Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 15 :

Freen and Becky settled back down, trying to ignore the watchful (and teasing) eyes of their friends. As the night wore on, everyone gathered in the cozy living area of their temporary hideout, feeling more like a family than a team on the run.

Kade, never one to miss an opportunity, sidled over with a mischievous grin. "So, Becky," he began, leaning in just enough to make her blush, "what is it about our Freen that's got you all starry-eyed, huh?"

Becky's cheeks turned bright red. She looked down, fumbling with her hands, completely taken aback. "I, uh, well..." She glanced over at Freen, who was looking just as surprised—and a little smug, to be honest.

Freen shot Kade a playful glare, looping an arm around Becky's shoulders protectively. "Leave her alone, Kade," he said, his voice light but firm. "She's here to rest, not to answer your nosy questions."

Noey chimed in, a teasing smirk on his face. "Come on, Freen. We're just curious! It's not every day we see you like this." He looked at Becky, adding with a wink, "And for the record, Becky, I think babe suits him."

Becky, still flustered but starting to see the humor in it all, smiled shyly and shrugged. "I don't know... He's just... different. I feel safe with him." She glanced up at Freen, meeting his gaze for a second before looking away, her cheeks flushed.

"Oh, that's sweet!" Nam chimed in, clasping her hands together dramatically. "Our Freen has gone soft! Who would've guessed?"

Freen rolled his eyes, but his smile betrayed him. He couldn't deny the warmth he felt around Becky. "Enough, guys," he said, tightening his hold on her. "Or I'll start spilling secrets about you all."

Nam leaned closer, eyes wide. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" Freen's voice was laced with mischief. He looked over at Heng and Nam, smirking. "Like the time you two tried to hide your relationship from us?"

Heng and Nam both froze, exchanging guilty looks as everyone burst out laughing.

Becky's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Nam and Heng with a bright smile. "Oh! I didn't know that! You two are perfect for each other!" she exclaimed, her innocent happiness making everyone laugh even more.

Nam crossed her arms, pretending to be exasperated, but she couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks, Becky," she replied. "Now we just need to help you keep this one"—she gestured at Freen—"in line."

Freen raised his eyebrows, feigning offense. "I'm right here, you know."

Becky's giggle lightened the room even more. "I think I can handle him," she said softly, looking up at Freen with her warm, genuine smile.

As the evening continued, Kade teased Noey for watching Irin a little too closely, and Irin, sensing it, playfully elbowed Noey, who tried to act unfazed but was clearly flustered.

Finally, as the group settled into a comfortable quiet, Becky turned to Freen, her head resting against his shoulder. "I never thought I'd find family like this," she whispered, a soft smile on her lips.

Freen wrapped an arm around her shoulders, looking down at her with a rare, open affection. "Neither did I," he replied. "But with you all... I think I finally have."

As the night grew deeper and everyone started to wind down, Freen leaned close to Becky, whispering, "You look tired, Princess."

Becky's cheeks turned pink at the new nickname. "I'm fine, Babe," she replied softly, catching herself before shyly glancing away.

Kade, who was listening in from across the room, couldn't resist. "Did I just hear 'Babe' and 'Princess' in the same sentence? Looks like you two are getting cozier by the minute!"

Becky's face turned redder, but she laughed, not minding the teasing. Freen chuckled, too, giving Kade a mock glare. "Jealous, Kade? You know, you're free to go find someone who might call you 'Babe' if you want."

Nam leaned into the banter. "Careful, Kade. You might be single for life with that attitude."

Heng joined in, nudging Kade's arm. "With us all pairing up, you better get used to being a third wheel."

"Oh, please," Kade scoffed, crossing his arms, "I'm more than happy as the group's charming bachelor. Besides, someone has to be around to keep you guys grounded."

Becky giggled, leaning closer to Freen. "He's right, Bunny. We'd miss Kade's jokes if he went off on some romantic adventure of his own."

"Bunny, huh?" Nam teased, her eyebrow raised. "I knew he was soft, but I didn't think he was that soft."

Freen rolled his eyes but smiled, holding Becky's hand a little tighter. "I'm happy with my Princess and my Becbec right here," he said, giving Becky a gentle look that made her heart flutter.

Becky looked up at Freen, her own eyes warm with affection. "And I've got my Bunny," she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder as a sense of peace settled over her.

Nam and Heng exchanged a knowing glance, while Kade feigned exasperation. "Alright, alright, before we're drowning in nicknames, can we all agree that you two have hit max sweetness?"

Becky laughed, feeling safe and cherished in the circle of her friends—and especially in Freen's arms. The evening carried on with warmth and lighthearted banter, a much-needed respite from all the challenges they had faced. And as they exchanged teasing words and laughter, they all knew they had found something rare and unbreakable—a family that had come together against all odds.