Off The Market

The morning starts with Orm at the counter in Blooming Beans, serving coffee as usual. Her fan club (a group of regulars who admire her) are huddled together at a table, whispering and visibly distressed.

One member dramatically slams a magazine onto the table. "It's official. She's engaged. Look at that ring!"

The fan club collectively groans, their reactions ranging from despair to outrage.

- "How could she do this to us?"

- "We never even had a chance!"

- "That ring isn't just an engagement. It's a death sentence for our dreams!"

One brave admirer gets up, walks toward Orm, and sighs dramatically. "So it's true... You're officially off the market."

Orm, trying not to laugh, flashes the ring and says teasingly, "Sorry, everyone. Guess you'll have to find another coffee queen to adore."

The fan club reacts with exaggerated despair, one member muttering, "She didn't just break our hearts. She crushed them with that diamond... and now we have to live with it."

Another member dramatically clutches their chest. "It's not just a ring. It's a weapon... against hope!"

Lingling and Freen walk into the café, Lingling immediately locking eyes on Orm like a radar.

Becky, standing behind the counter, spots them and smirks. "For all the time you two spend here, you might as well put an office in the back."

Freen, never missing an opportunity, laughs and adds, "Don't tempt her, Becky. She might actually do it."

Lingling, ignoring the banter, strides up to Orm and casually wraps an arm around her waist. "Good morning, fiancée," she says proudly, loud enough for the fan club to hear.

The fan club collectively groans, one of them burying their face in their hands.

Becky: "Well, that's one way to assert dominance. Want me to make you a banner that says 'Claimed by Lingling Kwong'?"

Just then, Ying walks in, her usual confident stride and glowing smile making heads turn. She glances between Orm and Lingling, her gaze settling on Orm with a teasing glint in her eye. "So it's true. The Ice Queen finally sealed the deal. Congratulations, Orm."

Orm smiles politely, but before she can respond, Lingling steps forward, her arm tightening around Orm's waist. "Yes, she's mine. Officially. Can I help you with something, Ying?"

Ying laughs lightly, clearly enjoying Lingling's territorial tone. "Oh no, I'm just here for coffee. But it's nice to see you two so... close." Her gaze flickers to Lingling's hand on Orm's waist. "Very close."

Freen stifles a laugh, whispering to Becky, "This is going to be good."

Back at the café, Becky joins their table briefly, coffee in hand, and quips, "I gotta say, Lingling, you're living proof that even Ice Queens can get soft. I've never seen anyone so smug about being engaged."

Lingling smirks. "I have every reason to be."

Becky: "Fair enough. But you might want to stop scaring off my customers. That fan club in the corner? They look like they're planning a support group."

Freen leans in, grinning. "And stop letting Ying get under your skin. She's just enjoying the show."

Lingling huffs, clearly unimpressed. "She can enjoy it from somewhere else."

Lingling leans in to Orm, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. She places a gentle kiss on Orm's cheek, earning another round of groans from the fan club.

Freen: "I thought the engagement would chill you out a little. But nope, you're still as clingy as ever."

Lingling: "Why should I tone it down? She's mine, and everyone should know it."

Freen: "Yeah, we noticed. You'd put a GPS tracker on her if you could."

Orm laughs, placing a hand on Lingling's. "I like it. It's cute."

One of the fan club members musters the courage to approach their table.

Admirer: "Congratulations on your engagement, Orm. I just wanted to say... if Lingling ever messes up, I'll be here."

Lingling narrows her eyes, her Ice Queen persona kicking in. "Trust me, I don't mess up."

Orm laughs, taking Lingling's hand. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm good where I am."

The admirer retreats, and Freen whispers, "Well, that was brave. I give them ten points for effort."

At the café, as the day wound down, Orm glance at the massive diamond ring on her finger and sighed. "Ling, I love you, but this thing is... heavy. Can we maybe get something a little more practical?"

Lingling raised an eyebrow but didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stared at Orm thoughtfully until Orm added with a smile, "I'd love a ring we can wear every day, something simple but still meaningful."

Freen, overhearing from across the table, smirked. "Are you asking her for backup rings? Like an everyday wardrobe for your fingers?"

Becky snorted. "Careful, Orm. She might go full chandelier again just to spite you."

Lingling finally spoke, her tone calm but decisive. "Fine. After we close up here, we'll go pick out something practical." She leaned in closer, her voice softening as she added, "But don't think for a second this means I'm replacing the original. That's still staying front and center for special occasions."

Lingling takes Orm's hand and admires the diamond ring one last time. "I'll never stop being proud to call you mine," she says softly.

Orm smiles, squeezing Lingling's hand. "And I'll never stop loving you for it."

Freen groans dramatically. "Can we not? I already sat through all the couple goals content for today."

Becky, still at the counter, calls out: "You're all banned from being this cute in my café. Save it for the wedding!"

Lingling smirks as they walk out the door. The fan club at the corner table collectively sighs again. One of them mutters, "Guess we better find a new café."

Later that evening, after closing the café, they visited a jewelry store. Lingling and Orm selected elegant, understated matching bands—the kind they could wear every day without feeling weighed down.

Freen couldn't resist texting their group chat: "Wow, Ling, does this mean you'll tone down your possessiveness now?"

Lingling replied with a smirk emoji. "Not a chance."

When they returned to the penthouse, Orm admired her new ring, twisting it lightly around her finger. "I'll miss the chandelier," she joked, "but this feels like us."

Lingling smiled, leaning in for a kiss. "Practical, elegant, and perfect—just like you."