Bold And Territorial

Lingling strode through the glass doors of Blooming Beans mid-morning, her heels clicking against the polished floor with unapologetic authority. The hum of chatter and the hiss of the espresso machine momentarily paused as a few customers glanced her way—she radiated that intimidating CEO aura despite the bright, cozy café setting.

She took a moment to survey the room, folding her arms in a stance that screamed, Don't mess with me. A young barista behind the counter nearly dropped her milk pitcher at the sight. Lingling's lips curved into the faintest smirk. Good, she thought. Let them quake in my presence.

In reality, she was more nervous than she'd admit. The plan was simple: show up unannounced, check Orm's "competition," and remind the world that Orm was hers—well, almost hers. They hadn't made anything official yet, but that was a mere technicality.

Becky, noticing Lingling's dramatic entrance, practically cackled from behind the pastry display. She gestured for Orm, who was transferring fresh coffee beans into a grinder, to look up.

"Your favorite Ice Queen just waltzed in," Becky whispered in a sing-song voice, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Orm's eyes darted up, a jolt of surprise passing over her features. "Ling?" she muttered, half to herself. Lingling usually announced her visits through curt emails or brushed them off as "business checks," but this time, Orm hadn't heard a peep.

"Hello, Becky," Lingling said coolly, approaching the counter. She cast a practiced, critical eye over the display of baked goods. "Everything meeting health standards, I hope?"

Becky barely contained her laughter. "Absolutely. I've sanitized everything twice just for you, Ms. Kwong." She emphasized Lingling's last name, winking at Orm.

Orm finally joined them, wiping her hands on a towel. "Ling, this is a surprise. What brings you here today? Business inspection again?" She threw in a teasing lilt, remembering how Lingling had used "business" as her excuse to pop by.

Lingling cleared her throat, feigning nonchalance. "I was in the area. Thought I'd check the... competition."

Orm arched an eyebrow, amused. "Competition, huh?"

Lingling's tone was crisp, but a faint pink tinged her cheeks. "Yes, I wanted to ensure your café is up to par," she said, glancing around as if searching for flaws. "You've had a lot of admirers lately, I hear."

Becky snorted, biting back a grin. "Oh, yes. Plenty of admirers—tall, gorgeous, sometimes even goddess-like. Right, Orm?"

Orm's cheeks reddened slightly. "Cut it out, Beck."

Lingling's eye twitched. "I see. That must be... interesting."

To anyone else, it looked like a standard café visit, but Orm couldn't miss the intense way Lingling's gaze flicked over every customer in line. Lingling's posture screamed Back off, she's mine, though she tried to mask it under her usual composed facade.

A slender woman in stylish sportswear was chatting with Orm about a new latte flavor. Lingling's jaw tensed just for a second, but the second was long enough for Orm to notice.

"Um, Becky," Orm called, nodding at the woman to indicate she'd help her in a moment. "Could you, uh, get Ms. Kwong a coffee? The usual?"

Becky leaned forward on the counter, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Black coffee, right? That's the only color in her emotional palette."

Lingling shot her a cold glare, though the corners of her lips twitched with suppressed humor. "Precisely," she said, folding her arms. "And hurry, I'm a busy woman."

Becky mock-saluted. "Yes, ma'am." She sidled over to the espresso machine, leaving Orm and Lingling face-to-face.

From behind the espresso machine, Becky watched the exchange with unbridled glee. Lingling is so jealous, it's adorable, she thought. She pulled out her phone for a quick text to Freen.

Becky: "Ice Queen meltdown in progress. Lingling showed up, TOTALLY marking her territory."

Freen (instantly): "I need details. How so???"

Becky: "Basically scanning the café for potential rivals. Orm is oblivious as usual. It's hilarious."

Freen: "Record it in your memory bank for me, I want a full report."

Becky: "Oh, you'll get it. This is comedic gold."

As if on cue, a regular customer—an overly flirtatious one—popped in and made a beeline for Orm. She was all smiles and giggles, perching at the counter to chat about the day's latte special.

Lingling watched with narrowed eyes, her "I'm just here for coffee" ruse evaporating. She inched closer, standing just behind Orm in a silent show of presence. The customer noticed Lingling's imposing stance and took a subtle step back.

Becky's cackle rang out from somewhere behind the display case. Orm, turning to face Lingling, gave her a quizzical look. "Ling, you okay?"

Lingling offered a thin, polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine," she repeated. Then she leveled her gaze at the flirtatious customer. "Orm, dear, aren't you going to take my order first?"

Orm blinked. "Your... but Becky—"

"Actually, Becky's swamped," Lingling interrupted, her tone commanding. "You don't mind, do you?" She cast a lingering glance at the customer.

The other woman frowned slightly, picking up on the tension. "Oh, no, it's fine. I can wait."

Orm struggled not to laugh at the barely concealed showdown. "All right. Ms. Kwong, what can I get you this time?"

Lingling raised her chin. "Make it a black coffee, double shot espresso. I have a meeting after this."

Orm busied herself with the espresso machine, while Becky mouthed "Wow" at Lingling behind Orm's back. Lingling lifted her chin higher, refusing to engage. Inside, her heart pounded with adrenaline. You're mine, Orm. No one else should be stepping in.

Once Lingling had her coffee—immaculately crafted by Orm's own hands—she took a measured sip. "Adequate," she declared, though the corners of her mouth curved slightly. The subtlest sign she actually enjoyed it.

Orm leaned on the counter, trying to keep her voice low. "Ling... you're not usually this... present."

Lingling bristled, but a flicker of vulnerability flashed in her eyes. She sighed, setting the cup down. "I'm not used to... I mean, I prefer to check things in person. Especially if there's competition."

Orm tilted her head. "Competition?"

Lingling sniffed, refusing to meet her gaze. "Yes. You're quite popular, apparently."

A small laugh escaped Orm. "Oh, I see. And you're here to ensure I don't get swept off my feet by some random café dweller?"

Lingling's posture stiffened, but she answered quietly, "I'm here to ensure you're... well, that you know where my priorities lie." The admission hung in the air, heavier than she intended.

Orm's playful smile softened. "Ling, you don't need to worry about me like that."

An awkward beat passed between them. Lingling shifted her weight, the tension in her shoulders refusing to leave. "Maybe I do," she said, voice low. "I can't keep ignoring... this."

Orm's heart jumped. This was the bold side of Lingling that she secretly adored. "I'm glad you're here," she said gently, placing a hand over Lingling's on the counter for just a moment. "So is this a regular thing now, you swinging by to protect your territory?"

Lingling's cheeks warmed. She tried to summon her usual aloofness but ended up with a half-laugh. "Don't make it sound so primitive." Yet her eyes twinkled with a rare sparkle.

Becky cleared her throat loudly from behind them, making them both jump. "Hello? Café still has customers, guys." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "And I can't do all the work."

Lingling rolled her eyes, picking up her coffee. "Fine. I'll leave you to it." She turned to Orm, voice softening. "I just wanted to make sure everything's... under control."

Orm nodded, her playful smirk returning. "Everything's definitely... under control."

A rush of warmth spread through Lingling's chest, but she maintained her prim composure. "Good. Then I'll be on my way."

As Lingling made to leave, Becky couldn't resist: "Sure you don't want to stay, Ms. Kwong? I hear there's another line forming. Who knows who might flirt with your precious barista?"

Lingling paused, battling the urge to snap back. Instead, she offered Becky a chilly smile. "That won't be necessary. I've seen enough."

Becky, delighted by the retort, grinned even wider. Orm, trying not to laugh, waved goodbye. "Thanks for stopping by, Ling. Really."

Lingling's eyes flicked between Orm's smile and Becky's smug face. She gave a final nod and swept out of the café, leaving a silent buzz of curiosity among the patrons who had witnessed the peculiar exchange.

Back in her car, Lingling took a moment to calm her racing heart. Her cheeks felt hot—an emotion that rarely overtook her. She replayed Orm's gentle words, Everything's definitely under control, and a shaky breath escaped her lips.

Is this what it feels like to be vulnerable? she wondered, eyes lingering on the café's neon sign in the rearview mirror. She'd never pegged herself for the jealous type, but she'd marched in there like a woman on a mission—and, oddly, it felt both terrifying and thrilling.

She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel, her mind already crafting a new plan for a more "formal" date. But for now, the gesture of simply showing up, coffee in hand, reclaiming her territory felt... satisfying.

"Next time," she murmured, "maybe I'll buy her lunch. And tell that goddess-like competitor to stand down."

With one last look at Blooming Beans, she pulled away into traffic. The war for Orm's attention continued, but this time, Lingling was playing on offense.

Inside Blooming Beans, Becky and Orm stood in silence for a few beats after Lingling's departure. Then Becky burst into a fit of laughter, clutching her sides.

"Oh my god, she was so jealous!" Becky managed through giggles. " 'Checking the competition,' my left foot. She was practically glaring at every customer who looked your way."

Orm couldn't hide her amused grin. "I know. It was... kind of sweet, in a terrifying, Lingling-ish way."

Becky wiped a tear from her eye. "I cannot wait to text Freen about this. Operation Territorial CEO in full swing."

Orm shook her head, cheeks still pink. "She's something else."

"Tell me about it," Becky said, smirking as she grabbed a dish towel. "So, how do you feel, Ms. Popular?"

Orm's smile softened. "Flattered. And maybe a little... excited about what comes next."

Becky rolled her eyes affectionately. "You're both dorks. But hey, it's entertaining for the rest of us."

As Orm returned to steaming milk for a latte order, she couldn't help the glow in her chest. If Lingling wanted to be territorial... well, Orm was more than ready to see where it led them.