Winter released Giselle's collar with a frustrated growl and stepped back, pacing as she tried to calm herself.

"So..." Karina said carefully, her voice still tinged with amusement. "Are they the bad guys, or...?"

"They're idiots," Winter muttered, glaring at the pair. "That's what they are."

Giselle got to her feet, dusting off her owl costume with an exaggerated huff. "You're not wrong. But, technically, we're your allies. Sort of."

"Allies?" Winter echoed, incredulous. Winter rubbed her temples. "I am this close to losing it."

Ningning, now out of her parrot costume, was crouched next to Banana, the black cat licking its paw as though nothing bizarre had just happened. Giselle leaned against the SUV, smirking, while the so-called "dangerous men" limped off, muttering something about "never signing up for this again."

"Wait," Winter said, narrowing her eyes at Giselle. "Those two... they're not your men, are they?"

Giselle burst out laughing, holding her stomach. "Oh no, definitely not. Those two? College friends. I called them in for some laughs. They're terrible actors, but hey, you were convinced, weren't you?"

"You mean to tell me..." Winter's voice trembled with anger, "that you orchestrated all of this? The kidnapped, the ambush, the chasing, everything... just to mess with me? And put Karina in danger, and-"

"-made you confess your feelings?" Giselle interjected, smirking. "You're welcome, by the way."

"No!" Winter snapped, her face crimson. "Stop talking!"

Giselle ignored her, grinning as she grabbed a toy gun from the ground and tossed it into the SUV. "Oh, and these? Completely fake. We weren't going to hurt anyone."

Karina laughed softly, clearly amused. "So, let me get this straight. You two chased us across the city, dressed as birds, with fake guns and bad backup, just to tease Winter?"

Ningning shrugged. "What can I say? We're committed to the bit."

Karina chuckled, leaning closer to Winter. "You've got some interesting friends."

Winter sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. "I'm going to need therapy after this."

"Don't worry," Giselle chimed in. "We'll pay for it. With all the money you owe us."

Winter glared at her. "I'm giving it back. Soon."

"Yeah, yeah," Ningning said, waving her hand. "But that's not the point anymore. The real question is..." She grinned, leaning toward Karina. "What's your answer?"

Winter stiffened. She hadn't realized her arm was still protectively wrapped around Karina, and now it felt like her entire body was on fire. "Ningning, shut up-"

"No, I think this is important," Karina interrupted, her gaze fixed on Winter. "Is it true? You're really in love with me?"

Winter swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I... I mean, I said it, didn't I?"

Karina tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "You did. But actions speak louder than words, you know."

Ningning and Giselle exchanged amused looks, but for once, they stayed quiet. Even Banana seemed to pause mid-grooming, its green eyes flicking curiously toward Karina.

Winter shifted awkwardly, her heart pounding. "Karina, I-I meant it. I really do-"

Karina raised a hand, cutting her off. "Okay, but let's be honest. This has been a lot. I've been kidnapped for days, cuffed to a car, chased by people in bird costumes, and nearly sold off to a secret agent. My emotional, physical, and mental health have been completely thrown out the window."

Winter's heart sank, her shoulders slumping. "I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I just-"

"And," Karina continued, though her tone softened, "you did confess in the middle of complete chaos, which doesn't exactly scream romantic."

Winter looked down, guilt washing over her. "I understand," she murmured. "You must hate me now. I'll-"

Karina surprised her by reaching out and gently taking her hand. "Hey, I'm not done."

Winter blinked, startled. Karina smiled faintly, her thumb brushing over Winter's knuckles. "I'll think about it."

"Think about it?" Winter repeated, her voice cracking slightly.

Karina nodded. "But only if you take me on a real date. No bird costumes. No handcuffs. No chaos."

Winter's eyes widened, a hint of hope breaking through her nervousness. "You mean it?"

Karina leaned in, her smile turning teasing. "I mean it. But I expect flowers, candles, and maybe even dessert. Think you can handle that?"

Giselle let out a loud laugh, clapping her hands. "Oh, this is too good! Winter, you better bring your A-game."

Ningning grinned, scooping Banana into her arms. "No pressure or anything, but Karina's standards are high."

Winter ignored them, her focus entirely on Karina. "I'll do whatever it takes," she said quietly, sincerity etched into every word. "Just... give me the chance."

Karina's smile softened. "Then it's a deal."

The chaos had finally died down, leaving Winter and Karina in a momentary semblance of peace. They returned to Winter's small house, the coziness feeling almost foreign after the whirlwind of events. Banana immediately leaped from Karina's arms and darted through the house, tail flicking with mischief as it explored every corner like it owned the place.

"I swear that cat has more energy than both of you combined," Ningning said, watching Banana knock over a pile of magazines from the coffee table before pouncing on one.

"I like her spirit," Giselle chimed in, picking at the leftovers on her plate from dinner. "She's a little chaotic, just like this group."

Winter rolled her eyes, leaning against the wall as the two agents-turned-menaces laughed. "Aren't you two leaving yet?"

"Alright, alright, we're going," Ningning said, stretching dramatically and scooping Banana up again. The cat wriggled before settling in her arms. "But we're taking Banana for a little walk first. She needs to burn this energy off."

"No!" Karina cut in quickly, grabbing Banana from Ningning's hands. "She's staying here."

Winter sighed and rubbed her temples. "Fine. Just leave already."

Giselle smirked, tossing an arm around Ningning as they headed for the door. "Good luck, Winter. Don't let her boss you around too much," she teased, jerking her thumb toward Karina.

The two women left, finally leaving Winter and Karina alone.

-

After a quiet lunch of reheated leftovers with Banana stealthily stealing pieces of chicken from Karina's plate, and afternoon rolls. "Okay," she said, avoiding eye contact. "You can call someone. I'll pack up your stuff."

Karina frowned, taking the phone but setting it aside. "Pack up my stuff? What, are you throwing me out now?"

Winter blinked, genuinely confused. "You said you'd think about things. I thought you'd want to... you know, go home."

Karina crossed her arms, her lips jutting into a small pout. "Wow. You really don't waste any time, huh? Just kick me out like that."

"I'm not kicking you out!" Winter protested, exasperated. "I'm just-"

"Relax," Karina said with a laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm staying. Just for tonight. Banana would be sad if I left right now."

Winter groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Karina, you can't just-"

"Thanks, Winter!" Karina cut her off cheerfully, already moving toward the kitchen. "I'm making coffee. Want some?"

Winter stared after her in disbelief. "It's not even your house," she muttered, but she followed Karina anyway, leaning against the doorframe as she watched her move around the kitchen like she belonged there.

Karina glanced over her shoulder, smiling brightly. "You were really going to leave me earlier, weren't you?"

Winter tensed, her arms crossing defensively. "I locked you in the car for your safety. Then I saved you."

"Later," Karina pointed out, pouring coffee into two mismatched mugs. "But that means you were still planning to leave me before that."

Winter groaned, sighing deeply. "Karina, you know I didn't have a choice."

Karina grinned, leaning against the counter. "I know. I'm just teasing. You're so dramatic, you know that? Especially when you said you love me."

Winter's face flushed a deep red. "Stop it."

Karina laughed, handing Winter a mug. "And you're adorable when you're frustrated."

They settled onto the couch, the TV humming softly in the background as they sipped their coffee. Winter plopped down heavily, resting her head against the back of the couch with a tired sigh.

Karina glanced at her, setting her cup on the table. "So, what are you going to do now?"

Winter frowned, her gaze fixed on the TV. "I'll figure something out. Look for anything I can do, maybe sell some stuff. I need to pay Giselle and Ningning back, and I still have my mom's bills to manage."

Karina leaned closer, her voice soft. "Good. I like that you're strong, hardworking, and grounded. It's... comforting."

Winter turned to her, wide-eyed, her face heating again. "You... like that about me?"

Karina nodded, her expression unreadable for a moment before she leaned back and picked up her phone. "Oh, by the way," she said casually, showing Winter her screen.

Winter squinted at the screen, seeing an Instagram post of Karina with Banana from a few hours ago. The caption read: Just a casual getaway with the most dramatic person I've ever met. Guess who?

"When did you even-"

Karina laughed, tossing her phone onto the table. "Let's just say I'm quick."

Winter groaned, hiding her face in her hands as Karina laughed harder, clearly enjoying herself.