Rooftop Plans and Midnight Burgers

Orm stood at the entrance of Lingling's penthouse, her jaw slightly ajar as she took in the sight before her. Lingling wasn't in her usual power suit or sky-high heels. Instead, she wore sneakers—actual sneakers—and a casual blouse with neatly tucked jeans. She still looked every bit the CEO, but this was an entirely new version of her.

"Is this real life?" Orm teased, gesturing dramatically. "Lingling Kwong, in sneakers? Should I call Becky and have her document this miracle?"

Lingling rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her amusement. "I wanted to be... comfortable tonight."

"Comfortable? Or trying to match my vibe?" Orm asked, smirking. "Because honestly, it's working. You look adorable."

Lingling raised a brow, her sharp gaze softening just slightly. "Adorable isn't usually the word people use to describe me."

"Well, they're missing out," Orm quipped, her grin widening.

"Enough," Lingling said, though her cheeks tinted pink. She grabbed her bag and motioned toward the door. "Come on. Let's not keep the night waiting."

When Orm stepped onto the rooftop, her breath hitched. The setup was magazine-worthy—twinkling fairy lights, a romantic city skyline, and a live violinist playing softly in the corner. A single table was set in the center, adorned with fine china, candles, and a centerpiece that probably cost more than her rent.

"Wow," Orm muttered, spinning slowly to take it all in. "So this is what dating a CEO feels like. You really pulled out all the stops, huh?"

Lingling smirked, placing a gentle hand on the small of Orm's back. "I don't do things halfway, Orm."

"No kidding," Orm said, gesturing to the chef meticulously plating dishes nearby. "I feel like I should've worn a ballgown or something. This is... next level."

Lingling tilted her head. "You look perfect as you are."

"Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my bossy, cold CEO?" Orm quipped, taking a seat at the table.

Lingling chuckled softly. "Maybe I just have a soft spot for you."

"Oh, don't say that," Orm groaned playfully, pressing a hand to her heart. "I'm weak, Ling. Flattery will get you everywhere."

As the violinist played a soft tune, the chef presented their first course with a flourish. Orm stared at the tiny, perfectly arranged dish on her plate—a single scallop surrounded by colorful dots of sauce.

"Wow," Orm said, leaning closer to inspect it. "It's... beautiful."

Lingling smiled, cutting delicately into her own scallop. "You don't seem convinced."

"I'm just trying to figure out if I need a magnifying glass to eat this," Orm teased, picking up her fork. "Do they have an all-you-can-eat option? Or is this it?"

Lingling sighed, though her lips twitched in amusement. "You're impossible."

"Oh, I'm just getting started," Orm replied, taking a bite. Her eyes widened. "Okay, never mind. This is delicious. I take back my jokes."

As the meal progressed, the conversation flowed easily, peppered with Orm's playful comments and Lingling's dry wit. But as the dessert course arrived—an elaborate chocolate dome that melted when hot caramel was poured over it—Orm leaned back in her chair, eyeing Lingling carefully.

"You know," Orm said, swirling her wine, "you really went all out tonight. Was this to impress me?"

Lingling tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Is it working?"

Orm grinned. "Oh, definitely. But..."

"But?" Lingling prompted, her brow arching.

Orm gestured around the rooftop. "I would've been just as happy with pizza and beer. Fancy is nice, but it's not really me, you know?"

Lingling blinked, caught off guard by the honesty. "You would've been fine with pizza?"

Orm nodded. "Pizza, burgers, fries—something casual. As long as we're together, it doesn't really matter where we are."

Lingling looked at her for a long moment before a small, genuine smile broke through her usual composure. "Noted."

Half an hour later, the two found themselves parked by the curb of a bustling street, a food truck's neon sign illuminating their faces. Lingling leaned against her luxury car, holding a greasy burger wrapped in wax paper, looking hilariously out of place.

"This," Orm said, biting into her burger with gusto, "is the real deal. No violinist necessary."

Lingling raised a brow but took a tentative bite. "Hmm... okay, I'll admit, this is pretty good."

"Pretty good?" Orm repeated, feigning offense. "Lingling, this burger is a masterpiece. Show some respect."

Lingling chuckled, wiping ketchup from the corner of her mouth. "I don't see what's so special about it."

Orm gasped dramatically. "Blasphemy! This is why I need to educate you on the finer things in life, Ling. Like cheap, greasy food that tastes like heaven."

"You're ridiculous," Lingling said, her laughter soft but genuine.

"And you love it," Orm shot back, grinning.

Lingling paused, her expression softening. "Yeah," she admitted quietly. "I think I do."

As they ate, Lingling found herself stealing glances at Orm's lips, replaying their earlier kiss in her mind.

Noticing the look, Orm smirked. "Thinking about something?"

Lingling didn't miss a beat. "Maybe. Want to remind me how good that kiss was?"

Orm laughed, leaning in to capture Lingling's lips in a more confident kiss. This time, Lingling responded eagerly, her hand cupping Orm's cheek.

When they finally pulled away, both were breathless.

"Definitely addictive," Lingling murmured, her forehead resting against Orm's.

Orm chuckled. "I could get used to this side of you."

Back at the penthouse, they settled on the couch, a comfortable silence enveloping them.

Lingling turned to Orm, her expression soft. "Stay the night?"

Orm raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

Lingling nodded. "I'd like that."

As they prepared for bed, Lingling couldn't resist stealing more kisses, each one longer and more passionate than the last.

"You're insatiable," Orm teased, pulling Lingling close under the covers.

"Only with you," Lingling whispered, her lips brushing against Orm's once more.

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, both couldn't help but feel that this was the start of something truly special.