After The Yes

Lingling woke up before the sunrise, a rare occurrence for someone who usually valued every second of sleep. But today was different. Today, she was engaged to the love of her life. She turned her head, her gaze softening as she watched Orm sleep peacefully beside her, her hand resting near her face, the diamond ring catching the faint morning light.

Lingling felt a warm flutter in her chest. She couldn't believe how lucky she was. For once, the ever-composed Ice Queen was nervous about how to handle her own emotions. Memories of the night before flashed in her mind—Orm's laughter, the way she said yes, and the warmth of their embrace.

The soft morning light made Orm's features glow, and Lingling felt a pang of overwhelming love. She whispered, more to herself, "How did I get so lucky?"

Orm stirred awake, catching Lingling staring. Her sleepy smile widened as she teased, "If you're already this obsessed, what's marriage going to look like?"

Lingling rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth quirked upward. "Get used to it. You're stuck with me now."

Orm chuckled, pulling Lingling closer. "Stuck sounds like a good deal."

They lay together for a few moments, the quietness of the morning wrapping around them. It felt like the world had stilled, just for them. But soon, their phones buzzed with notifications, and reality began creeping back in.

"Becky's probably already planning some over-the-top reaction," Orm muttered, reaching for her phone.

Lingling smirked. "Let her. She'll run out of steam eventually."

When the couple walked into Blooming Beans later that morning, Becky and Freen were already waiting for them, clearly informed of the news—likely by Lingling herself. The teasing began instantly.

Becky clutched her chest dramatically, rushing up to Orm. "Let me see it! Oh my god, it's even bigger than I imagined! This thing could sink the Titanic!"

Freen squinted at the ring and shielded her eyes as if blinded. "Ling, did you propose or try to bankrupt an entire diamond mine? That thing is aggressive."

Orm groaned but couldn't hide her amusement. "I was blinded into submission. She left me no choice."

Becky gasped mockingly, shaking her head. "Classic Ice Queen move. Ruthless even in love."

Lingling smirked, crossing her arms. "You're all just jealous you didn't think of it first."

Becky leaned closer, her tone conspiratorial. "So, what's next? Are you going to build her a diamond palace?"

Freen burst out laughing. "Knowing Lingling, she probably already has blueprints."

Orm rolled her eyes but laughed along. The teasing felt like a warm embrace, a reminder of how much love and support surrounded them.

As if on cue, Suzy walked into the café and immediately noticed the sparkling ring on Orm's finger. She gasped loudly, tears welling up as she clapped her hands together.

"Oh my god! You two are getting married! This is so beautiful. I believe in love again!" Suzy exclaimed, sniffling dramatically.

Becky rolled her eyes, patting Suzy's shoulder. "Suzy, it's a proposal, not the last scene of a rom-com. Dial it down."

Freen grinned, leaning in. "Let her have her moment, Becky. Not everyone is emotionally stunted like you."

Suzy ignored them, turning back to Orm and Lingling. "You're both perfect together. Can I plan the wedding? I have ideas... so many ideas!"

Orm gently shook her head, laughing. "Slow down, Suzy. One step at a time."

When the teasing finally died down, Lingling pulled Becky and Freen aside, her usual cool demeanor softening.

"I just wanted to say... thank you. You two made this possible, even if your ideas were questionable. I couldn't have done it without your chaos," Lingling said sincerely.

Becky smirked, pretending to wipe a tear. "A rare moment of gratitude from the Ice Queen. I feel honored."

Freen laughed, clapping Lingling on the back. "You're welcome. But you owe us dinner. No excuses."

Lingling nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. Dinner at the penthouse. Tonight."

That evening, Becky, Freen, and Suzy arrived at the penthouse for the promised dinner. Lingling had spared no effort in making the evening perfect: freshly ordered flowers adorned the table, the private chef was putting the final touches on the food, and the wine glasses were already sparkling under the chandelier's light. The flowers, a mix of white roses and orchids, had originally been intended for Lingling's proposal plan but now served as a stunning centerpiece.

"Fancy as ever," Freen quipped, sniffing one of the extravagant flower arrangements. "Nothing but the best for the Ice Queen."

"This isn't about me," Lingling said curtly, adjusting the cutlery on the table. "It's about showing my appreciation."

But chaos ensued almost immediately. Becky popped a bottle of champagne too early, sending the cork flying across the room and spraying bubbly onto the carefully set table.

"Oops," Becky said, trying to stifle her laughter. "A toast to unpredictability!"

Freen decided to "help" by fixing the table settings but ended up breaking a wine glass. "Uh... it's modern art now," she said sheepishly.

Meanwhile, Suzy kept raising her glass for impromptu toasts. "To love! To friendship! To... whatever this is!" she cheered, accidentally knocking over a vase of flowers.

Lingling groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I should have seen this coming."

Orm, laughing uncontrollably, wrapped her arms around Lingling. "Welcome to the rest of our lives."

After managing to clean up the dinner mess, Lingling and Orm decided to call their families to share the news. The screen on Lingling's phone lit up as her parents appeared first, her father's stern but curious expression softening into a smile when he noticed the ring on Orm's hand.

"So, it's official," Mr. Kwong said, his voice warm but teasing. "I hope you're ready for the chaos, Orm."

Orm laughed. "I think I got a preview tonight."

Lingling's mother leaned into the camera, grinning. "Orm, welcome to the family. And Lingling, you did well. But that ring... are you trying to intimidate everyone?"

Before Lingling could respond, they called Orm's parents, who immediately erupted into cheers upon hearing the news. Orm's mother clapped her hands together. "Finally! We've been waiting for this moment!"

Her father nodded approvingly. "Lingling, you have our blessing. Just take care of our daughter."

Lingling smiled, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I promise."

After their chaotic friends finally left, and the calls with their parents ended, Orm and Lingling found themselves alone on the penthouse balcony, the city lights twinkling below them. Lingling leaned against the railing, gazing out into the night.

"That dinner was a disaster," she muttered.

Orm chuckled, slipping her arms around Lingling's waist. "It was perfect in its own way. Just like you."

Lingling turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. "Perfect? You have interesting standards."

Orm smiled softly. "I don't care about the mess. All I care about is you."

Lingling's expression softened, and she leaned in for a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you more," Orm replied, resting her forehead against Lingling's. "Now, let's agree: no more dinners with Becky involved."

Lingling chuckled. "Deal."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Lingling realized that no amount of chaos could dim the joy she felt. With Orm by her side, life would always be perfectly imperfect—and she wouldn't have it any other way.