Unpredictable Connection

49. Almost There.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Mrs. Chankimha to speak. The silence stretched, heavy with suspense, until at last her voice cut through the room—stern and unshakably serious.

"Serena and Heidi... they are going to get married next month." The words landed like a stone dropped into still water.

For a beat, no one moved. Then, out of all people, Freen and Engfa let out a surprised chuckle, breaking the tension, while the others gawked at Mrs. Chankimha as if she'd grown another head.

Serena's brows furrowed. "May I know what's wrong with the wedding that you're saying it in such a serious tone?"

Heidi hummed in agreement, confused, while Char and Becky exchanged baffled looks, still trying to process the sudden announcement. The same question was written across everyone's faces.

And then Mrs. Chankimha's lips curved into a smile. She leaned back slightly, enjoying their confusion. "I was scaring you girls."

Heidi chuckled and walked to mrs. chankimha, "You actually scared me, you know?"

Everyone's jaw dropped in unison. Serena groaned and rolled her eyes. "Yes, why not."

Heidi laughed nervously and crossed the room to her, clutching her chest. "You actually scared me, you know?"

Mrs. Chankimha patted Heidi's back warmly. "Sometimes it's fun teasing you all. But..." her gaze glinted with mischief, "be careful."

Char tilted her head, frowning. "About what?"

Freen cleared her throat, already sensing where this was going. Serena and Engfa broke into laughter, while Heidi bit her lip to keep her composure.

Mrs. Chankimha rose and started toward the door. "It's just that someone here is terrified of ghosts. So I'd prefer not to hear any spine-chilling screams while I'm trying to get some peaceful sleep." With that, she disappeared into her room.

Freen folded her arms across her chest, rolling her eyes. Engfa chuckled and patted her back. "Aunt wasn't wrong, though."

Becky and Char exchanged a mischievous glance before bursting into giggles. Heidi sat down beside Freen and, with a playful smile, said, "No one is allowed to tease my sister-in-law at all."

The room froze for a second, the words hanging in the air even as her smile lingered.

Serena quickly cut in, rolling her eyes again. "Okay, now let's focus on the movie, guys." She turned toward Engfa. "Turn off the light, Fa."

Engfa nodded, and with a flick, the room sank into darkness.

As the movie ended, everyone slowly walked toward their rooms. Freen cleared her throat, breaking the quiet. "I'll sleep alone."

Heidi, who was drinking water, choked mid-sip and coughed hard. Serena quickly patted her back. "You okay?"

Heidi nodded, still catching her breath. Engfa frowned. "Freen, don't be a fool. You'd better go share a bed with Phi. You'll feel less scared."

Freen narrowed her eyes. She knew Engfa was right, but her pride wouldn't let her agree. The others shared quick, amused glances until Serena quietly took Freen's hand. "Let's go," she said softly. "Help me climb the stairs."

Freen's lips curved into a small chuckle, and she nodded. Becky rolled her eyes at the sight, muttering under her breath.

Heidi smiled as she watched the sisters go upstairs. Then she turned to Becky. "Let's go, we'll sleep in the guest room."

Becky nodded, but not before throwing Char a teasing look that made her blush faintly.

Before leaving, Heidi hugged Engfa tightly and leaned close, whispering near her ear, "Be gentle, you wild cat."

Engfa's cheeks burned red. She quickly cleared her throat, pretending nothing happened. Heidi let out a soft laugh and turned to Char. "Good night."

Char stiffened. Her shoulders rose slightly, and her fingers tugged at the edge of her sleeve as she tried to smile back.

Engfa turned toward Char and held out her hand. "Come..."

Char's throat went dry. She hesitated, her hand frozen in mid-air. "W-where?" she whispered softly.

Engfa chuckled and gently took her hand. "My room... upstairs." She started walking, ignoring the slight chill of Char's hand and the shallow, uneven breaths she felt through the touch. Instead, it made her smirk, her pulse quickening.

CChar followed slowly, each step heavier than the last. Her palms were sweaty, her fingers curling and uncurling as if trying to hold herself together. The closer they got to the bedroom, the tighter her chest felt, and a nervous shiver ran down her spine. Every sound—the creak of the stairs, Engfa's steady steps ahead—made her heart race faster.

When Engfa opened the door, Char instinctively pulled her hand back.

Engfa tilted her head, a small frown forming. "What?"

Engfa stepped closer, her gaze softening. She lifted a finger to Char's chin, tilting her face up to meet hers. "Hey... what's wrong? You're..." She scanned Char from head to toe. "Shivering. Are you okay?"

Char's breath hitched, and she pressed her hands against her thighs, trying to steady herself. Her pulse thundered in her ears, her stomach twisting, and the closer Engfa came, the harder it became to think straight.

"I... I... don't know," Char whispered, barely audible, her voice trembling. "It's... just..."

Engfa's smirk deepened, hearing the breathy tremor in Char's voice. Before Char could finish, Engfa leaned in and pressed her lips gently to hers. Char's breath caught in a sharp gasp, a soft sound escaping her lips as her eyes fluttered shut.

They stayed like that for a long moment, not moving, letting the tension settle between them. Then Engfa pulled back slightly, her lips brushing Char's ear as she whispered, "Let's get in, Char."

Char bit her lip and let out a small gasp, her heart hammering as Engfa took her hand again and led her inside. The hold was soft, tender—just like always—but it sent her imagination spiraling.

▥▤▥▤▥▤▥▤▥▤▥▤▥▤

Hey Ghostlights,

The most awaited chapter is finally coming... 😏 Since this story is mature-tagged, I know exactly what you've all been waiting for these past months. (Yes, I know how our fandom is... shameless little things 😶‍🌫️)

In the next chapter, you're getting the big moment you've all been waiting for. I really want you to comment and vote, so I can know if you liked it!

I'll admit—I'm not the best at writing these kinds of scenes (yes, I'm shy, you shameless fellows 😅), but I'm trying my best. I even got a little help from a friend, so let's continue this journey together.

See you in the next chapter! Bye for now...