The Unspoken Currents

Breaking the Surface

(A.N. sorry to bother you with the author note but I'd appreciate some feedback. For the people who are reading this— should I continue or are we not into it?)

—
Weeks had passed since that first rainy day, and the library project sessions had become a regular part of Freen's routine. Becky hadn't pushed for more personal interaction outside of their project work, which was a relief to Freen. Yet, she couldn't deny the strange comfort she found in their quiet study sessions.

Today, however, was different.

"Hey, what do you think about meeting somewhere different today?" Becky asked after class, her voice light but her eyes carrying a hint of hope. "There's this cozy café nearby. We could work there instead of the library."

Freen hesitated. The idea of changing their usual spot felt risky, like it might blur the boundaries she had carefully set. But the look in Becky's eyes—hopeful and inviting—made her pause.

"Okay," Freen finally agreed, her voice cautious. "Sure, why not."

---

The café was warm and inviting, a haven of wooden tables, plush chairs, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Soft, yellow lights hung from the ceiling, casting a gentle glow over the space. It was a far cry from the sterile quiet of the school library, and Freen found herself feeling surprisingly at ease.

They settled into a corner table by the window, with a view of the bustling street outside. Becky ordered a hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, her eyes lighting up when the drink arrived with a cookie on the side.

Freen watched with a faint smile as Becky took a sip, her eyes closing for a moment in bliss. "This is the best," Becky declared, licking a bit of whipped cream off her lip. "You have to try it next time."

"Maybe," Freen said, her voice softer than usual. She opted for a simple black coffee, the warmth of the cup grounding her.

They began their work, the gentle hum of conversation around them providing a soothing backdrop. Becky was in her element, chatting easily about the project while jotting down notes, her enthusiasm infectious.

But Freen noticed something different about Becky today, a slight shadow in her otherwise bright demeanor. It was as if Becky's usual energy was dimmed, just a little. Freen couldn't quite place it, but it was there—a hint of something deeper beneath the surface.

"So, what do you think about this angle?" Becky asked suddenly, her brow furrowed as she looked at their notes. "Is it too much?"

Freen glanced over, considering the suggestion. "No, it's good," she said after a moment. "It adds depth to the argument."

Becky nodded, but her smile was more subdued. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just overthinking it."

Freen raised an eyebrow. "Do you always overthink?"

Becky let out a small laugh, but it lacked its usual lightness. "All the time. You'd be surprised."

Freen was surprised. Becky always seemed so confident, so effortlessly sure of herself. The idea that she might overthink or doubt anything didn't fit the image Freen had built in her mind.

"I guess I just... want to get things right," Becky added, her voice quieter now. "You know?"

Freen nodded slowly, sensing there was more behind the words. "Yeah, I get that."

Becky hesitated, as if deciding whether to say more. Then, almost offhandedly, she added, "Sometimes it feels like... there's this pressure to be perfect, you know? Especially with my family being so... well-known and all."