate knowledge of Winter's mental health needs and requirements. Karina demonstrated enough legitimacy and stability to move Taeyeon because she was eventually presented with all the paperwork necessary for the transfer of legal guardianship.

As Karina was filling in the forms, Taeyeon asked," When can Winter move in to your place?"

"Give me a few days, Taeyeon-ssi. I'll get back in contact with you. I have to seek approval from my school superiors first," Karina explained.

"Alright, will do," Taeyeon agreed. After a slight pause, she added," While you're writing up those forms, shall I call Winter in? You can tell her that the agreement is done on our side, at least."

"Oh," Karina tried not to blush. "Sure."

Taeyeon left the room, and a few minutes later, Karina heard approaching, discordant footsteps shuffling close.

"Why did you wake me up, Taeyeon unnie?" Winter's sleepy voice could be heard from just around the corner, and it made Karina's heart melt.

"You're not supposed to be napping in the afternoon, Winter-ah. Anyway, hurry up. Your new guardian is in this room."