Chapter 19: Chapter 17 : Dinner / Date

Lingling had never been so eager to leave work in her life. She glanced at the clock on her desk—4:15 PM. Just a couple more hours, she told herself. She smiled, thinking about the dinner she had planned with Orm. Is it too much to call it a date? she wondered, cheeks heating up.

She’d made sure everything was perfect. She had already booked the table at an elegant rooftop restaurant that overlooked the city lights. Lingling wanted this night to be special—not just for Orm but for herself too. It was their first outing as a married couple, and the thought of it being labeled a "date" made her heart flutter.

Determined to finish her tasks early, Lingling worked faster than usual. She handled calls, signed papers, and responded to emails with a speed that surprised her colleagues. “You’re in a rush today,” one of them teased. Lingling just laughed it off, knowing she had something much more important waiting for her.

By 6:15 PM, she was ready to leave, her heart racing as she imagined Orm waiting at home. She’d been thinking about Orm’s reaction all day. Would she like the restaurant? Would she notice the effort Lingling had put into making this evening special?

Meanwhile, back at the house, Orm was pacing in the living room. She had already changed her outfit three times, trying to strike the perfect balance between casual and romantic. She settled on a sleek black dress that clung to her figure just right.

Orm smirked to herself, imagining Lingling’s shy face. She’s definitely going to blush when she sees me in this. Orm wasn’t just excited; she was thrilled. This wasn’t just dinner—it was their first “date.” And this time, Orm had a plan.

“I’m not letting her get away with just a peck,” Orm said to herself with a mischievous grin. She was determined to steal a proper kiss from Lingling tonight, one that would leave her wife just as flustered as she made Orm feel on a daily basis.

Lingling pulled up to the house earlier than she had planned. It wasn’t even 6:30 PM yet, but she couldn’t wait any longer. Her workday had flown by in a blur of excitement, and now she was ready to focus on what mattered most—her first “date” with Orm after their wedding.

As she entered the house, she found Orm lounging on the living room sofa, scrolling through her phone. Orm was dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her legs crossed casually, exuding effortless confidence. Lingling paused in the doorway for a moment, her breath catching.

Orm glanced up, smirking when she saw Lingling standing there. “You’re early, ma’am,” she teased, setting her phone down.

Lingling snapped out of her daze, clearing her throat. “I, uh… just thought I’d come home early to shower and get changed. You know… to feel fresh.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Fresh, huh? Go ahead, then. I’ll be here… waiting.”

Lingling’s face warmed at Orm’s playful tone, but she quickly turned and headed upstairs, trying not to let her flustered state show.

---

By 7 PM, Lingling had finished her shower and stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the soft blue dress she’d chosen. It wasn’t overly fancy, but it fit her perfectly, highlighting her delicate frame. She had applied a touch of makeup and left her hair loose, giving her a natural, effortless look.

When she came downstairs, Orm’s eyes widened for a split second before she leaned back on the sofa, trying to appear nonchalant. Lingling noticed the subtle shift, though, and it made her feel a mix of confidence and nervousness.

“Wow,” Orm said, her voice low. “You’re looking... fresh, alright.”

Lingling chuckled, shaking her head. “Thanks. You look good too.” She gestured toward Orm’s dress, allowing her eyes to linger for just a moment longer than usual.

Orm smirked, noticing the glance. “Good, huh? Just good?”

Lingling rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. “Fine, you look amazing. Happy now?”

“Very,” Orm said, standing up and grabbing her purse. As she moved closer to Lingling, the soft scent of her perfume made Lingling’s heart race. “Shall we go, then?”

Lingling nodded, but as Orm opened the door for her, she couldn’t resist a final glance at her wife. Orm’s confidence, her charm—it was all so overwhelming. And yet, Lingling couldn’t deny how much she was starting to enjoy it.

As they walked out together, Lingling thought to herself, This might actually be the best night of my life.

Orm, meanwhile, was already plotting how to make this date unforgettable—and maybe even steal that kiss she’d been craving.

___

Lingling and Orm walked to the car, the evening air filled with an electric anticipation. Lingling paused for a moment, wondering if she should open the car door for Orm. It was their first date, after all, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

Should I? Or would that seem too much? she thought.

But before she could decide, she heard Orm’s voice. “Lingling, why are you still standing out there?”

Lingling looked up to find Orm already seated in the passenger seat, her eyebrow raised in playful curiosity. Lingling let out an awkward laugh, quickly slipping into the driver’s seat. “I was just… thinking.”

Orm smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Thinking about what?”

“Nothing important,” Lingling replied, starting the car and trying to mask her nervousness.

As they pulled onto the road, Orm glanced at her. “So, where are we going? What’s this mysterious place you’ve picked out?”

Lingling’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “You’ll see,” she said, her voice soft and shy. “It’s… a surprise.”

Orm tilted her head, studying Lingling’s expression. The way her cheeks flushed slightly and her eyes darted between the road and Orm made her look adorable. But the dress Lingling had chosen, paired with the way she was carrying herself tonight, had Orm’s thoughts straying to how undeniably attractive she looked.

Unable to resist, Orm leaned closer and placed a quick kiss on Lingling’s cheek.

Lingling gasped, her eyes widening as her face turned an even deeper shade of red. “W-What was that for?”

Orm leaned back, smirking. “Just felt like it. You’re too cute when you’re trying to act all mysterious.”

Lingling bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile as her heart raced. She focused all her energy on the road, determined not to let her flustered state distract her driving.

---

When they arrived at the restaurant, Lingling parked the car and stepped out, smoothing her dress nervously. Orm followed her, looking around curiously.

“So, where’s this special place?” Orm asked.

Lingling smiled, holding her excitement back as she led Orm through the entrance and up a narrow flight of stairs. When they reached the rooftop, Orm’s eyes widened.

The rooftop was beautifully set up, with fairy lights strung across the ceiling and a cozy table for two waiting for them. The city lights twinkled in the background, creating a romantic, intimate atmosphere.

“You did all this?” Orm asked, glancing at Lingling.

Lingling nodded shyly. “I… I wanted it to be special.”

Orm’s lips curved into a genuine smile. “It is. You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

Lingling shrugged, her confidence growing slightly. “Maybe. Come on, let’s sit.”

As they took their seats, Orm couldn’t help but admire Lingling. She might have been a little nervous, but the effort she’d put into planning this night was clear. Orm felt a warmth in her chest that she couldn’t quite put into words, but she knew one thing—this night was already perfect, and they hadn’t even started eating yet.

_____

The soft melody of a piano played in the background as Lingling and Orm sat across from each other at the cozy rooftop table. The waiter arrived, and Lingling smiled shyly as she ordered a light soup and her favorite pasta. Orm, unable to decide, simply said, “I’ll have the same.”

As the food arrived, the two started eating, the ambiance warm and intimate despite the slight chill in the air.

Orm occasionally glanced at Lingling as she ate, noticing the thoughtfulness in every detail of the evening. She planned all of this. For me.

Taking a sip of water, Orm’s mind wandered to her past. Her ex, Kai, flashed in her memory. He never did anything like this. He wasn’t the romantic type. Never cared about making me feel special. She felt a pang of frustration.

Orm straightened in her seat, taking a deep breath. No. I’m not going to ruin tonight by thinking about Kai. Lingling’s nothing like him. She deserves my full attention.

Lingling, oblivious to Orm’s internal musings, cleared her throat. “Um, Orm…”

Orm looked up, setting her fork down. “Yeah?”

Lingling hesitated, then smiled softly. “I… have something for you. It’s not much, but…”

Before she could finish, the wind suddenly picked up. The gentle breeze turned into a strong gust, making the fairy lights sway, and the air grew heavy with the unmistakable scent of rain.

“Oh no!” Lingling gasped, her eyes darting to their table as napkins flew and the candle threatened to topple.

Without hesitation, Lingling stood and quickly grabbed the plates. “Orm, let’s move inside before the rain starts.”

Orm got up, helping Lingling carry the remaining items. Once they were inside and settled at a new table, Lingling sat down with a sigh.

Her earlier excitement seemed to dim as she looked at the storm clouds gathering through the window. “I’m sorry, Orm. I wanted this night to be perfect, but…”

Orm reached across the table and took Lingling’s hand, her thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Hey, it’s still perfect. Don’t let the weather ruin it. I mean, it’s kind of romantic, don’t you think? Just the two of us, cozy inside, listening to the rain.”

Lingling looked up, her eyes softening as a small smile played on her lips. “You think so?”

Orm nodded, her expression warm. “Absolutely. And anyway, the effort you put into this… no one’s ever done that for me before. You’re amazing, Lingling. Really.”

Lingling’s cheeks flushed, and for a moment, her sadness lifted.

Orm leaned back in her chair, a playful smirk appearing. “Besides, now we get to watch the rain together. That’s kind of romantic, right?”

Lingling chuckled softly. “I guess it is.”

The storm outside raged, but inside, the atmosphere was light and intimate. The night might not have gone exactly as Lingling had planned, but for Orm, it was already unforgettable.

_____

The rain poured heavily against the windows, a rhythmic hum filling the restaurant. Orm and Lingling had settled into the cozy indoor seating, their dinner finished but the atmosphere far from over. Lingling seemed quieter than usual, her fingers fidgeting with her napkin. Orm noticed, her curious gaze lingering.

“What’s on your mind?” Orm asked, leaning slightly toward her.

Lingling hesitated, then reached into her bag, pulling out a small velvet box. She placed it on the table and slid it toward Orm with a shy smile. “I, um… I have something for you.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She picked up the box, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric, and opened it. Inside lay a delicate silver necklace with a butterfly pendant, a tiny diamond embedded in its center. The intricate design sparkled in the dim light.

“Lingling…” Orm breathed, her voice soft with awe. “This is… it’s stunning. I love it.” She turned the necklace slightly, letting it catch the light. “But why a butterfly? Does it mean something special?”

Lingling’s cheeks flushed as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, um… it’s nothing. I just thought it would suit you,” she mumbled, her eyes darting away.

Orm tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. She smirked, her playful side kicking in. “You’re not off the hook, Miss Lingling. I’m gonna figure out the meaning eventually.”

Lingling let out a nervous laugh, but before she could respond, she straightened up and cleared her throat. “Anyway! Where’s my gift?”

Orm froze. A slight panic flickered across her face. She hadn’t bought anything, thinking the dinner itself was the surprise. Her mind scrambled for a solution, but her mischievous nature quickly took over.

She stood abruptly, walking around the table and taking the empty seat beside Lingling.

“Uh… what are you doing?” Lingling asked, leaning back slightly, her brows furrowed.

Orm didn’t answer. Instead, she leaned closer, her hand gently cupping Lingling’s cheek. Lingling’s eyes widened, her breath catching as Orm’s lips softly brushed against hers. The kiss was tender, unexpected, and brief.

When Orm pulled back, a shy grin tugged at her lips. “Well, that’s my little gift for you.”

Lingling sat frozen for a moment, processing what just happened. Her cheeks turned a deep red as her mind caught up. “W-What was that?” she stammered.

Orm’s grin faltered slightly. “Was it too much? I mean, I just thought—”

Before she could finish, Lingling leaned in, capturing Orm’s lips in a kiss that was anything but hesitant. This time, it was deeper, filled with an intensity that surprised them both. Orm’s initial shock melted into warmth, and she kissed back, her hand moving to Lingling’s waist as if to anchor herself.

When they finally parted, both were breathless, their faces inches apart.

Orm chuckled softly, her voice low. “Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. But I’m not complaining.”

Lingling hid her face in her hands for a moment, trying to calm her racing heart. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

Orm leaned back slightly, a playful glint in her eye. “I’ll take that as a compliment. But seriously, I think I’m the one who’s supposed to be thanking you. This necklace…” She glanced at the butterfly pendant, now sitting on the table. “It’s perfect.”

Lingling smiled shyly, her voice soft. “You asked why I chose a butterfly, right?”

Orm nodded, leaning in again to listen, her expression curious.

Lingling hesitated, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve. “It’s because… you give me butterflies. Every time we’re close or even when I think about you. It’s silly, I know—”

“Not silly at all,” Orm interrupted, her voice sincere. She reached out, gently taking Lingling’s hand in hers. “That’s… one of the sweetest things anyone’s ever said to me.”

Lingling’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world around them faded.

“And,” Orm added with a grin, “it also makes me feel like the best gift-giver ever for giving you those butterflies.”

Lingling rolled her eyes playfully but couldn’t hide her smile.

Orm leaned in one more time, brushing her lips softly against Lingling’s, a gentle kiss filled with gratitude and affection. “Thank you for being you,” she whispered.

Lingling’s cheeks flushed again as she murmured, “Thank you… for making me feel this way.”

As Orm admired the delicate butterfly necklace in her hand, she glanced at Lingling, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. “Hey,” she began, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Lingling tilted her head, slightly wary of Orm’s tone. “What?”

Orm held up the necklace, letting it dangle between them. “Since it’s from you, I think you should be the one to put it on me.”

Lingling blinked, her cheeks warming. “M-Me?”

“Of course,” Orm replied, leaning back casually in her chair, the smirk growing. “It’s only fair, don’t you think? You chose it, you gave it to me—it’s your job to complete the process.”

Lingling huffed lightly, trying to mask her nervousness. “Fine,” she said, reaching for the necklace.

Orm grinned, turning her chair slightly to face Lingling and brushing her hair over one shoulder. “All yours.”

Lingling hesitated for a moment, the soft blush on her cheeks deepening. She moved closer, her fingers brushing against Orm’s neck as she clasped the necklace behind her.

The light touch made Orm shiver slightly, and she couldn’t help but tease, “Careful, Lingling. You’re making this a little too romantic.”

“Shut up,” Lingling mumbled, her voice betraying her embarrassment.

As she finished fastening the necklace, Lingling leaned back to admire her work. The butterfly pendant rested perfectly against Orm’s collarbone, catching the light just right.

“It looks beautiful,” Lingling said softly, her tone sincere.

Orm turned to face her, a warm smile on her lips. “You mean I look beautiful, right?”

Lingling rolled her eyes, but the small, shy smile on her face gave her away. “Yeah, yeah. You look beautiful, too.”

Orm laughed, leaning closer until their faces were just inches apart. “Thanks to you,” she said, her voice low and teasing.

Lingling cleared her throat, trying to keep her composure. “Okay, stop being so full of yourself.”

“Can’t help it,” Orm replied, her grin widening. “You make it too easy.”

Lingling shook her head, but the soft laughter they shared filled the space between them, making the moment even more special.

As Orm gently touched the butterfly pendant, she whispered, “Thank you, Lingling. This really means a lot to me.”

Lingling looked away, her voice barely audible. “You’re welcome.”

But Orm wasn’t done yet. Leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on Lingling’s forehead. “You’re the best,” she murmured, making Lingling’s heart flutter even more.

_to be continues_