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Karina's story began far from the shadows of the AESPA mafia. Born as Yu Ji-min, she grew up in a small, conservative town where fitting in was more of a survival skill than a choice. Her name, Ji-min, made her the target of constant ridicule, her classmates mocking her relentlessly for reasons she could never quite understand. But the worst of it came when they discovered her secret.

Karina was a lesbian.

The revelation spread through the school like wildfire, turning her life into a nightmare. Whispers in the hallways turned into open insults; snide comments escalated into physical bullying. Teachers turned a blind eye, and her parents' disappointment cut even deeper. Ji-min, once a quiet and studious girl, found herself retreating further into her shell.

Determined to escape the suffocating environment, she buried herself in her studies. She graduated at the top of her class and earned a scholarship to a prestigious university, leaving her small town behind. College was supposed to be her fresh start, a place where she could finally breathe. But even there, the scars of her past lingered. She never felt truly at ease, and after earning a business degree, she walked away from academia without looking back.

It was during this uncertain time that Ji-min's life took an unexpected turn. A chance encounter led her to the AESPA mafia, a shadowy organization that operated with precision and power. She met Giselle, a member who would become her first genuine friend. Unlike anyone she'd met before, Giselle saw her not as the damaged girl she believed herself to be, but as someone strong, capable, and worthy of respect. For the first time, Ji-min felt a sense of belonging.

Under Giselle's guidance, Ji-min's transformation began. She adopted the name Karina, shedding her old identity like a second skin. The AESPA mafia became her new family, a place where her sharp mind and unwavering determination could thrive. She climbed the ranks quickly, her business acumen proving invaluable to the organization. Along the way, she earned the respect of Irene, the formidable leader of the mafia.

Irene saw potential in Karina that few others could. The older woman became a mentor of sorts, teaching Karina not just the rules of the game, but also the importance of loyalty and trust. When Irene passed away, her will named Karina as her successor—a decision that shocked many but solidified Karina's place at the top.

Now, as the leader of the AESPA mafia, Karina wields power with a cold precision that hides the vulnerability she once carried. Her journey from a bullied, broken girl to one of the most feared women in the underworld is a testament to her strength. But even as she commands an empire, a part of her still longs for the warmth and connection she's always been denied.

Karina had one unshakable rule: never fall in love. Love, she believed, was a distraction, a weakness that could be exploited. Even Giselle, her closest confidante, thought the rule was ridiculous. "You're only human, Karina," Giselle would say with an exasperated laugh. "Even leaders need someone to care about."

But Karina remained steadfast. Love, to her, was a vulnerability she could not afford. She had built her empire on discipline and control, and she wasn't about to let emotions unravel everything she had worked for. It is this rigid philosophy that sets the stage for her encounter with Winter, a meeting that will challenge everything Karina has built and force her to confront the woman she's become.

Her resolve was tested when she decided to return to her old college. It wasn't nostalgia that brought her back—it was the need to erase any lingering trace of the weak Ji-min they had all known. Walking through the campus, now unrecognizable with her steely presence and commanding aura, she ensured her past was buried where it belonged.

As she made her way out of the campus, her attention was caught by a girl in the courtyard. Platinum cropped hair glinted in the sunlight as she moved gracefully, filming a cute dance with an easy smile on her face. Karina paused, her cold exterior momentarily thawed by the sight. When the girl finished, she sat down on the grass, pulled out an art pad, and began to draw, her focus and natural movements captivating Karina.

Karina felt her cheeks flush. There was something about the girl's effortless charm, her smile so genuine and unguarded, that stirred something unfamiliar within her. For the first time in years, Karina found herself hesitating, unsure of whether to stay or walk away.

                                  ⏝̅⏝̅⏝̅ ୨ ♱ ୧ ⏝̅⏝̅⏝̅

so hows chap 1 guys