Mysterious Love Notes

Orm was wiping down the café counter when Becky strolled out of the kitchen with a mischievous grin plastered on her face. "Hey, boss, you've got a little something," she said, handing Orm a folded pink note with a flourish.

Orm raised an eyebrow, taking the note with mild curiosity. "What's this? A suggestion for more croissants?"

Becky smirked. "Open it and find out."

Orm unfolded the note, her eyes scanning the message:

Dear Orm, your smile lights up the café brighter than the morning sun. Yours, A Secret Admirer.

Becky cackled as Orm groaned, tossing the note onto the counter. "A secret admirer? Seriously?"

"Don't look at me," Becky said, holding her hands up in mock innocence. "You've got fans, boss. Embrace it."

Orm shook her head, brushing it off. But when she found another note taped to the espresso machine the next morning, and yet another tucked into the pastry display later that day, her irritation began to simmer.

Meanwhile, Lingling was perched at her usual table, sipping her coffee and catching up on emails. She'd been enjoying the cozy atmosphere until she noticed Orm huffing and muttering to herself by the counter.

"What's wrong?" Lingling asked, setting down her cup and narrowing her sharp gaze on Orm.

"Nothing," Orm replied, too quickly.

Lingling arched an eyebrow. "Try again."

Orm sighed, holding up the latest love note. "It's nothing, just... these ridiculous notes. Someone thinks they're being cute."

Lingling's eyes narrowed further as she took the note from Orm's hand. She read the saccharine words, her grip tightening slightly on the paper. "Ridiculous?" she repeated.

"Yes, ridiculous," Orm said, leaning against the counter. "I mean, come on—'Your smile lights up the café'? It's cheesy!"

Lingling, outwardly calm but inwardly seething, placed the note down carefully. "I see."

Without another word, she stood and made her way to the counter, her presence radiating a territorial energy that even Becky, usually oblivious, noticed.

Over the next few days, Lingling's visits to the café became more frequent, and her behavior shifted.

"Orm," she called sweetly from her table. "Could you bring me another coffee? Oh, and a croissant."

Orm blinked. "You want me to bring it to you? You usually come to the counter."

Lingling smirked, her tone light but commanding. "I'm feeling lazy today. Besides, it's nice to see you deliver something personally."

Becky snorted from behind the counter, muttering under her breath, "Territorial much?"

When a customer tried to flirt with Orm, asking about her favorite coffee blend, Lingling interrupted smoothly, "Her favorite blend is none of your business."

The customer blinked, startled, while Orm stifled a laugh.

Later, Lingling positioned herself at a table directly facing the counter, her sharp eyes tracking Orm's every move. Becky leaned over and whispered, "Boss, I think you've got your own personal watchdog."

Orm chuckled, though her cheeks warmed slightly.

After a week of mounting curiosity and territorial tension, Lingling decided to investigate the source of the notes herself. She cornered Becky in the kitchen after spotting her acting suspiciously near the counter.

"Becky," Lingling said, her voice low and icy. "Do you know anything about these notes?"

Becky froze, a guilty look flashing across her face. "Notes? What notes?"

"The notes," Lingling said, pulling one out of her bag and waving it.

Just as Becky opened her mouth to protest, Freen emerged from the back, casually munching on a cookie. "Oh, hey! Did you like the notes, Orm?"

Orm appeared at that moment, hearing Freen's question. "Wait. YOU two are behind this?"

Becky and Freen exchanged a sheepish glance before bursting into laughter. "It was just a joke!" Freen said, barely able to speak through her giggles. "You should've seen your face when Becky handed you the first one!"

Orm groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Unbelievable. You've been messing with me all week?"

Lingling crossed her arms, her glare sharp enough to pierce steel. "A joke? You thought it was funny to make her think someone else was after her?"

Freen raised her hands defensively. "Come on, Ling, we were just having fun! Besides, it worked out—look how much extra time you spent here this week!"

Becky nodded, grinning. "Yeah, if anything, we did you a favor. You're welcome."

Lingling's scowl deepened, but Orm placed a hand on her arm, her touch gentle. "Ling, it's fine. They're idiots, but they're harmless."

Lingling exhaled sharply but nodded, though her eyes promised Becky and Freen would pay later.

As Becky and Freen retreated, still laughing, Orm turned to Lingling with an amused smile. "You really went full protector mode this week."

Lingling huffed, smoothing her hair. "I was merely ensuring no one disrespected what's mine."

Orm raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "What's yours, huh?"

Lingling met her gaze, her voice softening. "Yes. Mine."

Orm grinned, leaning in to kiss Lingling's cheek. "Well, thanks for looking out for me, clingy CEO."

Lingling's cheeks warmed, but she quickly composed herself. "Don't let it go to your head, Kornnaphat."

Orm chuckled, her hand lingering on Lingling's. "Too late."

Meanwhile, Becky and Freen, peeking from the back, high-fived each other. "Totally worth it," Freen whispered, grinning mischievously.

Becky nodded. "And now we know—Lingling isn't just territorial. She's terrifyingly territorial."

They both dissolved into laughter, already planning their next scheme.