Nico Minoru (played by Lyrica Okano on the Hulu series) is a mage in Marvel’s The Runaways. She is also featured in the Hulu series of the same name.
Nico is the unofficial leader of The Runaways, a group of teen heroes that are all the children of members of the villainous group The Pride. After witnessing their parents murder an innocent teenager, they decide to leave their parents, being conflicted with the role they play.
She is originally attracted to fellow runaway Alex Wilder. They eventually become a couple and she tells him that she loves him. Their relationship ends when he betrays The Runaways and dies.
Karolina Dean clearly has a crush on Nico throughout the first series, but her feelings are not reciprocated. When she attempts to kiss Nico, Nico rejects her. However as time goes on, Nico’s feelings undergo a change. Nico admits that she was confused about her feelings and Karolina gives Nico a second chance.
In the first installment of The Runaways comic books, Nico was not as openly bi as she will later become in the newer installments, including the tv series. Karolina struggled more with her identity and showed a clear interest in Nico that was not reciprocated in the same way. In the newer series written by Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka, and after 10 years of teasing, Nico finally shows a romantic interest in Karolina.
The Hulu series shows them both mutually interested in each other, with Nico making the first move this time around. Karolina and Nico’s relationship finally gets center stage and the two become Marvel’s new power couple.