Winter parked the car in front of a sleek, intimidating building that loomed against the skyline like a fortress.

She glanced over at Karina, who had suddenly turned serious. Her playful smirk was gone, replaced by a stoic, almost cold expression.

"Uh... what's this?" Winter asked, confusion lacing her tone.

Karina unbuckled her seatbelt, ignoring the question. "Come on," she said, opening the door and stepping out.

Winter frowned but followed, her curiosity getting the better of her. Inside, the air was heavy with authority. The walls were lined with military insignias and photos of stern-faced leaders. Winter's confusion only deepened as Karina led her down a long corridor and stopped in front of an imposing wooden door.

Karina knocked once, sharply, and entered without waiting for a response. Winter hesitated but followed, only to feel a firm kick to the back of her leg.

"Salute," Karina hissed under her breath, nodding toward the man seated behind the desk.

Winter scrambled to comply, her posture stiff and awkward as she raised her hand in a clumsy salute. The man behind the desk barely glanced up, his attention fixed on the papers in front of him.

"Colonel Yu," Karina said crisply, her tone respectful but firm. "Reporting as instructed."

Winter blinked, her eyes darting between the two. The man-Karina's father, apparently-finally looked up, his gaze sharp and assessing. His features were a more weathered version of Karina's, his presence commanding even in silence.

"I've been assigned to the special forces team, effective immediately," Karina continued. Her voice was steady, professional, entirely unlike the teasing tone Winter was used to.

The Colonel gave a short nod, his expression unreadable. "Understood. Dismissed."

Karina saluted again, and Winter clumsily followed suit before the two of them exited the office.

As they stepped back into the corridor, Winter couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Who was that?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at the closed door.

Karina sighed, her stoicism cracking just slightly. "My father," she said shortly, her tone leaving no room for further questions.

Winter's jaw dropped. "What?"

"Don't think about it," Karina cut her off, already walking ahead. "Now, come on. Drive me home."

Winter groaned, following her back to the car. "You've got to be kidding me. Again? Can't you just get a taxi or something?"

Karina raised an eyebrow, a hint of her usual smirk returning. "I could, but I prefer this arrangement."

Winter climbed into the driver's seat, muttering under her breath about stubborn sergeants and unfair favors.

As she started the car, Karina added, "Oh, and don't forget-you provoked me yesterday. I could still punish you for that, you know."

Winter shot her an annoyed look. "You wouldn't dare."

Karina leaned back in the passenger seat, smug as ever. "Try me."

Winter sighed deeply, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Fine. But you're still paying for gas."

Winter parked the car in front of Karina's house, glancing at it with mild surprise. The modest size and simple exterior were far from what she'd imagined for someone like Karina.

"This is it?" Winter asked, her tone slipping into a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

Karina raised an eyebrow but didn't bother answering as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. Winter followed, her eyes darting around the small but tidy living room. She plopped herself onto the couch, stretching out and letting her body sink into the cushions.

"This isn't too bad," Winter muttered to herself, her head falling back as she closed her eyes.

"Wait here," Karina said, already disappearing into another room.

Winter didn't argue. She was far too content relaxing after everything that had happened. But just as she was about to drift into a light nap, Karina reappeared, dragging a suitcase behind her.

"Let's go," Karina said firmly, standing near the door.

Winter blinked, groaning as she sat up. "What now? Where are we going this time?"

Karina smirked. "Your place."

Winter stood up so quickly she nearly tripped. "What? Why my house? Are you moving in? No way! You can't just-"

Karina cut her off with a scoff, her arms crossed. "Don't be stupid. Why would I want to move into the house of someone who, just weeks ago, was plotting my death?"

Winter opened her mouth, then shut it, scowling as she crossed her arms. "Then what is it?"

"It's to pack your stuff," Karina said, her smirk widening.

Winter's confusion only deepened. "What do you mean, my stuff? Why would I need to pack anything?"

Karina leaned against the doorframe, clearly enjoying Winter's reaction. "Since you showed up late to the meeting, you must've missed the memo. Special forces live together. It's like boot camp all over again, but with fewer people. Just the four of us."

Winter froze, her brain scrambling to process Karina's words. Live together? With Karina? Again?

Before Winter could voice her outrage, Karina was already walking out the door, suitcase in hand. "Don't just stand there," she called over her shoulder. "Let's go."

Winter remained rooted to the spot, her mind reeling. The idea of living under the same roof as Karina was both infuriating and utterly exhausting.

From outside, Karina's voice rang out. "Hurry up, Kim! Or do you need me to pack for you too?"

That snapped Winter out of her daze. She groaned loudly, grabbing her things before stomping after Karina.