Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 23:

As the night drifts on, the living room fills with soft laughter and easy conversation. Freen, feeling utterly at peace, rests his head on Becky's lap, closing his eyes as Becky gently strokes his hair. Each soft touch seems to relax him further, and her gentle presence feels like an anchor, grounding him after everything they've been through.

Becky smiles down at him, her eyes filled with warmth and care. Her innocent touch brings Freen a sense of calm he hadn't felt in years, and she watches his face soften, his usual stoic expression melting away. She whispers softly to him, "Bunny, I love seeing you like this—happy and relaxed."

Freen opens his eyes, meeting hers with a gentle smile. "It's because of you, Becbec. I didn't know I could feel like this again."

Around them, their friends sit in a comfortable circle, sharing stories from their pasts, each one bringing back memories that hadn't been spoken of in years. Nam and Heng start with a funny story about how they first met—how Nam, ever the sharp one, had seen Heng at a networking event and offered him a business deal before realizing they were both actually guests. Heng laughs, recalling the complete shock on Nam's face when she realized her mistake.

Becky giggles, her hand never stopping its soft motion as she strokes Freen's hair. "Nam, you always seem so put together; I can't imagine you ever getting it wrong."

Nam shrugs, grinning. "I'm only human, Becbec. But at least I had Heng there to help me out."

Heng leans over, chuckling. "I think we both helped each other out more times than I can count." He glances at Nam with a soft smile, and everyone exchanges knowing looks—this couple has been through a lot together, and it shows.

Kade joins in, sharing a story of a wild trip he took solo across the mountains to gather inspiration for a business idea that eventually failed. "But hey," he laughs, "I came back with some epic stories, so I count it as a win!" His carefree spirit draws laughter from everyone, and he pretends to act out his misadventures, complete with exaggerated hand gestures.

Noey and Irin share a meaningful glance before Irin clears her throat, sharing a memory of their early days together. "Noey has always been there to protect me, even before we became friends. I can't tell you how many times she's looked out for me—she's basically my knight in shining armor."

Noey blushes at the praise, scratching her head as if embarrassed, but she squeezes Irin's hand. "You've always been my closest friend. I'd do anything for you."

Everyone watches them, their faces filled with genuine happiness at the bond between them. It's clear that each of them brings something unique to the group—a mix of loyalty, laughter, love, and strength. And now, with Becky in their midst, they all feel an added touch of innocence and warmth that has started to soften even the toughest among them.

As they continue to share stories, Freen sighs, tilting his head up to look at Becky. "You've got magic, you know," he murmurs softly, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

Becky blushes, her fingers pausing on his forehead before resuming their gentle strokes. "What do you mean, babe?"

"I don't know how else to say it, Princess. You've changed me," Freen says, his voice barely a whisper. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze, and she meets his gaze with a shy but beaming smile.

Their friends watch them with warm, approving smiles, happy to see this new, gentler side of Freen and the tenderness Becky brings out in him. Nam, always the observer, leans over to Heng and whispers, "I think we've all been waiting for this moment. Freen finally found someone who makes him whole."

Heng nods, giving Nam's hand a soft squeeze. "And he deserves it."

Eventually, as the clock inches toward midnight, everyone begins to settle into a sleepy calm. The stories fade, replaced by comfortable silence and soft smiles. Freen remains nestled in Becky's lap, drifting off to sleep as her fingers continue to stroke his hair protectively. Becky watches over him, feeling a profound sense of happiness and purpose.

For the first time in a long while, Freen and his friends all feel they've found their place—a family formed by loyalty, laughter, and love. And as Becky whispers a gentle "goodnight" to Freen, their friends exchange knowing glances. They're all exactly where they're meant to be.