Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 24:

As they settle into Freen's cozy room, with soft ambient lights casting a warm glow over the plush bed, Becky can't help but feel a little out of place. This whole mansion, this life, it's so different from her little apartment with Irin. But here she is, settling into the massive bed with Freen, who seems determined not to let her out of his sight.

"Becbec, this is your spot now," Freen says with a grin, patting the bed beside him and pulling her close the moment she sits down.

"Oh, is it now?" she teases, laughing softly. "I thought it was your bed."

"It is," he says, with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "But it doesn't feel complete without you here."

She rolls her eyes, but her heart skips a beat as she settles beside him. Freen looks at her, his face softening, and then—acting more like a big, spoiled child than the intimidating, composed man everyone else knows—he gives her an expectant look and murmurs, "Can I... stay like this?"

"Bunny, you're so hopeless," she says with a smile, reaching out as he rests his head against her chest. His eyes close, his face peaceful as she runs her fingers through his hair, softly untangling it with gentle strokes.

Freen sighs in satisfaction, almost melting against her. "Don't stop," he mumbles, his voice barely above a whisper.

Becky chuckles, her hand moving in slow circles over his back and through his hair. "You're lucky I like taking care of my big baby."

"I knew it," he murmurs, half-asleep already, a hint of a smile on his face. "You're the only one who can make me feel... safe like this."

Becky's heart swells at his words, and she leans down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "Always, Bunny. I'm here."

As he drifts off, she watches the peaceful rise and fall of his breathing, feeling protective over him in a way she never has before. He may be the strong one, the one who's always fighting, but right now, he's just her Bunny.

Minutes pass, and Becky's own eyes grow heavy as she continues to stroke his hair, humming a soft tune she remembers from childhood. They drift off like that—Freen held in her gentle embrace, both finding comfort in each other as the quiet night surrounds them.

The morning light slowly filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Becky stirs first, blinking as she realizes Freen is still curled up against her, his arms wrapped around her waist. For a moment, she just watches him, marveling at how peaceful he looks—so different from the serious, protective Freen everyone else sees.

Trying not to wake him, she softly brushes a few stray hairs from his forehead. But Freen stirs, his sleepy eyes opening just enough to catch her gazing down at him. He gives her a sleepy smile, nestling closer.

"Good morning, Princess," he mumbles, his voice low and warm, laced with a hint of drowsiness.

Becky blushes. "Good morning, Bunny," she whispers back, a small giggle escaping her. "Sleep well?"

Freen nods, squeezing her a little tighter. "I'd say I could get used to this," he murmurs, resting his head against her shoulder. "Waking up like this... with you."

She laughs softly, a little shy but touched by his words. "Aren't you supposed to be the tough guy here?"

Freen grins, but it's softer than his usual smirk. "Maybe. But even tough guys have a soft side."

With that, he tilts his head up, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Becky's cheeks heat up, her heart racing as she tries to keep her own cool. But she can't hide the happiness in her eyes, and Freen notices, his gaze softening even further.

They lie there a little longer, lost in each other's presence, until a knock on the door interrupts their quiet moment. They both jolt up slightly, Freen letting out a small, dramatic sigh.

"Duty calls," he mutters, rolling his eyes before giving her hand a final squeeze. "Stay with me for breakfast?"

Becky nods, unable to hide her smile. "Of course, Babe."

Hearing her call him "Babe" makes his heart skip a beat, and he gives her a smile that's a little bit shy, a little bit proud. He grabs her hand and leads her downstairs, where the dining room is already set up.

Nam, Heng, Noey, and Kade are already gathered around, exchanging knowing glances as they watch Freen and Becky come in together.

"Aw, look who finally decided to join us!" Nam teases, nudging Heng with a grin.

"Seems like someone slept well," Kade adds, smirking.

Freen rolls his eyes, but there's a hint of a smile on his lips as he pulls out a chair for Becky, who sits down with a small blush.

"Don't tease too much," Freen says, an amused glint in his eye as he looks over at Becky. "She's here to stay."

The others share a knowing look, each trying to stifle their smiles. Nam leans in, nudging Becky playfully. "You've definitely softened our tough Bunny here," she says, winking.

Becky laughs, glancing at Freen with a shy smile. "Maybe just a little."

As they dig into breakfast, Freen casually reaches for Becky's hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. She looks at him, surprised, and he just gives her a small, reassuring smile that makes her heart race all over again.

Throughout the meal, the group continues to tease them, sharing stories and playful banter that makes Becky feel like she's known them all forever. For once, the weight of the recent dangers seems far away, replaced by laughter and warmth.

After breakfast, Freen leads Becky outside to a peaceful spot in the garden. They sit together on a bench, watching the soft sunlight play through the leaves. Freen leans his head on Becky's shoulder, a content sigh escaping him.

"You know," he murmurs, "I never thought I'd find someone who'd make me feel... this safe."

Becky wraps her arm around him, leaning her head against his. "I'm here, Bunny," she says softly. "And I'm not going anywhere."

They stay like that, lost in each other's presence, both knowing that whatever challenges lie ahead, they'll face them together—side by side.