Chapter 6
The next day began with a new buzz around campus. Becky made her way down the corridor when—
"Becky! Omg, do you know what just happened?" Irin jumped in excitement.
"Oh god, Irin. Why are you always this jumpy and excited? No offense, though, I love it. What happened?" Becky asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The entire singing audition got canceled! Like, completely. Everyone who got selected yesterday? Null. The judges? Also replaced. The whole audition is restarting on Monday!" Irin said in one breath, as always.
"WHAT? Are you kidding me?" Becky replied, wide-eyed. "But how?"
"Well, you know how the entire president’s faculty was at the audition, right? Turns out, Nam—the vice president—was disappointed with all the selected talents because none of them were great. And on top of that, Miss Lovato got caught mistreating a student. Just like she insulted you, Bec! Someone captured it on video and leaked it to the media." Irin explained animatedly.
"Wow. She deserved it. What happened to her after that?" Becky inquired, curiosity piqued.
"Oh, her image is completely tarnished. All her concerts got canceled. She was supposed to perform at our fresher’s event for the entire festival, but that got scrapped too. Now, she’s the center of a full-blown media scandal." Irin poured out all the details while Becky found herself lost in thought.
Could it be Freen’s doing? The way she was acting last night, the guilt, the change in her behavior—it all pointed to her involvement. And what did Irin mean by the vice president making this decision? Everyone knew who the real ice queen of the university was.
"Hello? Earth to Becky?" Irin waved a hand in front of her face. "Are you even listening to me?"
"Uh—yes. So that means we have another real chance next week, right? I hope things go smoothly this time." Becky sighed, but deep down, a new world was unfolding. Icebergs were melting, and she was unconsciously painting invisible strings between herself and Freen in red.
The day went on as usual, but when night fell, Becky was surprised by who made an appearance once again—none other than Miss Sarocha.
As Freen entered the room and their eyes met, time seemed to slow. Becky’s eyes sparkled for reasons unknown—or perhaps, for reasons all too clear. On the other hand, Freen was doing her best not to melt, struggling to maintain her cold aura. Just as their gaze was about to turn awkward, Freen spoke up.
"Well, somebody is on time today," she said while slipping off her shoes.
"I was afraid the guard might complain to Miss President about me being late again," Becky teased.
Freen tried hard to hide her smirk, rolling her eyes instead. But for the first time since yesterday, she felt peace in her heart. She now knew Becky was cool with her. Without another word, she made her way to the restroom before settling on the couch as always.
After a moment, Becky approached her. "Um, here’s your coffee. Dark, no milk, just as you like," she said, extending the cup in her hand.
Freen looked at her, surprised. "I didn’t ask you to make it. Why bother?" she said, her tone as cold as ever.
"You’re welcome," Becky replied sharply, before heading to her bed with her books.
Freen found herself smiling at the small interaction, but as she took a sip of her coffee, she scoffed—loud enough to catch Becky’s attention.
"What? Is it not right?" Becky asked, slightly concerned.
"No, no, it’s fine. Just… it was too hot. I burned my tongue," Freen muttered.
"Serves you right," Becky whispered under her breath, but loud enough for Freen to hear. Freen rolled her eyes but secretly wondered—should she drink it or not? Freen always drank her coffee with zero sugar, but this? This was a cup filled with 100% sugar.
Oh god, what do I do with myself? she thought, but eventually, she found herself finishing the whole cup, sweetness and all.
Days passed, and slowly, their small interactions grew, carefully and cautiously, as if even fate was afraid that Freen might retreat again. But it was happening. Freen was getting involved—way too much. Finding excuses to talk, but keeping her cold aura intact. Meanwhile, Becky was falling faster than she wanted to admit, noticing every little move Freen made. Her schedule was unconsciously imprinted in Becky’s mind, and every night, she found herself looking forward to Freen’s presence.
She knew Freen worked on something aside from school—maybe a business? One day, Becky decided, she would ask why Freen was always so busy. She was starting to hope that one day, Freen would finally open up, talk to her heart to heart.
Everything was getting beautifully weird.
But then came Saturday.
Freen’s meeting with her grandmother.
"Mom, it's the weekend! Are you guys home? I'm coming over with Irin—we need to practice for the singing club audition on Monday," Becky said over the phone.
"Yes, darling! We’ve missed you so much. Dad will pick you up at 10 a.m., alright?" her mom assured her.
"Okay, Mom. Thank you! Bye, love you!" Becky ended the call and turned to look at the person standing on the balcony.
Freen was leaning against the railing, a cigarette between her fingers, gazing at the sky as if she ruled both heaven and hell. Becky shook her head and made her way over. As soon as Freen noticed her approaching, she quickly flicked the cigarette into the bin.
"Can't you see I'm having my time? What is it?" Freen asked, her tone neutral but guarded.
Becky smiled sweetly. "I just wanted to see..." she paused, locking eyes with her, "...this beautiful view."
Freen's eyes widened slightly.
"Well, don’t come out when I’m smoking. It’s not good for you," Freen said, turning back to the sky.
"But it’s good for you?" Becky challenged, carefully stepping over a personal boundary, her hesitation evident.
"You don’t have to worry about me," Freen stated firmly.
"Well, same to you then," Becky shot back, her tone carrying a hint of disappointment.
She turned and walked away, getting ready for her weekend at home, leaving Freen behind with an unfamiliar pang in her chest.
Becky was beginning to understand something—she knew how to affect Freen in ways that only pulled them closer.