Nightmare in Lip Gloss
Becky strolled into the theater room, fresh from practice, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder, still in her football jersey. She looked effortlessly cool—messy hair, sleeves rolled up, a cocky grin on her face as she spotted Freen sitting on the edge of the stage, flipping through a script.
"Hey, superstar," Becky called out, voice warm, teasing.
Freen looked up and smiled, that soft, fond smile Becky was utterly weak for. "Hey, captain," she replied, watching as Becky made her way over with the confidence of someone who owned every space she walked into.
Alice and Emma, lounging nearby, exchanged a knowing look. Becky was supposed to be on her way to the locker room, but of course, the first thing she did was come find her girlfriend.
Becky leaned down, bracing her hands on either side of Freen, caging her in. "Did you miss me?"
Freen hummed, flipping a page in her script. "I don’t know. Did I?"
Becky smirked. "Rude."
Alice snorted. "Freen, just say yes before she starts whining."
Becky shot Alice a look before turning back to Freen. "Come on, babe, don’t be mean. You know you missed me."
Freen finally put her script down and tilted her head up at Becky, her expression unreadable. Then, without warning, she shifted forward, rising to her feet—only to lower herself right onto Becky’s lap, wrapping her arms around Becky’s neck.
Becky tensed for a second, caught off guard, before her hands instinctively found their place on Freen’s waist. She blinked, then exhaled slowly, her entire world narrowing to just the girl in her arms.
Emma choked. "Oh my god—"
Alice grinned. "I love it when Freen reminds everyone she’s not always so shy."
But Becky? Becky was completely and utterly useless now.
Her grip on Freen’s waist tightened slightly, eyes flickering to her lips before snapping back up. She knew that look—Freen wasn’t just sitting on her lap for comfort. No, this was a deliberate move. A power play.
"You okay, babe?" Freen asked, her voice all soft innocence.
Becky swallowed. "You’re evil."
Freen’s lips twitched. "And yet, you love me."
Becky leaned in, her forehead resting against Freen’s. "Unfortunately for me."
Emma fake-gagged. "Disgusting."
Alice crossed her arms. "No, this is entertainment."
Just as Becky was about to murmur something ridiculously cheesy into Freen’s ear, the theater room door swung open, and in walked a girl none of them had seen before.
And just like that, the mood shifted.
The New Girl—tall, pretty, with an air of effortless confidence—smiled as she approached. "Hey, sorry to interrupt, but I was told this is where I’d find the theater club?"
Freen didn’t move from Becky’s lap, her fingers idly playing with the back of Becky’s collar. "You’re in the right place."
The girl’s gaze flickered to Becky—lingered just a little too long.
And just like that, Freen’s easy smile remained… but her eyes?
Her eyes darkened.
The New Girl’s smile widened as she took another step forward, her eyes still fixed on Becky. “Great. I’m new here—just transferred in last week. Thought I’d check out the theater club. I’m Lia, by the way.”
Becky, still a little dazed from having Freen on her lap, blinked. “Uh—cool, nice to meet you. I’m Becky.”
“Oh, I know.” Lia’s voice was smooth, confident. “Captain of the football team, right? You kinda have a reputation.”
Emma and Alice exchanged a look. Oh no.
Becky, completely oblivious, laughed. “Oh, yeah? Hopefully, a good one.”
Lia’s smile turned a little playful. “Well, you certainly have fans.”
Freen, still perched on Becky’s lap, was utterly still. Her fingers traced slow, idle circles against the nape of Becky’s neck—a motion that would seem affectionate to anyone watching. But Becky knew better. That was Freen’s warning sign.
Alice coughed into her fist, trying not to laugh.
Emma just whispered, “She’s so dead.”
Becky, as always,oblivious to anyone other than Freen. “I mean, can’t blame ‘em, right?” she joked, shooting a cocky grin at Lia.
Freen finally moved, turning slightly so she was facing Lia properly, her body still firmly pressed against Becky’s. She tilted her head, the picture of polite curiosity. “So, Lia,” she said sweetly. “You’re interested in theater?”
Lia barely glanced at Freen before nodding. “Yeah. I did a few productions at my old school. I heard there’s a new play coming up, so I figured I’d audition.”
Freen’s smile didn’t waver. “That’s great. We could use more talent.”
“Oh, for sure.” Lia’s gaze flickered back to Becky. “Especially when there’s already so much of it here.”
Becky, still grinning, ran a hand through her hair. “Well, I wouldn’t say I’m theater material, but I appreciate the compliment.”
Emma visibly winced.
Alice mouthed, You idiot.
Freen let out a soft hum. “Oh, Becky’s got plenty of talents.”
Becky smiled, about to agree, but the way Freen’s nails just slightly dug into her shoulder made her pause.
Lia, completely unaware of the brewing storm, leaned against the edge of a nearby chair. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already a star here too, Becky. You seem like the type to be good at anything.”
Becky chuckled. “I try.”
Freen finally moved—slowly, deliberately. She shifted on Becky’s lap, turning back to her fully, and let her fingers trail from Becky’s shoulder, down her arm, until they tangled with Becky’s hand. Then, without looking away from Lia, she lifted Becky’s hand to her lips and pressed a slow, lingering kiss against her knuckles.
Becky forgot how to breathe.
Alice muttered, “Jesus Christ.”
Lia’s expression faltered just a fraction, but she recovered quickly. “You two seem close.”
Freen finally looked at her directly, her smile sharp and sweet. “Oh, we are.” Her fingers laced even tighter with Becky’s. “Becky’s mine.”
Emma choked on air.
Alice grinned like she just won the lottery.
Becky, meanwhile, sat frozen—her brain short-circuiting between oh my god Freen is so hot and wait what’s happening.
Lia held Freen’s gaze for a second longer before laughing lightly. “Right. Got it.”
Freen’s smile widened, but her eyes stayed ice-cold. “Good.”
For the first time since entering the room, Lia looked genuinely uncomfortable. “Well, I should probably go find the director and ask about auditions. It was nice meeting you all.”
“Of course,” Freen said smoothly.
Lia gave Becky one last lingering glance before turning and walking off.
The second she was out of earshot, Emma let out a low whistle. “Damn, Freen. That was… that was something.”
Alice grinned. “That was terrifying.”
Becky finally regained her ability to speak. “What the hell was that?”
Freen turned back to her, her expression now soft and sweet again, as if nothing had happened. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair out of Becky’s face. “Nothing, babe. Just making sure things are clear.”
Becky narrowed her eyes. “That was not ‘nothing.’”
Alice snorted. “Becky, you just got claimed in front of an audience. That was war.”
Emma nodded. “And Freen won before the battle even started.”
Becky, still a little breathless, glanced back at Freen. “You’re scary sometimes but also so hot.”
Freen smiled, leaning in until their noses brushed. “Only when necessary.”
Becky exhaled slowly, her hands instinctively tightening around Freen’s waist. “...So hot.”
Alice groaned. “Oh god, I’m leaving.”
Emma shoved Becky’s shoulder. “Get a room, losers.”
Becky just grinned. “Gladly.”
And with that, Freen slid off Becky’s lap, adjusting her shirt as if she hadn’t just sent a girl running with a smile.
The New Girl had no idea what she had just walked into.
_______________________________________________
The midday sun cast a golden glow over the campus, students scattered in clusters, laughing, chatting, heading to lunch. Near the cafeteria entrance, Becky stood casually, one foot propped against a low wall, arms folded loosely, waiting.
She was supposed to meet Freen.
Instead, she bumped into Lia on her way.
“Oh my god,” Lia laughed, resting a hand lightly on Becky’s arm as she tilted her head back. “That’s hilarious. You actually tripped twice ?”
Becky chuckled, scratching the back of her head. “I swear, Jamie set me up. He pushed the cone in my way.”
Lia playfully squeezed Becky’s arm. “Honestly? I don’t blame him. You’re too cool for your own good, someone had to humble you.”
Becky grinned. “I try.”
She didn’t notice the way Lia’s fingers lingered a little longer than necessary. She didn’t notice the way Lia leaned in just slightly, the way her eyes flickered down to her lips for half a second too long.
She did notice, however, the sudden shift in atmosphere.
A prickling awareness crawled up the back of her neck. The faint sound of conversation around them seemed to dull, replaced by a hush—a stillness.
Lia must have sensed it too because she stiffened. Her fingers twitched against Becky’s arm, and she glanced over her shoulder—
—only to find Freen.
Walking toward them.
Deliberate steps. Slow. Measured. A chilling calm in her expression, in the way her eyes never left Lia.
Lia, always so confident, so smooth, faltered.
Freen didn’t break stride. She reached out and, with gentle but firm precision, took Becky’s wrist in her hand, her fingers barely brushing Lia’s in the process.
Lia immediately dropped her hand.
Freen smiled. Sweet. Soft. Terrifying .
“Do you always touch people so freely?”
Silence.
The kind that weighed heavy, that made the few bystanders within earshot stop mid-conversation, eyes darting between them.
Lia opened her mouth. Closed it. Tried again. “I was just—”
Becky, still oblivious, smiled, completely unfazed. “Oh! I was telling her about that Jamie incident, babe—”
Freen ignored her.
Instead, she lifted Becky’s hand—slowly, deliberately—brought it to her lips, and pressed the lightest, most deliberate kiss against her knuckles.
Eyes locked on Lia the entire time.
Becky’s brain short-circuited. Again.
Lia swallowed. “I—”
Freen finally turned to Becky, eyes softening instantly, voice warm. “We’re getting late for lunch, babe. I’m starving.”
Becky, still processing, nodded dumbly. “Uh—yeah. Yeah, okay.”
Freen smiled, lacing their fingers together effortlessly before glancing back at Lia one last time.
Lia, for all her charm, said nothing.
___
The cafeteria was alive with its usual energy—students chatting, trays clattering, and the occasional burst of laughter. But at one particular table, all eyes were locked on Freen, who was stirring her drink a little too calmly .
Emma, Alice, Jamie, and Nam exchanged knowing looks. Becky, completely oblivious, was busy picking through her food, happily munching on a fry.
“So, Freen,” Nam began, her tone just a little too casual. “How’s your day going?”
Freen took a slow sip of her drink. “Fine.”
Alice smirked. “Yeah? No particular… events standing out?”
Freen placed her glass down with a clink . “Not really.”
Emma grinned. “Right, right. Because someone definitely wasn’t looking like they were about to commit murder five minutes ago.”
Freen hummed. “Murder is a strong word.”
Jamie dramatically gasped. “Oh my god, she’s not even denying it.”
Becky, finally focusing on the conversation, frowned. “Wait, what are we talking about?”
Alice leaned in with a teasing smirk. “Oh, nothing. Just someone —” she flicked her gaze to Freen, “—giving the most terrifyingly polite death glare I’ve ever seen.”
Jamie cackled. “That hand kiss? That was straight-up territorial behavior in HD.”
Nam sighed dramatically. “You sure you’re okay, Freen? You’re not feeling… I don’t know… jealous , are you?”
Freen, as composed as ever, tilted her head. “Why would I be jealous?”
Alice snorted. “Girl.”
Freen calmly lifted another fry to her mouth, completely unbothered. “I have no reason to be.”
Nam smirked. “Mhm. Because Becky definitely noticed she was being flirted with, right?”
Becky blinked, genuinely confused. “Flirted with? By who?”
Silence.
Jamie nearly fell off his chair. Emma groaned into her hands. Alice wheezed.
Nam looked directly at Freen. “See? This is exactly what I mean. Your girlfriend is so oblivious, it’s actually impressive.”
Becky huffed. “Hey! That’s not true!”
Freen sighed, finally setting her fork down. She turned to Becky, watching her with that soft but exasperated look she reserved only for her. “Babe.”
Becky blinked. “Yeah?”
Freen reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Becky’s ear, her touch lingering. “Lia was flirting with you.”
Becky frowned. “No, she wasn’t! She was just being friendly.”
Freen just looked at her.
Alice laughed. “Oh my god, she still doesn’t get it.”
Becky crossed her arms. “I’m friendly with everyone! That doesn’t mean I’m flirting with them.”
Nam raised a brow. “Exactly.” She turned to Freen. “See? How can you even be jealous when your girlfriend is literally incapable of recognizing when someone is into her?”
Freen exhaled, running a hand through her hair. “I wasn’t jealous.”
Jamie pointed. “Liar.”
Freen groaned. “Fine.” She turned back to Becky, her gaze softening just slightly. “I might have been a little… irritated.”
Alice grinned. “Oh, here we go.”
Freen rolled her eyes but continued, voice calm but firm. “But it’s not like I can even be mad at you for it. You’re too… you.”
Becky blinked. “What does that mean?”
Freen exhaled, shaking her head with a fond smile. “It means you’re too good for your own damn self.”
Nam grinned. “Translation: ‘My sunshine golden retriever girlfriend is so kind and lovable that she attracts people without even trying, and I, a mere theater girl with murder in my heart, must suffer.’”
Jamie cackled. “Oh my god, it’s tragic.”
Alice nodded sagely. “A true rom-com heroine struggle.”
Freen ignored them, reaching for Becky’s hand and intertwining their fingers. “Just… don’t let people take advantage of your kindness, okay?”
Becky softened, squeezing her hand. “Babe, you know I’d never—”
Before she could finish, a familiar voice cut through the cafeteria.
It was her .
Lia, the theater club’s new addition, was walking by with a few classmates, but her gaze flickered toward Becky as she passed their table. “Hey, Becky!” she called, voice light, casual, too comfortable. “Hope I’ll see you at the club later?”
Becky's smile faltered a little. “Yeah, maybe”
Lia grinned. “Looking forward to it.”
And just like that, she walked away.
The table was silent.
Nam raised a brow. “Ohhh, she’s bold.”
Jamie snorted. “She really just keeps trying, huh?”
Becky, still oblivious, shrugged. “She’s just being nice.”
Freen, finally at her limit, exhaled. “You know what?”
Everyone turned to look at her.
Freen turned to Becky. “Babe.”
Becky looked up. “Yeah?”
Freen’s fingers curled around Becky’s chin, tilting her face up slightly—so effortlessly smooth that the entire table leaned in like they were watching live cinema.
“I love you,” Freen said, voice sweet , but her gaze flickered toward where Lia had disappeared. “But you’re too good for your own damn self.”
Becky smirked, amused. “Still not jealous, huh?”
Freen hummed. “Not jealous. Just… making sure the message is clear.”
Becky chuckled, turning to where Lia had walked away. “Oh, don’t worry, babe.” She leaned back in her seat, stretching her arms. “She’ll get the message soon enough.”
Nam blinked. “Wait. What does that mean?”
Becky simply grinned. “I may have already told her I have the best girlfriend in the world.”
Jamie choked. “Wait, when?! ”
Becky shrugged. “The first day I met her.”
Alice groaned. “Then why is she still trying? ”
Becky smirked. “That’s not my problem.”
Nam cackled. “Oh, I like this energy.”
Jamie leaned in dramatically. “You know what? I’m actually scared of these two as a couple.”
Alice sighed. “Yeah. They’re too powerful.”
Emma clapped her hands together. “Okay, so when’s the wedding?”
The table burst into laughter, but Becky and Freen were no longer paying attention.
Becky had turned back to Freen, the teasing glint in her eyes softening into something more genuine. “You really don’t have to worry about stuff like that, babe.”
Freen sighed, finally allowing herself to fully relax. “I know.”
Becky grinned. “But I do kinda like it when you get all intense like that.”
Freen groaned. “I knew you’d say that.”
Becky just leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Freen’s cheek before pulling back with a wink. “Can’t help it. My girlfriend is hot when she’s possessive.”
Freen buried her face in her hands as the table exploded with chaos.
___________________________________________
It had been a few days since The Incident , and life on campus had settled back into its usual rhythm. Or at least, it should have.
Except, Freen was losing her goddamn mind.
Lia wasn’t backing off.
Oh, she wasn’t obvious about it—no, no. She was smart . She never crossed any real lines. No outright flirting, no direct moves. But she was always there . Hovering around Becky like a mosquito that just wouldn’t die.
If Becky was grabbing coffee? Oh wow, what a coincidence, Lia was too!
If Becky was in the library? Guess who just so happened to need a book from the same shelf?
If Becky was leaving class? Oh hey, wait up! Mind if I walk with you?
And Becky—sweet, infuriatingly sweet Becky—just smiled and let her.
Freen had had enough.
It was Thursday afternoon, and the gang was hanging out at their usual spot in the quad. Becky was sitting cross-legged on the grass, happily scrolling through something on her phone, while Freen leaned back on her hands beside her.
Across from them, Nam and Jamie were deep in a debate about some TV show, while Alice and Emma were off to the side, watching a group of students attempt to set up a volleyball net.
And then—because Freen’s suffering was never-ending— Lia appeared.
“Oh, hey, Becky!” Lia called out, strolling over like she belonged there. “You got a second?”
Becky looked up. “Hey, Lia, What’s up?”
Freen’s jaw clenched.
Lia smiled too easily. “I was just wondering if you had time to help me run through my lines later? I have a monologue to rehearse, and I could really use your help.”
Nam’s eyebrows shot up, and she not-so-subtly nudged Jamie.
Jamie smirked. Oh, this was gonna be good.
Becky, still completely unaware of the territorial storm brewing beside her, nodded. “Oh! I—”
Before she could finish, Freen moved.
She didn’t even think about it. One second, she was sitting calmly, and the next, she was shifting closer, reaching out to rest a hand on Becky’s knee— casual , but firm.
And then, she smiled.
“Actually,” Freen said, voice smooth as silk, “we already have plans later.”
Becky blinked. “We do?”
Freen didn’t even look at her. Her eyes were locked on Lia, smile sharp. “Mhm.”
Lia hesitated for half a second, before recovering. “Oh? Well, maybe another day then—”
“Hmm.” Freen hummed, tilting her head slightly. “I don’t think that’ll work either. We’ve been so busy lately, haven’t we, babe?”
She turned to Becky then, hand sliding just a little higher on her knee.
Becky, catching something in Freen’s tone, felt a slow heat creep up her neck. “Uh—yeah, yeah, we do.”
Nam, barely containing her laughter, leaned over to Jamie. “Oh, she snapped snapped. ”
Jamie grinned. “We’re witnessing a live meltdown, and I love it.”
Lia, clearly sensing the shift in energy, let out a nervous chuckle. “Well, um… I guess I’ll find someone else then.”
Freen’s smile didn’t falter. “That’s a great idea.”
And just like that, Lia turned and walked away— quickly .
The moment she was gone, silence hung in the air for a beat… before Nam lost it.
“Okay, okay—” She wheezed, clutching her stomach. “That was so aggressive. I think you actually scared her.”
Jamie shook her head, grinning. “No thinking about it—she definitely scared her.”
Alice, returning from her volleyball-watching, frowned. “Wait, what just happened?”
Nam grinned. “Freen just went full ‘ hands off my girl ’ mode in broad daylight.”
Alice’s eyes widened. “Oh damn. Did Lia survive?”
“Barely.” Jamie snickered. “Honestly, I think she teleported outta here.”
Becky, still trying to recover from whatever the hell that was , turned to Freen, eyes narrowing. “Okay, what was that? ”
Freen, completely unbothered, picked up her drink and took a sip. “What was what? ”
Becky gaped at her, a little dazed. “You totally just scared her off”
Freen hummed. “Did I?”
Becky let out an exasperated laugh. “Oh my god, you were jealous.”
Freen finally turned to look at her, gaze dropping just slightly to Becky’s lips before flicking back up. “I was annoyed,” she corrected smoothly. “There’s a difference.”
Becky narrowed her eyes. “Right.”
Freen just smiled, leaning in way too close as she brushed her fingers along Becky’s wrist. “Do you have a problem with it?”
Becky swallowed. “Nope. Not at all.”
Nam groaned. “Oh my god , get a room.”
Jamie smirked. “They just might. ”
And honestly …
They did.
Because an hour later, Freen and Becky were mysteriously absent from the group chat, and when Nam finally texted Becky asking where they went—
All they got in response was:
“Had some errands to run 😉”
Nam screamed.