Unpredictable Connection

23. Rumors and Whispers

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the college garden. Leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and the laughter of students drifted through the air like distant music.

Kate and Noey were lounging on one of the stone benches under a tall tree, their bags sprawled beside them. The hum of campus life buzzed around them, but their little corner was calm—until Engfa approached.

She walked with her usual composed grace, her bag slung over one shoulder. Heng trailed beside her, scrolling through his phone as they crossed the cobbled path.

Kate waved lazily, and Noey perked up. "Hey! Over here!"

Engfa smiled and took a seat across from them, Heng settling next to her. The four had barely exchanged pleasantries when the sound of hurried footsteps drew their attention.

Nam came jogging toward them, looking exasperated. Char and Irin followed close behind, slightly breathless from trying to keep up.

Kate leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "What's this now? You racing with juniors, Nam?"

Nam dropped onto the bench beside her, glaring, "I'm not racing with them, you jerk."

Char, still catching her breath, cut in urgently. "Phi—seriously. You guys need to check the college's social media group. Now."

Irin nodded, sliding onto the bench beside Noey. "It's everywhere. Everyone's talking about P'Freen and Becky."

A sudden hush fell over the group. Engfa's eyes widened, and she immediately reached for her phone. Kate and Noey mirrored her, unlocking their screens in sync.

The silence cracked with Engfa's gasp. "What on earth..."

Kate stared, stunned, her lips parting but no words escaping.

Noey scoffed with an unimpressed expression. "I knew it."

Nam frowned. "What did you know?"

"That something was going on between those two," Noey said, brushing her hair back with a sigh. "It was just a matter of time."

Kate snorted. "And look at Miss Psych Major here—clueless."

Nam glared. "Excuse you! I've been buried in thesis work. I analyze criminal minds, not real-life love stories!"

"Same thing," Kate muttered.

Engfa closed her eyes briefly, trying to suppress the rising tension. "Guys, stop. This... this is going to turn into a disaster."

Heng, who had remained silent, pointed at his screen. "Look at the caption."

Everyone's attention snapped back to the image on the post. It was candid—Freen side-hugging Becky in the library, the two of them laughing at something just out of frame.

The caption read:

"Who's the lucky girl getting a private tutorial from Freen?"

Irin shook her head. "Forget the caption. The comments are worse. People are turning it into a soap opera."

"Who even posted this?" Engfa muttered, scrolling. "It's a brand new account."

Everyone checked. Anonymous. No bio. But the comments section was already spiraling into chaos.

Nam exhaled sharply. "If Ling sees this..."

Engfa's jaw tensed. "Then..."

Char, now seated close beside Engfa, spoke softly, voice tinged with concern. "Forget Ling for a moment. What if this reaches Freen's mom?"