The Lies That Built Us

Karthryn's Warning

Chapter 6

The evening of the wine house launch was nothing short of magical. Held at a grand estate lit with fairy lights and lined with red carpets, the atmosphere buzzed with elegance. Guests mingled over the scent of gourmet cuisine and delicate glasses of Helen’s handcrafted wines.

Winny arrived at the party in one of her own creations—a flowing yellow floral dress that swayed with every step. She came with Kathryn, who was wrapped in a shawl and visibly under the weather. Kat’s mother fussed over her the minute they arrived, pulling her away to get warm tea and a seat indoors.

"Go ahead and enjoy yourself," Kat said through a congested voice. "I’ll be fine."

Left to explore the event alone, Winny took in the grandeur. She admired the decor, tasted hors d’oeuvres, and clapped politely after Helen's heartfelt speech about her new wine venture. A soft string quartet played in the background, and guests were sampling the wine and donating to a small fundraiser attached to the launch.

As she swayed to the gentle music, lost in her own thoughts, a voice whispered behind her.

"Hey… your cute yellow dress might have a little accident going on."

Winny turned sharply, cheeks heating with confusion. "What?"

The woman gestured subtly at the back of her dress.

Winny’s eyes widened. She murmured a quick thank you and hurried off to the nearest guest room. In the mirror, her fears were confirmed—her period had arrived, unexpectedly staining her dress.

Mortified, she pulled out her phone and dialed the only person who came to mind: Jamii.

"Hey," she said, voice low. "I… need a little help. It’s kind of urgent."

Within minutes, Jamii appeared outside the room, speaking to a waitress who discreetly handed her a pad and some wipes. He waited nearby, concerned but respectful.

"Thanks," Winny mumbled once she emerged. "I think I’ll just stay out of sight now."

Jamii nodded, then walked with her silently to the back of the estate, where the pool shimmered under soft lighting. They sat beside each other.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

She groaned. "I was dancing. In a yellow dress. I want to disappear."

Jamii chuckled. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I didn’t even notice until you left. You looked amazing. You still do."

She smiled faintly, grateful for the kindness.

They sat together in easy silence before diving into a light-hearted conversation—music, school, wine, anything to distract from her embarrassment. Jamii told her more about helping his mom launch the wine business, how hectic the week had been. Winny found herself smiling more and more, the weight of the earlier mishap slowly lifting.

"You’re good at this," she said. "Making people feel better."

"Only when it's someone I like talking to," he teased.

She blushed, nudging him playfully. "You’re so cheesy."

"But it works. You’re smiling."

After a while, Winny sighed. "I should probably head back."

"I’ll take you," Jamii offered without hesitation.

He dropped her at her dorm and texted Kathryn to let her know Winny had left early. Kat, concerned, called Winny.

"You okay? Jamii told me you went home early."

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just… girl stuff," Winny replied with a soft chuckle. "I’ll see you back at school."

The next day, after receiving a text from Kathryn saying her cold had worsened, Winny decided to stop by and check on her.

Kat was bundled under a blanket, nose red but smiling. "You brought me snacks? You’re an angel."

They sat in her room, chatting between sips of hot tea.

"So, about last night…" Kat began.

Winny tensed slightly. "Yeah?"

"Why’d you call Jamii and not me? I mean, not judging—I just wondered."

Winny hesitated. "Honestly? I did think about calling you. But you weren’t feeling well and... I don’t know. I panicked."

Kat looked at her closely. "Mm. Thing is, I’ve been noticing this little thing between you and Jamii. And I just... want to say something before it goes too far."

Winny frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I love both of you. But I’m worried someone’s going to get hurt. And I’m scared it’ll affect everything between the three of us—especially you and me."

Winny didn’t say anything right away.

"He’s been in the States too long," Kat continued. "No offense, but those guys? They flirt like it’s breathing. I don’t want you to fall for someone who might not even know how to stay. And I know you, Win. You don’t do halfway. You want the real thing. Loyalty. Commitment."

The room fell silent for a moment. Winny stared down at her fingers.

"I don’t even know what it is yet," she said softly. "We just talk. Joke around. It’s not serious."

Kat reached out and squeezed her hand. "Just… be careful, okay? I want us all to stay close. I don’t want feelings to mess that up."

Winny nodded, even though her thoughts were a tangled mess.

Later that night, back in her room, she opened her sketchpad and tried to lose herself in the lines of a new design. But Jamii’s words, Kat’s warning, and her own feelings swirled in her mind like a storm.

What if this was more than just fun conversations and cheeky texts? What if it was already too late to stop herself from falling?