Archive of Our Own

Freen watched the churning ocean in front of her as if the waves oscillation could explain the movement she felt in her own chest.

Closing her eyes, her arms tightened around herself, and she tried to cling to the feeling of the sand beneath her feet in an attempt to keep herself grounded.

She tried to push away the thoughts that were chasing her, needing to escape and detach herself from those scenes playing in her head over and over again. That's when she sighs and squeezes her eyes shut as a vivid image of Becky, millimeters away from her mouth, burns under her eyelids.

It was the moment that Becky, acting as her character Kath, passionately kissed her neck and her lips.

Freen looked up, disturbed by her body’s reactions to Becky’s closeness.

Spending more than a week filming away from home, living their characters viscerally, so far from the working environment that naturally surrounded them, had certainly influenced and confused her senses even more. After all, Freen had always been able to keep her instinctive human reactions under control during their intimate scenes.

The two had always been comfortable with each other for this very reason: They respected and understood each other too much for there to be any room for discomfort or embarrassment between them.

Freen laughs wryly at her pathetic situation now.

She couldn't even look into Becky's eyes anymore, ashamed to be having these thoughts about her.

It was no secret that Freen admired her deeply. Her every gesture was truly genuine towards the youngest, the desire to please her driving all the affection she had in her heart.

But the newfound truth was… She could no longer disguise how much the proximity of the two was affecting her.

Both physically and emotionally.

"P'Freen."

Freen's heart beats loudly hearing that voice.

Her fingers cling to her skin once more, and she doesn't turn to answer.

"Hmm."

Freen feels Becky's footsteps approaching behind her back. The hairs on the back of her neck stand up in involuntary response.

"Aren't you tired of the sea yet?" Becky's amused voice did little to ease the tension in her chest. She simply couldn't relax anymore being this close to her. "I swear, when we get back, I won't be able to even look at the ocean for at least two weeks... I'm still seasick from the six hours on the boat."

They and the whole Uranus team had been on that island paradise for nine days and were now enjoying the only break they would have before catching their flight back tomorrow night.

They were therefore sharing a hotel room. And it was simply torturous having to sleep side by side with the person who aroused the most complex feelings she had ever felt.

And the worst part was... Freen didn't know how to deal with her emotions. Becky was so natural and comfortable around Freen that it sometimes irritated and drained her completely.

"P'Freen?"

Freen sighs and finally turns to look at her.

Everything would be easier if Becky simply didn't look like a princess. Even the image of her made her heart ache.

"Are you okay? Are you feeling anything?"

Becky's face contorts in concern and she moves closer, bringing a gentle hand to Freen's forehead to check her temperature.

"I'm fine." Freen shies away, making the crease in the younger woman's forehead widen. "I just need some time to myself."

The words sounded strange coming from her throat, as if they weren't hers. And it's distressing for Freen to have to deal with the girl's hurt expression searching her face, still looking worried.

It's then that something in Becky seems to change.

"Oh, I see." Freen notices the way she swallows dryly, bringing her hands to rest in the pockets of the stripped pants she's wearing. "It must still be difficult for you, isn't it?"

Now it's Freen's turn to feel confused, her eyes scanning every millimeter of Becky's face.

"What are you talking about?"

Becky looks at her carefully, studying her back.

"It's only natural that you're like this. It's only been a month since you broke up... Don't beat yourself up so much for still feeling this way."

Freen frowns, blinking slowly. Then she laughs without any humor.

"And how am I feeling?"

Becky looks more and more uncomfortable under Freen's hard stare. She wasn't used to having to deal with her armor like this.

"Well, I don't know, I've never ended a relationship this long before." Becky gets defensive, squaring her shoulders. "But I imagine it's not easy."

The wind is charmingly blowing her hair at that moment. And she had no idea that what wasn't easy for Freen to do right now was keeping her hands to herself.

And that the end of her relationship was just a symptom of the storm settling in her chest... After all, Freen could never stay in a relationship when she was irrevocably attracted and in love with someone else.

Freen couldn't believe the mess she'd made of her life... If only she'd realized it earlier, she could have tried to slow down her feelings, which now seemed to be running wild.

And she felt herself crumbling with every glance Becky threw at her.

Frustrated, Freen turned once again towards the sea.

"It's nothing like that. I'm fine." Glancing over, she sees Becky standing next to her, also watching the sunset on the horizon. "Don't worry about me and go rest... You must be exhausted from diving all day."

Freen peripheral vision, hyper-focused on the person next to her, caught a glimpse of a smile before she felt her hand being held, her body oriented to turn and look Becky in the face.

Freen's eyes flicked between Becky's and the slender fingers on her hand, holding it gently.

"Tonight is our last night here, let's enjoy it..." Becky approaches, her naturally bright eyes now like two stars on her face. Freen thinks how unfair that was to her heart. "Friend sent a message just now, everyone is gathering up to go out and visit the nearby village... Come on P'Freen."

Freen knew Becky's method all too well. The girl knew that it was almost impossible for her to deny Becky anything once she asked her like that.

She just didn't expect that, by hearing Friend's name, all of her efforts would go in vain.

Freen simply hated that girl. Or at least she hated the way she related to Becky.

And acknowledging that the two were exchanging such casual messages did much less for her sanity.

Now she was really sick to her stomach.

"Have fun." Freen reluctantly lets go of her hands and sits down on the sand. "I already told you… I want to be alone."

It's not long before she hears another attempt at conversation.

"Freen, did I do something to upset you? Because if so you can tell me, you know how..."

"Becky! Please! I just need some space, okay?!" her eyes remained fixed on the coral reef rocks, automatically filling with tears because she was using that tone of voice with her. "I just need some time to myself, that's all! Is that too much to ask?"

The silence that follows her outburst is so heavy that she immediately regrets having let herself get carried away by an anger and frustration that shouldn't be taken out on Becky.

"It's okay, I'm sorry." Becky's hurt but still mature tone only makes it worse for Freen. She really was an idiot. "If you need anything, give me a call."

And so she feels when Becky turns and walks away, leaving her alone.

The visceral emptiness she feels is so great that Freen has to curl up in her own body. She looks back and the shape of Becky walking away without looking back hurts like a thousand stings in her body.

Then she notices a basket of fruits next to her, covered with a cloth.

Freen's crying intensifies even more, her heart aching and throbbing at Becky's silently caring gesture for her. Feeling her strength leaving her, she let herself lie down on the sand behind her, her hands covering her ashamed face.

She had to be honest now. Or she would end up not only hurting herself, but also Becky with her actions.

And she's not sure how long it takes before she sits down again, needing some fresh air to oxygenate her numb brain after quite literally passing out on the sand. The glimpse she gets of the stars hypnotizes her for a moment, and she loses herself in reverie as she pulls some grapes and strawberries from the basket.

Sweet. The strawberry was so sweet and the atmosphere so perfect that once again the memories hit her, the taste of Becky's kiss once again consuming her being.

Why did she have to be such a good kisser?

Freen grunts, biting her lips as she hangs her neck back, letting the sea breeze wash over her face.

But she needed more to distract her from her incessant thoughts.

So she got up and took off her blouse, leaving only her top and the comfortable shorts she was wearing. Placing her hands on her waist, she stares at the sea for a few seconds until she musters up enough courage to enter the icy water.

The feeling of relief made her pores open. She was moving along with the tide when her eyes were suddenly drawn back to the shore.

Freen, who was moving her arms gently through the water, stopped immediately.

Becky watched her intently, holding a towel in her arms. Her figure, standing barefoot while her hair was tied up in a bun, seemed immersed in her own thoughts.

Freen suddenly didn't know what to do and swallowed. Then she decides to get out of the water.

Just as she was doing so, however, with the water still up to her shoulders, she was surprised by a large wave that knocked her off balance and caused her feet to lose contact with the ground. This makes her feel disoriented, with her head submerged, and the dark, rough sea contributes to her panic.

Her despair doesn't last long, however. Freen first feels her wrist being grabbed before finally having her body wrapped in long arms, holding her around the waist.

"I've got you."

Becky whispered, holding her tightly as she guided them to the sand.

Freen was shaking with shock and held onto Becky tightly.

"You okay?"

Becky stared at her with wide eyes, now holding her by the shoulders to support her as they walked to the spot where they had left their things.

Freen nods several times, unable to come up with a more appropriate thank you. Becky seems to realize this and disarms her worried expression, rubbing the back of her hand against Freen's arms in an attempt to warm her up.

"It's all gone, it's okay." Becky quickly crouches down, picking up the towel she had carelessly left there. "Come here, you need to warm up a bit."

Becky pulled her close and began to slide the towel over her body, then dried her hair. Freen watched her intensely, feeling her heart pounding.

"Becky..." Then she threw herself into her arms, wrapping her arms around her neck while squeezing her eyes shut. "I'm sorry I spoke to you like that... I was an idiot."

Becky holds her against her, sliding her hands down her back, against her wet skin.

"I know you didn't mean to hurt me." Freen shakes her head vigorously, making Becky laugh. "Now come on, you can't stay that long in those wet clothes."

She bends down once more to pick up Freen's basket and blouse before leading her back into the apartment. They keep a comfortable pace, Freen's arm around Becky's waist, when she feels Becky's voice vibrating through her body.

"I see you enjoyed the fruits."

Her tone was amused as she noticed the empty basket, and Freen laid her head on her shoulder.

"It was delicious... Thank you, by the way."

Becky nods with a smile, pressing against the side of her body in response.

Freen looks at her the moment they reach the bedroom.

"Go shower first."

Becky is walking away when Freen suddenly grabs her, bringing her back.

"You're all wet too." Freen ran her eyes down her body, feeling guilty. "You can't keep dripping like that either."

Becky stares at her for a while, then looks down at her own clothes.

"I'll dry off here and change... I didn't get my hair wet, so I'm fine for now."

Freen sighs, looking away only to quickly rummage through her open suitcase in the corner of the room.

"Can I borrow some clothes? I've run out of mine."

Becky promptly turns away, walking over to her own suitcase.

"Go on, I'll drop it off for you."

Freen waits for two seconds before going to the bathroom. Undressing, she analyzes her messy image in the mirror and snorts, running her hands through her hair. And she was already inside the shower when she heard the door opening, the water falling from the shower slightly muffling Becky's entry into the bathroom.

But Freen's suddenly heightened senses were unable to betray her at that moment.

"It's here on the sink, okay?"

Freen couldn't help herself and just acted, sliding the surface that separated them enough to expose her face and a good part of her torso.

Becky looks at her in surprise, and Freen could swear she sees the moment when her eyes slip a little.

"Thank you."

Becky just nods quickly and leaves.

Freen smiles, feeling warm inside.

She finishes her shower and dries off, holding Becky's clothes against her nose to smell the delicious scent. Then she gets dressed, noting how much she liked the feeling of her blouse falling down her body the way it did.

Anxiously, she sprayed a little perfume on her temples and wrists before combing her hair and feeling ready to return.

Becky was waiting for her on the small sofa near the balcony, also in more comfortable clothes and with her hair down. And she listens as Freen takes the first step out of the bathroom.

"Come on, you need to eat."

Freen approaches, tilting her head as she looks at the delivery package that Becky has unpacked for her.

"Did you bring it for me?"

Becky nods, putting everything on her plate and gathering up the cutlery.

"I was looking for something you would like... This was the spiciest option they had."

Freen looks at the food intently, surprised by how good it looks.

"That looks great."

"Let's see how it tastes."

Freen is amused to see the fork being directed into her mouth, and sits down almost glued to Becky's body.

Her eyes close as she tastes the sharp flavor of Somtam Thay.

"Hmm."

Her eyes open and stare into Becky's expectant eyes.

"Good?"

"Delicious."

The girl's smile makes Freen's chest expand.

"I'm glad. You haven't eaten anything lately."

Had Becky noticed that?

Her eyes lowered, and she went back to eating while Becky's loving eyes were on her.

This careful, attentive and mature version of Becky was the reason she was so in love.

The girl had grown up to be such a green flag.

Trying to disguise her thoughts, Freen wrapped her fork around her fingers, putting her index finger in front of her lips before speaking.

"You got back early. Wasn't there much to see in the village?"

Becky was busy opening a can of coke for the two of them, and took her time to complete the task before answering.

"It was beautiful, actually, but it wasn't as much fun without you there." Becky hands her the coke, and finally settles for just watching her, resting her arm on the sofa cushion behind her. "So I decided to leave early."

Freen frowns, shifting her gaze back to the sweet brown eyes as something concerned her.

"Did you come back alone?"

Becky takes a sip from the can they were sharing.

"Actually, Friend wanted to come back too, so we came together."

Freen almost chokes on her food and needs some time to take it in.

The green monster of jealousy was poking her insides and eating away all of her common sense.

Trying to act naturally, Freen cleared her throat, casually shifting her eyes to the balcony window that showed the sea in front of them.

The waves outside seemed to echo the turmoil inside her.

Freen's attempt to act casual was futile, as the thought of Friend and Becky lingered in her mind. Trying to disguise the jealousy that plagued her, she forced a small laugh. She had been watching the exchanges between them, feeling a pang of jealousy whenever they were in the same space.

The subtle dynamic between the two didn't go unnoticed, and it all consumed her.

She turned to Becky, with an attempt at a hesitant smile.

"She seems quite worried about you."

Becky nodded, seemingly oblivious to Freen's inner turmoil. "She's a good friend. Always looking out for everyone."

Freen couldn't help but feel a surge of possessiveness.

"You two seem to have been getting along really well.”

Becky tilted her head, studying Freen's expression.

"Yeah. She's been a good friend, always supportive and understanding."

This affirmation did little to ease Freen's growing insecurity. And just like that, a palpable tension settled over them, like a storm gathering on the horizon.

In the quiet of their shared space, Freen couldn't shake the feeling becoming a wedge between them. The fear of losing Becky to someone else gnawed at Freen's heart, and she struggled to find the right words to express the storm of emotions within her.

She felt a sudden urgency to cry.

Becky looked at her, sensing her unease.

"Good to know," Freen reminded herself to reply fast, trying to keep her tone nonchalant as she continued eating.

The playful banter from earlier seemed like a distant memory, replaced by an unspoken struggle.

Becky, seemingly oblivious to Freen's internal struggle, continued talking about the village they explored. Her animated descriptions and occasional laughter only intensified Freen's sense of isolation.

Unable to bear the weight of her emotions any longer, Freen pushed her plate away, the once-enjoyable meal representing a battleground of conflicting feelings.

"Is everything okay?" Becky's concern was evident, but Freen hesitated.

"Yeah, I'm just not feeling very hungry."

Freen forced a smile, attempting to divert the attention from her.

Becky's eyes held a glimmer of understanding, but before she could say anything, Freen stood up abruptly. "I think I need some air."

The balcony became her refuge, and Freen leaned against the railing, gazing out at the moonlit sea. The sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop, but it did little to quell the tempest of emotions raging inside her.

Moments later, Becky joined her on the balcony, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

"Freen, what's going on now? You've been acting distant, and I want to help."

Freen hesitated, grappling with the words she longed to express but feared would shatter the delicate balance between them. She held harder the railing under her touch.

"Becky, I need to tell you something.”

Becky's eyes searched hers, a silent plea for honesty while she grabbed her hand, trying to reassure her.

"Tell me. We've always shared everything."

The weight of unspoken confessions hung in the air, and Freen took a deep breath.

It’s just a one in a lifetime feeling to be confessing your love to the person who could shatter your whole world with just a snap.

"I... I've been feeling something, and it's tearing me apart.” She thought she would pass out at any moment now with how fast her heart was beating. “And watching you with Friend, being so close to her, just made me realize how scared I am of losing you."

Taking a deep breath, Freen finally confessed, "I've been falling for you, Becky. More than just a friend. It's... it's love."

A pregnant pause hung in the air, the weight of Freen's words sinking in. Becky's eyes widened, processing the unexpected revelation.

"You... love me?" Becky stammered, her voice a delicate echo in the room.

Freen nodded, her vulnerability exposed.

She just couldn't say anything more. Her breath was stuck in her lungs and it was hard for her to keep going on.

Especially when Becky, still processing her words, slowly withdrew her hand from Freen's. The room seemed to compress around them, the air thick with tension.

"I... I need some time to think," Becky finally uttered, her gaze dropping to the floor.

Freen's heart pounded in her chest. She desperately wanted Becky to understand her.

To love her in the way she needed her to.

So she continued, her vulnerability laid bare now.

"Becky, I love you.”

“You're the one I want to be close to, the one who makes my heart race, the one I can't bear to see with someone else."

Becky's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and something else shining in them.

"Freen..."

"I understand if this complicates things, but I couldn't keep it inside any longer. You deserve to know how much you mean to me."

The room was filled with a moment of stillness before Becky's lips curled and she turned around, facing away from her.

It was at that moment that Freen knew everything was on the merge of crashing down.

"I didn't mean to complicate things," Freen tried again, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I just needed to be honest about how I feel."

Becky sighed deeply, her eyes finally meeting Freen's, just to escape from them again.

Freen felt her heart breaking in a million pieces hearing the deafening silence.

“Becky I’m sorry, I…”

“I need time to figure out what all of this means to me.” Becky’s tone is so serious and distant that it manages to break Freen even more. “I don't want to hurt you, Freen, but I can't ignore the mess in my head right now."

A heavy silence settled between them, the sound of the waves no longer a soothing melody. Freen struggled to find the right words, the uncertainty gnawing at her.

"I understand," she finally said, her voice strained. "Take the time you need. I don't want to pressure you into anything."

Becky nodded, a mixture of confusion and something deeper in her eyes. "I just need some space to sort through my feelings. I hope you can understand that."

Freen nodded, though the ache in her chest and the burn in her throat intensified. It was taking everything in her to keep her tears from falling. So she hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper to repeat one last time before crackling.

"I understand… Take the time you need."

And just like that, Becky lows her head and just leaves, making Freen hear the sound of the bedroom door closing.

That’s when Freen allows herself to just feel.

And she feels everything.

The pain in her chest, the waterfall making its way down her face, the now violent breeze hurting the sensitive skin of her body.

She then bends forward, not being ashamed of how bad every fiber of her being was hurting … She just couldn’t accept the feeling of being left by Becky.

So she waited. She waited until her legs protested and just gave out, making her sit with all the emotions a human could possibly feel.

She found herself on that deserted beach, the crashing waves providing a melancholic soundtrack to her turbulent thoughts. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as Freen stared into the abyss of her own emotions. The night whispered with the distant sounds of the sea, a haunting reminder of the uncharted waters ahead.

Closing her eyes, Freen could still feel the ghostly warmth of those staged kisses, a stark contrast to the cool sea breeze that tousled her hair.

She was going insane.

"I should be her friend," she mused, her voice barely audible. "But how do I control my own feelings? Especially when I know that we align so perfectly together?"

As in a universe response, Freen hears the door opening and suddenly Becky is in front of her again, seeming torn with emotions. She immediately stands up again, trying to wipe out the tears.

"Can we talk?" Becky's voice carried a hesitancy that hadn't been there before.

Freen replied, her heart already fluttering with an uneasy feeling.

"Of course,"

Becky took a deep breath, her eyes avoiding Freen's gaze as she came closer to her.

Freen started to tremble.

"I've thought a lot. About us. About what you said. It's just…” Becky looks up at the sky, seeming lost in its beauty for a moment. “it's more complicated for me."

Freen furrowed her brow, her heart pounding in her chest sensing the shift in the air.

"Complicated?"

Becky looked down at the balcony railing, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern. "When you told me you love me, I felt… such a mix of emotions.” Her voice trembled, unsteady. “I care about you deeply, Freen. It’s just that… I've spent so much time suppressing my feelings, convincing myself that we're just sisters and now it's... it's confusing."

Freen's heart sank. The term "sisters" echoing in her mind, a stark reminder of the boundaries she, herself, had built over the years between them.

The sea breeze played with their hair as both of them were facing the vastness of the ocean.

Becky, breaking the silence that had settled between them, spoke with a soft sincerity. "I’ve always been in love with you."

Freen's heart stopped at that very moment.

Becky continued, seeming less troubled now, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“But what should I have done with that?” Becky’s eyes glare at her, not judging, nor accusing, just… “I’m years younger than you and you’ve had a boyfriend for longer than I can remember.”

Freen held her breath, closing her eyes. She just couldn’t hold the flow of her tears anymore.

“And our connection is… The depth of our friendship is everything to me. And I didn’t want to lose what we have.” Now it’s Becky’s turn to tremble, her crying in silence so beautiful that it made Freen’s insides burn. “So I buried my feelings.”

Freen lets out a painful hiccup.

“But did you kill it?” Freen tries, speaking as slowly and lowly as she could. “Have you killed in yourself everything you’ve felt towards me?”

Becky takes a whole minute before she turns to face Freen fully, her eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and courage.

The world was spinning in Freens mind and Becky was the only thing she could see clearly.

“I’ve spent so long seeing you as just a friend, and it's been comfortable, safe.” Becky shakes her head, her own tears starting to fall. ”But now, everything feels different.”

Freen is paralyzed, feeling the soil beneath her feet dance, making her lose her balance.

The air was charged with anticipation as Becky spoke, her words carefully chosen.

"I can't deny that there's something more between us. And I'm willing to take a chance with you."

Freen's heart swelled.

A mix of relief and joy overtook her and she caught herself lost for words.

Becky then reached for Freen's hand, making their fingers intertwine slowly. "Maybe we've been avoiding something beautiful. Maybe it was just not the right time before..." Becky spoke sweetly, making her insides churn. “I just know that I want this with you.”

As the waves continued their timeless dance, Freen felt herself being pushed against the glass behind her. Becky’s body then embraced her and she gasped, amazed by the complexities of the love she felt in her heart.

She felt like she was having an otherworldly experience.

She just couldn’t believe they were about to reshape their relationship into something extraordinary. In that sacred space, their souls were ready to intertwine and seal their love in an unspoken pact.

Freen's eyes widened in astonishment. She really needed more reassurance.

"You... You really want this too?"

Becky nodded, smiling briefly, reaching out to gently cup Freen's cheek.

"I love you. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure, I didn’t want to just dive in right away because I know just the sight of your face makes me not think clearly…” Becky’s breath was caressing her face and she couldn’t hold for much longer. “I love you.” She repeated more firmly.

Relief washed over Freen, and she couldn't help but smile stupidly.

"Really?"

Becky leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Freen's forehead.

"Really.”

Becky moved closer, wrapping her arms around Freen, making tears well up in Freen's eyes as she allowed herself to embrace the comfort Becky offered.

As they stood on the balcony, entwined in each other's arms, Freen felt like she needed to say more. So much more.

"Becky, I..."

Before she could finish, Becky closed the distance between them, her lips meeting Freen's in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Love, once concealed in the shadows, now illuminated their hearts, promising a future entwined with the stars. And as their lips met in a tender embrace, Becky deepened the kiss, her fingers gently threading through Freen's hair.

Guided by an unspoken desire, she pressed Becky's harder against her own body, the cool surface behind her back becoming a conduit for the electricity of their connection. The moon cast its ethereal glow upon them, and Becky's kisses conveyed a promise, each touch against Freen's lips echoing the unspoken sentiments they had both kept hidden for so long, even from themselves.

Freen, in turn, responded with a mix of longing and joy, making their embrace deepen. Becky's fingers were tracing now a delicate pattern down Freen's arm, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. And as the kiss lingered, a quiet understanding passed between them.

The unspoken fears and uncertainties were replaced by the certainty of this shared moment, a proclamation of the love that had quietly grown in the spaces between their hearts.

Finally, they parted, breathless and gazing into each other's eyes. Their silhouettes were shaking with undoubtedly want and all it took was Becky’s hot breath against her neck before Freen felt her world combust in fire and flames yet again.

—--------------------

Nestled on the plush couch, Freen and Becky shared a quiet moment, their fingers gently entwined.

Freen, her eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight, began to share a story.

"Do you remember that old bookstore we visited together not long ago?" She asked, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.

Becky nodded, her eyes fixed on Freen's, seeming captivated. Freen’s heart trembled with that thought.

"It was a rainy afternoon," Freen continued. "We stumbled upon it by chance, seeking refuge from the downpour. The scent of old books enveloped us as we explored the narrow aisles, discovering hidden gems on every shelf."

Becky's gaze softened as she listened, the shared memories creating a timeless connection between them.

"And then," Freen's voice took on a tender quality, "we found a cozy nook with a window overlooking the rain-soaked streets. We sat there, and you were telling me how you couldn’t understand a thing about a book I recommended to you because the thay in it was just ‘not understandable.’ I remember laughing so much with you that day that I just… Lost my breath."

Becky's hand gently traced circles on Freen's palm, silently urging her to continue.

"It was in that bookstore that I realized that I love you."

Becky's eyes glistened with unspoken emotions as Freen spoke.

"Now, here we are," Freen whispered, her gaze locked with Becky's. "Writing our own story, and I want to say Becky… That I cherish every chapter, every word, every moment with you."

Becky leaned in, capturing Freen's lips in a soft, lingering kiss. The room seemed to hold its breath, enveloping them in a cocoon of love.

As they pulled away, Freen rested her forehead against Becky's, their breaths syncing in the quietude of the night. In that tender moment, Freen and Becky couldn't resist the magnetic pull drawing them closer. So their lips met again, each kiss imbued with the passion that had been building between them.

Freen's fingers delicately traced Becky's jawline, making both of them breathless. The subtle scent of the sea mixed with the intoxicating fragrance of Becky made Freen’s hands find their way to Becky’s waist, pulling her closer as the boundaries between them blurred.

Breaking the kiss but not the connection, Becky whispered against Freen’s lips, "I've loved you in silence for far too long."

Freen, her eyes filled with a mixture of longing and adoration, replied, "And I've yearned for this, for us, more than I dared to admit."

Their whispered confessions and stolen glances made everything feels surreal to Freen, so she used her fingers to trace the contours of Becky's face, committing every detail to memory. The vulnerability of the moment deepened their connection, as if they were unraveling layers of newfound intense emotions.

Freen gently brushed a strand of hair from Becky's face, her touch a silent promise of unwavering devotion.

"I want you," Freen confessed, her voice a tender plea. "Not just as a friend or a confidante, but as the love of my life."

Becky's eyes sparkled with understanding and acceptance.

"I've never wanted anything more."