How to be loved

22 - I'm home, and safe

HOW TO BE LOVED

22  - I'm home, and safe

Becky's POV

"Hey, Becbec! Wake up!" A voice pierced through the haze. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see Freen's smiling face. It took a moment for the nickname to register, but when it did, I couldn't help but think about how adorable it sounded coming from her, only her.

"We're here," she said softly.

I looked around and realized we were at her apartment. I turned to her, confusion evident in my eyes.

"Look, you're drunk, and I know you're living alone. So I brought you home. You can spend the night at my place," Freen explained.

"Nah! I can drive," I protested, trying my best to appear sober.

"No, Becky! You are not driving in this state," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.

"Hey! I promise I can drive. I am tipsy, but I am not drunk," I insisted, my words slurring slightly.

Freen sighed, her patience thinning. "You're so stubborn. Here's the deal. You come in, and I'll make you some soup to sober up. Then, afterwards, you need to walk a straight line for ten steps without wobbling. If you can do that, I'll let you drive home. If not, you're staying at my place whether you like it or not," she declared with a commanding tone.

Her eyes softened as she looked at me, and I could see the genuine concern behind her firm exterior. I knew she was right, but my pride and the alcohol were making me resist.

"Fine," I mumbled, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me.

Freen helped me out of the car and guided me inside her apartment. The warmth of her home enveloped me, and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. She led me to the couch, and I sank into it, my head swimming.

"I'll be right back with that soup," she said, disappearing into the kitchen. "Stay here, okay?" she added softly, her voice a soothing lullaby.

I nodded, too tired to argue anymore.

As I sat there, my eyes began to droop, the events of the night catching up with me.

My own words reverberated in my mind: "I've got a secret... You know, Freen, I really like you. Like, a lot."

"Fuck," I softly uttered to myself. I hope she didn't think too much about it.

I slapped my mouth, "Why would you say that?" What would Freen think of me? That I'm taking advantage of her kindness? That even though I know she's happy with Nam, I still came to the conclusion that I like her more than a friend should?

I buried my face in my hands, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret. The room was quiet except for the distant sound of Freen moving around in the kitchen. I could hear her humming softly, a melody that somehow soothed my racing thoughts.

Moments later, Freen returned with a steaming bowl of soup. She set it down on the coffee table and sat beside me, her expression gentle.

"Here you go. This should help," she said, her eyes filled with understanding.

I took the bowl, my hands trembling slightly. "Thanks, Freen. And... I'm sorry for being a burden."

"You're not," Freen smiled warmly. "But you're being stubborn. Just stay, please, Becbec."

I wanted to agree, but I couldn't. I didn't want to intrude. It was enough that I was starting to feel things I shouldn't since we kissed. Staying at her place would be too much, especially with her lover not around.