Chapter 13: Chapter 12 : Gentle day

The sunlight seeped into the room, casting a soft glow across the bed. Orm stirred first, her head pounding lightly from the night before. She groaned, pressing her palm to her forehead, and blinked a few times to clear her vision. That’s when she noticed something warm and comforting pressed close to her side.

She turned her head slowly and froze. Lingling was sleeping beside her, their faces close enough that she could feel Lingling’s soft, even breaths.

Orm's gaze softened as she admired Lingling’s peaceful expression. She looked so calm, her features relaxed, her hair slightly messy but still perfect in Orm’s eyes. Orm’s lips curved into a faint smile, but then her eyes caught something: a faint lipstick mark on Lingling’s cheek.

Her heart skipped. Did I… kiss her last night? The blurry events of the night started piecing themselves together in her mind, and the memory of her drunken state, Lingling’s comforting presence, and that impulsive kiss flashed back.

Orm froze for a moment, torn between embarrassment and disbelief. Her thoughts were interrupted when Lingling stirred, moving slightly closer to Orm as she reached out toward the bedside table.

Orm held her breath, her heart racing as Lingling’s face inched even closer. Their noses were almost touching, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.

Lingling grabbed her phone and sat up, glancing at the time. “It’s Saturday,” she murmured, her voice still soft from sleep. She looked back at Orm, noticing her wide eyes and flushed face.

“You okay?” Lingling asked, tilting her head slightly.

“Y-Yeah,” Orm stammered, quickly turning her gaze away.

Lingling chuckled lightly. “Good, because it looks like you’ll need a day off. How about we just stay home today?”

Orm nodded hesitantly, still processing her own thoughts. “Yeah… sounds good.”

Lingling smiled and got out of bed, stretching her arms. “I’ll let you take your time waking up,” she said before heading toward the bathroom.

Once inside, Lingling paused to look in the mirror. Her sleepy smile faltered slightly as she noticed the faint lipstick mark on her cheek. She blinked, touching it with her fingers, and then a memory from last night clicked into place.

Orm’s drunken, heartfelt words, the warmth of her arms, and that fleeting, gentle kiss. Lingling’s lips curved into a soft smile as she whispered to herself, “So that’s what it was.”

Deciding to play it cool, she turned on the shower, letting the water wash over her as she thought about how to approach the rest of the day. After all, Orm didn’t need her teasing, not when she was likely embarrassed enough already.

When Lingling emerged from the bathroom dressed in a comfortable hoodie and sweatpants, she found Orm still sitting on the bed, rubbing her temples.

“Feeling better?” Lingling asked, her voice gentle.

Orm looked up at her, her cheeks still faintly pink. “A little… thanks.”

Lingling smiled warmly. “Good. Stay here. I’ll make us some breakfast.”

Without waiting for Orm’s response, Lingling headed toward the kitchen, humming softly to herself. She decided she’d let Orm bring up the kiss if she wanted to—but for now, all that mattered was making the day as comfortable and easy for her as possibly

Orm stood in the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was flushed, and her thoughts raced as she processed the morning so far. She ran a hand through her hair, taking a deep breath.

Her eyes drifted down to the soft, casual t-shirt and sweatpants she was wearing. These weren’t her office clothes. The realization hit her like a jolt. Lingling must have changed me…

Her face turned crimson. What else happened last night? Did I—? Her thoughts immediately jumped to the memory of the kiss she gave Lingling. She covered her face with her hands, groaning softly. “What if I did something more? What if—”

Shaking her head to clear the spiraling thoughts, she decided there was no use in overthinking. She needed to act normal, even if embarrassment burned in her chest. She took a shower, letting the warm water calm her nerves, and changed into a fresh set of comfortable home clothes.

When Orm finally emerged and walked downstairs, she paused at the sight in the kitchen

Orm stepped into the kitchen, her steps hesitant, unsure of how to face Lingling after the night before. The smell of breakfast filled the air, and she saw Lingling at the counter, focused and calm. She wasn’t humming or smiling this time—her expression was serious, her focus entirely on the task at hand.

The sight made Orm’s chest tighten. She was used to Lingling’s calm and caring nature, but seeing her like this, with that quiet intensity, made Orm feel a mixture of guilt and admiration.

“Morning,” Orm said softly, her voice breaking the silence.

Lingling turned to her, her gaze briefly scanning Orm, as if checking her condition. Her features softened slightly. “Morning. How’s your head?”

Orm gave a sheepish smile, rubbing her temple. “Better, I think. Thanks to you.”

Lingling nodded and motioned to the table. “Good. Sit. I made breakfast, and there’s something for your headache too.”

Orm hesitated for a moment before sitting down. Lingling placed a plate of warm, simple food in front of her, along with a pale yellow drink.

“What’s this?” Orm asked, sniffing it curiously.

“It’s a remedy for hangovers. It’ll help,” Lingling said, her tone steady but firm.

Orm took a sip, and the refreshing tang immediately soothed her. “Wow… this actually works. Thank you.”

Lingling didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she took a seat across from Orm, resting her elbows lightly on the table. For a few moments, she let Orm eat in silence.

As Orm ate, her thoughts wandered. She recalled how easily she had slipped into drinking last night with Love at the club. It wasn’t like her, but the pull was too strong. Kai always made it seem like drinking was the best escape, a way to numb herself from pain. Even after all this time, his influence lingered, and that realization gnawed at her.

Orm glanced up at Lingling between bites, noticing the thoughtful look on her face. “Lingling?”

“Finish your breakfast first,” Lingling said gently but with a serious edge. “After that, we need to talk.”

The firmness in her tone made Orm pause. Lingling’s usual gentle demeanor had a layer of seriousness now, and Orm couldn’t help but respect it. She nodded, focusing on her food.

Once Orm was done, Lingling leaned back slightly, her arms crossed as she met Orm’s gaze.

“Orm,” Lingling began carefully, her tone softer now but still serious. “I need to say this. Choosing alcohol to deal with your pain… it’s not the right way. I know last night was hard for you, but crying it out or facing it directly is so much better than hurting yourself like that.”

Orm blinked, taken aback by Lingling’s straightforwardness. “I… I didn’t mean to—”

“I know,” Lingling interrupted gently, her eyes sincere. “But your health matters. You matter. Drinking until you can’t think straight… that’s not the answer, Orm. I care about you, and it hurts me to see you do that to yourself.”

Orm’s throat tightened at Lingling’s words. There was no anger in her tone, just genuine concern and care.

“I’m sorry,” Orm said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Love didn’t push me, but I think I pushed myself too far. And… it’s not just that. Kai… he always made drinking seem normal. Like it was the only way to get through tough times.”

Lingling’s expression softened further, and she sighed. “Orm, you’re not with him anymore. Don’t let his bad habits define you now. You’re stronger than that. And you’re not alone anymore. I’m here.”

Orm’s eyes welled up slightly. “Thank you, Lingling. I’ll try to do better. I… I really appreciate you being here for me.”

Lingling gave her a small smile, one that held both reassurance and resolve. “Good. Now, drink the rest of that remedy and rest a little. It’s Saturday, so you don’t need to push yourself.”

Orm smiled softly, her admiration for Lingling growing. She leaned back in her chair, watching Lingling clear the plates with quiet efficiency.

As Lingling moved around the kitchen, Orm couldn’t help but think how lucky she was to have someone like Lingling in her life—someone who cared deeply and wasn’t afraid to show it, even when it meant having tough conversations. Lingling isn’t just kind; she’s strong, and she’s exactly what I need right now.

For now, Orm resolved to listen to Lingling’s advice and take care of herself—not just for her own sake, but for Lingling’s too.

__

Orm gave a sheepish smile, leaning back in her chair and tilting her head slightly. “Now can you please stop being so serious, Lingling? I get it, okay? I’m sorry for what I did last night with the drinks and all. But I really don’t like it when your face looks so serious.”

Lingling raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh? You don’t like my serious face?”

“No, I don’t,” Orm replied, folding her arms dramatically. “It makes me feel like I’m in trouble or something. It’s scary.”

Lingling chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Well, I was just trying to sound serious so you’d understand better.”

Orm grinned, relieved to see Lingling’s smile again. “Okay, message received loud and clear. Now, no more lectures for today. Deal?”

Lingling pretended to think for a moment before nodding. “Deal.”

“Good!” Orm said, sitting up straighter. “In that case, let’s do something fun. Let’s watch some movies together!”

Lingling blinked, surprised by the sudden suggestion. “Movies?”

“Yes, movies,” Orm said with a grin. “We’ll find something funny or maybe something with a little action. Just no sad love stories, okay? I’ve had enough heartbreak drama for now.”

Lingling laughed lightly. “Alright, fine. But you’re picking the movie, Orm. And no complaining if it turns out bad.”

Orm clapped her hands together. “Deal! I’ll find the perfect one. Let me grab some snacks too!”

As Orm hurried toward the kitchen, Lingling watched her with an amused smile. Seeing Orm back to her playful, lively self brought a warmth to her heart. Despite everything, she felt a quiet sense of relief that Orm was ready to move forward—even if it was just with something as simple as watching a movie together.

Today, Lingling thought, would be a good day after all

Orm and Lingling settled comfortably on the sofa in the living room, a bowl of popcorn between them. Orm was scrolling through the movie options on the TV, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. Lingling, meanwhile, leaned back against the cushions, her gaze drifting to Orm. She couldn’t help but smile as she observed the little expressions Orm made—pouting slightly when she couldn’t decide or grinning when something caught her interest.

To Lingling, Orm looked effortlessly adorable.

“I think I’ve found the one!” Orm announced suddenly, clicking on a romantic comedy.

The movie started, and for the first few minutes, they both chuckled at the quirky humor and lighthearted banter between the characters. But soon, it shifted into a slow, overly sentimental love story that neither of them found interesting.

“Ugh, no way,” Orm groaned, quickly backing out. “This is way too boring. I need something with more energy.”

Lingling laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’re too picky, Orm.”

“Well, excuse me for having standards,” Orm shot back with a playful smirk. After a few more scrolls, she exclaimed, “Ah! This one looks good.”

The new movie turned out to be a lively mix of comedy and romance, with a few steamy moments sprinkled in. They laughed at the absurd jokes, occasionally threw popcorn at each other during the sillier scenes, and even exchanged knowing glances when the story took a more passionate turn.

As a kiss scene played on the screen, Orm’s mind suddenly drifted. Her thoughts wandered to the kiss she’d planted on Lingling’s cheek the night before. She found herself glancing at Lingling, her heart fluttering at the memory. Did Lingling remember it too?

Lingling, on the other hand, had also been reminded of that brief, unexpected kiss. She felt her cheeks heat up slightly, but she kept her gaze fixed on the TV, pretending not to notice Orm sneaking glances at her.

Just then, Lingling’s phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She casually picked it up, glancing at the screen before answering. “Hello?”

Orm’s eyes trailed to Lingling as she spoke, her voice calm and composed. For some reason, Orm found the way Lingling handled the call mesmerizing. Her eyes settled on Lingling’s neck, noticing the gentle curve and how her skin seemed to glow under the soft light of the room.

She swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. Why did even something as simple as Lingling taking a call seem so captivating? Orm shook her head lightly, trying to snap herself out of it, but her gaze lingered.

Lingling hung up the phone, turning her attention back to the movie. She glanced at Orm, catching the faintest hint of a blush on her face. “What?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“N-Nothing,” Orm stammered, quickly looking back at the TV. “Just... you’re good at multitasking. That’s all.”

Lingling tilted her head, amused but not pressing further. She leaned back into the sofa, completely unaware of how flustered Orm had become.

As the romantic comedy wrapped up, Orm stretched her arms lazily, letting out a satisfied sigh. “That was fun. Not too bad, right?”

Lingling gave her a playful smirk. “Not bad, but it’s my turn now. Let me show you something better.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, curious. “Better? What are you going to pick?”

Lingling grabbed the remote, scrolling through the options until she stopped on a horror movie. “This one.”

Orm’s expression instantly turned wary. “Horror? Seriously, Lingling?

Lingling chuckled softly, setting the movie to play. “Don’t worry, Orm. I’ll protect you.”

Orm crossed her arms, feigning confidence. “Who said I’m scared? Bring it on.”

The movie began with an eerie, foreboding soundtrack that made the room feel colder. Lingling watched intently, her expression calm, while Orm shifted nervously in her seat.

As the first jump scare came, Orm let out a startled yelp, clutching the couch cushion. Lingling burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Seriously, Orm? That wasn’t even the scary part!”

Orm shot her a glare, though the blush on her cheeks gave away her embarrassment. “I wasn’t scared! I was just... surprised, that’s all.”

But as the movie progressed, Orm found herself clutching Lingling’s arm more than the cushion. Every shadowy figure and sudden noise made her flinch, while Lingling chuckled quietly at her reactions.

“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?” Orm grumbled, hiding her face behind a pillow during a particularly tense moment.

Lingling grinned. “Maybe a little.”

The scene grew darker, with ominous whispers and flickering lights on the screen. This time, even Lingling tensed up. Without realizing it, both of them scooted closer, their shoulders brushing.

Another jump scare hit, and both of them screamed, clinging to each other instinctively. Lingling grabbed Orm’s arm tightly, while Orm buried her face against Lingling’s shoulder.

For a moment, the room was silent except for their rapid breathing. Then Lingling started to giggle, her laugh infectious. “Okay, maybe this was a little scarier than I thought.”

“You think?” Orm shot back, though she couldn’t help but laugh as well. “You’re lucky I don’t hold grudges.”

As the movie continued, they stayed close, their laughter blending with the occasional screams. By the end, they were both huddled together, exhausted but thoroughly entertained.

---

As the horror movie ended, both Lingling and Orm sat there, wide-eyed, still shaken from the scares. The room was quiet for a moment before Lingling let out a light laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“You were so scared, Orm,” Lingling teased, nudging her with her elbow. “I swear, you jumped at every little sound!”

Orm glared playfully, trying to brush off the embarrassment. “It’s not my fault! That movie was terrifying!”

Lingling chuckled, thoroughly enjoying Orm’s reaction. She leaned back on the couch, her smile never fading. But then, her expression shifted, and she tilted her head toward Orm, her tone becoming more serious. “You know... last night... you literally vomited on me,” she said, trying to hold back another laugh.

Orm froze, her face turning red at the mention of it. “What?!” she stammered. “I—I did?”

Lingling nodded, trying not to burst into laughter. “Yeah, and it was so much, I didn’t know what to do. I had to clean it up, wash your clothes, and make sure you were okay while you were passed out,” she said, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “Literally, Orm... last night was too much for me!”

Orm’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh no… I didn’t even remember that part.” She rubbed the back of her neck, embarrassed. “I’m so sorry.”

Lingling smiled softly, her gaze tender but playful. “Hey, it’s fine. You were drunk, and I was just trying to help. But it was definitely... memorable.”

Orm looked at Lingling, her heart softening. She admired the way Lingling had taken care of everything without complaint. Her respect for Lingling grew in that moment. “You’re really... amazing, you know that?” Orm said, her voice sincere. “You were so calm about everything, even when I was a mess. I really appreciate it.”

Without thinking, Orm reached over and gently kissed Lingling on the cheek, her lips lingering for a second longer than usual.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze for Lingling. Her heart skipped a beat as the warmth from Orm’s kiss lingered on her cheek. She didn’t know what to make of the feeling—there was a flutter in her chest that made her feel both surprised and... something else she couldn’t quite place.

She felt her face flush a little, her heart racing, unsure how to respond. Was that a kiss of gratitude? Or was there something more behind it? Her mind raced, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask. She simply watched as Orm quickly pulled away, a stunned look on her face.

The moment was silent for a brief second before Orm froze, her eyes wide in realization. Her heart raced as she processed what she had just done. Her cheeks turned bright red, and she quickly jumped up from the couch.

“I—I’m going to the bathroom!” Orm blurted out, her voice cracking slightly as she rushed out of the living room.

Lingling sat there, feeling the warmth of the kiss still on her skin, her heart still racing. Her fingers lightly touched her cheek where Orm’s lips had been. She was left with a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and maybe even a hint of excitement. She couldn’t deny that the kiss made her feel special, but she also knew she had to keep her emotions in check. After all, it was just a kiss, right?

But as she sat there alone, a small, shy smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Maybe it wasn’t just a kiss.

_to be continued _

That was just a long chapter 😂 >