Our Little World

The morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lingling's penthouse, casting a golden glow on the room. Orm stirred first, groaning softly as she stretched, the luxurious sheets slipping off her shoulder. Lingling, already awake, was propped up on one elbow, watching her girlfriend with a soft smile that no one else in the world got to see.

"You're staring," Orm mumbled, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Lingling smirked, leaning in to press a lingering kiss on Orm's temple. "Can you blame me?"

Orm cracked one eye open, her lips quirking into a grin. "Flatterer."

They lay there for a while, basking in the quiet comfort of the morning before Orm finally nudged Lingling. "Alright, CEO, get up. Your princess duties include driving me to work today."

Lingling chuckled. "Don't I do that every morning?"

"Yes, and I've grown spoiled," Orm teased, stealing a quick kiss before throwing the covers off.

As they got ready, Lingling playfully scolded Orm for using her "fancy shampoo" instead of the basic one. "You're making my water bill too high," she teased, wrapping her arms around Orm from behind as she blow-dried her hair.

Orm laughed, turning around to kiss Lingling's forehead. "You'll live."

Friday evenings had become sacred for them. Tonight, Orm insisted they spend it exploring her version of fun.

They strolled through a bustling night market, the air filled with the aroma of street food and the hum of chatter. Lingling, dressed in simple jeans and sneakers (Orm's doing), clung to Orm's arm, looking a little out of place but thoroughly enchanted.

"Try this," Orm said, holding out a skewer of grilled meat.

Lingling eyed it skeptically. "Is it safe?"

Orm laughed. "Ling, it's not caviar, but I promise it won't kill you."

Lingling hesitated before taking a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. "It's... delicious."

"See? I know what I'm doing," Orm said smugly.

They ended the evening sitting on a park bench, sharing a bubble tea. Orm wrapped an arm around Lingling's shoulders, and they watched the city lights.

"This," Lingling murmured, "is perfect. I didn't know I needed this."

Orm kissed her cheek. "Told you. Welcome to my world, Miss CEO."

The next morning, they met Becky and Freen at the café. Becky immediately honed in on Lingling, smirking. "So, how does the queen feel about slumming it at night markets?"

Lingling raised an elegant brow. "It's not 'slumming it.' It's... charming."

Orm snorted into her coffee. "Charming is Lingling-speak for 'I like it but won't admit it.'"

Becky cackled, while Freen leaned in. "You two are ridiculous. You do realize you're acting like a married couple, right?"

Orm smirked, sliding an arm around Lingling. "Jealous, Freen?"

Freen shrugged, pulling Becky closer. "Nope. Got my own queen now."

Becky rolled her eyes but didn't push Freen away.

After dropping Orm off at the café, Lingling returned in the evening to pick her up for their usual evening plans. Orm emerged wearing an effortless outfit that, upon closer inspection, revealed her weakness for high-end fashion—a sleek designer jacket paired with a limited-edition handbag.

Lingling raised an eyebrow as Orm slid into the passenger seat. "Didn't you say you live a humble life?"

Orm shrugged, adjusting her sunglasses. "Humble doesn't mean I can't appreciate good craftsmanship."

Lingling smirked. "Good craftsmanship? That's a thousand-dollar bag."

Orm leaned back, grinning. "And worth every penny."

Their first stop of the evening was a boutique that Orm had been eyeing for weeks. As they walked in, Orm's face lit up, and she immediately started browsing the racks of designer jackets, shoes, and handbags.

Lingling followed, arms crossed, observing Orm's excitement with an amused smile. "You're like a kid in a candy store."

"More like a barista in paradise," Orm quipped, holding up a sleek leather jacket for Lingling's approval.

Lingling watched with amusement before turning to the salesperson. "We'll take it. And that, and that," she said, gesturing at nearly half the store.

"Ling!" Orm gawked, grabbing her hand. "I don't need all that!"

Lingling tilted her head, her tone calm but teasing. "Why not? You like them and I like you in them. Problem solved."

Orm sighed dramatically, pulling her toward the counter. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you love me," Lingling quipped, her smirk triumphant as the salesperson rung everything up.

By the time they got back to the penthouse, Lingling was ready to unwind. Orm barely had time to set down her bag before Lingling pulled her into a deep kiss, her hands sliding to Orm's waist.

"Ling," Orm murmured against her lips, "what's gotten into you?"

Lingling smirked, nipping at Orm's bottom lip. "I've been thinking about this all day."

Orm chuckled, allowing herself to be led to the couch. "You're insatiable, you know that?"

"Only for you," Lingling whispered, her tone low and seductive.

Later, as they lay tangled together on the couch, Becky and Freen's names popped up in a group video call.

Freen grinned. "Look at you two! Married life treating you well?"

Becky added, "Lingling, you do realize Orm's practically moved in, right?"

Orm rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Don't ruin the moment, Becky."

Lingling, ever composed, simply said, "It's efficient. Saves time in the morning."

Becky snorted. "Sure, Ling. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

The call ended with more teasing, but neither Orm nor Lingling minded. They were too comfortable, too happy, to care.

Weeks later, they were in Orm's cozy apartment, which Lingling had grown to adore for its lived-in charm. Orm was cooking—well, attempting to cook—while Lingling leaned against the counter, sipping wine and watching her with amusement.

"Careful, Chef Kornnaphat," Lingling teased. "You're about to set the kitchen on fire."

"Hey, you're distracting me with your ridiculous good looks," Orm shot back, flashing her a wink.

Lingling shook her head, hiding a smile behind her glass. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

Orm set the spatula down and turned to her, a rare seriousness in her gaze. "Actually, it's true. You are ridiculously good-looking. And smart. And a little terrifying."

Lingling raised an eyebrow. "Orm, are you confessing something?"

Orm stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Lingling's waist. "Maybe I am," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I love you, Ling."

Lingling's heart skipped a beat. Despite her composed demeanor, she felt her chest tighten with emotion. "Say it again."

Orm smirked. "What? 'Careful, Chef Kornnaphat?'"

Lingling rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable."

Orm laughed, leaning her forehead against Lingling's. "I love you," she said again, softer this time. "So much."

Lingling didn't hesitate this time. "I love you too," she whispered back, before pulling Orm into a kiss.