The Rival And The Revelation

The rooftop bar was buzzing with life, a mix of chatter, clinking glasses, and soft jazz playing in the background. String lights cast a warm glow over the tables, adding to the intimate atmosphere. Orm sat across from Ying, her casual charm radiating despite the luxurious setting.

"I have to admit," Orm said, sipping her drink, "this is probably the fanciest place I've been in a while. You really know how to pick 'em."

Ying leaned back in her chair, exuding effortless confidence. "Well, I like nice things. But I like nicer company even more." Her lips curled into a flirtatious smile.

Orm chuckled, shaking her head. "You don't hold back, do you?"

"Why should I?" Ying asked, her tone light but her gaze steady. "Life's too short to waste time pretending."

"Fair point," Orm conceded. "So, what's your story, Ying? You seem like someone who always has a plan."

Ying tilted her head, considering the question. "Let's see... I come from a family that's all about plans—business, politics, the works. But me? I prefer the unplanned moments. Like meeting you."

Orm blinked, caught off guard by the directness. "Smooth," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Ying grinned. "It's not just a line. I'm serious, Orm. There's something about you. You're grounded, real. That's rare in a world full of people trying too hard to be something they're not."

Orm leaned back, her expression softening. "Thanks, Ying. That's... nice to hear."

Ying's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Nice? Come on, I was hoping for something more like 'charming' or 'swoon-worthy.'"

"Don't push your luck," Orm teased, laughing.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with Ying's quick wit meeting Orm's playful humor at every turn. By the time they left the bar, the city was quiet, its streets illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights.

Orm adjusted her jacket as they stepped onto the sidewalk. "Thanks for tonight. It was fun," she said, giving Ying a warm smile.

"Fun, huh?" Ying said, her hands in her pockets as she walked beside Orm. "That's the best I could do?"

"Don't fish for compliments," Orm teased. "It's unbecoming."

Ying laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "You're a tough one to impress." She stopped walking, turning to face Orm.

Orm paused too, tilting her head. "What?"

"I'm just wondering," Ying said, her voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone. "If I told you I really like you—not just as some casual fling, but really—you wouldn't even give me a chance, would you?"

Orm blinked, caught off guard by the directness. "Ying..."

Before she could continue, Ying stepped closer, closing the gap between them. She raised a hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from Orm's face. For a moment, her gaze lingered on Orm's lips.

Orm froze, her heart skipping a beat as Ying leaned in, her intentions crystal clear.

But just as Ying moved to close the distance, Orm gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Ying, wait."

Ying halted, searching Orm's eyes. "Too soon?"

Orm sighed softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It's not that. It's just... I'm already interested in someone else."

Ying blinked, stepping back, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding. "Someone else?"

Orm nodded, her gaze dropping briefly. "Yeah. It's... complicated."

For the first time, Ying seemed genuinely taken aback. But instead of retreating in embarrassment, she chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're full of surprises, Orm."

"Believe me, it's not something I expected either," Orm admitted, her tone wry.

Ying smiled, her confidence returning. "Well, whoever this 'complicated' person is, they're lucky. And they'd better realize it."

Orm looked up, meeting Ying's gaze. "Thanks. And... I meant what I said. I think you're great. I'd really like us to hang out as friends—if you're okay with that."

Ying tilted her head, considering. "Friends, huh? You're lucky I like you, or I'd say no." She smiled, her tone teasing. "But fine. Friends. For now."

Orm laughed, relief washing over her. "Thanks for understanding."

Ying gave her a lopsided grin. "Just remember, if 'complicated' doesn't work out, you know where to find me."

"I'll keep that in mind," Orm said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly.

They parted ways with a wave, Ying disappearing down the street. As Orm walked back home, she couldn't help but smile. Despite the awkward moment, she found herself appreciating Ying's boldness—and her ability to take rejection with grace.

The next morning, Blooming Beans was its usual bustling haven, with Orm behind the counter, expertly pulling espresso shots. Becky leaned lazily against the counter, her expression brimming with curiosity.

"All right," Becky said, propping her chin on her hand with a sly grin. "Spill. How was the date? And don't even think about leaving out the juicy bits."

Orm rolled her eyes as she placed a tray of clean mugs onto the counter. "It wasn't a date, Becky. We just hung out."

Becky arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Right. Because I 'just hang out' at fancy rooftop bars with rich, goddess-like women who look like they stepped out of a movie. Come on, what happened?"

Orm sighed, finally giving in to Becky's relentless curiosity. "Fine. If you must know, we had drinks, talked... and then she tried to kiss me."

Becky gasped, nearly knocking over a display of coffee beans. "Oh my god, she did?!" She clutched her chest theatrically. "Was it magical? Did sparks fly? Should I start planning the engagement party?"

"Becky, keep your voice down!" Orm hissed, her face heating up. "It wasn't like that, okay? I didn't let her. I told her I'm interested in someone else."

Becky's grin widened, her tone dripping with mockery. "Ooooh, someone else, huh? Someone whose name rhymes with Ping-Ping?"

"Becky!" Orm groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I regret telling you anything."

Unbeknownst to them, Lingling had just entered the café, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She froze mid-step, her sharp ears catching every word of their conversation.

She tried to kiss Orm? Lingling's jaw tightened. That woman dared to kiss my girl?!

She approached the counter with perfect composure, though every step felt like a battle to keep her emotions in check. Orm spotted her immediately, her eyes lighting up with warmth.

"Oh, hey, Ling!" Orm greeted her, her tone cheerful but slightly cautious.

Lingling's lips pressed into a thin line before she forced a tight smile. "Orm. Busy morning?"

"Not too bad," Orm replied, sensing a shift in Lingling's usually cool demeanor. "Coffee?"

Lingling nodded curtly. "Yes. Black. Thank you."

Becky handed over the coffee, her smirk betraying her delight at the tension in the air. "Here you go, Ling. Anything else we can get you today?"

Lingling cast a glance at Orm, her sharp gaze softening ever so slightly. Her voice, however, remained calm and measured. "No, that will be all. Thank you."

Just as she turned to leave, she paused, tossing a deceptively casual comment over her shoulder. "Oh, and Orm? Try to keep your evenings open. You never know when something... important... might come up."

Orm blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Uh, sure. Yeah, no problem."

Lingling's heels clicked purposefully as she exited the café, her steps brisk and confident. But inside her head, a storm was brewing.

She dared to kiss my girl?! And Orm didn't even shut her down properly? Lingling fumed as she climbed into her car. 'I'm interested in someone else,' she mocked in her thoughts. That's it? That's all the warning that shameless woman gets?!

She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her pulse pounding. "And what's this about 'complicated'? What's so complicated about us, Orm? You like me. I like you—oh my god, I like her!"

The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, leaving her momentarily stunned. She slumped back in her seat, muttering, "I actually like her."

But the shock quickly gave way to her usual fiery determination. Lingling straightened in her seat, reaching into her bag for her notebook and pen. She flipped to a blank page with sharp, decisive movements.

"Step one: remind Orm why I'm absolutely irreplaceable. Step two: prove to her that no one—not even that flashy rooftop woman—can compete with me."

Her pen hovered for a moment as she smirked. "This is war. And I don't lose."

With that, she slammed the notebook shut, started the car, and drove off, her competitive streak fully ignited.

Lingling sat at her desk, glaring at her computer screen like it had personally offended her. Orm's words from earlier replayed in her mind on an endless loop: She tried to kiss me. She's bold. She's cool.

"Ugh!" Lingling groaned, slamming her pen onto the desk so hard it rolled off onto the floor.

Freen, lounging on the office couch with her phone, barely glanced up. "And what did the poor pen ever do to you?"

Lingling shot her best friend a withering look. "Do you have to be here every time I have a crisis?"

Freen smirked, lowering her phone. "You're more entertaining than Netflix. So, what's the meltdown about this time?"

Lingling huffed, crossing her arms. "Orm went on a date."

Freen raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Ah, so you are paying attention."

Lingling glared at her. "She went on a date. With some tall, gorgeous woman who tried to kiss her."

Freen's eyes sparkled with amusement. "And this bothers you because...?"

"It doesn't bother me!" Lingling snapped, though the flush on her cheeks said otherwise. "I just think it's wildly inappropriate, that's all."

"Inappropriate, huh?" Freen said, smirking. "Not like you're jealous or anything."

"I'm not jealous!" Lingling insisted, standing up so abruptly her chair scraped against the floor. "I just think someone like her is all wrong for Orm. She's—she's probably superficial or something!"

"Right," Freen said, feigning seriousness as she leaned forward. "Tall, gorgeous, rich, and confident. Clearly a nightmare."

Lingling opened her mouth to fire back but faltered, her arms dropping to her sides. She slumped back into her chair, muttering, "Fine. Maybe I am jealous."

Freen's grin widened. "Finally. Progress. So... what's your next move, Ice Queen?"

Lingling's eyes hardened, her determination taking over. She sat up straighter, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. "I'm done pretending. No more denial. If I want Orm, I'll make it happen. Properly this time."

Freen clapped slowly, grinning like she'd just won a bet. "Now that's the Lingling I know. So, what's the game plan? Grand gestures? Flowers? Serenades under her balcony?"

Lingling shot her a sharp look. "Stop being ridiculous. I'm a professional. I'll win her over with logic and persuasion."

Freen didn't even try to hide her laughter. "Good luck with that, boss lady."

Lingling's lips twitched. "You'll see. I'm not going to lose."