As usual, every morning, Karina woke up earlier than most people to carry out her exercise routine. Her steps were light as she jogged along the quiet paths of the park.
After some time running through the park, the sun began to rise, slowly illuminating the world and signaling the start of the day for many people.
Feeling disturbed by a sudden noise, she turned her head to locate the source. She noticed a group of people gathering in front of a stand displaying books, newspapers, and magazines.
Seeing the commotion, Karina decided to approach. There might be new information about this base.
Her eyes scanned through the stacks of magazines and newspapers, looking for a headline that caught her interest. Suddenly, her gaze froze on Jeffry's face, prominently displayed on the cover of a magazine. Without thinking, her hand reached out to pick it up.
At the same time, a group of girls nearby noticed the same cover. Their voices were a mix of admiration and excitement.
"Look! Our base leader is so handsome!"
"Yeah, handsome, smart, and rich too. Whoever marries him is so lucky!"
Hearing them talk about Jeffry, Karina sharpened her hearing to catch more of their conversation.
"Eh, but too bad he already has a girlfriend."
Karina frowned. Jeffry has a girlfriend? How could he have a girlfriend? Didn't he confess his feelings for her just a few months ago?
"Ahem, Jeffry has a girlfriend? Where did you hear that from? Spreading false gossip—you know the punishment for that, don't you?" Karina interjected.
"Who are you?"
"Me?"
"Oh, you must be a fan, right? Me too!" one of the girls said, earning only a faint smile from Karina in response.
"But it seems like ordinary people like us wouldn't stand a chance of being his girlfriend," another girl said sadly, to which her friend nodded in agreement.
"Still, it's okay. At least I can collect his handsome photos, hahaha!"
"Here, take this. It's a special edition with guaranteed gorgeous photos," one of the girls said, handing Karina a magazine.
Karina stared at the magazine in her hand and frowned, questioning why she would even consider buying it. It seemed like a waste of crystals.
"Huff" she sighed in exhaustion, collapsing onto the comfortable bed. She had been busy with her research all day, spending hours in the laboratory.
Her eyes wandered around her new room, which she had occupied for a week. She felt happy to finally leave her cramped old room.
As she scanned the surroundings, her gaze stopped at the pile of magazines beside her wardrobe. She picked one up and glanced at the cover.
"I must be losing my mind. Why did I buy all these magazines?" she muttered to herself. Leisurely, she extended a finger to trace the cover, pondering the reasoning behind her impulsive decision.
"But honestly, Jeffry is quite good-looking" she thought.
She walked towards the mirror, her eyes glued to her reflection in the large glass. Unconsciously, she covered her mouth in surprise, adjusted a stray lock of hair, and struck a pose.
"Aha, no wonder Jeffry confessed to me. Look at the beauty in the mirror!" she said, giggling softly.
Suddenly, her expression turned flat. "Ahem," she cleared her throat.
"Come to think of it, I never responded to Jeffry's confession. Should I reply now?" she murmured, her voice low and uncertain.
The memory of the girls at the newsstand and their stash of Jeffry's photos made her cheeks flush with irritation.
The dark night enveloped her in calmness until a voice broke the silence.
"Katarina..."
Startled, she turned and saw Jeffry standing behind her. A small smile graced his lips as he took a step closer.
"What's that in your hand?"
Karina felt Jeffry's gaze moving from her arm to her hand, where she held the magazine. Her eyes widened in realization upon seeing Jeffry's face on the cover. Awkwardly, she explained, "Oh, I just found this. It's useful for fanning myself—so hot tonight."
Hearing her explanation, Jeffry chuckled softly. However, the thought of the girls at the newsstand suddenly crossed his mind, souring his mood.
Stopping in his tracks, Jeffry looked at her with an arrogant expression, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I like you too" she said, maintaining her bold demeanor.
Jeffry froze, his heart skipping a beat before pounding rapidly. Did he hear that correctly? Was he imagining things?
Seeing his stunned expression, Karina pursed her lips, displeased. "If you don't like me anymore, just say so."
"No."
"No?!" Karina exclaimed in disbelief.
"No, that's not what I mean. Of course, I love you. Wait a second" Jeffry stammered.
Karina looked on, puzzled, as Jeffry crouched by a bush as if searching for something.
Then, crouching in front of her, Jeffry gently handed her a blade of grass tied into a loop. With trembling hands, he slipped the green circle onto her ring finger.
Her heart warmed as she admired the simple ring, and she couldn't help but smile at Jeffry. Holding up the makeshift ring, she remarked, "This isn't bad."
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, leaving them in darkness.
"It's 11 PM. You should head back to your room. Let's go" Jeffry said, taking her hand and leading her back to the building.
Once at her door, Karina hesitated to enter.
"Wait"
"What's wrong?"
"My AC is broken, it's so hot" she said, feigning distress.
"Then sleep in my room," Jeffry offered.
"Huh?" Karina looked at him in confusion before realizing the misunderstanding. "Uh, no, I'll sleep in the study room."
"I'll stay in Eila's room. Walk me to the next building," Karina said nervously, quickly stepping ahead of Jeffry.
Jeffry followed her with a knowing smile. In truth, Karina's request was just an excuse to spend more time with him, as Eila's building was quite far away.