When Love Finds You

After Kay left, the group settled in the living room to watch a movie, sprawling on the couches and bean bags. Heng insisted on picking the movie, landing on an overly cheesy romantic comedy, much to Nam’s dismay. 

As the movie progressed, a romantic song came on, and Heng, ever the dramatic one, leaped to his feet. “Nam, my love,” he said, bowing theatrically and extending his hand, “may I have this dance?” 

Nam rolled her eyes but let out a small laugh. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, standing up and taking his hand. 

Heng then turned to Irin with a sly grin. “Noey, Irin, your turn. Get up!” 

Noey shook her head furiously, shrinking into the couch. “No way. Absolutely not.” 

Irin, however, was already up, pulling Noey with her. “Oh, come on! Don’t be such a killjoy.” 

“Noey’s killjoy-ing is part of her charm,” Freen teased, wincing slightly as he adjusted his position on the couch. 

Rebecca glanced at Freen, then at the impromptu dance floor. Her heart sank just a little as she watched the others twirling and laughing. She wished she and Freen could join them, but his back pain made it impossible. 

Freen caught her glance and sighed inwardly. *Damn this stupid back pain. I could’ve danced with her.* He clenched his jaw, mentally cursing his body for betraying him. 

Rebecca, on the other hand, was silently praying. *Please let his back heal quickly. I want to dance with him too.* 

The evening continued with more teasing, laughter, and jokes flying between friends. Eventually, the group decided to head out for dinner, leaving Rebecca and Freen behind. As they stood at the door to say goodbye, Rebecca turned to Freen. 

“How’s your back now? Any better?” she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. 

Freen shrugged lightly. “It’s manageable. Don’t worry about me.” 

Rebecca hesitated before giving him a small smile. “Alright. Rest up, okay?” 

She walked across the hall to her apartment, glancing back once before closing the door. Freen leaned against his doorframe, watching her leave, a small smile tugging at his lips. 

---

It was late into the night when Rebecca’s phone buzzed. She blinked sleepily at the screen. It was a message from Freen. 

**Freen:** *Are you awake?* 

Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly replied: 

**Rebecca:** *Yeah, what’s up?* 

A moment later, her phone buzzed again. 

**Freen:** *Pain’s gotten worse. Can you come over?* 

Rebecca bolted upright, her heart racing. *Worse?* She quickly slipped on her slippers and dashed across the hall, knocking softly on his door before letting herself in. 

“Freen?” she called out, her voice filled with concern. The apartment was dark, save for a faint glow from the hallway. “Are you okay?” 

There was no response. She took a cautious step forward, her pulse quickening. “Freen, where are you?” 

Suddenly, the lights flickered on. Rebecca squinted, her eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness. Freen was standing near the TV, holding the remote in his hand, a sheepish grin on his face. 

“Freen!” she exclaimed, half in relief and half in exasperation. “What—” 

Before she could finish, romantic music filled the room. Freen set the remote down and walked toward her, his gaze soft and steady. “I’m sorry for scaring you,” he said gently. “I just… I wanted to do something for you.”