CH-15

Today, their vacation had truly just begun. After enjoying breakfast together, Ling’s group set off on their journey, exploring the beauty of Phuket and visiting several planned attractions. Laughter and cheerful conversations filled the air, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

After some time, they arrived at their next destination—Phuket Old Town, a vibrant district that blends classic architecture with rich local culture. Orm, who never missed an opportunity to capture special moments, quickly pulled out her phone to take photos and videos. She aimed to preserve the beauty of every corner—the pastel-colored buildings, the narrow streets lined with charming local stalls.

"Here, let me take some pictures for you," Ling offered, reaching for Orm’s phone.

Orm shook her head gently while continuing to snap photos. "No need, phi. I just want to capture the scenery this time."

Ling gave a small smile and slipped her hands into her pockets. "Alright," she replied briefly, though there was a hint of playful mischief in her voice. She then took out her own phone, pretending to film the surroundings when, in reality, she was secretly recording Orm. Her eyes gleamed with affection as she watched Orm through the screen.

Moments later, Orm sensed something and turned to look at Ling. "Do you want me to take a picture of you? The view here is stunning," she offered, her eyes bright and sincere.

Ling smiled again. "This view is even more beautiful than anything else," she said, staring at Orm’s face through her phone screen. For a brief second, Orm held her breath.

Her expression shifted to a blank look. "Are you recording me again?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest, as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

Ling nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Why? I just want to record the person I like," she said, moving the camera closer to capture Orm’s face up close.

"P’Ling," Orm half-protested, quickly covering Ling’s phone camera with her hand. "Stop recording me. Delete that video."

Ling chuckled, pulling her phone back ever so slightly, reluctant to part with her little keepsake. "I’m just adding to my personal collection."

"Personal collection? So that means you record me often?" Orm asked, eyes widening in disbelief.

Ling smirked mischievously. "Sometimes. You look adorable when you’re unaware."

Orm fell silent, her face gradually turning red. "P’Ling!!" she whined, stomping her foot and pouting.

Suddenly, laughter erupted from behind them.

"Ehmm... ehmm... looks like someone just got together," Charlotte teased after witnessing their interaction from afar.

Orm quickly waved her hands in denial. "We’re not dating, phi," she clarified. "We just confessed our feelings to each other. P’Ling asked for some time to get to know each other better," she explained calmly.

Engfa, who had been listening, burst into laughter. "Ling, you’re such a coward."

Lookmhee chimed in, "Haven’t you known each other long enough? Why do you need more time? Sonya and I took 13 years to finally be together, and when we met again, we didn’t waste any more time."

"Exactly," Charlotte added with a playful grin. "Don’t keep Orm waiting too long."

Anda, who had been quiet until now, suddenly joined the conversation. "If you make Orm wait too long, I’ll take my chance with her," she joked, making everyone burst into laughter.

Ling glanced at each of them before turning to Orm, her gaze serious yet affectionate. "I won’t make Orm wait too long," she said with confidence, causing smiles to spread across everyone’s faces.

•••••

Orm had spent almost the entire day following Ling and her friends around various corners of Phuket. They laughed, joked, and enjoyed rare moments of relaxation. As the sun tilted westward and the sky gradually changed colors, their final destination was Patong Beach—one of Phuket’s most breathtaking beaches—to watch the sunset together.

The atmosphere felt warm and pleasant to Orm. Even though she had just met Ling’s friends, they treated her kindly, as if she had always been part of the group. There was no awkwardness, no sense of distance. Orm felt at ease, and that comfort allowed her to fully enjoy the day.

As they waited for the sun to sink below the horizon, some of Ling’s friends waded into the water, laughing and playfully splashing each other. Orm, however, remained on the shore. She closed her eyes, letting the sea breeze brush against her face, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

But the tranquility was suddenly disrupted. Orm felt an arm wrap around her waist. She flinched slightly, her eyes snapping open. Turning her head, she found Ling standing close—so close that their faces were only inches apart.

"P’Ling..." Orm whispered, startled. Gently, she pried Ling’s hand away and turned around, scanning their surroundings anxiously. "We’re in public... People are watching."

Ling smiled casually, unfazed. "And? Isn’t that what eyes are for?"

Orm sighed, trying to explain her concern. "That’s not the point, P’Ling. You’re an artist, and I’m just your personal assistant. I don’t want this to damage your image."

Ling nodded slowly, acknowledging Orm’s worry. "Alright," she said in a lighthearted tone. "As an apology, let me buy you a drink. How about that?"

Orm smiled, relieved that Ling understood. "I’d like coconut ice, P’Ling. That’s a must-have at the beach."

Ling chuckled and nodded. "Alright, wait here. I’ll get it for you."

As Ling walked away, Orm turned her attention back to the group still playing in the water. Their laughter filled the warm evening air, making the moment even more enjoyable. But then, unexpectedly, her vision went dark—something was covering her eyes.

"P’Ling..." Orm groaned in mild frustration, assuming it was another one of Ling’s antics. "I already told you, this is a public—" She stopped mid-sentence as she turned around and realized that the person behind her wasn’t Ling.

"Sawadee, N’Orm."

"Eh, P’Meen?" Orm blinked in surprise at the sight of Meen, her senior, smiling at her. "What are you doing here?"

Meen crossed his arms, looking at her teasingly. "Didn’t I tell you a few days ago that I had an event in Phuket with my faculty friends?" he asked, feigning disappointment.

Orm scratched her head, feeling guilty. "Ah, right… Sorry, P’Meen. I forgot."

"Huft, that hurts," Meen sighed dramatically, though his smile remained intact.

Orm lowered her head slightly, feeling bad. "I really didn’t mean to forget, P’Meen."

Meen let out a soft laugh and ruffled her hair. "Relax, I’m just messing with you, Nong. I know you tend to forget little things."

Orm smiled, relieved. "Thanks, P’Meen."

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of firm footsteps approaching.

"Orm is on vacation with me," Ling spoke abruptly, stepping toward them. Her gaze was sharp, though she tried to maintain a composed expression.

"Ah, I see…" Meen murmured, glancing at Ling before turning back to Orm. "Just the two of you?"

"No, P’Meen," Orm quickly clarified, sensing the tension. "P’Ling’s friends are here too."

Ling let out a quiet scoff, clearly annoyed, though Orm could tell she was holding back.

"Alright, then," Meen said with a smile, though there was something unreadable in his eyes. "I’ll get going now. Take care, N’Orm." He ruffled Orm’s hair once more before walking away.

Once Meen left, Orm and Ling were alone again. The air between them felt different—heavier, more silent. Ling handed Orm the coconut ice she had bought but said nothing.

"Thank you, P’Ling," Orm said softly as she took the drink.

They stood quietly, only the sound of crashing waves filling the space between them. Orm stole a few glances at Ling, feeling the need to explain—especially about Meen.

Meanwhile, Ling remained still, staring out at the ocean. Her expression was calm, but there was something unspoken beneath the surface, something lingering in her thoughts.

•••••

The first day's exploration of Phuket had come to an end, and now Orm and Ling were back in their room without exchanging a single word. The usual comforting silence between them felt awkward that night. Ever since they left the beach, Orm had sensed a change in Ling's demeanor. Though Ling still paid attention to her, Orm couldn't ignore the fact that she was speaking far less than usual. The smiles Ling had given throughout the day felt forced, as if concealing something beneath them.

Orm stole a glance at Ling, who was sitting at the edge of the bed, slowly taking off her blazer. There was an unsettling quiet between them—one that made Orm’s heart race. She felt a distance growing between them, despite their physical closeness. Gathering her courage, Orm sat beside Ling, determined to uncover what was truly going on.

"P'Ling..." Orm called her name softly, her eyes filled with quiet hope as she looked at the woman beside her.

Ling merely hummed in response, "Hm?" turning to Orm with an unreadable gaze. That look carried weight, as if Ling was holding something back.

"Are you upset with me because of P'Meen?" Orm asked directly, knowing there was no point in keeping the question to herself any longer.

Ling fell silent for a moment before replying. "I’m not upset. Didn't you already say that you’re just friends?" Her voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable hint of hesitation beneath it. Deep down, Ling knew that feelings between friends shouldn’t be that intense. Maybe, she thought, Meen saw Orm in a different light.

Orm nodded slowly. "Yes, P'Meen is like an older brother to me. He’s just looking out for me," she reassured, hoping to put Ling’s doubts to rest.

But this time, Ling held her gaze a little longer. "And what if Meen actually has feelings for you?" she asked, her tone serious, as if testing Orm’s certainty.

Orm let out a small smile. "That won’t happen, Phi. I’m sure of it."

Ling sighed heavily before speaking again. "Nothing in this world is impossible, N'Orm." Her voice carried a tired edge, as if struggling with an uncertainty she couldn't quite shake off.

Seeing Ling like this, Orm felt the need to reassure her. She reached for Ling’s hand, clasping it tightly, as if willing her to trust in her feelings. "Believe me, that will never happen. Besides, the only person I like is you, P'Ling," Orm said, her voice soft yet unwavering.

Orm’s gentle words found their way through the walls Ling had built. Slowly, the frustration she had been holding onto began to dissolve. She brushed her thumb over Orm’s hand, her gaze warming. "You’re so beautiful," Ling murmured, her tone softer now. "I must have a lot of competition..."

Her left hand moved toward Orm’s hair, stroking the silky strands before trailing down to caress her cheek. "Should I leave a mark, so no one else dares to approach you?" she teased, though there was an undeniable meaning behind her words.

Orm smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. She placed her hand over Ling’s, gently tracing her fingers across it. "If that’s what you want, then do it," she replied, her voice steady yet inviting, as if daring Ling to show just how much she truly meant to her.

Without another word, Ling curved her lips into a soft smile before pulling Orm into a gentle kiss. It wasn’t just a simple meeting of lips—there was something deeper in the way Ling brushed her tongue against Orm’s lips before slowly capturing her lower lip between her own.

Orm responded with equal tenderness, her lips moving against Ling’s in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Gradually, she parted her lips, allowing Ling’s tongue to slip inside, intertwining with hers. They savored the intimacy of the moment, their breaths mingling as the kiss deepened.

Ling pulled away slightly, pressing a lingering peck to Orm’s lips before their eyes met. Then, without hesitation, she lowered her face to Orm’s neck, planting soft kisses along her skin. A moment later, her lips latched onto a sensitive spot, sucking lightly until a faint mark appeared—pulling a quiet, involuntary moan from Orm’s lips.

“Mmhh…” A breathy sigh escaped Orm as she tilted her head back, giving Ling more space to continue her exploration. Meanwhile, Ling swiftly unbuttoned her own top before reaching around Orm’s back, fingers working to undo the zipper of her dress. As the fabric slid down, Ling’s gaze swept over Orm’s body, now left in nothing but a bra and underwear.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Orm asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

Ling smiled. "I like seeing you like this," she replied softly, pressing another kiss to Orm’s neck—this time, grazing her teeth against the skin, leaving a faint mark that sent a shiver through Orm’s body.

Orm tilted her head back, granting Ling more access to explore the curve of her neck down to her shoulders. Slowly, she guided Ling’s hand to her chest, silently asking for her touch. Ling obliged, her fingers tracing the contours of Orm’s body—from her breasts to her stomach, then down to her thighs.

"P'Ling..." Orm murmured hesitantly, grasping Ling’s hand just as it neared her most sensitive spot. "I’ve never done this before."

Ling smiled reassuringly. "I'll be the first, and I'll take it slow," She said, kissing Orm's forehead lovingly. Orm nodded with a shy smile, releasing her grip on Ling's hand and letting Ling move as she wished.

Ling began to touch Orm's sensitive area gently, observing Orm's expression as she slowly enjoyed the touch. "Aah..." a soft moan came from Orm's mouth as Ling's finger began to enter her vagina.

Her thighs clamped Ling's hand for a moment before opening again, giving Ling more space. "P'Ling..." Orm muttered while biting her lip, trying to hold back her moans.

However, Ling whispered in her ear, "Don't hold back, just let it out so I know you like it." With those words, Orm could no longer restrain himself.

"Aah... Phi..."

"Aaahhh....Mmhh.. Uhh.."

Moans full of pleasure continued to escape Orm's lips, her body squirming as she felt Ling's fingers playing more and more expertly inside her. Her hands gripped Ling's arms tightly, her body felt like it was no longer able to withstand the extraordinary sensation that was flowing.

Ling continued to stare at Orm's face, enjoying Orm's expression which looked so sexy and Orm's moans which made Ling even more excited, sometimes Ling gave her a soft kiss on Orm's lips. Until finally, with a long sigh, Orm's body shook violently as the sensation peaked and liquid came out from inside her.

"Good girl," Ling said softly, placing a kiss on Orm's lips before slowly withdrawing her fingers. Ling then moved down towards Orm's body, as if to continue.

"P'Ling..." Orm held Ling's head. "Don't... it'll dirty your mouth."

Ling smiled a little and kept her face close, giving a small kiss before gently licking Orm's sensitive area. Orm sighed, her body squirming again at the touch of Ling's tongue.

After a while, Ling stopped what she was doing and went back up to kiss Orm's lips. "I just want to clean your wet bottom a little," Ling said with a mischievous smile.

Orm blushed, rubbing Ling's cheek gently. "Even though I told you I could clean it myself," she replied quietly.

"But you enjoyed it, didn't you?" Ling teased.

"P'Ling!" Orm protested, playfully swatting Ling's arm while pouting. Ling chuckled at how adorable Orm looked before pulling her into a warm embrace.

They sank into each other's arms, Orm resting her head against Ling's chest, feeling safe and content in the warmth of the night.