Unpredictable Connection

25. A Play of Faces

The weekend morning unfolded quietly, sun rays stretching lazily through the clouds as Freen stood in front of her car, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored beige pants that hugged her frame just right. Her expression was unreadable—until she raised a single brow at the group waiting for her in the parking area.

"Okay, I'm ready. But... why exactly are all of you here?" she asked, folding her arms, her voice carrying just the right amount of suspicion.

Engfa pushed off the car she was leaning on and straightened, flashing a practiced grin. "Nam and I are heading to the outer city for business. Remember Uncle's other company?"

Freen nodded slowly, buying the excuse without knowing it was a carefully constructed lie. The so-called company didn't even exist in their schedule—every weekend, Nam and Engfa visited Serena.

Nam chimed in, adjusting her sunglasses, "Yeah, just handling some family stuff."

Kate squinted at Freen, then gave a full once-over with clear amusement flickering in her eyes. "You're looking suspiciously hot today... Don't tell me you've had a secret crush on Ling all along?"

Everyone's eyes widened, and even Heng let out a quiet, surprised laugh.

Freen groaned, rolling her eyes. "No, Kate. She's a decent girl. Polite. Sweet. If she's willing, I'm not against giving this arrangement a try."

Gasps echoed around her like dominoes falling.

Krik cleared his throat, brushing his hand through his hair awkwardly. "Well, I just dropped by because Uncle mentioned something about business. But... he didn't say you two were involved in it too." He looked pointedly at Nam and Engfa.

The girls exchanged a look. Engfa opened her mouth, then closed it, struggling to find a quick excuse. Nam, ever the smooth one, stepped forward with a dramatic sigh and placed a hand on her hip.

"That's our business, Mr. Business Tycoon. You stay in your lane," she said with a wink, waving Krik off like a buzzing mosquito.

Laughter broke through the group, tension momentarily dissolving. Engfa gave Nam a small nod of thanks as they both headed to their car. Freen turned to Heng just as they opened the door.

"P'Heng, I deserve to know. Everything," she said, her voice calm but firm.

Heng frowned slightly, glancing at Engfa and Nam, who promptly ignored him and slipped into the car.

"That girl. Ling," Freen added, giving Heng a meaningful look.

"Good luck!" Engfa called from the window before they drove off.

Kate and Krik went inside to greet Freen's mother, leaving Heng and Freen alone in the parking lot. The morning breeze tousled Heng's hair as he leaned slightly against the car.

"Well, you already know her name. She's a second-year at our college. Into music... cricket or football, depending on her mood."

Freen tilted her head, amused. "Her team preference changes with her mood?"

"Exactly. Don't even try figuring it out." Heng rolled his eyes.

Freen chuckled softly, crossing her arms again.

"She's well-mannered," Heng continued, "and from a respected family. Kind of reminds me of Nam."

That caught Freen's attention. "How so?"

Heng grinned. "She's emotional. Overthinks things. Cheerful but calculated. Smart. Speaks when it matters. Good student. But..." He paused dramatically. "A bit unromantic."