Watchdog

When Orm walked into Blooming Beans that morning, she expected the usual cozy hum of customers and coffee beans grinding. What she didn't expect was Becky leaning against the counter, arms crossed, and a wide smirk on her face.

"Good morning, traitor," Becky greeted, her tone dripping with faux betrayal.

Orm raised an eyebrow as she tied her apron. "Traitor? What are you on about now?"

Becky held up her phone, waving it teasingly. "Your girlfriend texted me this morning."

Orm froze, halfway through looping the apron strings. "She texted you?"

"Oh yeah," Becky said, grinning like a cat with a canary. "She told me to keep an eye on you while she's 'occupied.'" She even threw in air quotes for emphasis. "Guess who's officially on Lingling Kwong's checkbook now?"

Orm groaned, rolling her eyes. "She didn't."

"She did," Becky confirmed, her voice sing-song. "And let me tell you, I'm loving this new dynamic. My new job description? 'Check if the girlfriend is behaving and shoo away admirers.'" She burst out laughing. "I've been promoted!"

"More like demoted to Lingling's spy," Orm quipped, grabbing a clean rag and wiping down the counter.

Becky leaned closer, still grinning. "I gotta admit, though, I'm impressed. You've got the Ice Queen sending me updates like I'm your babysitter."

Orm shot her a look. "Don't you have muffins to bake?"

"Oh, I baked them," Becky said, winking. "Right after I texted Lingling back to let her know you were safe and sound. For now."

As Orm began her shift, her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen and couldn't stop the grin that spread across her face.

Lingling: Ms. Kornnaphat. I trust you're behaving yourself.

Orm chuckled, quickly typing a reply.

Orm: Barely started my shift and Becky's already testing my patience. Do I get points for restraint?

Lingling: Only if you keep wearing my clothes. You looked... hot.

Orm laughed out loud, earning a curious look from Becky. "Who's got you grinning like that?"

"None of your business," Orm replied, but her blush gave her away.

Becky gasped dramatically. "Oh no. She's got you whipped already."

"Do you ever stop talking?" Orm shot back, though the grin on her face betrayed her.

Across the city, Lingling sat at her desk, her perfectly organized workspace surrounded by neatly stacked documents. It was supposed to be her day off, but instead of relaxing, she found herself getting some work done and scrolling through her phone every few minutes, waiting for Orm's replies.

Orm: Should I expect you to drop by? Just to check if I'm "behaving"?

Lingling smirked as she typed back.

Lingling: Don't tempt me.

Back at Blooming Beans, Becky was in full comedic mode. "So, do you have a signal system in place?" she teased Orm. "Like, three buzzes on your phone means Lingling's checking the security cameras?"

Orm snorted. "She's not that bad."

Becky arched an eyebrow. "Not yet. Give it time."

"Becky," Orm said, trying to sound exasperated but failing to hide her amusement. "You're supposed to be working, not playing my relationship commentator."

"Oh, but it's so fun," Becky replied, grinning as she handed a latte to a customer. "And besides, watching you blush every time your phone buzzes is the highlight of my day."

Orm opened her mouth to retort, but her phone buzzed again. She instinctively reached for it, only to hear Becky cackle behind her.

"See? Whipped!" Becky declared, dodging the towel Orm threw at her.

Lingling opened her chat with Becky, scrolling through the exchange from earlier.

Lingling: Is she busy?

Becky: She's working hard! Making lattes and dodging admirers. I'm keeping an eye out, don't worry.

Lingling smirked at the message. Satisfied, she set the phone down and tried to dive into work. But ten minutes later, her hand hovered over her phone again.

Lingling: Still behaving?

Becky: Do you want me to install a tracker on her?

Lingling laughed softly, shaking her head. She couldn't believe how easily Orm had wiggled her way into her thoughts. It was... unsettling. But not unwelcome.

By late afternoon, the café had hit its usual rush, with Orm balancing orders and Becky entertaining customers with her signature sass. Just as the line began to die down, the door swung open, and in walked Lingling.

Dressed in an effortlessly chic outfit. Heads turned, conversations paused, and even Becky looked momentarily taken aback.

"Well, well," Becky muttered to Orm, "your boss is here."

Orm rolled her eyes. "She's not my boss."

Becky shot back, grinning. "Tell that to her eyes, which are literally glued to you right now."

Orm glanced up, and sure enough, Lingling's gaze was locked on her, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Ling," Orm greeted, leaning casually on the counter. "Didn't expect to see you here today."

"I was in the area," Lingling replied smoothly, walking up to the counter.

"Sure you were," Orm said, leaning on the counter. "Couldn't stay away, could you?"

Lingling smirked. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

Orm laughed, her heart doing a little flip. "No need. I already know."

Her eyes flicked to Becky. "How's our watchdog?"

"Vigilant," Becky said with a mock salute. "Your girlfriend's been a model employee all day."

Lingling's smile grew. "Good. I'd hate for her to get into trouble."

Orm chuckled, shaking her head. "You two are ridiculous."

As Lingling lingered, Becky couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "You know, Lingling, this whole situation is kind of cute. You've turned the sass queen into a lovesick puppy."

Orm groaned. "Becky."

Lingling's lips curved into a sly smile. "I'd say it's mutual."

"Oh, it's mutual, all right," Becky said, cackling. "And terrifying for the rest of us. You two are like a power couple straight out of a rom-com, but with extra drama."

Lingling raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Definitely," Becky said, nodding. "And just so you know, if anyone flirts with her, I'm fully prepared to drop a latte on them. Ling's orders."

Orm threw up her hands. "Unbelievable. Both of you."

As Lingling prepared to leave, she turned to Orm with a soft smile. "Dinner tonight?"

Orm nodded, her grin softening. "Wouldn't miss it."

Lingling hesitated for just a moment before leaning in, brushing a quick kiss to Orm's cheek. "See you later," she murmured.

From behind the counter, Becky pretended to gag. "Ugh, you're so cute, it's gross."

Lingling shot her a pointed look, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Behave, Becky."

As the door closed behind her, Becky turned to Orm with a dramatic sigh. "You've ruined me for all future entertainment. Nothing will ever top this."

Orm rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "Glad I could brighten your day."

"You did more than that," Becky teased, winking. "You made Lingling Kwong human. That's a miracle."

With Lingling's driver taking her back to her penthouse, Orm couldn't help but glance at her phone. Another buzz lit up the screen.

Lingling: Don't let Becky stress you out too much. I'll see you tonight.

Orm smiled, her heart feeling unexpectedly full. She sent a quick reply:

Orm: See you tonight, clingy CEO.

And for the rest of the day, she couldn't wipe the grin off her face.