Tangled Affections

53.

Freen’s PoV:

The restaurant buzzed with energy as we all sat around the table, celebrating Becky’s mom’s birthday. The cake was grand, with layers of white frosting and intricate flowers carved from icing. As Becky’s mom blew out the candles, the warm glow of the restaurant made everything feel perfect—like we were one big happy family.

But despite the joy, I couldn’t shake off the nerves that crept up my spine as Rose entered the restaurant with her dad. I caught her eye for just a second, and immediately, my palms felt sweaty. Why was I so nervous around her? It’s just Rose, Freen, get it together.

Becky must’ve sensed my unease because, without saying a word, she squeezed my hand under the table, reassuring me with that calm smile of hers. "Don't worry," she whispered, "Rose is totally fine with you being here."

I exhaled, relaxing a little. Why am I always overthinking? But then, something unexpected caught my attention. Rose wasn’t focused on me at all. Her eyes were somewhere else—locked on someone across the room.

I turned to follow her gaze and saw a girl sitting quietly at another table, her short hair styled effortlessly, and her whole vibe radiating cool confidence. It was obvious—this was the person Rose had been eyeing all along. My shoulders dropped, and a wave of relief washed over me. So that's why Rose isn't bothered by me…

As we continued with the celebration, cutting the cake and exchanging laughter, the atmosphere felt light. Becky's mom was laughing, surrounded by those who loved her. It was a wholesome moment, and it reminded me of times with my own mom. The warmth of Becky’s family started to feel like something I could get used to.

Then, something strange happened.

Becky, without warning, stood up from her seat. All eyes turned to her, and even I blinked in surprise. What was she up to?

She didn’t say anything. Instead, she walked over to the table where that girl—Rose’s crush—was sitting. The girl looked up, slightly startled, as Becky approached her. My heart thudded in my chest, curious about what was going on.

Becky casually reached out, took the girl’s hand, and led her over to our table. Everyone’s eyes were wide with confusion, especially Rose’s. The poor girl looked like she was about to faint from shock.

When they finally arrived at our table, Becky smiled warmly at everyone. “Everyone,” she began, her voice calm and composed, “this is Jiso.”

The girl—Jiso—gave a small, shy smile, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention on her. But it was what Becky said next that turned the entire table upside down.

“She’s my sister’s crush.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Rose’s jaw dropped, and her face turned a deep shade of red. She looked like she was ready to bolt out of the restaurant, her eyes wide with embarrassment.

Becky, on the other hand, was as cool as a cucumber, completely oblivious to the bombshell she had just dropped. She turned to Rose, gave her an encouraging nod, and said, “You’re welcome, sis.”

Rose blinked at her, utterly mortified. “Becky, what… what are you doing?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Becky just shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m helping you out, duh.”

I couldn’t help it—I burst into laughter. The whole situation was so unexpected, so completely Becky, that it broke the tension. Becky’s mom started chuckling too, and soon the entire table was laughing—except Rose, of course. She was still too busy trying to figure out how to dig herself out of the hole Becky had just put her in.

Jiso, on the other hand, was blushing furiously, clearly taken aback by the whole ordeal. She glanced awkwardly at Rose, who was now looking anywhere but at her.

Finally, Becky’s mom chimed in, wiping a tear from her eye. “Oh, Becky, you sure know how to create a scene!” she said with a wide grin.

Rose, still blushing, shot Becky a look that could have killed. “I cannot believe you just did that.”

Becky just winked. “You’ll thank me later.”

Rose groaned, hiding her face in her hands. But as embarrassing as it was, I could see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Becky was right. Rose didn’t have anything to worry about. We all celebrated Becky’s mom’s birthday grandly, cutting the cake, eating snacks, and enjoying each other’s company. It felt like a family—an odd, mismatched family, but a family nonetheless.

As dinner was served, I caught Rose sneaking glances at Jiso from time to time, her cheeks still pink with embarrassment but softening with every passing minute. Maybe this was Becky’s plan all along—to force her sister out of her shell.

And honestly? It worked.

..............