Chapter 14 - Fall

Orm and Lingling arrived at the Palace of Versailles, the grand architecture and golden gates shimmering under the morning sun. Their driver dropped them off at the entrance, and Orm instinctively reached for Lingling's hand. Lingling hesitated for a moment but let it happen, their fingers intertwining as they walked inside.

They strolled through the vast gardens, taking in the beauty of the fountains and perfectly trimmed hedges. Orm watched Lingling's face, catching the small, genuine smiles she tried to hide.

"You like it here, don't you?" Orm asked, squeezing her hand gently.

Lingling nodded. "It's peaceful. I've been here a few times, but I never really got to enjoy it."

Orm smirked. "Then let's make this time different."

They toured the Hall of Mirrors, pausing as Lingling admired the golden chandeliers and intricate ceiling artwork. Orm, however, was more focused on Lingling, watching her with quiet adoration.

After their visit, they made their way back to Paris and headed to the Seine River. The afternoon sun reflected off the water as they boarded a cruise boat. Orm leaned against the railing, pulling Lingling close beside her.

"You know," Orm started, "Paris suits you."

Lingling turned to her. "What do you mean?"

Orm tilted her head. "I don't know. Maybe it's the way you look when you're actually enjoying yourself. Relaxed. Happy."

Lingling rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're reading too much into things."

"Maybe," Orm teased, bumping their shoulders together.

After the cruise, they wandered through the streets, stopping at different cafés and bakeries to try pastries. Orm watched as Lingling took small bites of a macaron, her expression softening.

"You look cute when you eat," Orm commented casually.

Lingling almost choked. "What kind of observation is that?"

Orm laughed. "An honest one."

They continued exploring until they found a cozy alfresco restaurant for lunch. As they settled in, Orm leaned back in her chair and asked, "Are you happy?"

Lingling looked at her, then out at the bustling Parisian street. "Very," she admitted. "I don't usually go out much when I'm here. I either rest at the hotel or take a short walk to clear my head."

Orm nodded. "I'm glad you're having fun." She winked. "I'll take credit for that."

Lingling raised a brow. "Do you always explore like this when you're in Paris?"

Orm smirked, taking a sip of her drink. "Yeah, I do."

Lingling hesitated. "With who?"

Orm's lips curled into a teasing smile. "Someone special."

Lingling's heart clenched slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. "I see."

Orm, noticing her reaction, leaned forward. "Jealous?"

Lingling scoffed. "Why would I be?"

Orm chuckled. "Relax, it was my mom." She smoothed out her coat and smirked. "I told you, there's no one else. I'm loyal—even when we weren't together."

Lingling studied her for a moment before looking away, hiding a small smile. Maybe, just maybe, she could start believing in Orm again.

Lingling and Orm went to a restaurant with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. The golden lights of the tower shimmered in the night sky, casting a romantic glow over the city.

Orm pulled out a chair for Lingling before sitting across from her. "I hope you're hungry," she said with a grin. "I ordered us some of the best dishes on the menu."

Lingling raised an eyebrow. "You ordered already?"

Orm smirked. "I know your taste, Ling. You'll love it."

True to Orm's words, the food was exquisite. They enjoyed a meal of duck confit, truffle pasta, and delicate pastries. Between bites, they talked—about their day, about places they wanted to visit, and about nothing in particular.

For the first time in a long time, Lingling felt at ease with Orm. The tension that once lingered between them had softened, replaced by quiet laughter and stolen glances.

As they sipped their wine, Orm rested her chin on her hand and watched Lingling. "You're beautiful when you're happy," she said casually.

Lingling nearly choked on her drink. "W-what?"

Orm chuckled. "I mean it. I haven't seen you smile like this in years."

Lingling looked away, pretending to focus on her dessert. "You say things so easily," she muttered.

Orm tilted her head. "Because they're true."

Lingling sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

After dinner, they walked back to their hotel, the cool Parisian breeze wrapping around them. The streets were quiet, the city lights twinkling like stars.

Once they reached their suite, Lingling turned to Orm. "Thanks for today," she said softly.

Orm smiled. "Anytime, Ling."

She reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Lingling's ear. The gesture was so tender that Lingling's breath hitched.

Orm hesitated for a second before leaning in, pressing a gentle kiss to Lingling's cheek. "Good night," she whispered.

Lingling stood frozen as Orm pulled away, her heart hammering in her chest. She watched as Orm walked to her room, humming to herself.

Lingling touched her cheek absentmindedly, feeling the warmth that still lingered.

She let out a deep breath. "This woman is going to drive me crazy," she muttered before heading into her own room.

________

Orm's phone buzzed just as she was about to lie down. Seeing her mom's name on the screen, she quickly answered.

"Hey, Mom."

Koy's warm voice came through. "Orm, how's Paris?"

Orm smiled. "It's great. The weather's nice, and we did a lot of sightseeing today."

Koy chuckled knowingly. "And Lingling?"

Orm exhaled softly. "She's good. We're... taking it slow. I don't want to rush her. I just want to prove to her that I'm serious."

Koy hummed in approval. "That's a good approach. Lingling has always been cautious right? She's not the type to just jump into something, especially after everything that happened."

Orm rubbed her temple. "I know. That's why I'm just happy she's not pushing me away. That's already a win for me."

Koy smiled through the phone. "You sound different, Orm."

Orm frowned. "Different how?"

"You sound... patient. Mature, even," Koy teased.

Orm groaned. "Mom..."

Koy laughed. "I'm serious! It's good to hear. Love should make you better, not desperate."

Orm stayed quiet for a moment, then muttered, "I really love her, Mom. You know that"

"I know you do," Koy said warmly. "And I believe she loves you too. Give her time."

There was a brief pause before Koy's voice turned playful. "By the way, when can I expect grandchildren?"

Orm choked on air. "MOM! We literally just started talking again!"

Koy burst into laughter. "What? I'm just asking! I'm getting older, Orm. I'd like to see my future grandkids before I have to use a cane."

Orm shook her head. "You're unbelievable."

"I'm just saying," Koy continued, giggling. "You and Lingling would have adorable babies."

Orm's face turned red. "Okay, Mom. I'm hanging up now."

Koy laughed harder. "Alright, alright. Goodnight, sweetheart. Dream of Lingling!"

Orm groaned before hanging up, but despite herself, she was smiling.

_____________

Lingling lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The day had been unexpectedly perfect—Orm had been sweet, thoughtful, and so incredibly charming that it was starting to mess with her head.

She sighed, turning onto her side. Do not fall easily, Ling. You've been through this before.

But then she thought about Orm's face when she laughed, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners. The way she had kissed her cheek so casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lingling groaned and covered her face with a pillow. Damn it.

No matter how much she told herself to be careful, her heart was already warming up to Orm again.

She exhaled and let a small smile escape. Maybe... just maybe...

Pushing the thoughts aside, she pulled the blanket over her and closed her eyes, hoping sleep would take her before her heart betrayed her further.

_________

Lingling stirred awake, hearing faint noises coming from the living room. She rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock—1 a.m. With a sigh, she slipped on her robe and padded toward the noise.

Opening the door, she found Orm rummaging through the fridge, her hair slightly messy from sleep.

"What are you doing?" Lingling asked, crossing her arms.

Orm, still focused on the fridge, mumbled, "I'm hungry. I need something to eat." After a few seconds, she pulled out a jar of peanut butter and held it up triumphantly. "Ah-ha! And I have biscuits, too. Want some?"

Lingling sighed, shaking her head. "I thought you were getting drunk again."

Orm scoffed, closing the fridge with her hip. "Nope. I don't drink when I'm with you." She smirked. "I'm a good girl."

Lingling raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"

Orm dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "Ouch. That hurts, Ling."

Lingling chuckled and walked toward the dining table, watching as Orm spread peanut butter on a biscuit.

"You're really hungry, huh?" she asked, taking a seat.

Orm nodded. "Yup. You sure you don't want some?" Without waiting for a response, she held up a biscuit near Lingling's lips.

Lingling rolled her eyes but took a small bite. "Crazy."

Orm grinned. "Crazy for you."

Lingling nearly choked. "Orm—"

Orm laughed. "Okay, okay, I'll stop." She leaned back, nibbling on her biscuit. "Since we're both awake, wanna sit on the balcony for a bit? The Eiffel Tower looks nice at night."

Lingling hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. Just for a little while."

Orm smirked, standing up. "Just a little while. Got it."

They sat near the balcony, the soft glow of the city lights reflecting off the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The night air was cool, but it didn't matter; Lingling and Orm were wrapped in the comfort of each other's company. Orm couldn't help but steal glances at Lingling, a smile tugging at her lips.

"I love you," Orm whispered softly, almost as if she was confessing a secret to the night itself.

Lingling looked at Orm, her heart pounding, but she didn't reply immediately. Her gaze lingered on Orm's face, the sincerity in her eyes, but the words felt like they were caught in her throat.

Orm chuckled lightly, breaking the silence. "You don't have to say it. For now. Take your time." She smiled gently, her hand resting on the back of the chair. "I just want you to know."

Lingling stayed quiet for a moment, letting Orm's words hang in the air between them. Slowly, she turned her head to face her, the weight of her emotions making her voice soft.

"Orm," she said, pausing before continuing.

Orm's gaze shifted to her, sensing something deeper in the tone.

"Please... don't break my heart again," Lingling added, her words quiet but full of vulnerability.

Orm's eyes softened, her heart aching for the pain she saw in Lingling's eyes. Without hesitation, she reached over and intertwined their fingers, giving them a gentle squeeze.

"I won't," Orm promised, her voice steady and firm. "If I hurt you again... I won't forgive myself this time." She leaned forward slightly, her forehead brushing against Lingling's, her touch tender. "I mean it. You're everything to me, Ling. I'll never hurt you again."

Lingling's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still. She let herself believe Orm—believe in the sincerity of her words. It was hard, but maybe, just maybe, this was their chance to rebuild.

The city lights flickered in the distance, but in that moment, it felt like the world had quieted around them. Orm and Lingling, sitting together, hand in hand, in the stillness of the night, each carrying hope for the future—one built on trust, patience, and love.