Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 22:

After a few quiet days, Freen invites Becky to spend the evening with him at his mansion. It's a peaceful moment away from all the drama, with just the two of them in the calm of Freen's home.

As Becky looks around, admiring the spacious mansion, Freen can't help but feel his heart swell with a mix of pride and excitement. She's seated in his living room, eyes wide with curiosity, taking in the sophisticated decor and paintings on the walls. Freen leans against the couch, watching her, feeling grateful that she's here and that he can share this world with her.

"So, what's it like... living in a place like this?" Becky asks innocently, glancing around.

Freen chuckles. "It's just a place, really. After a while, it's only walls and furniture. What makes it feel like home is... having someone here," he says, his voice softening.

Becky blushes, ducking her head shyly. "I think my entire apartment could fit in your living room," she jokes, glancing around with an innocent sparkle in her eyes.

"Maybe, but it's cozy. I actually really like it," Freen replies, remembering the warmth he felt the one time he visited her tiny apartment. "It's real, and it has you there."

Freen moves closer and rests his hand on hers, looking into her eyes with a gentle smile. "You're making this place feel like home, Becbec."

Suddenly, there's a knock at the door, and in come Nam, Heng, and Kade with bags of takeout and grins on their faces. "Hope we're not interrupting anything," Nam says with a smirk, giving Freen a knowing look.

Becky jumps a little at the sudden commotion, but she smiles brightly when she sees them, relieved and happy to be surrounded by friends. Nam, Heng, and Kade make themselves comfortable in the living room, and Freen sends them a lighthearted but annoyed glare.

As they all settle down and share the food, Nam and Heng can't resist poking fun at Freen and Becky's closeness. "So, Freen, planning on letting Becky get her own place anytime soon?" Heng teases with a wink.

Kade joins in, chuckling. "Maybe Freen's thinking of upgrading Becky's apartment—one with his last name on it."

Becky blushes a deep red, clearly flustered, but she laughs it off. "You guys are just too much," she mumbles, looking away shyly.

Freen rolls his eyes and puts his arm protectively around Becky's shoulder. "You know, if I have my way, you'll be seeing a lot more of Becky around here," he says with a grin, making her blush even deeper.

After a fun evening of jokes, stories, and laughter, Nam and Heng start cleaning up. "Alright, you lovebirds, we'll leave you two to enjoy the rest of the night," Nam says with a smirk, gathering the empty takeout boxes.

Once the others are gone, Freen and Becky are left alone in the quiet house again. Freen turns to her, a gentle smile on his face. "Wanna go for a walk in the garden?" he asks, holding out his hand.

Becky nods, taking his hand. They walk together through the garden, Freen guiding her along the winding paths lined with flowers and lit softly by garden lights. As they stop by a small bench, Freen pulls her close, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

As the night deepens, Freen and Becky stay on the bench, wrapped in the tranquility of the garden. Freen can feel his heart beating a little faster, realizing that he's never felt this way before. Becky, with her innocence and kindness, has found a way into his heart—past all his walls, fears, and even his painful memories of losing his family. For the first time, he feels at peace.

Becky, nestled into Freen's shoulder, sighs contentedly. She glances up at him, her eyes shining in the soft moonlight. "Babe," she whispers, "I don't think I've ever felt so... so happy."

Freen smiles and softly strokes her hair. "You make me happy too, Princess," he murmurs, his voice low and sincere. "I've spent so much time trying to protect myself from getting hurt again. But with you... I don't want to hide anymore."

Becky blushes, her cheeks warm as she looks away. "You know, Bunny... I've never really felt like I belonged anywhere. My life was always small—just Irin and me against the world. And now... I have all of you." Her voice is filled with gratitude and vulnerability, and Freen can hear the innocence in her words, as if she's still wrapping her mind around the idea of having friends, love, and family.

Freen squeezes her hand gently, pulling her close. "You belong here, with me, with all of us. And I'll make sure you always feel safe," he promises, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't let anyone take that from you."

Just then, a faint sound comes from the house. Freen's friends have returned, peeking through the back door with mischievous grins on their faces. Kade's voice is the first to break the peaceful silence. "We were wondering where you two lovebirds wandered off to!" he teases, laughing.

Nam and Heng follow, each holding up their phones, clearly recording the sweet moment. Becky immediately sits up, flustered, hiding her face in her hands. "Why are you all spying on us?" she stammers, her voice shy.

Nam laughs, nudging Heng. "Because it's adorable, Becbec! Watching Freen actually be romantic—it's a first, and we couldn't miss it!"

Heng chuckles, crossing his arms. "I think we're seeing a whole new side to you, Freen. You're practically glowing."

Freen shakes his head, embarrassed but grinning. "Maybe you should focus on your own relationships," he counters playfully, giving Heng and Nam a knowing look. "Or do I need to tell everyone how many times you two have pulled each other out of fights?"

Nam and Heng blush, exchanging guilty glances, while Kade laughs, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Deciding to keep the teasing going, Becky chimes in, "Or maybe... I should be thanking you all. I don't think Freen would have planned that beach proposal without some of you hinting about it."

Kade laughs, not hiding his pride. "What can I say? I have a talent for love stories," he says with a wink.

The group shares another round of laughter, and as they make their way back inside, Becky pulls Freen aside for a moment, whispering, "I don't know what I did to deserve all of this, but... thank you, Freen."

He smiles and leans down to kiss her forehead gently. "You're perfect just as you are, Becbec. Never doubt that."

The night ends with them all gathered in Freen's living room, sharing stories, laughter, and dreams for the future. Each one of them, in their own way, is beginning to feel like they're finally finding the family they've all needed. And with Becky's innocence and Freen's unspoken promise to protect her, they all feel a little bit closer and a little more hopeful that maybe, just maybe, everything will turn out all right.