Tease and Tension

The coffee shop bustled with its usual energy—murmured conversations, the hiss of the espresso machine and the occasional clatter of dishes. Orm sat in her favorite booth by the window, absently stirring her coffee as she waited for her best friends Suzy and Becky to arrive. The warm morning sun lit up the shop, casting a golden glow over the polished counters and wooden tables.

Suzy slid into the booth first, her signature smirk firmly in place. "Alright, Orm, spill. What's going on with the hot CEO?" She arched an eyebrow, the teasing lilt in her voice unmistakable.

Orm glanced up from her coffee, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Lingling?"

"Of course, Lingling! Who else would we be talking about?" Suzy leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know, the one you've been subtly—or not-so-subtly—obsessed with since she walked into your life like a storm."

Before Orm could reply, Becky made her entrance. She strode over with her usual flair, flipping her hair dramatically over her shoulder as she slid into the booth. "Did someone say 'hot CEO'? Oh, this is going to be good. Go on, Orm, tell us everything."

Orm let out a long-suffering sigh but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. "You two are insufferable."

Becky grinned, clearly unfazed. "And you're stalling. So? Are you interested or is this just another 'Orm crush' that'll fizzle out in two weeks?"

Suzy snorted, hiding her laughter behind her hand. Orm rolled her eyes, leaning back in her seat. "I mean... yeah, I'm interested. How could I not be? Lingling's stunning and that whole ice queen act of hers? It's maddening, but it's also..." She paused, her voice softening. "...kind of thrilling."

Suzy's jaw dropped. "Oh my god. You're serious! Orm Kornnaphat, interested in someone for real?"

Becky leaned forward, her grin turning wicked. "This is huge! Are you actually planning to make a move? Or are you just going to sit here and daydream while she runs her empire?"

Orm smirked, raising her coffee cup to her lips. "I don't beg for attention. If something happens, it happens."

Suzy snickered. "Oh, please. Lingling's not going to fall into your lap. You'll need an actual plan."

Before Orm could reply, the door jingled, and a tall, confident figure strode into the shop. Freen scanned the room, her eyes locking onto their booth immediately. Her sharp grin widened as she made her way over.

"Who's that?" Suzy whispered, her curiosity piqued.

"That," Orm said with a smirk, "is Freen."

Freen reached their table, her energy commanding attention. "Good morning, ladies," she said smoothly, slipping into the booth beside Becky without waiting for an invitation. "Orm didn't tell me she had such charming friends."

Becky raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed but amused. "And you are?"

"Freen," she said, extending a hand with a grin that was equal parts charm and mischief. "CFO, troublemaker and Orm's favorite person to annoy."

Becky glanced at the hand, then back at Freen, her lips quirking into a sly smile. "CFO, huh? So you're one of those corporate types. Should I be impressed?"

"Only if you want to be," Freen shot back without missing a beat, leaning closer. "And you are?"

"Becky," she said, her tone dripping with sass. "Orm's actual favorite person."

Suzy burst into laughter while Orm groaned. "I can't take you two anywhere," Orm muttered, though she couldn't hide her amusement.

Freen shifted her attention to Suzy, who watched the exchange with open curiosity. "And you must be...?"

"Suzy," she said, shaking Freen's hand. "Nice to meet you. Orm's never mentioned you."

Freen gasped in mock offense. "Never mentioned me? Orm, I'm hurt! All those years of friendship, and you've kept me hidden from your inner circle?"

Orm smirked. "You're too much for most people to handle. I was doing them a favor."

The group laughed, and the conversation quickly settled into a lively rhythm. Freen's natural charisma meshed well with Becky's sharp wit, and the two were locked in a playful battle of verbal sparring within minutes. Suzy leaned back, enjoying the show, while Orm watched with an amused shake of her head.

"Alright, Freen," Suzy said eventually, cutting in. "So what brings you to our little corner of the world? Is this a social call, or are you here to meddle in Orm's love life?"

Freen grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Can't it be both?"

Becky rolled her eyes. "Oh, great. You're a meddler and a flirt."

Freen's grin widened. "Only with the best people." She turned her gaze to Orm. "And speaking of meddling, I've got a bone to pick with you."

Orm raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

"You, my dear, are clearly smitten with Lingling, but you're dragging your feet," Freen said, folding her arms dramatically. "And as your self-appointed Cupid, I cannot allow this to continue."

"Oh, this I've got to hear," Becky said, leaning forward eagerly.

Meanwhile, across town, Lingling sat in her sleek office, her fingers drumming against the polished surface of her desk. She had tried—really tried—to focus on the pile of reports in front of her, but her mind refused to cooperate. Every time she tried to concentrate, Orm's face appeared in her thoughts: her easy smile, the way she had waved so casually in the middle of Lingling's chaotic office, as if they'd known each other for years.

Lingling let out a sharp sigh, rubbing her temples. Why can't I stop thinking about her? It wasn't just Orm's looks that lingered in her mind—it was her presence. Confident, playful, and maddeningly unaffected by the chaos she seemed to cause. It was infuriating. And intriguing. And... Lingling didn't even know how to finish that thought.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was a text from Freen.

I'm at Blooming Beans. You should stop by sometime. They've got great coffee, and you're missing out.

Lingling stared at the message, her jaw tightening. She's at Orm's shop?

The idea of Freen being there—chatting, laughing, possibly flirting—sent a jolt of irritation through Lingling. She told herself it was because Freen was wasting time during work hours, but deep down, she knew better.

Her thoughts spiraled further. What are they talking about? Is Freen... teasing Orm? Flirting with her?

Lingling scowled, gripping her phone tightly. But she stopped herself. It wouldn't do to storm into the shop unannounced. That would only give Freen more ammunition to tease her.

No, Lingling thought firmly. I'll visit the shop... later. Strictly for business. I'll think of an excuse.

As she placed her phone back on the desk, Lingling felt a flicker of annoyance. Not just at Freen or Orm, but at herself. Why did this woman get under her skin so much?

With a resigned sigh, she picked up the nearest report, though her thoughts remained firmly elsewhere.