Morning Bliss and Lingering Warmth

The night had been quiet, the city sounds muffled by the penthouse's height. Lingling, who rarely found uninterrupted sleep, woke up feeling utterly rested.

Her lashes fluttered open, and her gaze immediately landed on Orm lying peacefully beside her. The faint early morning light cast soft shadows on Orm's face, highlighting her serene expression. Lingling's breath caught for a moment as she admired the curve of her cheek, the faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips even in slumber.

She brushed a strand of hair from Orm's face, her fingers grazing the smooth skin of her temple. A warmth spread through her chest—a feeling she wasn't quite accustomed to but didn't want to fight.

Lingling sighed contentedly and closed her eyes again, a small smile playing on her lips as she snuggled closer to Orm. For the first time, she felt no need to rush into her day, no urge to bury herself in work. This moment, this calm, was enough.

When Lingling woke again, the sunlight had shifted, brighter now, but the comforting weight of Orm beside her was gone. Her heart jolted. She sat up, scanning the room with sharp eyes, the empty space beside her suddenly feeling far too cold.

"Orm?" she called, her voice uncharacteristically soft but tinged with worry. No answer. Throwing off the covers, she stood and padded barefoot toward the door, her mind conjuring scenarios she didn't want to entertain.

Her fears were short-lived, however, when the scent of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet drifted through the air. Lingling followed it like a beacon, her tension easing with each step.

In the kitchen, Orm was standing by the stove, humming softly to herself as she flipped pancakes with practiced ease. The sight of her, barefoot in one of Lingling's oversized shirts and a pair of sleep shorts, made Lingling's heart do an unexpected flip.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Orm greeted without looking up, as if sensing Lingling's presence. "I was starting to think I'd have to send a search party."

Lingling crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway. "I thought you left."

Orm glanced over her shoulder, grinning. "Left? And miss the chance to spoil my girlfriend with breakfast? Not a chance."

Lingling rolled her eyes, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "You could've at least left a note."

Orm chuckled, turning back to the stove. "Noted. Next time, I'll leave a trail of breadcrumbs."

Lingling's lips twitched, the corners curling into a reluctant smile. "It smells good."

"Wait until you taste it," Orm said, sliding the last pancake onto a plate and assembling the tray with care. "Now, back to bed. Breakfast is served."

Lingling allowed herself to be guided back to bed, though not without a muttered, "I'm perfectly capable of serving myself, you know."

As they settled back against the pillows, enjoying their breakfast, Lingling found herself unable to resist stealing kisses between bites. Every time Orm took a sip of her coffee or reached for the syrup, Lingling would lean in, capturing her lips in soft, lingering kisses.

"Not that I'm complaining," Orm said after the fifth or sixth kiss, "but what's gotten into you this morning?"

Lingling smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I think I might be addicted."

"To pancakes?" Orm teased, though her gaze softened.

Lingling shook her head, leaning in once more. "To you."

Orm's breath hitched slightly, caught off guard by the sincerity in Lingling's voice. "Well, in that case," she murmured, closing the distance between them, "I guess I'll just have to feed your addiction."

Their lips met again, the breakfast momentarily forgotten as they lost themselves in each other.

"You know," Lingling began between bites, "I'm not used to this."

"Used to what?" Orm asked, cutting into her own pancake.

Lingling hesitated, her fingers grazing the edge of her mug. "Waking up next to someone. Having them... care like this."

Orm smiled softly, her eyes warm. "Well, get used to it, Ling. I've got a lot more of this planned."

Lingling's gaze softened, and for a moment, she felt her carefully constructed walls crumble just a little more. "I think I might like that," she admitted quietly.

As they finished their meal, Lingling found herself shifting closer to Orm, her head naturally finding its place against Orm's shoulder.

"You're cuddly today," Orm teased, her hand instinctively coming up to rest on Lingling's arm.

"I didn't know I was a cuddle-needy person," Lingling murmured, her voice muffled against Orm's shirt. "But you make it... nice."

Orm chuckled, the sound rumbling in her chest. "High praise from the Ice Queen herself."

Lingling pinched her side lightly, earning a playful yelp. "I told you not to call me that."

"Fine," Orm said, tilting her head to press a kiss to Lingling's hair. "You're my clingy queen."

Lingling groaned but didn't pull away, the warmth of Orm's affection melting away any pretense of annoyance. She could get used to this—being cared for, being close, being... happy.

Eventually, the morning wore on, and Orm stretched, reluctantly preparing to leave. "I should head back to the café before Becky starts blowing up my phone."

Lingling pouted slightly but quickly masked it with her usual composed demeanor. "Fine. But next time, you're staying longer. And I expect updates."

Orm grinned, leaning in. "Updates, huh? About what?"

"Everything," Lingling replied firmly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I need to know if my girlfriend is behaving."

"Your girlfriend?" Orm echoed, raising an eyebrow as she leaned closer. "Is that what I am now?"

Lingling smirked, her confidence returning. "Didn't I make that clear?"

Before Orm could retort, Lingling closed the gap, pressing a soft but lingering kiss to Orm's lips. When they pulled apart, Orm was left momentarily speechless, her usual sass replaced by a warm, dazed smile.

"Well," Orm said, her voice slightly hoarse. "That clears things up."

Orm chuckled. "But I can't exactly go to work looking like this," she said, gesturing to the oversized shirt and shorts.

Lingling smirked, heading to her walk-in closet. "Pick whatever you like."

Orm's jaw dropped as she followed Lingling. "This closet is bigger than my entire apartment."

"Don't get distracted," Lingling teased. "Take what you need."

A few minutes later, Orm emerged in one of Lingling's casual button-ups and a pair of tailored pants. "Well? Do I pull off the CEO vibe?"

Lingling took one look at her and swallowed hard. "You look... gorgeous."

Orm grinned, knowing exactly the effect she had. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

As Orm prepared to leave, Lingling followed her to the door, her usual composed demeanor cracking just enough to show a flicker of hesitation.

Lingling brushed her fingers against Orm's sleeve. "Are you sure you don't want to stay for lunch?"

Orm chuckled. "I would, but I think Becky would kill me if I left her alone any longer."

Lingling sighed dramatically. "Fine. But only because I don't want to be responsible for Becky's wrath."

Orm stepped closer, her voice softening. "I'll text you when I get there, okay?"

Lingling nodded, her gaze lingering. "Good."

Before Orm could step out, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Lingling's lips. It was brief but tender, leaving Lingling momentarily stunned.

"See you later, clingy queen," Orm whispered, pulling back with a wink.

Lingling rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a small smile. She watched as Orm climbed into her car, the driver nodding respectfully before pulling away.

Lingling closed the door and leaned against it, her fingers brushing her lips. "I could get used to this," she murmured to herself, her heart light as air.