Lingling arrived home at her usual time, still feeling the weight of the dayâs work, though it had been less hectic than usual. The office had been quieter, and she was grateful for the chance to relax a bit. As she entered the house, she noticed Orm upstairs in their shared room, getting ready for something. Lingling didnât feel the need to ask what Orm was doingâshe had no right to pry, after all. They were partners in an arranged marriage, but they were still learning how to navigate each otherâs space and lives.
Lingling set her things down and went about her usual routine, but a part of her kept wondering what Orm was up to. She had grown accustomed to seeing Orm at home, either lounging or working, and it felt strange that tonight was different. She pushed the thought away, focusing on her own thoughts.
Downstairs, Ormâs parents were chatting about something when Lingling entered the living room. Ormâs mom looked at her with a small smile, then glanced toward the stairs. "Orm's planning to go out tonight," she said casually.
Lingling blinked. "Oh?"
"Yes, she's going to the club," Orm's dad added. "If you really want to go, why don't you take Lingling with you? It's a good chance for both of you to get out of the house."
Lingling felt the suggestion catch her off guard. She wasnât exactly part of Ormâs nightlife plans, but she couldnât exactly refuse.
Orm, who had been listening from the staircase, appeared at the bottom of the steps. She shrugged nonchalantly, though her eyes hinted at something else. "Sure, why not? I could use the company anyway."
Lingling looked up in surprise, and Ormâs gaze met hers, almost teasing. She wasnât sure if Orm was trying to make the invitation sound casual or if it was her way of distracting Lingling from the suddenness of the situation.
But Orm had her reasons. She had planned a surprise for her boyfriend, Kai, and she needed a reason to get out of the house. The idea of Lingling coming along seemed like the perfect opportunity to ensure that no one questioned her actions. And besides, maybe the night would be fun with Lingling along.
Orm turned back toward the stairs, calling out to Lingling, âHey, you coming or not?â
Lingling hesitated, unsure how to respond. She knew she had no real say in this arrangement, but something about the way Orm had asked left her conflicted. Was this really just an invitation, or was it something more? She couldnât deny the curiosity stirring inside her. She was still getting used to how Orm behaved, and moments like this only added to her intrigue.
Orm reached the top of the stairs and leaned over the railing. "Come on, Iâve got a surprise plan for Kai. Youâll just be my âplus oneâ for the night," she said, almost like a challenge.
Lingling frowned but couldnât help the slight blush that crept up her neck. âFine. But Iâm not your âplus one.â Iâm just coming to keep an eye on you.â
Ormâs lips twitched into a grin. âSure, sure. Whatever you say.â
Lingling reluctantly agreed, knowing she would need some time to get ready. She needed to look presentable, not just for Orm but for herself. After a few minutes of debating what to wear, she settled on something simple yet stylishâsomething that wasnât too flashy but still had a hint of sexiness. A fitted top and black jeans would do the trick. She wasnât exactly a club-goer, but she could blend in if she wanted to.
When she was done dressing, she checked her reflection in the mirror. Lingling felt a mix of excitement and uneaseâshe was about to step out of her comfort zone in more ways than one.
As she descended the stairs, Orm, already dressed in a sharp outfit, raised an eyebrow at her. âNot bad. I didnât think you had it in you.â
Lingling shrugged, trying to hide her discomfort. "Itâs just clothes, Orm."
Orm nodded, clearly impressed. âYou clean up well, Lingling.â
Lingling looked away, suddenly feeling shy under Ormâs gaze. She didnât want to think too much about how much her heart was racing at the small compliment. âLetâs just get this over With this "
After a few moments of awkward silence, Orm turned to Lingling, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You drive," she said, tossing Lingling the car keys.
Lingling blinked in surprise but caught the keys without much thought. "Are you sure? I mean, youâre the one who knows the way to the club, not me."
Orm smirked. "Donât worry about it. Just drive. Iâll navigate."
Lingling hesitated for a moment but then shrugged. She was the one with the car keys, after all. She walked to her car and unlocked it, sliding into the driverâs seat. Orm followed and settled into the passenger side, buckling up.
It was a strange feeling, this quiet moment in Linglingâs car. Orm had ridden in cars before, but never in Linglingâs own. It was a different experience, and the moment she sat down, something felt a little... off. Maybe it was the way the car smelled, faintly of Lingling's perfume, or the fact that everything in the car seemed so familiar, so intimate. Orm had never really paid attention to these things before, but now, she couldnât help but notice.
Lingling started the engine, and the sound of the car filling the space between them felt oddly comforting. Orm shifted in her seat, trying to focus on the road ahead. But for some reason, her attention kept drifting to Lingling. She had always known Lingling was beautiful, but now, as she watched Lingling maneuver the car with ease, there was something undeniably... attractive about her. The way her hands gripped the wheel, the casual confidence with which she droveâOrm found herself staring without realizing it.
It was just the two of them now, driving through the quiet streets as the night slowly descended. Orm tried to snap herself out of her thoughts, but it wasnât easy. Linglingâs focused expression, the slight tilt of her head as she adjusted the mirrorâit all made Orm feel a little more nervous than usual. Her mind kept going back to their earlier interactions, to the way Linglingâs presence seemed to affect her. It was hard to put into words, but she couldnât deny that something had changed.
"So, whatâs the plan?" Linglingâs voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and Orm blinked, realizing she had been lost in her head for a while.
"Huh?" Orm was momentarily flustered but quickly recovered. "Oh, I need to pick up a cake for Kai. Itâs his birthday tonight, so Iâm surprising him with it before we head to the club."
Lingling was focused on the road, her hands steady on the wheel. Ormâs casual chatter about her boyfriend Kai didnât faze her. She had come to terms with the fact that her relationship with Orm was simply part of the arrangementânothing more. She wasnât jealous or hurt by Ormâs words; it was clear that Orm and Kai had a bond, and Lingling respected that.
In truth, she didnât feel anything for Orm beyond the friendship they had developed over time. The awkwardness was more about the situation they found themselves inâliving together as part of a marriage that neither had truly chosen. Lingling had no illusions. She accepted it all, knowing that emotions and connections would likely come later, if at all. For now, she was content with their simple, unspoken understanding.
"So, youâve been planning this surprise for a while?" Lingling asked as she made a turn, her voice steady and calm. She wasnât trying to pry into Ormâs personal life; she genuinely wanted to know.
Orm nodded, her face lighting up. "Yeah, I wanted to do something special for Kaiâs birthday. Itâs been a busy week, and I thought a cake would make it all better "
Lingling smiled softly, her eyes on the road. "Thatâs thoughtful. Iâm sure heâll appreciate it."
Orm glanced at Lingling, sensing a certain ease in her response. "Youâre okay with all this? With me talking about him and everything?"
Lingling glanced over at Orm and gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Of course. Youâre allowed to have your own life, and I respect that. Weâre just... roommates in this situation. No reason to be jealous or upset."
Orm blinked, surprised by Linglingâs level-headedness. She had expected a little more discomfort, maybe some tension, but Lingling seemed entirely at peace with it. It was something Orm wasnât used to, but she found it oddly comforting. She admired Linglingâs ability to accept things as they were.
"I guess I just... donât really know how to handle all of this," Orm admitted, her voice softening as she stared out the window. "You know, the arranged marriage thing... itâs complicated."
Lingling chuckled lightly, keeping her eyes on the road. "Itâs complicated for both of us, I think. But weâll figure it out. I donât expect anything from you, Orm, and I donât think you expect anything from me."
Orm nodded, grateful for Linglingâs maturity. It made things easier, in a way. She didnât have to constantly second-guess herself or worry about how Lingling might react. Lingling was fine with it all, and that made Ormâs life a little less complicated.
They arrived at the bakery, and Ormâs excitement was palpable. She bounced out of the car, heading toward the entrance with a quick step. Lingling stayed behind, taking a moment to breathe in the cool evening air. There was something calming about this situation. She didnât feel the need to force anything, didnât feel pressured to change things. What they had was simple, and that was enough for her.
When Orm returned with the cake, Lingling couldnât help but smile at the excitement on her face. "Got it?" she asked.
Orm grinned, holding up the cake triumphantly. "Yep! Letâs go."
Lingling nodded, starting the engine again. As they drove to the club, Lingling kept her thoughts focused on the road, her hands firm on the wheel. Orm was chatting excitedly about the night ahead, and Lingling was happy to listen. She didnât feel anything deep or overwhelming for Ormâjust a growing respect for her as a person.
And that was all Lingling needed for now.
_to be continued_