Coincidence? I Think Not.

Karina, Fully In Denial Mode
Karina thought she had it under control.

She thought she could act normal.

But then—

Winter.

Winter happened.

Again.

This time, in the studio cafeteria.

Winter sat at a table, happily eating what looked like an entire buffet for three people.

Karina stopped mid-step.

Why is she here?

Did she not have a life?

Did she just teleport wherever Karina went?

Winter looked up, eyes blank as ever—except for the tiny sparkle when she saw Karina.

Then—

She lifted a chicken drumstick and offered it to her.

Like it was the most normal thing to do.

Karina’s brain malfunctioned.

"…Why?" she asked, unsure how to process this.

Winter blinked. "You looked at it."

Karina’s soul left her body.

She turned to Ningning.

"Why is she like this?"

Ningning, cackling, shrugged. "She’s just built different."

Winter continued staring—drumstick still extended.

Karina took it.

Not because she wanted to.

But because she didn’t know how to reject it without feeling bad.

Winter, pleased, continued eating.

Karina, confused, contemplated her life choices.

-

Winter, Finally Noticing Karina Acting Weird

The third time it happened, Winter finally noticed.

They were outside the studio, waiting for Ningning, when Karina suddenly tripped on air.

"Whoa—"

Winter, on instinct, grabbed her wrist.

Karina froze.

Winter, confused, looked at her. "You okay?"

Karina, staring at their hands, nodded too quickly. "Yeah. Fine. Great. Perfect."

Winter squinted.

Suspicious.

Was Karina…avoiding her gaze?

Was her ear turning red?

Winter tilted her head. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You look weird."

"I’M NOT WEIRD—" Karina stopped mid-yell, inhaling sharply. "I mean. I’m fine. Completely normal. Nothing’s wrong. At all."

Winter, still suspicious, shrugged. "Okay."

Karina sighed in relief.

She thought she was safe.

Until Winter leaned in slightly, studying her face.

"Are you blushing?"

Karina short-circuited.

"I’M NOT—"

She ripped her wrist away and turned around so fast she almost tripped again.

Winter blinked.

Then—

"Weird."

She muttered it under her breath, but Karina heard it.

And for some reason—

It made her heart beat faster.





.

Karina’s patience: -15%
Winter’s suspicion: +10%

I'm totally enjoying this part..