Chapter 20
The next day, after bidding their goodbyes to Grandma and Miss Oranatra—with all the hugs, and a few grandma’s teasing here and there—they were finally back on the road, heading toward college. But before diving into campus chaos again, Freen pulled the car over near a small café tucked into a wild, green patch—half outdoor, half indoor, wrapped in the lazy charm of nature.
“I want caffeine in my system,” Freen muttered, stretching as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Let’s have some.”
Becky grinned. “Yes, please.”
They chose a cozy little table in the outdoor area, surrounded by bushes that danced in the light breeze, and settled into the moment. Freen placed the order—a coffee, a milk tea, and buttery croissants—before falling into her phone, casually scrolling, while Becky’s eyes wandered to the lovely wilderness around them.
That was when something tiny and warm brushed against Becky’s foot. She startled for a second, almost jerking her legs up, but the surprise quickly melted into adoration. While Freen stood up instinctively, hands half-extended like she was ready to catch Becky if she fainted. “Are you okay?” she asked, frowning.
“Awwww—oeiiiiii, cutieee!” becky gasped, melting into a puddle. “What are you doing here, little babieee?”
A tiny puppy, scruffy and trembling, looked up at her with eyes that could melt anyone’s soul. It was clearly a stray.
But Becky had already scooped the puppy into her arms like it was the most precious treasure in the world. “P’Freen, look at this babyyyy!” she beamed, eyes wide, cheeks glowing.
Freen stared for two seconds, rolled her eyes, and plopped back into her seat with a sigh, muttering something under her breath while pretending to scroll her phone. Becky, meanwhile, was completely in her own bubble, crooning softly to the puppy.
“Hey little pumpkin, where’s your mamii, huh? Are you hungry, babieee? You’re too cute, I can’t—ugh.” Becky was busy with him and on the other side Freen might’ve been acting indifferent, but her eyes kept flicking up, scanning the area quietly for any sign of the puppy’s family.
Their order finally arrived, carried by a cheerful waiter. Becky, with the pup still cuddled in her arms, asked sweetly, “Excuse me… do you know where his mom is?”
“Oh, no, ma’am,” the waiter said kindly. “He’s a stray. We've been secretly feeding him the past couple of days, but he’s on his own. Poor thing must’ve gotten separated from his litter.”
Freen’s eyebrows furrowed instantly. The waiter had been looking at Becky a little too long for her comfort. Her protective radar flared up. “It’s good you’re feeding him,” she said curtly, cutting the conversation short.
But the waiter, unfazed, added, “Actually, pets aren’t allowed here. The owner doesn’t like animals around. I’ve just been sneaking food to him when I can… but we’re supposed to shoo him away if customers complain.”
“That’s too bad…” Becky’s lips drooped into a sad pout, her fingers still stroking the puppy’s soft fur. Her mind was already racing.
“That would be it, thank you” freen said to waiter and it was his cue to go away.
Freen narrowed her eyes. She knew that look on becky’s face.
“P’Freeeeeeeeeeeeen…” and here we go, freen mutter to herself while Becky sang out with sparkles in her eyes.
“No. Absolutely not,” Freen said, not even looking up from her coffee.
“Please na khaaaa,” Becky pleaded, full Sinchan-mode activated. “He has no family!”
“I’m not sharing my room with another mischievous creature. One’s already enough” Freen respond quickly.
But Becky knows how to make freen give in so she pouted harder, lowering her eyes, playing quiet. She caressed the sleepy pup in her lap gently, pulling out the being silent & sulky card.
“Drama queen,” Freen muttered under her breath, sipping her coffee—but her resolve stayed firm.
After a long moment when Freen can’t tolerate quite becky anymore, Freen spoke again, a little softer but still with authority. “Your classes run all day. And soon you’ll be back in the studio. When are you planning to look after him, huh?”
Becky didn’t respond immediately. Her eyes darted around like she was searching her brain. Then— click —a full-blown plan bloomed in her expression.
“Miss Oranatra’s condo is in the faculty housing block, right? She has staff, she loves dogs, and she’s practically your family now. We could leave him there during the day and keep him with us at night. Plus, it’s college, not school—we’ve got long breaks between classes. I can play with him all day long if I want to, I can organize everything!”
Freen stared at her, speechless. That was fast. Too fast.
“Wow… strategic much?” she muttered. But still: “I said no. Why trouble others for your own benefits?”
“I keep so many of their secrets,” Becky shot back without hesitation. “They can’t keep my baby for a while? I will talk to grandma”
“My baby?” freen mock her with question mark on her face and then said “I’m not letting you call Grandma,” Freen warned, already seeing Becky’s next step. “Don’t bond too much!”
“Aww, jealous are we?” Becky grinned mischievously. “Becky!”
“I said no. That’s final!” Freen slammed her coffee cup down to emphasize her words.
Becky’s confidence faltered for the first time. Her cheeks dimmed, her pout dropped, and she sipped her milk tea in silence. No more tricks up her sleeve.
When it was time to leave, Becky knelt down and gently placed the sleeping puppy in a cozy patch of shade beside the café, whispering soft goodbyes. She asked the waiter to take care of him, just until someone kind could take him home.
Freen watched her silently, her jaw tight—but her eyes, unknowingly, followed the little pup longer than they should have.
The whole ride back to the room was quiet. Neither of them spoke a word.
Freen’s chest tightened, the weight of Becky’s silence pressing down on her like a stone. She parked the car, avoiding Becky’s eyes, and muttered, “Go ahead to the room. I’ve got a meeting to attend.”
Becky didn’t say a single word. Not even a glance. She simply opened the door, stepped out, and walked straight into their building.
Later that night, Freen returned to their room—quietly, carefully.
Becky had fallen asleep while waiting for her.
Freen stood by the door for a moment, sighing softly. She hadn’t come home late because of work. She just didn’t want to face Becky’s sulky pout or deal with the quiet little war that always brewed between them when things felt off. Not tonight. She wasn’t ready to see Becky’s sad puppy eyes.
The next day arrived in full swing—classes, assignments, and the constant hustle and bustle of university life. Ever since the fresher’s fest, Becky had become the talk of the campus. Her name echoed through conversations, her pictures were floating in new fan pages, and boys were going out of their way to talk to her.
And the most dangerous part?
Freen was keeping tabs on everything .
As long as Becky looked comfortable, Freen stayed in the background. But if anyone ever cross any line or try to make her feel uneasy?
Oh boy… They have no idea what storm they will be inviting.
Becky, though a natural social butterfly who loved making connections, was exhausted . She never imagined popularity could be this draining. Everyone wanted to talk to her, click selfies, and some even had the nerve to ask for her number. Only God knew how she managed to dodge the stalkers persistently asking for her personal details.
When she finally reached their dorm building, she stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the 8th floor. Her eyes were heavy, her body sore. As she walked down the corridor, she found herself hoping— really hoping—that Freen would be in the room. She needed a moment to recharge. Maybe tease her a little. Maybe, if the stars aligned, even get a hug.
There was no real chance of that, of course. But it didn’t cost a thing to hope for good things, right?
She opened the door to their room—and paused.
There was a strange jingling, clanking noise coming from their small personal kitchen.
She frowned. That wasn’t Freen’s usual way of making noise.
Instantly alert, she called out, “P’Freen? Is it you?”
She tiptoed forward, heart thumping, and quickly grabbed her guitar from the corner—her weapon of choice, apparently—just in case.
With a swift motion, she raised it in the air like a bat, ready to swing at whoever might be inside.
Then—
A small bark.
A tiny creature scampered toward her, wagging its tail, and before Becky could process anything, it was licking her feet excitedly.
Her world stopped.
It was him . The same puppy from the café.
And the sound? Just his tiny toy ball jingling across the kitchen floor.
Becky squealed in delight, dropping her guitar and scooping him up instantly. He was drenched in the most calming fragrance, as if he had just come from a fancy spa. He wore a cute little red t-shirt, and his soft black fur shone under the lights. A small collar jingled as he moved.
He looked handsome .
She kissed him, hugged him, and danced across the room, giggling like a little kid. Then she flopped onto the bed, playing with him endlessly until a thought struck her.
“P’Freen?” she called out. “Are you in the balcony? Come out now, please.”
No response.
Confused, she looked around, then spotted a note stuck to the fridge.
“Don’t be too happy. If this little creature messes with my personal space even once, I’m sending him back.
Got him groomed at the pet parlor, so yes—you can put him on the bed.
Don’t take him outside now, it’s too late.
I’ll be home a bit late.”
Becky grinned from ear to ear, holding the note like it was a love letter.
“I love you soooo much, babe,” she whispered out loud in sheer joy, not even realizing what she’d said… until she did.
Her eyes widened.
“Oh no no no no— I didn’t mean it like that ,” she quickly mumbled, face turning crimson.
The puppy barked softly.
“Hey! I didn’t mean it that way, okay? And don’t you dare tell her!” she scolded him playfully, lifting him into her arms again like they were co-conspirators.
She nestled into the bed, still holding him, and sighed, “But seriously… why is she this cute ? Can you believe people think she’s cold? Rude? A stone-hearted queen?”
She stroked the puppy gently, her voice turning softer. She missed Freen. Her heart was still fluttering from what she’d blurted out earlier, but she kept debating with herself that she didn’t mean that kind of “I love you.”
And silently, she thanked the universe that Freen hadn’t been there to hear it.
Just then, the door clicked open.
Freen walked in, hands full—shopping bags stuffed with dog food, toys, tiny clothes, grooming essentials, even a miniature dog bed.
She stepped in quietly and froze.
Becky was fast asleep, curled up with the puppy lying peacefully on her chest. The sight of them together, both looking so serene, so safe… it melted Freen’s heart.
She gently set the bags down, careful not to make a sound. Then, unable to resist, she pulled out her phone and snapped a photo.
A quiet smile formed on her lips.
Heaven , she thought.
This moment… was heaven.
They must’ve played for hours and dozed off together, she guessed. With a soft breath, she quietly began arranging everything she had bought.