HERSHE - WINRINA

Truth

Ever felt like dying to know about something but too afraid to ask because the answer might be the opposite of what you want to hear?

Karina felt like a bullet hit her, digging a hole in her chest. Her worst fears had come true.

I did, Rin. I did.

Minju's words continuously reverberated in her head. Her eyes were staring blankly at Minju. What would happen to her now if Minju wants Winter back?

Does she have the right to say no?

This is the first time in her life she felt something like this. However, she's not sure how to define it. Is she afraid? Worried? Anxious? Jealous? What is clear to her is she felt alone, and no one can help her get up, no one but Winter.

"She was my first love, Rin," Minju continued, her eyes on the floor.

"Unfortunately, she was dumb enough to recognize it."

It took Karina few more seconds before she even thought of saying something. "Was that. was that the reason you left?"

"Mmm.. partly yes.." Minju nodded. "I don't see hope in us. I don't even think she feels the same way for me. So when the opportunity for my dream career came knocking at my door I took it right away, without hesitation."

"But.. but she.. she loved you..." Karina found it hard to say those words.

"She could've, but I'm not sure." Minju shrugged. "She cared for me -- yes ---but I know it was never like what I felt for her."

"How can you say so?"

"Because I've felt it. And when you came into the picture, I saw the proof that I was right."

"What do you mean?"

Minju smiled wearily. "Winter never looked at me the way she looks at you, Rin."

Karina was frozen from where she's sitting. She's wondering how in the world Minju can see such things when in fact they are only pretending.

"Which reminds me that I should apologize for my behavior towards you." said Minju, rubbing a hand on her left arm. "I know I've done something to offended you. I'm so sorry."

"Were you... jealous of me?"

Minju chuckled at that. "I don't know if it's jealousy. My pride just can't accept the fact that Winter took the courage to be with you when you've only known each other for five months. I've been with her for four years and she never did that."

Karina brought a hand to her lips. She felt guilty again because what Minju believes about their relationship is just a big lie.

"She loves you, Rin. I can see it in her."

Karina is just speechless, unsure how Minju can see such things.

"There are a lot of things that Winter had never done to me before that she's doing to you now," said Minju. "That couple necklace, that henna tattoo, Winter was also never a fan of saying 'I love you' before but just a while ago she told me that she's in love with you."

Ah, really?

Surprisingly, Karina didn't feel awkward about it. In fact, she thought it was sweet. She knows though that Winter did it as part of the script.

"Well, she actually said it to me because she thought I was you," said Minju. "I was about to leave your room when she grabbed my wrist and called me 'Karina'. "

"And then?"

"Her words were very slurred though, but I think she said 'I'm in love with you, Karina."