Unpredictable Connection

22. Did I Say I Hated You?

3rd Person's POV:

The very next day, as Engfa and Nam stepped into the canteen, Engfa's gaze quickly landed on a familiar corner. Char, Becky, and Irin were already seated, chatting softly. A gentle smile touched Engfa's lips as she walked over.

"Having fun, girls?" she asked lightly.

Becky and Irin looked up, their smiles blooming in unison. "Yes, P'Fa. Join us!"

Nam offered them a cheerful wave and soon joined the table as well. The five of them settled comfortably, their conversation blending with the morning buzz of students around. Gradually, more members of their group arrived and took their seats, creating a cozy cluster at the long table.

But moments later, Char's eyes widened, her jaw slowly dropping. Following her gaze, the rest of them froze.

Noey and Freen had just walked in—looking like they'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Cool confidence radiated off them like sunlight, commanding the attention of the entire canteen.

Irin nearly choked on her water while Becky sputtered quietly, managing to hold it together—barely.

Engfa chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Here they come..."

Nam turned to her, surprised. "You knew they were showing up together?"

Engfa leaned back casually in her chair and hummed. "Of course. They argue all the time, but their bond? It's deeper than they let on."

Soon, Freen and Noey joined the table. Nam squinted at them both and leaned forward. "You. And you." She pointed. "When did you two make peace?"

Noey smirked. "Well, someone decided to knock on my door at three in the morning. I had no choice but to forgive her."

Freen rolled her eyes, unable to hide the smirk tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Can we just eat now?"

Laughter rippled around the table, easing the earlier surprise. But then Freen glanced at Engfa, her expression shifting.

"I'm sorry, P'Fa," she said. "I... I'll meet that girl. What's her name again?"

Engfa's eyes flickered across the table. Becky had looked down, suddenly very focused on her food. Irin subtly reached under the table, gently squeezing Becky's hand. And Char—Char was looking straight at Engfa, her gaze silently pleading.

Engfa knew she was supposed to encourage Freen to meet the girl—someone handpicked by her parents. But with that unspoken desperation in Char's eyes... she couldn't.

Clearing her throat, Engfa calmly finished the last sip of her coffee. "Alright then. Meet her tomorrow. Leave the rest to me."

She stood up, slinging her bag over one shoulder. A sly smirk played on her lips—clearly, she had a plan brewing.

"Let's go, Heng. I've got some important work," she said, already heading off.

Heng followed with a nod, but before leaving, Engfa gave Char a reassuring smile. One that didn't go unnoticed.

Nam arched a brow, eyeing the subtle exchange as she sipped her drink. "God knows what's going on in this group..."

The rest of them exchanged puzzled looks, then shrugged and returned to their breakfast.

Later, as everyone dispersed toward their classes, Becky found herself trailing behind Freen. When she noticed the hallway empty around them, she quickened her pace and gently reached out, holding Freen's hand.

"P'Freen..."

Freen felt her heart jolt at the touch. She turned, meeting Becky's eyes filled with concern.