Unpredictable Connection

48. Sour!

Please read the author's note at the end of the chapter. So, let's start the chapter.

3rd person's POV:

The very next morning, Kate, Nam, Noey, and Irin went into the city. Even though Freen, Becky, and Char had classes, they all wanted to spend some time with Serena.

The soft grass brushed against her sneakers, and the warm glow of the setting sun painted the air gold. That's when she spotted Freen standing alone, leaning lightly against the fence, her expression distant and quiet.

Serena's steps softened as she approached. She reached out and rested a gentle hand on Freen's shoulder. "Hey, nong," she said, her voice calm.

Freen stiffened for a moment but then relaxed, managing a small smile. "Yes, Phi?"

Serena returned the smile, her eyes warm. "What's wrong?"

Freen hesitated, glancing down at her feet. Heidi stood awkwardly beside them, clearing her throat. "I guess I should... go inside. See what the others are doing," she mumbled, inching away.

As soon as Heidi disappeared into the house, Serena leaned closer, tilting her head. "What? You won't share with me too?"

Freen rubbed her temple, sinking onto the nearby garden bench.  "I... I don't know, Phi. I'm confused."

Serena sat across from her, the fading sunlight highlighting the edges of her hair. "About Rebecca?" she asked gently.

Freen nodded, biting her lip. "Yes... she... I don't—"

Serena held up a hand, stopping her. "Nong, you're still young to think about all that. And so is she. Graduate first, then worry about feelings, okay?"

Freen blinked, trying to process the words. Serena offered a reassuring nod, soft and steady. "Becky isn't going anywhere. Neither are you. No need to stress—just go with the flow, and things will work out."

Freen's shoulders relaxed slightly, though uncertainty lingered. Serena leaned forward, her voice soothing but firm. "Everything has a proper time, a proper way, and above all—a stable mind. Yours isn't stable yet. Don't overthink, okay?"

Freen finally smiled, small but genuine. "Okay... I'll try not to think too much. Go with the flow."

Before Serena could respond, Engfa came running from the house, her grin wide enough to catch the last of the sunlight. "You guys are here? Let's go in—P'Heidi made some... unique food for us."

Freen and Serena exchanged wary glances but followed her inside. The moment they stepped into the dining area, a strange aroma teased their noses—something sweet, tangy, and just a little... alarming.

Serena wrinkled her nose with a chuckle. "Heidi, are you sure I won't end up in a coma from your cooking experiment?"

The group burst into laughter. Heidi crossed her arms, leaning forward with mock Pout. "Go on, but first... taste it!"

Freen took a seat beside Char, eyeing her plate suspiciously. "Phi... are you sure you made what you wanted to make?"

Becky shook her head, giggling as she sat beside Freen's mother. "Not really... she was trying to make mango sticky rice, but..."

All eyes dropped to their plates. Char tried to hold back a laugh, biting her lip and gripping the edge of the table, but the sight was too much. Finally, she let out a small chuckle, and as she spoke, it slipped into a full laugh. "Mango... soup rice," she managed between giggles, her shoulders shaking.