Dangerous connection (Freenbecky)

Chapter 25:

As they sit together in the soft morning light, Freen takes Becky's hand, tracing small circles with his thumb. He looks down, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks, but he doesn't let go. Instead, he holds her hand a little tighter, as if he's afraid she might disappear.

"You know," he begins, his voice barely a whisper, "I'm not used to this... being close to someone like this."

Becky gives him a gentle smile, her eyes warm and reassuring. "Well, lucky for you, I have plenty of patience, Bunny."

He chuckles softly, relaxing as she teases him. Her laugh is infectious, and for the first time in a long while, Freen feels something he hasn't allowed himself to feel—hope. Becky's presence seems to melt away the barriers he's built up around his heart.

Lost in the moment, he leans down and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering a little longer than necessary. When he pulls back, she's gazing up at him with a look so innocent, so pure, that he can't help but smile.

"Becbec," he says, using one of her nicknames as his smile softens. "How do you always know just what to say?"

"I don't," she admits with a laugh. "I just... say whatever feels right."

"Well, you have a gift for it," he murmurs, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer.

They sit together, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze, until Becky playfully nudges him. "You know, I haven't seen the rest of this house yet," she says, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

Freen grins. "Then let me show you around, Princess."

He takes her hand, leading her through the different rooms, showing her each corner with a pride that surprises even him. As they pass by an old piano in the library, he pauses. Becky's eyes widen as she looks up at him, sensing he's about to share something personal.

"Do you play?" she asks softly.

"Used to, a long time ago," he admits, his eyes flickering with a hint of nostalgia. "Haven't touched it in years, though."

Becky gently tugs him toward the piano, giving him an encouraging look. "Play something for me?"

For a moment, he hesitates, but her hopeful gaze pushes him forward. Freen sits down at the piano, and after a few moments, his fingers begin to move across the keys. The melody is soft and slow, the notes carrying a mixture of sadness and warmth. Becky sits beside him, watching him intently, captivated by the depth of emotion in his playing.

When he finishes, he turns to her, finding her eyes misty with emotion.

"That was beautiful, Freen," she whispers, placing her hand over his.

He looks down at their entwined hands, his voice soft. "Thank you, Becbec. I think... I needed to play that."

She leans her head against his shoulder, both of them soaking in the peace of the moment.

Later, as they walk back toward his room, Freen's friends pass by, giving them knowing grins.

"Oh, look at the lovebirds!" Nam calls out, winking.

Becky laughs, burying her face in Freen's shoulder as a blush creeps up her cheeks. Freen just rolls his eyes, but there's a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah, yeah," he mutters, though he can't hide the pride in his voice as he wraps an arm around Becky. "Go on, tease all you want."

The group shares a laugh, but as they continue on, it's clear they're all genuinely happy for Freen and Becky. There's a warmth in the air, a feeling of family and belonging that Becky realizes she hasn't felt in a long time.