Unpredictable Connection

6.Thanks Rain

Becky's POV

The engine roared to life as Freen began driving. She looked so incredibly handsome behind the wheel, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her presence. But the sound of Nam's phone ringing snapped me back to reality. I turned my attention to the window, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest as I looked out at the passing scenery.

Nam answered the call sweetly, and when she hung up, she casually asked, "Can you drive faster?"

Freen shot her a pointed look. "You want us all to die, Nam?"

"I don't want to die either, but Krik warned me it's going to rain soon. Can you at least try to understand?"

Freen's expression changed at that, and she pressed the pedal harder. I couldn't help but wonder: why was she in such a rush? She used to love the rain. Didn't she anymore?

"Ugh, I'm so sleepy. Good night, everyone." Nam's words barely registered as she quickly fell asleep, her head resting against the seat. Slowly, Irin and Char followed suit, their eyes drifting shut. I could see Freen was starting to look tired as well, so I decided to break the silence.

"Are you sleepy?" I asked hesitantly.

Her response was as cold as ice. "Why ask me when you already know the answer?"

I swallowed my hurt and shrugged it off. "Just wanted to talk to you."

"I'm not in the mood for conversation with a stranger."

The sting of her words hit me like a slap, and I felt tears threatening to well up. I turned my face to the window, trying to hide the hurt. Freen kept her eyes on the road, but after a few minutes of tense silence, she finally spoke again.

"Hope you're not crying because of what I said. I was just stressed about the rain and wanted to drive quickly so we could all get home safe and dry."

Her words caught me off guard, and I was surprised by her explanation. It didn't erase the hurt, but it did give me something to hold on to.

"It's okay. But... are you afraid of rain?" I asked cautiously.

She hesitated for a moment, and I thought maybe I had crossed a line. But to my surprise, she answered.

"I'm not afraid of the rain, Becky. I just don't like driving in it."

Something in her tone made me think she was hiding more, but I didn't feel it was my place to press. Maybe, someday, I'd have the right to ask. For now, I settled back into my seat, lost in my thoughts.

It wasn't until 11:20 p.m. that we finally arrived at Irin's house. I called to wake Char and Irin, and when they groggily climbed out of the car, the sky opened up and it began to rain.

"I'd love to invite you all inside," Irin said, glancing between Nam and Freen. "Please, don't say no."

Freen didn't even bat an eyelash. "No. We need to get back. Our friends are waiting at my condo."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, so it's not just you two? All of them are going to be there?" A huge weight lifted off my chest, and I felt relieved.

Char cut in, her usual smile bright. "Fine, but you're taking us inside."

Freen's eyes narrowed in annoyance, but Nam shrugged it off with a grin. "Alright, alright, we'll go in."

I couldn't help but chuckle as we all got out of the car and ran into Irin's house, trying to avoid getting too wet. Nam and Freen walked ahead, with Nam teasing Freen as they went inside.