Silence settled over the dimly lit underground room. Karina leaned against a crate, her injured leg stretched out, a wince occasionally betraying the dull throb. Winter, restless, paced.

"We can't just sit here," she muttered, more to herself. "I need to do something."

Karina watched her, eyes half-lidded, as Winter kicked at dust and muttered under her breath.

Then Winter's gaze snagged-a glint of metal beneath a tarp. She pulled it back, revealing an arsenal: rifles, ammunition, grenades, lined up like forbidden treasures.

Her breath hitched. "This..." She turned to Karina, her voice urgent. "This isn't a hideout. It's a full-blown arsenal."

Karina's eyes sharpened. Despite the pain, she sat up straighter. "Take pictures."

Winter snapped shots with her device, the camera's light surreal in the dim space.

"Whoever owns this," Winter murmured, awed and uneasy, "has serious connections."

Karina nodded, her gaze narrowing. "And they intend to use it."

Evidence secured, Winter turned to Karina. "We need a way out. We can't just wait for someone to find us."

Karina nodded, her pain evident in her slow movements. Winter's lips pressed into a thin line as she scanned the walls.

Her fingers grazed a section that felt off. Colder than the rest. Knocking confirmed it: hollow.

"Karina," she called softly, "this wall-something's behind it."

Karina limped over, examining the wall closely. "Fake panel," she confirmed. "Help me push."

Together, they strained, the wall groaning, revealing a sliver of light. Then a noise cut through the air: footsteps.

They froze, bodies tensing. Winter exchanged a glance with Karina, who nodded, her hand instinctively moving for a weapon. They backed behind the crates.

Footsteps grew louder, accompanied by faint voices. Flashlights pierced the darkness as figures dropped into the room, the light sweeping dangerously close.

Karina gestured for Winter to stay still, her eyes sharp despite the pain. Winter obeyed, gripping the crate tightly.

"Looks clear," one of the voices said.

"Cover the hole. We'll come back later."

Winter and Karina remained motionless as the figures moved about, then the footsteps receded. Silence returned.

They exhaled, slowly.

"That was close," Winter whispered, voice shaking.

Karina nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "Too close."

After a few minutes, they returned to the wall. With renewed determination, they squeezed through.

Then, a familiar voice stopped them.

"Winter!"

Yuna and Ningning emerged from the entrance above, flashlights in hand, relief etched on their faces.

"What took you so long?" Winter said, a mix of exasperation and gratitude.

"You're welcome, by the way," Ningning quipped, grinning.

Yuna added, "We couldn't leave you. But let's move. It's dark out, and we've got company coming."

Karina leaned heavily on Winter as they moved toward the team. "The vehicles?"

"Hidden," Yuna assured her. "But not for long."

Outside, the cool night air offered a wave of relief. Winter handed Karina a bottle of water as they piled into the vehicle, Yuna taking the wheel.

As they drove, Winter glanced at Karina. Her eyes were closed, breathing steady, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Winter let out a slow breath, feeling a strange peace. Maybe things were starting to change.

The room was quiet, save for the hiss as Winter dabbed antiseptic on Karina's arm. Karina sat stiffly on the edge of her bed, her injured leg propped on a stool. Winter crouched beside her, focused and silent.

"I'm fine," Karina muttered. "You don't have to do this."

Winter snorted. "Oh, really? You've been limping and wincing for the past hour. Just sit still."

Karina's lips pressed into a line, but she didn't argue, watching as Winter cleaned and bandaged her ankle.

"There," Winter said, leaning back. "All patched up."

Karina tested her leg, giving a reluctant nod. "Thanks."

Winter crossed her arms. "Don't mention it. Literally. Don't. I don't want anyone thinking I'm nice to you or anything."

Karina smirked faintly. "Your secret's safe with me."

As Karina worked on a report, Winter cleaned up. Then, the scent of food wafted through the air.

"Dinner's ready!" Ningning's voice called from the kitchen.

"You coming?" Winter asked Karina, still focused on her screen.

Karina sighed, setting the tablet down. "I'm coming."

Ningning and Yuna were already digging into bowls of rice and stir-fried vegetables. Ningning had even found some kimchi.

"Look at you two," Ningning teased. "Not killing each other for once. It's almost...peaceful."

Yuna chuckled. "Don't jinx it. They might start throwing forks."

Winter rolled her eyes, scooping rice. "Can we not? I spent all day dragging her around, so I've earned some peace."

"Jealousy looks good on you," Ningning said with a grin.

Winter choked. "Jealous? Of what?"

"Oh, you know..." Ningning trailed off, pretending to examine her food. "Certain people showing up in expensive cars, wearing designer clothes. Someone who gets all cozy with Karina..."

Winter's face turned crimson. "That's ridiculous. Why would I care?"

Karina raised an eyebrow, sipping her water, a faint smirk on her lips.

"Oh, come on," Ningning pressed. "You were practically glaring daggers at her."

Winter waved a hand. "I wasn't glaring. I was...observing."

"Sure," Yuna said, smiling knowingly. "Observing very intensely."

"Can we please just eat?" Winter snapped, shoving food into her mouth.

Laughter rippled around the table. The tension faded. For the first time in a while, their team felt lighthearted and united.

Winter could barely keep her eyes open by the time they finished. She trudged to her bed, muttering, and flopped down.

Karina leaned against her headboard, tablet on her lap, glancing at Winter. A faint smile crossed her lips before she turned back to work.

None of them noticed the faint hum of engines idling, the shadowy figures watching their safehouse. For now, the team drifted off into dreamland, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking outside.