Chapter 34
Freen and Becky finally headed off to begin their college schedule for the day. Freen, sharp-eyed and poised, made her way straight to the presidential room. Meanwhile, Becky drifted toward her class, a little slower, a little more wrapped up than usual.
From down the hallway, Irin spotted her—and did a double take.
Becky was practically mummified in fabric: a high-neck sweater, sleeves pulled over her wrists, long wide-legged pants that nearly grazed the floor, and a glossy lipstick so bright it could be seen from across campus. Irin narrowed her eyes like a detective in a rom-com mystery.
She waved dramatically. “Hey! I’m right here.”
Becky’s eyes lit up like fairy lights at midnight. She skipped toward Irin and threw her arms around her with a squeal.
“Hi, cutie-patootieee!”
Irin blinked, completely taken aback. “Oh? Someone’s in a good mood. But hold on—before we get into that... I have questions.”
Becky tilted her head, playful but a little guarded. “Whattt?”
Irin stepped back and examined her from head to toe, squinting. “The girl who only wears off-shoulders and mini skirts as her spiritual armor’—what’s with the high neck, long bottoms and full coverage? Is it fashion week in Alaska?”
Becky laughed nervously, pulling at her sleeves. “You’re over-exaggerating. I’m just... feeling a little under the weather, that’s all.”
“And what about that neon lipstick?” Irin leaned closer in a sarcastic way, inspecting her face like it held secrets. “You usually go for lip balms and stuff. This is... revenge glow.” She raised a suspicious brow.
“Shut up! You're exaggerating. I’m just feeling a little under the weather, that’s all,” Becky quickly covered up, not wanting Irin to get any idea about the body aches and... marks.
“Well, if you say so. But what about the glow? And you being all jumpy? Not that I’m complaining, but... am I missing something?” Irin pressed on, persistently doubtful.
“Well,” Becky said, mustering her cheer, “you’re being too much, as always. Here, your notes—let’s talk about you for once, huh?” trying her best to divert the topic.
—
Meanwhile, the door to the presidential room creaked open, and Freen walked in like a storm pretending to be calm. There was a new rhythm to her stride, an odd softness in her expression. Her usual crisp, cold aura had melted into something... golden.
Nam and Kade froze mid-discussion, exchanging an alert glance.
“Morning, lads,” Freen greeted, her voice warm, almost teasing. “What are we up to?”
Nam squinted. Kade leaned closer.
Nam walked forward and touched Freen’s forehead lightly. “Are you sick?”
“You just said morning to us,” Kade said, scandalized.
“And you asked what we’re doing,” Nam added, jaw dropped. “As if you care.”
Freen rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the smile playing on her lips. She walked to the whiteboard, eyes skimming the upcoming schedules.
“You two are insufferable.”
“And you,” Kade chimed in, “are glowing.”
“Also,” Nam pointed out, counting on her fingers, “no laptop, no cigarette, no yelling for coffee... Who are you and where did you hide the real Freen?”
“Can’t a girl have a break?” Freen turned to them with an arched brow, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
“Well,” Nam smirked, “pause looks really good on you.”
“Yesss, you should take more breaks, boss babe,” Kade winked.
Freen leaned against the desk casually, and with a smirk that said she knew exactly what she was doing, she dropped her next line.
“Oh, speaking of pauses—I’m quitting cigarettes.”
Nam and Kade choked on absolutely nothing when Freen casually dropped that bomb.
“NO WAY,” Kade shrieked.
“YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME,” Nam echoed, looking genuinely concerned now.
“Well... let’s just say,” Freen glanced at the window, eyes softening, “I’ve found another addiction.”
And with that, she walked out, leaving a stunned silence behind her.
Nam and Kade stared at the door, then at each other.
“Was that girl... Freen? Like Freen-Freen? The one who barely says a word unless she’s chewing someone out?” Kade asked, wide-eyed.
Nam chuckled, folding her arms. “Here’s my thousand bucks—I bet something happened between them.”
“Between who?” Kade squinted, still catching up—until the spark of realization lit her face. “OHHHHHHHH. Her her?!”
“Mhmm,” Nam nodded knowingly.
“Ehhhh,” Kade frowned. “I don’t think so. Last time I remember, Freen was practically breathing fire over Becky and Jeff. The only thing that seemed inevitable was a fight.”
“Exactly,” Nam said smugly. “Which is why something must have happened. People don’t glow like that for no reason.”
“Ohkayyy, if we’re placing bets—let’s make this interesting,” Kade clapped her hands. “Even though I soooo want to lose, I bet ten thousand bucks that nothing steamy has happened yet.”
“Ten thousand?” Nam raised her brow. “You know you’re going to lose, right?”
“No-oh,” Kade grinned. “I’m celebrating, dear. I’m celebrating.”
And with that, no one could save FreenBecky from the hurricane of teasing their friends were about to unleash.
—
As the day dragged on, Freen didn’t let her phone breathe.
Not for a second.
Between student council duties and coffee she didn’t even drink, her thumb was on the screen every few seconds—messaging Becky like a woman possessed.
“Are you okay?”
“Do you miss me yet?”
“Babe I swear this class is suffocating without your face.”
“Drop your lecture and come. I’m starving for your lips.”
Each text came with a new excuse: a forgotten notebook, a fake headache, a coffee spill that definitely needed Becky’s comforting. All Freen could think of was the girl in baggy sleeves and cherry lipstick who had already wrecked her sanity.
Meanwhile, on the other side of campus, Becky sat in her lecture, glowing with a mischievous grin as her phone buzzed on her desk like a clingy pet. She chuckled softly, drawing a few stares from classmates.
Her thoughts ran wild:
“This version of Freen… is such a five-year-old. Cutely stubborn, sugar-craving, lip-starved, and absolutely hopeless.”
She clutched her phone to her chest and shook her head in disbelief—already planning her excuses to stay in class just a bit longer. Let Freen stew in her own cravings.
By noon, the whole gang eventually gathered in the bustling cafeteria.
Freen and her crew—Nam and Kade—had already taken their spot at their usual round table by the window. Sunlight poured in, casting a soft golden halo over the scene.
The second Becky stepped in with Irin by her side, Freen’s eyes lit up like she’d seen spring after a storm. Her chair scraped a little as she leaned forward, unable to stop herself from staring.
Nam noticed instantly and—wham!—kicked Kade under the table.
“Ow! Nam, what the hell?!”
Nam didn’t respond—she just widened her eyes and subtly tilted her chin toward Freen.
Kade followed the direction... and nearly choked on her water.
Freen was eye-f—ing Becky with so much raw, unfiltered hunger that it didn’t even occur to her to be discreet. It was all written across her face like a billboard ad for "hopelessly smitten."
Becky’s eyes met Freen’s just for a second—and she almost lost her balance.
Before she could even recover, Freen had already stood up and pulled out a chair beside her.
Becky blinked. A blush crept up her cheeks, slow and pink as a rising sun.
They were with friends.
Freen was being this straightforward in public.
Still, she sat down, trying her best not to meet anyone’s eyes. But it was too late—all three of them were watching like an audience at a premiere.
Freen casually opened the lid of the water bottle on the table and offered it to becky as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Nam stifled a squeal, Kade raised a smug brow, and Irin leaned in from the other side of Becky, whispering with a sly grin:
“Where do I sign up to find such a Phi? Or should I say… Fean?”
Becky elbowed her lightly, biting back her grin.
Then Irin leaned over to Nam, whispering loudly enough, “Take all my bugs. I bet they already did it.”
Nam’s grin widened so much it nearly split her face.
Kade joined in with a little “Oooooh” as the three exchanged silent screams with their eyes, while Freen—completely unfazed—turned her chair toward Becky and locked her gaze on her like she was the only person in the world.
Puppy-eyed. Melted. Obsessed till Becky, completely overwhelmed, quickly placed her palm on Freen’s face and redirected it toward the table.
Everyone’s jaw dropped.
“Uh-hum,” Nam cleared her throat dramatically.
“Are we… missing something?” Kade asked with a mischievous twinkle.
Then Freen—calm as water—opened her mouth and casually said,
“We are togeth—”
Becky launched forward and clamped her hand over Freen’s mouth in sheer panic.
But it was too late.
“EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” all three of them shrieked so loud it turned half the cafeteria around.
Becky’s brows twitched. “This mess,” she muttered to herself, hiding her glowing face with both palms.
“Calm down, all of you. Especially you, babe,” she said, eyes wide with warning as she shot Freen a what have you done look.
“She means… We live together, right? Right?” Becky turned to Freen for backup.
Freen tilted her head innocently, “Sure… ”
“Oh no no,” Irin gasped, “There’s no going back! She just said babe to her! You said babe!”
Nam shot up from her seat. “Kade! Thousand bugs, please. You lose!”
“I’ll throw a big party too!” Kade declared, high-fiving Irin across the table.
Freen laughed, then raised a finger. “Okay, okay, chill. We’re just starting out. No need to go full circus mode. And you three—keep it to yourselves.”
Her tone shifted ever so slightly—protective, firm.
“I don’t want any of this affecting Becbec’s career, got it?”
That shut them up for exactly two seconds… before they all screamed again and group-hugged across the table like they just unlocked the final level of a dating sim.
Becky, meanwhile, gave Freen a sideways glare that said clear as day:
"You are so done tonight."
Freen caught the look. Gulped. Then quickly diverted her gaze, pretending to focus on her spoon as if it suddenly became fascinating.
And just like that, the table bloomed with a new energy.
Laughter bounced between friends. Eyes twinkled. Elbows bumped. Jokes flew. And in the middle of all that chaos, Freen and Becky sat side by side—hands brushing, hearts light, faces flushed—with something real and sweet just beginning to bloom.
Soon, days began to pass in their dreamy, sweet little bubble world. But to keep it that way, they both had to put in extra effort—like two students of fate, constantly researching, digging into loopholes, old scriptures, myths, anything that could help them rewrite what destiny had written in stone. But every path they explored always led to dead ends... voodoo rituals, black magic, or the kind of shady spiritual hacks that made even the internet feel cursed.
And while no one noticed, Freen’s morning jogs had quietly transformed into something else—a secret routine, a silent plea. Her “morning runs” were actually temple runs. Every single day, before sunrise, she visited the temple to make merit, light incense, and pray with all her heart for Becky’s safety. She never told anyone. Especially not Becky.
Freen even had a special amulet made—handcrafted by an old monk who had blessed it with sacred chants and protective mantras. It was small, almost unnoticeable, woven into a delicate bracelet Becky could wear every day. “Just wear it, for me,” Freen had said, brushing it onto her wrist casually, hiding the lump in her throat. And Becky did, without question.
Freen’s bed had quietly become their place of worship—every night, a sanctuary where their devotion blossomed in unspoken ways. It wasn’t just about touch or warmth; it was about intention, protection, love stitched into every shared breath. Yet each time, Freen found a way to gently distract Becky knowing she wanted it all and all the way—Freen kept it to playful anticipation, teasing foreplays, long conversations, tangled kisses—just enough to make her tired in good ways always, enough to avoid going too far. Not because she didn’t want to, but because a quiet fear still lived inside her.
Her fate had always been cruel, and no matter how calm and effortless she made things appear for Becky’s peace of mind, Freen was still fighting a silent war within. A war of restraint, of fear, of desperately trying not to ruin the one good thing she had. So she moved slowly, cautiously—loving Becky not just with passion, but with reverence. Taking every step with extra care, as if Becky was something sacred she couldn’t afford to break.
She moved slowly, intentionally, with extra care... never rushing anything, never risking too much at once. Because Freen had decided: if fate was going to be cruel, then she would be kinder, softer, stronger. She would shield Becky from it all.
Freen’s senses were always on alert around Becky, like it was her life’s mission to ensure that not even a mosquito could touch her. If Becky ate something, Freen tasted it first. If Becky had to go somewhere for work, Freen arranged it all like her personal manager. If Becky sneezed, Freen came running with a warm blanket and a tighter hug. If Becky so much as coughed, Freen had soup on the stove and medicine ready on the table.
She did everything—close up and from afar—to keep Becky protected.
And Becky… Becky had always heard people calling her “princess,” but it was Freen who made her feel like one. Not through grand gestures, but in the little things—the care, the protection, the unshakable devotion. For Freen, loving Becky wasn’t just romance.
It was a prayer.
A week had passed since their long-awaited confession—and since then, day and night blurred together in their little cocoon of obsession, softness, and stolen moments. They had become inseparable, like two magnets that had waited too long to collide. Freen never missed a chance to press a kiss to Becky’s lips, to pull her into her arms like a habit she couldn’t break. And Becky—well, Becky never missed a chance to turn the tables, to slyly pin Freen down with her infamous “BackFreen agenda”—one that always left Freen hopelessly weak in the knees, sometimes literally. Becky ruled the game, always a step ahead, and yet would kneel for Freen in a heartbeat if it meant feeling her warmth.
There wasn’t a single corner of their college hideout that hadn’t been marked by their love—every stairwell, rooftop, even the dusty old music room echoed with their whispers and giggles. And there wasn’t a single song Becky hadn’t written for Freen. Every lyric, every chord carried Freen’s name hidden like a secret between the lines.
Now, the album project with Jeff was finally wrapping up—twelve songs, raw and honest, soon to be released, possibly next month. Becky had poured her entire soul into that music. Meanwhile, Freen’s business was booming. Her brand had been invited to Paris Fashion Week again—but this time, Freen had decided to go herself. Last time, Krik had represented her, but it hadn’t made it to the runway. This time, she was going to be there in person, determined to leave her mark.
But before she flew out, Freen made sure everything in Becky’s world was taken care of. She quietly assigned Nam, Kade, and Irin to stay close to Becky throughout the week—without telling them the full reason. She reviewed Becky’s entire schedule herself, rearranged things, double-checked transport, meals, and practice sessions. Everything was lined up. It’s going to be an exciting week, she thought, trying to convince herself.
The night before her flight, back in her room, Freen walked in to find Becky curled up in bed, still sulking.
Because she wasn’t going with her due to her packed schedules.
“Becbec,” Freen called softly, approaching the bed with a mischievous grin. “Come here, I want you to meet someone.”
Becky raised an eyebrow, still buried under the blanket. “Who? Barber?”
But Freen gently tugged her hand and led her out of the room.
Waiting outside were two sharply dressed men in black suits—looking like they had walked straight out of Men in Black Movie, complete with the earpieces and all.
Becky blinked. Twice.
“Meet Carlos and Meg,” Freen said casually. “They’ll be looking after you while I’m away. Be cooperative, okay? Your toxic fans are getting ridiculous lately. I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”
Carlos and Meg bowed slightly in greeting. Becky, caught completely off guard, blinked at them and mumbled a quick “Hi,” “Excuse us” before grabbing Freen’s arm and dragging her back into the room like a storm.
“No way. Absolutely not.” Becky crossed her arms and stared Freen down. “This is so weird, babe. Having someone watch me 24/7? It’s creepy. And what will people say? I’m not a real princess!”
Freen blinked. “But you are to me…” she mumbled, trying not to smile.
“I beg you,” Becky groaned dramatically. “It’s going to be hella awkward. I already have Nam, Kade, and Irin with me. And you’ve arranged my whole week. I’m just going back and forth from college to studio—your arrangements. So really, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Freen reached forward and gently squished Becky’s cheeks between her palms. “But my butterbear… it’s for your safety na kha.”
Then she stole a quick peck on her lips.
Becky rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “You worry too much, MooDeng.”
“Are you sure,” Freen huffed.
“Yesss please, I’m sure.” Becky leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Now go, dismiss the right away”
Freen sighed, nodded, and stepped out of the room.
But she didn’t dismiss the bodyguards.
Instead, she pulled Carlos and Meg aside. Her tone shifted—firm and commanding.
“I want you two to stay hidden. I don’t want her to feel watched. Never step foot into college space. But anytime Becky goes out, I want a full shadow trail. You watch her from a distance, keep every inch of her path safe. I don’t care what it takes—not a single scratch on her. If she even trips, I’ll personally fly back and kick your asses. Understood?”
Carlos and Meg nodded quickly. “Understood, ma’am.” and with that they left.
Freen stepped back into the room, the soft click of the lock behind her echoing like a whisper. The air felt thick with unsaid longing. She found Becky sitting at the edge of the bed, her pouty lips carved with a sadness she was trying hard to hide.
“Don’t sulk na kha,” Freen said gently, walking over. “Next time, we'll go to Paris and Rome—just you and me. When the world isn’t pulling us in different directions.” Her voice melted into a soft promise as she wrapped her arms around Becky, pressing slow kisses to her head, again and again, like a silent lullaby meant to soothe the ache.
“But I’ll miss you so much,” Becky murmured, her voice muffled against Freen’s chest. “This room... it’ll be so empty without you.”
“I’ll be back before you even notice,” Freen whispered, brushing her nose against Becky’s temple, trying to offer comfort even when her own chest felt heavy.
“Every second without you feels like a decade, babe,” Becky confessed. “And knowing I can’t run to you… can’t sleep with you all naked and tangled up… I’ll go insane. You know that, right?”
“I know.” Freen pulled back slightly, cupping Becky’s face. Her eyes shimmered with concern, but her tone turned playful. “And don’t you dare unlayer yourself when I’m not here. Don’t even think about touching yourself. I swear, I’ll jump off the plane and storm right back just to whack you with all my torture.”
Becky smirked, lifting a brow like a mischievous cat ready to pounce. “Only if tonight… you surrender. Otherwise, I will do it. Every night. All by myself., calling out your name.”
“BEC…” Freen groaned, pushing her gently, eyes narrowing in half-playful warning, half-burning need. But Becky didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned in and claimed Freen’s lips, slow and sensual—like a secret being passed in the dark.
The room fell into silence, save for the delicate, wet sounds of their kisses echoing like lullabies to the moon outside. Clothes became mere burdens on the floor. The bed creaked under the slow rhythm of their desire. Skin on skin, sighs in sync, fingers tracing fire into flesh.
The sheets twisted around them like vines, and tonight, Becky was determined.
And Freen… Freen was already on the edge of surrender.
So she gave in.
Their mouths were a beautiful mess—wet, swollen, and slick with shared saliva. Freen, breath heavy and lips still tasting of Becky’s sighs, slid her fingers between Becky’s lips, letting them rest there, coating them in the sweetness of her mouth like she was dipping into honey. Her eyes searched Becky’s face, one last check, one final warning.
“Are you sure, bb?” she asked, voice low and trembling with restraint.
“Please, babe,” Becky pleaded, breath hitching. “No more delays.”
Her words were a kiss—desperate, demanding, shutting Freen up with need. And that was it. Freen hit the jackpot, her fingers slipping between tender warmth, one after the other, until two settled perfectly inside—fitting like a promise. Then she moved. Deep. Purposeful. Unrelenting.
Becky’s breath left her in shudders, her back arching as she screamed Freen’s name out loud—raw and honest, like a prayer set free.
But the room held them like a secret.
Thanks to the thick, soundproof walls of Freen’s place, no one heard their cries, no one heard their confessions.
Only the silence bore witness to how completely, how wildly, they belonged to each other in that moment.
That night, Freen gave Becky everything.
She filled her so full that her name trembled through Becky’s body in echoes. Enough to make her feel the sweet ache for every second of the week ahead. Enough to leave a memory inside her that pulsed with every step, every sigh.
Unlike every other night where they teased and talked for hours, tonight they spoke only in moans, screams, and begging for more. The sheets weren’t damp with sweat, but soaked with Becky’s pleasure & squirts—so many times that they lost count, lost control, lost time.
They lay tangled in a mess of limbs, breaths, and bliss. In the haze of their intoxication, there was no fate, no tomorrow, no outside world.
It was just them.
Just this.
And they were so far gone.
So hopelessly, desperately, down bad for each other, no one absolutely no one can save them now.
Soon, it was time for Freen to board her flight. Nam, Kade, Irin, and Krik tagged along with Becky to the airport to see her off.
Among the crowd and the distant buzz of airport announcements, Becky stood close—too close to let go. Her fingers clung to Freen’s hand like it was the only thing anchoring her. It was the most she could do in public, knowing any fan could recognize her.
“I’ll come back soon, na bb,” Freen whispered, her voice cracking as she tried to stay strong. “You’re making it so hard for me to leave now.”
“I want to come with you,” Becky murmured, voice low and trembling. “Screw work.”
“Bec…” Freen warned gently, squeezing her hand, “Never compromise on your dream, okay? You’ve worked too damn hard for this. You’re so close to having your own album, your sound, your heart in every note.”
But Becky only sulked in silence, her pout breaking Freen’s heart all over again.
“We’ll always be on video calls,” Freen continued, brushing her thumb over Becky’s knuckles. “Time difference will be annoying, but we’ll manage. And you’ve got this circus”—she nodded toward their group—“to keep you distracted.”
Nam, Kade, Irin, and Krik were watching from a distance, arms crossed, already resigned to the unbearable cuteness.
Freen leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I told your Mum to drop BonBon in our room. Irin can stay with you too.”
Becky’s eyes widened. “Wait—you never let anyone into our room.”
Freen smiled, brushing Becky’s hair gently behind her ear. “Anything for my munchkin. For my bb.”
Before either of them could say more, the final boarding announcement echoed overhead.
With one final look into each other’s eyes, they sealed a silent promise—to love from afar, to carry an unspoken care in the quiet corners of their hearts. And with that, they parted…
As Freen disappeared past security, Becky stood frozen. The tears she’d been holding back slid down quietly. Nam stepped in and wrapped her in a tight hug without a word, pulling her into warmth.
The rest followed, quietly walking back to the car, the energy subdued, their group heading back to campus—without Freen, but with Becky's heart still full of her.
The sky above was soft and pale, streaked with the gold of a fading afternoon.
As Freen’s flight soared into the clouds, the airplane cabin dimmed to a quiet hum, her phone now set to airplane mode. The world below disappeared into cotton clouds. She leaned back, shut her eyes, and exhaled a breath she didn’t know she was holding—one laced with longing, already aching for Becky.
Meanwhile, back at the college, the car ride ended with a familiar screech of tires on campus pavement. Nam, Kade, Krik, Irin, and Becky tumbled out, trying their best to keep the mood light. Laughter echoed in the corridors, jokes flew around, and even Becky let out a few giggles, though her eyes betrayed the hollowness of her smile.
Later that evening, Becky walked into her dorm room with Irin trailing behind her, buzzing with curiosity. BonBon was already there, waiting eagerly at the door. The moment Becky stepped inside, BonBon leapt up, tail wagging with wild excitement, his little paws scratching gently at her legs as if he’d waited years.
Becky dropped her bag and instantly sank to her knees, scooping him up into her arms. She held him tightly—too tightly—burying her face into his fur as if he wasn’t BonBon, but Freen herself. Her fingers ran through his soft coat, caressing every inch of him like he carried her scent. Her voice was tender, cracked at the edges, as she whispered, “Your daddy will come soon, alright?” She kissed his forehead gently. “You know that, right?”
Behind her, Irin stood frozen for a moment, watching the tenderness in Becky’s eyes. Then, her attention shifted around the dorm room—the room everyone in the building whispered about. The room. And the rumors had not been exaggerating.
“Oh my god,” Irin gasped. “Is this even real? You guys have your own kitchen? And—wait—is that a custom balcony?!”
Her voice echoed through the spacious room as she ran toward the little terrace, then spun in excitement, throwing her arms up like she had just won a prize. “This is insane. It's literally a luxury suite! How did you even get this?”
With excitement bubbling over, Irin unknowingly flopped onto one of the beds—Freen’s bed.
Becky turned sharply, her eyes alert. She walked over and gently grabbed Irin’s wrist.
“Oh, no no no,” Becky said, her tone light but firm, “That’s my bed.”
Irin blinked, confused. “But—”
“You’re sleeping here,” Becky said, gesturing to the bed beside hers. “That one’s mine and Freen’s. Sacred ground.”
Realization dawned on Irin’s face as she nodded quickly, pulling herself up from Freen’s bed. “Ohkaaaaeeeee. Got it. Understood. Hands off the shrine.”
They both laughed a little, but Becky’s eyes lingered on Freen’s side of the room for just a moment longer than necessary.
The next morning crept in slowly, sunlight spilling across the dorm room like it was trying to gently nudge Becky awake. But she was already up, curled on her side, staring at the ceiling. There was still no update from Freen—not that she expected one yet. It was a long flight, more than 12 hours, and Freen’s phone was probably still on flight mode. But knowing didn’t make the silence any easier.
Becky stood in front of her wardrobe as today was the final touch up for her album and she has to go to studio, fingers trailing across the hangers until she stopped at that suit—Freen’s suit. The one Freen wore on their last night together. She pulled it out carefully, as if handling something sacred. Pressing it close to her chest, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. It still smelled like Freen—vanilla with a faint trace of cedarwood, her signature scent.
Wearing it felt like a hug. Like Freen was wrapped around her, holding her steady.
Downstairs, Kade was already waiting in her car, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel to a beat only she could hear because it was Kade's duty to drop off and pick up Becky from the studio and back. As soon as Becky slid into the passenger seat, Kade gave her a once-over and smirked.
"Wearing your girlfriend’s outfit again?" she teased, starting the engine.
Becky looked out the window, hugging the jacket a little tighter. “I miss her,” she said softly, her lips pouting slightly.
Kade’s smirk softened into something gentler. “Aww, come on. She’ll be calling any minute now. It’s almost time for her flight to land.”
Becky didn’t reply right away, just nodded, her voice a whisper. “Umm... I’m waiting.”
There was a pause. Then Kade suddenly clapped her hands once, theatrically, as if shaking the heavy mood off.
“Hey! Boost mode, please! You’re with me—drama queen deluxe. Dull energy is not allowed in this vehicle.” She flicked Becky’s arm playfully.
Becky cracked a tiny smile despite herself, eyes still glassy. “Fine. But don’t expect a full musical number just yet.”
With that, the car pulled away from the dorm, driving toward the studio, the quiet hum of tires rolling against the morning road.
While Freen’s plane began its slow descent over the glowing lights of Paris, the sky outside turned the color of melting gold. The clouds parted like curtains, and the world below sparkled with the promise of something new. Freen looked out the window, her fingers tapping against the armrest with nervous energy. Her heart raced—not from the landing—but from the ache in her chest. An ache with Becky’s name carved into it.
Thousands of miles away, on a sun-drenched street back in Thailand, Kade glanced sideways at Becky, who was staring blankly out of the window, Freen’s oversized suit jacket wrapped tightly around her like a shield. The morning light filtered through the windshield, painting golden streaks across Becky’s pale face. Her eyes were distant, tired, lost in thought.
Trying to break the silence that hung thick between them, Kade hesitated for a second before reaching toward the car stereo. With a few clicks, music floated softly into the air.
🎵 I know, you know, we know
You weren't down for forever and it's fine
I know, you know, we know
We weren't meant for each other and it's fine…🎵
Kade tapped the steering wheel in rhythm, hoping it would distract Becky. But as the lyrics filled the car, Becky blinked slowly—her gaze fixed ahead—but her chest rising and falling unevenly. The words hit too close, too deep.
🎵 But if the world was ending
You'd come over, right?
You'd come over and you'd stay the night
Would you love me for the hell of it?
All our fears would be irrelevant...🎵
Kade noticed Becky’s lip quiver. Crap. She tried to switch the song, heart sinking with guilt.
“Sorry—I didn’t mean to—” Kade reached for the dial.
But Becky placed her hand over hers, gently.
“Let it play... na kha,” she whispered, her voice shaky but sure.
🎵 If the world was ending
You'd come over, right?
Right? 🎵
The red light ahead made them stop. The car came to a soft halt. Outside, the city pulsed with life—motorbikes passing, birds chirping, a distant child’s laugh floating in the air. But inside the car, time slowed.
Becky leaned her head against the window. Her breath fogged the glass slightly. She imagined Freen holding her. Imagined a world where she could just run to her, arms wide open. A world where they didn’t have to pretend. Where love didn’t have to be hidden.
🎵 The sky’d be falling and I’d hold you tight
And there wouldn’t be a reason why
We would even have to say goodbye...🎵
Kade glanced at Becky. The ache in her friend's eyes… the way her fingers clutched Freen’s jacket… It made her want to curse herself for playing that song.
“I’m sorry,” Kade said quietly.
Before Becky could reply—
BAM!!!
In Paris—
Freen stepped onto the tarmac, the crisp European air brushing against her cheeks. She took a deep breath, lifting her face to the pale blue sky. But before she could take another step—
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
Her phone buzzed wildly in her hand.
Whereas back in Kade's carthe world exploded into glass, metal, and screams.
In the blink of an eye, a massive truck, barreling from the opposite lane, rammed straight into them, head-on. The screech of twisting steel. The sickening crunch of bone and frame. Tires screeched as nearby vehicles swerved, horns blaring.
Becky’s head slammed against the side window before the airbag exploded between her and the dashboard. Kade’s hands flew to the wheel, trying to control what was uncontrollable.
The sound was deafening.
Inside the car, everything was chaos—shattered glass sparkled mid-air like frozen tears, the dashboard cracked in half, the radio distorted the final lyrics as the music fizzled out in static.
While Freen could barely even settle her feet on Parisian soil, reality came crashing in before the city could greet her.
Her phone vibrated in her palm—once. twice. again. again. again.
Then it wouldn't stop.
A swarm of notifications flooded the screen, as if someone had ripped open a dam—dozens of missed calls, group chats exploding, messages with just one word repeated in all caps:
"EMERGENCY"
"ANSWER"
"ACCIDENT"
"BECKY!!"
Her blood turned cold.
The elegant chaos of the airport faded. The language announcements blurred. Her suitcase dropped to the ground with a hard thud she didn’t register. All she could hear was the heavy rush of her own breath, like the roar of ocean waves crashing into her ears.
She unlocked her phone with trembling fingers.
First came Nam’s voice note, her voice shrieking through sobs:
“Freen... Kade’s car... Becky was inside... oh my god please call me back... they’re being taken to the hospital—Freen please—WHERE ARE YOU—?!”
Then a text from Irin, shaking and barely coherent:
“She’s not waking up Freen... it’s really bad... they’re not telling me anything... I’m scared.”
And finally—
A grainy photo sent from someone in the crowd. Of Becky’s car.
Or what was left of it.
Smashed. Bent. Crushed.
The front completely destroyed.
The door on Becky’s side—torn, twisted open like it had been clawed off by fate itself.
Freen’s knees buckled.
Paris didn’t look romantic anymore.
It looked like a stranger.
Like she didn’t belong here.
Not when Becky could be—
No.
She couldn’t finish the thought.
Not when every cell in her body was already turning around, screaming to get back on the next plane.