WINTER SECRETS

"I can't believe you're actually going on a date with Mi-nah!" Ava squealed, dabbing a layer of foundation onto Carrie's face. "Do you even understand what this means? It's Mi-nah! That's like—every guy's dream!"

"Except mine," Jae-wook's voice suddenly cut in as he appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and a smirk tugging at his lips.

Carrie let out a sharp scoff. "This is all your fault. If you weren't such an ass to her, none of this would be happening. Now I have to waste my night on a stupid mute date."

"Relax, you're overreacting," Jae-wook replied with a mockingly calm expression. "Isn't that exactly what you told me?"

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Carrie grabbed the foundation bottle and aimed it at his head. But before she could throw it, Ava caught her wrist mid-air.

"Oh no, you don't," Ava scolded, swiftly prying the bottle from her grasp. "You can kill him with literally anything else, but not my foundation. That stuff's expensive."

"Ooh, you're almost ready," Leo commented as he strolled into the room, taking in her transformation. "Wow, I would have never guessed you were a girl. Everything's different."

"I did a great job, right?" Ava beamed.

"Absolutely," Leo affirmed, stepping closer to pat Carrie's hair—only to freeze when Jae-wook suddenly cleared his throat.

"Okay!" Jae-wook interrupted, clapping his hands together. "Before things get weirder, it's already 8 PM. You should probably get going before your date ditches you."

Carrie shot him a glare before standing up. "I hate you so much."

"I know," Jae-wook said, waving her off with a smug grin. "Now go, Mr. Jin is waiting."

"Good luck on your fake date," Leo called out as she stepped outside.

---

A short while later, Carrie arrived at an upscale restaurant bathed in golden light. The place exuded class, with chandeliers casting a soft glow over elegantly set tables.

Just as she stepped in, Mi-nah turned toward the entrance, her lips curling into a charming smile. She lifted a hand and waved from her table.

Carrie took a deep breath and walked over, stopping just before the table to offer a formal bow.

"You're a bit late," Mi-nah noted with a teasing smile.

"My apologies," Carrie said as she took her seat. "Something came up."

Mi-nah tilted her head. "Why didn't you text me? Now I feel bad that you had to work and still come here."

"It's fine," Carrie replied smoothly.

Mi-nah paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "Wait… you can talk?"

Curiosity flared across her expression, making Carrie chuckle. "Yes. Ever since I was nine months old, actually."

Mi-nah blinked in confusion. "But… Secretary Kim always said—never mind. It's nice to know this won't be a silent dinner."

Carrie hesitated for a moment before sighing. "I have puberphonia. That's why I rarely speak. No one at the office knows, so please keep it between us."

Mi-nah's face softened. "Oh! I see we're already keeping secrets for each other. I knew you'd be fun." She grinned, then leaned forward slightly. "But you know, if you feel insecure about your voice, you really shouldn't. You don't sound bad at all. Actually, I think it's nice to hear you speak. No one has the right to criticize you. Your voice is perfect just the way it is."

Carrie blinked, caught off guard. "Thank you, Ms. Mi-nah." Her voice came out almost pathetic with gratitude. "You're only the second person who's ever said that to me."

Mi-nah arched a brow. "Second? Who was the first?"

Carrie smiled knowingly. "My boyfriend."

Inwardly, she smirked to herself. Best way to make a girl instantly lose interest? Make her think I'm gay as hell.

Mi-nah's reaction was instant—her eyes widened in delight. "Ohhh! That's amazing!" she gushed. "Well, shall we order?"

"Sure," Carrie replied smoothly, picking up the menu. "Dinner's on me tonight"

The rest of the night played out surprisingly smoothly. Carrie had expected Mi-nah to be unbearable, but to her mild shock, the woman was sharp-witted, observant, and refreshingly easy to talk to. There were no flirtatious advances, no awkward pauses—just good food, lighthearted conversation, and occasional laughter.

---

THE NEXT DAY

The hall buzzed with scattered chatter and bursts of laughter, voices overlapping in an indistinguishable hum. Carrie, Ava, and Leo strolled through the crowded space, immersed in an animated conversation, their words flowing effortlessly—until Ava's phone vibrated in her pocket.

Her eyes lit up with recognition before she even pulled it out.

"Hang on! I know this notification anywhere," she said excitedly, fishing out her phone.

Carrie rolled her eyes. "Ugh, another post from that anonymous gossip account? I swear, whoever's behind it needs to be punished for cyberbullying." She sighed, then added, "What does it say this time?"

Ava tapped the screen, her initial excitement fading as her eyes scanned the words. Her smile weakened, then disappeared entirely, leaving behind a stiff, unreadable expression.

Leo caught the shift immediately. "Is it bad?"

"It's nothing," Ava replied too quickly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "We don't even know who these people are anyway."

Carrie eyed her suspiciously but chose not to press. "Alright, if you say so. Thanks for walking me to the library—this is my stop." With that, she turned and disappeared into the quiet sanctuary of books.

The second she was gone, Leo rounded on Ava.

"What's going on?" His voice was sharp with urgency, his curiosity clawing at him.

Ava exhaled, then tossed her phone to him. "See for yourself."

Leo caught it, his eyes darting across the screen. His grip on the phone tightened. "What the hell—"

Before he could finish, a figure rushed toward them.

Jae-wook.

His usual calm was shattered, replaced by an almost frantic edge. "Where is she?"

Leo looked up from the screen. "You saw it too?"

"That doesn't matter right now. Where's Carrie?" Jae-wook's voice was strained, his fists clenched.

Ava swallowed. "She's in the library. She doesn't know yet."

Jae-wook cursed under his breath. "Na-eun definitely has something to do with this. I know it. I would find Carrie you both should find out who Na-eun's ally is. That's the only way to stop this."

"Got it." Leo and Ava responded in unison.

Without another word, Jae-wook turned on his heel and stormed off, his presence cutting through the bustling hallway like a blade. His strides were long and purposeful, his heart pounding against his ribs.

Minutes later, he shoved open the library doors, the abrupt motion sending a hush through the room. Heads turned at his sudden entrance, whispers rising in his wake. But he had no time for their stares—he was only focused on one thing.

Before he could take another step, someone stepped into his path.

Olivia.

She wore a smirk, her arms crossed as she blocked his way. "Oh, Alex," she purred, her tone dripping with amusement. "I've never seen you this worked up before. What's the rush?"

Jae-wook barely spared her a glance. "I don't have time for this nonsense."

He moved to step around her, but Olivia tilted her head, her next words stopping him cold.

"Are you looking for Carrie?"

His spine went rigid. Slowly, he turned back to her.

"I took care of her," Olivia continued, her smirk widening.

Jae-wook's expression darkened. "What do you mean?"

She leaned in slightly, enjoying the power shift. "I gave her a little… gift. You should have seen her face."

Jae-wook took a step closer, his presence looming over her like a storm. "Where is she?"

Olivia feigned innocence. "Alex! Didn't you see the video? She's a hacker. Not just that—she took photos of naked girls and—"

Her words cut off with a sharp gasp as Jae-wook moved in, his face mere inches from hers. His voice dropped to a lethal whisper.

"If you say another word about her, I will make sure you regret not being mute."

The playful gleam in Olivia's eyes vanished, replaced by a flicker of unease. A shiver ran down her spine.

Jae-wook didn't wait for a response. He turned and strode out of the library, his fists clenched, his mind racing.