Beneath the Ice: A University Love Story

14 : The First Match and Punishment

That day, Freen was sitting in the cafeteria with her friends, Nam, Noey, and Heng. They were discussing Seng's return. Nam, who had been friends with Seng and Freen since childhood, scoffed.

"I'm still mad at him," Nam said, rolling her eyes.

"I was too," Freen admitted. "But he said he didn't want to disturb us in the middle of the night, so that's why he left without saying goodbye."

Nam nodded. "Oh, okay. Still doesn't mean he's off the hook," she added playfully.

Suddenly, Seng appeared, walking toward their table with a big smile. "Long time no see, guys!" he said, bumping fists with Nam.

"It's only been a few years," Nam teased, smirking at him. "You didn't miss me?" Seng asked, acting wounded. "Not at all," Nam replied with a smirk. "Don't be so dramatic. Sit and eat."

The only empty seat was next to Freen, so Seng sat down. "Hey," he greeted her, and she greeted him back with a nod. "How was your class?" Freen asked.

"It was good," Seng replied. "I met a girl today." He told her. "In your class?" Freen asked, curious.

"Yup. She was cool and even shared her notes with me," Seng said, smiling brightly. Nam raised an eyebrow. "You're talking like you've got a crush on her."

Seng chuckled softly. "I found her attractive." 

"What? From the day I met you, you've always been gay. When did you start liking girls?" Nam asked, clearly surprised. Freen also looked curious. Seng had only ever had boyfriends and wasn't into girls at all, often ignoring them.

Freen, just as surprised, looked at Seng, remembering that he had only dated boys in the past. "Yeah, you never showed any interest in girls before," she added.

Seng shrugged. "I don't know, it's a first for me. She's an exception, I guess."

"Wow, I didn't see that coming," Nam said, clearly amused. "So, did you ever like Freen?"

Seng scrunched his face in mock disgust. "Eww, no way. Freen's like my sister! I'm into... well, you know."

Everyone laughed, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics. As they ate, Freen's eyes wandered, searching for the person she had been hoping to see all day. Finally, her eyes locked onto Becky, who was entering the cafeteria with two new faces—Engfa and Friend.

Becky was laughing at something Friend had said, and when she noticed Freen, her smile widened. She pouted playfully, making Freen smile back.

"Such a baby," Freen whispered to herself, turning her attention back to her food. Nam, noticing everything, gave her a knowing smile but said nothing.

......

A Few Days Later – The Championship

It was the day of Becky's first match in the championship. The arena was buzzing with excitement as everyone waited for the match to begin. Becky was in the dressing room, already in her boxing gear, mentally preparing herself. She had her jersey jacket on when the door opened, and Freen walked in.

"Are you ready?" Freen asked, her voice soft as she approached.

Becky smiled at the sight of her. "I'm ready," she replied.

Freen checked Becky from head to toe, making sure she was prepared. "Just don't get hurt, okay?" Freen said, concern clear in her voice as she caressed Becky's cheek.