Unpredictable Connection

20. Scars Beneath the Surface

3rd person's POV(Present Time):

Char stared at Engfa, her expression frozen in disbelief. "Death?" she whispered.

Engfa exhaled slowly, nodding. "Not exactly death... but close enough. Something no less painful."

A chill ran down Char's spine. Despite the tension, her curiosity intensified. "What happened after you all came back from that vacation?"

Engfa's voice softened. "After that unforgettable week, we returned to our routines. Back to classes, lectures, the usual chaos. Then came the exams. Surprisingly, Freen topped the results."

Char blinked, momentarily thrown off. She let out an amused laugh, catching the subtle eye-roll Engfa gave at the mention of Freen's academic triumph.

"I swear," Engfa chuckled, "I thought she was going to fail. But maybe luck decided to show up."

"Or maybe she was just focused... trying to get back to that mountain villa?" Char teased.

Engfa turned to her, smiling—her gaze lingering just a little longer than necessary. There was something in the way Char's eyes gleamed in the library's warm light, something so quietly beautiful. Engfa found herself tucking a loose strand of hair behind Char's ear before she could even think.

Char cleared her throat, flustered. Engfa blinked and pulled back, inwardly scolding herself for drifting.

"What happened next, Engfa?" Char asked, resting her head against her palm, elbow propped casually on the table. The distance between them was barely a breath.

Engfa exhaled and continued, her tone dipping into something heavier. "Over time, our bond—Noey, Nam, Freen, Serena, and me—grew tighter. Heidi and her sister Nita joined us too. But there was one constant friction. Freen kept insisting Rebecca should be part of the group."

Char frowned. "But you and Noey didn't agree?"

Engfa's jaw tensed. "We couldn't stand how Rebecca treated Freen."

Char leaned forward, brows knitted. "What did she do this time?"

Engfa's eyes darkened. "She slapped Freen."

Char's breath caught. She remembered Becky once mentioning a terrible mistake from her past—this must've been it.

"Why would she...?"

Engfa's voice dropped to a whisper. "That evening..."

Engfa's POV (Flashback):

The balcony felt warm with late afternoon sunlight. Nam, Phi, and I stood there, deep in conversation. Phi was excited—nervously so—talking about her upcoming proposal to P'Heidi. Then, just below us, a sound cracked through the air like a whip.

A slap.

We turned instinctively.

Freen stood in the garden, her hand pressed to her cheek, the bouquet she'd picked trembling in her grip. And standing before her—fury written across her face—was Rebecca.

Her voice rang out loud, sharp as a blade.
"Don't you have any self-respect? Following me around like a stray dog? I don't even remember your name—just stop already! I don't need your help, and I sure as hell don't need you in my life! What are you even doing with those flowers? Don't—!"

Nam didn't wait. She stormed downstairs, rage radiating from every step. Phi and I exchanged a look and bolted after her.

By the time we reached the garden, Nam was already shouting.