Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 04

As Freen turned back to the group, he felt the gravity of the moment settle over them like a thick fog. The shadows outside were growing bolder, their movements deliberate and threatening.

"Everyone, grab a weapon," Kade commanded, urgency ringing in his voice. The group moved quickly, each of them taking up makeshift arms—pipes, knives, anything that could serve as a defense.

Freen felt a wave of adrenaline wash over him. He picked up a metal rod, testing its weight in his hands. "We need to hold our ground until we can find an exit," he said, his voice steady despite the rapid beating of his heart.

Becky took a position beside him, brandishing a sturdy crowbar she had found. "I'm not leaving your side," she stated, determination etched into her features.

The crash they heard earlier echoed in the distance, followed by shouts. The thugs were closing in, and they could sense the impending confrontation.

"Let's set up in the back," Heng suggested, leading the way as they moved deeper into the safe house. The back room was smaller but had fewer windows, providing some cover. They positioned themselves strategically, ready to fight back.

Just as they settled in, the door burst open, and two thugs stormed in, weapons drawn. "Get down!" Freen shouted, swinging the metal rod toward the first attacker. The clang of metal against metal filled the room, and chaos erupted.

Freen felt the rush of the fight surge through him, pushing aside the pain from his wound. He was determined to protect Becky and his friends. But as he engaged with one thug, another slipped past him and lunged at Becky.

"Look out!" Freen yelled, panic clawing at his chest.

Becky reacted quickly, swinging her crowbar with precision. She caught the thug in the side, causing him to stagger back. But in that split second, Freen felt a sharp pain in his side as the first thug retaliated, delivering a solid blow. He gasped, the pain knocking the wind out of him.

"Freen!" Becky shouted, her voice filled with alarm.

"Stay back!" he grunted, trying to regain his footing. The adrenaline was wearing thin, and the pain intensified, making it hard to focus.

Kade joined the fray, tackling the thug who had struck Freen, while Heng and Nam fought against the second attacker. The sounds of struggle filled the room, each clash heightening the tension.

In the midst of the chaos, Freen stumbled back, gripping his side as fresh blood seeped through the bandages. He could feel the panic rising again, threatening to drown him.

"Breathe, Freen!" Becky urged, rushing to his side. She grabbed his arm, steadying him. "You need to sit down."

"No, we have to—" he began, but she cut him off.

"Now!" she insisted, urgency in her voice.

Freen reluctantly sank to the ground, the fight continuing around him. He felt weak, and the pounding rain outside echoed the turmoil in his mind. "I can't let you do this alone," he gasped, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"You're not alone," she said fiercely, kneeling beside him. "Let me help you."

As Becky worked quickly to reapply pressure to his wound, Kade and Heng finally subdued the two attackers, leaving them unconscious on the floor. They turned to find Freen struggling to keep his composure.

"What happened?" Kade asked, rushing over to assess the situation.

"He's hurt," Becky replied, her focus solely on Freen. "We need to stop the bleeding."

"Stay with me, Freen," Kade said, kneeling next to him. "We're not done yet."

Freen clenched his jaw, the pain blurring his vision. "I'm fine," he lied, but his voice faltered.

"Let us handle this," Heng said, glancing at the bodies sprawled on the ground. "We need to secure the house and figure out our next move."

Becky looked up at Heng, fear in her eyes. "He can't move like this. We need to patch him up."

Kade nodded. "We'll take care of it. Just focus on him."

With Becky's hands working diligently, Freen felt a warmth spread through him—not just from her care, but from the bond they had forged in the chaos. "You shouldn't have to do this," he murmured.

"Just let me do my job," she replied softly, her eyes locked onto his. "You're worth it."

With her encouragement, Freen felt a flicker of strength return. He watched as Kade and Heng moved around the safe house, reinforcing barricades and keeping watch for any further threats.

As Becky applied fresh bandages, Freen took a deep breath, focusing on her soothing presence. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to thank me," she replied, her expression serious yet gentle. "Just promise me you'll take it easy for a bit."

"Promise," he said, knowing that he would do whatever it took to protect her and their friends.

The storm outside continued to rage, but inside, amidst the chaos, Freen felt a sense of solidarity building. They would face whatever came next together.