CH-17

Orm walked briskly through the campus hallway, making her way to class. The crisp morning air offered a slight sense of calm amid the many responsibilities weighing on her mind—both as a student and as Ling’s personal assistant. However, before she could get far, a sudden tug on her shoulder forced her to react instinctively. In a swift motion, she twisted the stranger’s arm behind their back.

“It’s me, Prikhing!” Prikhing yelped in pain, grimacing as Orm restrained her.

Realizing her mistake, Orm immediately let go, her expression shifting to concern. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. You grabbed me out of nowhere,” she said casually, though a hint of guilt lingered in her voice.

Milk, who had been standing nearby, chuckled before chiming in, “See? That’s just typical Prikhing. Did you come back from vacation with amnesia, Orm?”

Orm laughed lightly, shaking her head. “I didn’t forget anything. I was just startled.”

“It’s rare to see you on campus this early. P’Ling doesn’t have a schedule today?” View asked as she joined the group.

“P’Ling’s schedule starts in the afternoon, so I had time to attend class and submit my assignments,” Orm replied, adjusting the strap of her bag. Her voice was relaxed, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

“By the way, there’s something we need to talk about,” Prikhing suddenly brought up, shifting the conversation in a new direction.

“What is it?” Orm frowned slightly, sensing a change in tone.

“Your vacation, obviously! But let’s talk over at the cafeteria. We still have time before class starts,” Prikhing suggested, pointing toward the campus café.

Orm nodded in agreement, and the group walked together, laughing and chatting along the way. When they arrived, they picked a table by the window, where the soft morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the space. After ordering drinks and a few snacks, they settled in.

“So, how was your trip with P’Ling?” Milk asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“It was just a normal vacation—nothing special. Besides, I already told you, P’Ling had a lot of friends with her,” Orm replied smoothly, downplaying the experience.

“And what about you and P’Ling? Have you two… taken things to the next level?” Milk pressed, her tone carrying an unspoken implication.

Orm offered a faint smile. “There’s nothing special. She’s my boss.”

“Have you checked social media?” Prikhing asked, handing Orm her phone. “Your name and P’Ling’s are trending—especially after the photos from Phuket surfaced last night.”

Orm took the phone and scrolled through the posts. The leaked pictures showed her and Ling walking along the beach, holding hands in some shots. While many fans were supportive, others speculated about their relationship—or worse, criticized it.

“So… what do you think about these photos?” Prikhing asked carefully, aware that it could be a sensitive topic.

Orm placed the phone back on the table and looked at her friends calmly. “I have no comments. I know there are a lot of people who support the idea of us together, but the reality is, P’Ling and I are just colleagues.”

View, Milk, and Prikhing exchanged glances before collectively turning their eyes back to Orm.

“Oh, Orm Kornnaphat…” View draped an arm around Orm’s shoulders. “You are such a terrible liar.”

“Exactly. You might be able to fool other people, but not us,” Milk added with a teasing smile.

“Your face says otherwise,” Prikhing smirked. “So, what’s the truth?”

Orm sighed, realizing there was no point in denying it any longer. “P’Ling and I do have feelings for each other, but we’re not in a relationship yet. She needs time to be sure about her emotions.”

“Knew it! Those pictures make it obvious you two are more than just boss and assistant,” Prikhing said triumphantly.

Milk nodded in agreement, then offered a word of caution. “You need to be careful, Orm. A lot of people are watching now, especially since P’Ling is a public figure. You have to know when to keep your distance, especially in public.”

Orm gave a small smile, appreciating the concern. “I know. I don’t want too much attention on us, either. No matter what, we both need our privacy.”

“Good, as long as you’re aware of that,” Milk replied, relieved.

Despite the lighthearted tone of the conversation, Orm couldn’t ignore the worry creeping in. The leaked photos weren’t just an inconvenience—they were a potential risk. In the entertainment industry, even the smallest rumor could spiral into something damaging. And Orm knew all too well that there were people out there waiting for any excuse to bring Ling down.

•••••

“Cut!”

“Let’s take a break.”

The director’s voice signaled a pause. Ling let out a long breath, relieved to finally get some rest after hours under the glaring camera lights. Today’s schedule was packed with filming for the official trailer and a few additional scenes to be included in the movie. Despite the exhaustion, Ling maintained her professionalism as an actress.

With a bright smile, she walked over to Orm, who was sitting in a quiet corner of the set, seemingly lost in thought. Ling approached and sat beside her, calling softly, “N’Orm…”

But Orm didn’t respond. Ling called her again, this time gently touching her arm.

“Huh?” Orm snapped out of her daze and turned to Ling. “P’Ling, when did you get here?” she asked, looking slightly disoriented.

“Just now. I’m on break,” Ling replied quietly, offering a small smile. She gazed at Orm with concern, then lightly cupped her cheek. “Are you okay? You were completely zoned out and didn’t even hear me calling you.”

Orm smiled, trying to reassure Ling. “I’m fine, phi.”

Ling studied her carefully, as if trying to decipher what was truly on her mind. “Tell me, what’s wrong? I know something’s bothering you.”

Orm hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to speak up. But she knew Ling would see through her anyway. Finally, she took a deep breath and said, “My name and P’Ling’s are all over social media. Our photos from Phuket have gone viral.”

Hearing that, Ling immediately picked up her phone, opened her social media, and scrolled through the trending posts. Countless pictures of her and Orm holding hands had been circulating, even though they had been with a group throughout their vacation in Phuket. Ling’s fingers moved over the screen as she skimmed through the comments—some were supportive, while others were filled with harsh speculation and criticism.

“I’m worried that someone might have taken a picture of us that night on the beach…” Orm whispered, her voice barely audible. The unease in her tone was unmistakable.

Ling stopped scrolling and set her phone aside. She took Orm’s hand in hers, gripping it firmly in reassurance. “I’ll make sure no such photos exist,” she said with quiet confidence. “Everything will be fine. I’ll protect us.”

Before Orm could respond, a voice called out to Ling. Both of them turned toward the source of the voice, and Ling’s expression subtly shifted when she saw Mean approaching with a friendly smile.

“Ling, I brought you a drink,” Mean said, handing her a cup.

Ling hesitated before accepting it, feeling slightly awkward about Mean’s presence. But not wanting to cause any unnecessary tension in front of the crew, she took the drink politely. “Thank you,” she said shortly, keeping her composure.

Mean took a seat beside Ling, his smile never fading. “Do you remember your favorite restaurant from before? They just launched a new menu.”

“Really?” Ling responded with a polite smile, though she had no real intention of prolonging the conversation. “Maybe I’ll stop by and try it sometime.”

Not missing the chance, Mean quickly made an offer. “If you don’t mind, I could go with you. Just let me know when you’re free—I’ll be waiting.”

Ling maintained her courteous demeanor. “Alright, I’ll let you know, Khun Mean.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Mean replied enthusiastically before finally walking away.

Throughout the conversation, Orm kept her head down, pretending to be engrossed in her phone. Yet deep inside, she couldn’t ignore the unfamiliar pang in her chest—a jealousy she hadn’t expected. She knew this was just another part of Ling’s world, another interaction within the industry. But that didn’t make it any easier to watch.

Still, Orm chose to stay silent, unwilling to let her emotions show. To her, Ling was someone she needed to protect—both professionally and personally. She understood all too well that the entertainment world was full of hidden battles, and the last thing she wanted was to become the cause of another one.

°°°°°

Ling’s career as a celebrity made her schedule increasingly hectic by the day. Her calendar was packed with activities that demanded her full focus and energy, while the time she had for rest continued to dwindle. Today, after wrapping up a photoshoot for a well-known brand, she had to head straight to the filming location without much of a break. Her face remained calm, but behind her smile, exhaustion was creeping in.

As soon as she arrived on set, the usual hustle and bustle filled the air. Crew members were busy preparing everything to ensure the shoot went smoothly. Wasting no time, Ling made her way to the makeup room, where she sat down to get ready. Meanwhile, her personal assistant, Orm, occupied a chair in the corner, greeting passing crew members and engaging in brief conversations to keep the atmosphere light.

When the cameras started rolling, the set fell into silence, all eyes locked on the monitors. From where she was sitting, Orm observed Ling acting alongside her co-star, Mean. The intense, emotionally charged scene required Ling and Mean to be physically close. A strange sensation stirred in Orm’s chest every time she watched them interact—an unexplainable twinge of jealousy she tried to push away. She knew she shouldn’t feel that way, but it was hard to ignore. Taking a deep breath, she refocused on her responsibilities.

“Cut! Let’s move on to the next scene.” The director’s voice rang out, signaling a break in the shoot. Ling nodded in understanding and stepped away from the set, heading toward the resting area. Her gaze instinctively searched for Orm, and when she found her, a small smile formed on her lips.

Seeing Ling approach, Orm quickly picked up a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Here, Phi. You should drink this,” she said with quiet concern.

“Thank you, Nong.” Ling took the bottle, her fingers lightly brushing against Orm’s as she accepted it. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she gently ruffled Orm’s hair before sitting down beside her. The simple gesture, brief as it was, sent a warm feeling through Orm’s chest.

“Your acting was incredible just now, P’Ling,” Orm complimented sincerely, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Really? I was actually hoping to impress you,” Ling responded playfully, though there was a certain depth in her eyes as she looked at Orm.

Orm smiled, suppressing the warmth creeping into her heart. “I’ve been impressed by your acting for a long time,” she replied softly, avoiding Ling’s gaze that felt as if it could see right through her.

“You always know the right words to say,” Ling chuckled, and almost unconsciously, she ran her fingers through Orm’s hair again—something that had become a habit whenever she felt at ease around her assistant.

But their moment was soon interrupted.

“Ling…” A voice broke through their quiet exchange. When they turned, Mean was standing in front of them, a cheerful expression on his face.

“I brought food!” he announced enthusiastically, lifting a plastic bag in his hand. Without hesitation, he took a seat beside Ling. “I remembered your favorite dish, so I got this for you.”

Ling glanced at the bag, a subtle smile forming on her lips. “You still remember what I like?” she asked, slightly surprised.

“Of course. I remember everything about you,” Mean answered with confidence. He began unpacking the food, arranging it neatly on a plate before offering it to Ling.

Ling hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Over the past few days of working together on set, Mean’s warmth and familiarity had started to stir something within her. She knew she shouldn’t let herself waver, yet his kindness made it difficult to remain indifferent.

“Here, enjoy, Khun Ling,” Mean said with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Khun Mean,” Ling replied, taking a bite of the food. “Hm… It still tastes just like I remember.”

“Oh? I think it’s changed a little, but it’s still good,” Mean commented as he took a bite himself.

They ate in relative silence, the comfortable familiarity between them evident. Meanwhile, Orm sat quietly to the side, her emotions a tangled mess. No one knew what she was thinking at that moment, but the jealousy she tried to suppress lingered in the depths of her heart.

After a while, Mean hesitated before finally asking, “Ling, about my dinner invitation last week… You haven’t given me an answer yet.”

Ling paused, her gaze flickering toward Orm before she finally nodded. “We can go after filming, but Orm has to come along,” she stated firmly.

Mean’s expression faltered for a split second, though he quickly masked his disappointment. “Can’t it just be the two of us?” he asked, his voice quieter this time.

“If you want to have dinner with me, Orm has to be there too,” Ling answered without room for negotiation.

Before Mean could respond, Orm, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke up. “I don’t think I can join, P’Ling. I have to go to campus, so you should go with Khun Mean.”

Ling turned to Orm, hesitation and a hint of guilt in her eyes. “But, Orm…” her voice softened as if she didn’t want to let Orm go.

Orm, however, smiled gently. “Khun Mean has been inviting you so many times, and you’ve already agreed. It wouldn’t be fair to cancel now.”

Mean looked visibly relieved. “Thank you, Nong Orm. I promise I’ll make sure Ling gets home safely.”

Before anyone could say more, a crew member approached. “Lingling, we’re ready to resume!”

Ling barely had time to say anything else before she was pulled back into work. Orm watched her walk away, her expression unreadable. The feelings she had kept buried resurfaced once again, but as always, she chose to suppress them.

•••••

The clock struck 8 PM. In front of a luxurious restaurant, a black Porsche rolled to a smooth stop. The car door opened, and Mean stepped out first, quickly moving to the other side. With practiced ease, he opened the door for Ling, extending his hand in a polite gesture, his smile warm and sincere.

"Thank you," Ling said as she stepped out, but she ignored Mean's offered hand.

Mean smiled, unfazed by her rejection. There was no trace of disappointment on his face. "Shall we go in?" he asked politely. Ling responded with a brief nod, saying nothing.

They walked side by side toward the restaurant, their steps measured and graceful, perfectly in tune with the quiet elegance of the evening. A waiter greeted them with a courteous bow and led them to a reserved table.

Ling settled into her seat calmly, while Mean took the one across from her. After placing the menu on the table, Mean glanced at Ling with a soft smile. "Would you like to order your usual?"

Ling looked up, her gaze sharp. "I came here to try the new dish you mentioned," she replied, her tone slightly curt.

"You're right," Mean chuckled lightly, attempting to ease the tension. He quickly signaled the waiter and ordered the dish he had planned for them. Once their orders were placed, they were left alone again.

"Thank you for agreeing to come here with me," Mean said, attempting to start a conversation.

"You don’t need to thank me," Ling replied quickly. She glanced at Mean, feeling a bit awkward. This wasn't how she had imagined the night. Her original plan was to bring Orm along, hoping her presence would make things less uncomfortable.

Mean took a slow breath, his eyes holding a look that was hard to read. "Do you know what today is?" he asked suddenly.

Ling frowned slightly, shaking her head.

Mean smiled, but there was a trace of sadness in it. "If we hadn't broken up, today would have been our anniversary."

His words hung in the air. Ling remained silent, unsure how to respond. The memories she had carefully locked away resurfaced, stirring emotions she didn’t want to confront—especially not in a place like this.

Sensing the weight of the moment, Mean changed the subject. "By the way, I wanted to invite you to my birthday fan meeting next week."

Ling raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Why do you want to invite me?"

Mean’s smile softened. "Because we’re colleagues, of course. I’ve already invited everyone, but I wanted to personally invite you… because you’re special."

Ling studied him, noting the sincerity in his eyes. She took a slow breath, trying to steady the unexpected turbulence in her chest.

Mean, perhaps sensing her hesitation, quickly added, "But if you’re busy or don’t want to come, that’s okay. I won’t pressure you."

Ling exhaled, attempting to quiet the inner conflict she suddenly felt. "I’ll have to check my schedule first. If I’m free, I’ll try to stop by," she said with a small, uncertain smile.

Mean’s expression brightened, clearly relieved. "I’d be really happy if you came," he said enthusiastically.

Moments later, their food arrived. They ate while exchanging light conversation, yet something unsettled Ling. The more they talked, the more she felt her heart race whenever Mean gave her those familiar gestures of care.

She had been certain—absolutely certain—that her feelings for Mean had long faded. They had gone their separate ways, and Ling believed she had moved far beyond those memories. But every time he smiled at her or spoke with that same gentle tone he used to, something inside her stirred again—something she had tried so hard to bury.

•••••

"Why did you ask us to meet here?"

Prikhing turned her gaze toward Orm, feeling puzzled. It was unusual for Orm to invite them to a nightclub like this. To be honest, this wasn’t a place they frequented together.

"Maybe she needs some entertainment," View commented casually, seemingly speaking on Orm's behalf, as she had remained silent since they gathered.

"I just wanted to clear my mind, so I thought I'd bring you all here. Besides, it's been a while since we last went to a club together, hasn't it?" Orm finally spoke after a brief pause, her voice slightly heavy, as if she was hiding something.

"You're right," Milk agreed with a faint smile. "Tonight, we might as well spend some time unwinding and letting go of life's burdens."

Prikhing, who had initially been confused, started to catch the excitement. "In that case, let's go!" she said enthusiastically before stepping into the club first, followed by View, Milk, and Orm, who trailed slightly behind.

As they entered, the dimly lit space was filled with neon lights flashing in different colors, making visibility a bit challenging. The music pulsed loudly, blending with the chatter of the crowd, creating a lively atmosphere. As Orm walked to catch up with her friends, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing her to stumble slightly backward.

"Sorry, are you okay?" A soft voice spoke, and a woman extended her hand toward Orm, checking if she was hurt.

Orm quickly looked up, slightly startled. But the moment her eyes met the woman’s, a small smile formed on her lips. "P'Ying?" she said softly, half in disbelief.

The woman—Ying—recognized her as well, her face lighting up with warmth. "N'Orm? What are you doing here?" she asked, curiosity evident in her expression.

Orm glanced briefly at her friends, who had already walked ahead, then replied, "I'm here with my friends. What about you, P'Ying?"

"Oh, I'm meeting a friend here too," Ying replied with a small smile. "I have to go now, but let's meet again sometime and have a proper chat." Before leaving, she patted Orm’s shoulder lightly, a friendly gesture before disappearing into the crowd.

After Ying left, Orm let out a quiet sigh before making her way to the table where her friends had settled. She took a seat beside View and quickly ordered a drink.

"Who were you talking to just now?" View asked, sipping her drink.

"P'Ying... She was my senior back in Chunadol University," Orm answered, her gaze drifting slightly toward her glass.

Prikhing, who had been listening, suddenly interjected, "She looks a lot like the model Ying Anada…"

Orm nodded with a small smile. "That's her—P'Ying Anada, the famous model."

Hearing that, Prikhing’s eyes widened. "Oh wow! Orm, you actually know her? How do you know someone that gorgeous?" she asked, her curiosity fully sparked.

Orm smiled again. "She was my senior in university. If I run into her again, I'll introduce you all," she promised casually.

Prikhing looked thrilled, even slamming her hand lightly on the table in excitement. "Okay, deal!" she exclaimed before narrowing her eyes, as if trying to read Orm's mind. "But back to the real reason you brought us here. There must be something, right?"

Orm hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should speak, but eventually, she took a deep breath. "Yes. Actually, I wanted to talk to you guys about P'Ling."

Her three friends—Prikhing, View, and Milk—immediately turned their attention to her. Prikhing was the first to press further, "So, what’s going on?"

"P'Ling’s co-star in her new series is her ex. And lately, I feel like they’ve been getting closer. I'm afraid her feelings might change," Orm admitted, her voice quiet, filled with unease.

Milk, sitting across from Orm, gave her a serious look. "What did P'Ling say to you about her ex?" she asked cautiously.

Orm exhaled softly, lowering her gaze slightly before answering. "She said they’re just colleagues and that her feelings for him have been gone for a long time. But… tonight, they’re having dinner together," her voice trailed off, barely audible over the club's pounding music.

Prikhing let out a long sigh, understanding Orm’s dilemma. "No wonder you brought us here," she said sympathetically. "But… maybe you should trust what P'Ling told you for now. Don't jump to conclusions too quickly."

Milk nodded in agreement. "Prikhing’s right. But at the same time, you should also protect your own feelings. If something does happen and P'Ling ends up rekindling things with her ex, at least you’ll have prepared yourself so it won’t hurt as much," she added gently but firmly.

"In short, don’t put too much hope in someone who hasn’t fully let go of their past," View chimed in before taking another sip of her drink.

Hearing her friends’ advice, Orm could only nod slowly. Even though her heart was still filled with worry, she knew they had a point. For now, maybe the best thing to do was to act normal and wait—to see whether Ling’s feelings for her were real or if she was merely a temporary distraction from an unfinished past.