Chapter 7: Day One

And just like that, time pulled her back again.

Lingling's eyes fluttered open, her chest rising and falling with slow, heavy breaths. The ceiling above her was painfully familiar. Her hands clutched the sheets, her mind sluggish as she processed where she was. October 11. Again.

She blinked, staring blankly, feeling the weight of time pressing down on her. Unlike the previous times, this time felt heavier—like chains wrapped around her heart, dragging her deeper into despair.

She sat up at the edge of the bed, running a hand down her face before reaching for her phone. Without hesitation, she typed a message to Nene.

"I'm taking the week off."

No explanations. No second thoughts. For the next seven days, nothing else mattered but Orm.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the bedroom door.

The familiar scent of breakfast filled the air, and her eyes landed on Orm, standing by the stove, humming softly as she cooked. The golden morning light streamed through the windows, casting a gentle glow around her. She looked so beautiful. So alive.

Lingling felt her heart clench. She wanted to freeze this moment, to burn it into her memory forever.

She stepped forward, slow and quiet, savoring the sight before her. When she reached Orm, she wrapped her arms around her from behind, pulling her close without a word.

Orm let out a small, surprised laugh. "Good morning, babe. Everything okay?"

Lingling sighed, tightening her embrace. "Everything's fine. I just missed you."

Orm frowned slightly, though amusement flickered in her eyes. "Baby, we were literally together all night. And I'm just making breakfast."

Lingling buried her face against Orm's shoulder, inhaling her scent—the warmth of home, the softness of vanilla. "I know," she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "But I still miss you. Every second my eyes aren't on you, I miss you."

Orm paused, her body softening in Lingling's arms. "What's with you today?" she asked, turning her head slightly to glance at her.

Lingling only smiled, though the ache in her chest grew stronger. "I just love you."

Orm chuckled, reaching up to squeeze Lingling's hand. "I love you too. But if you don't let me go, we're gonna end up eating burnt eggs."

Lingling reluctantly loosened her grip as Orm finished cooking. When breakfast was ready, they sat together at the dining table.

"You spoil me too much," Lingling murmured, staring at the plate in front of her.

"Of course. I love you," Orm said simply, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Lingling's heart twisted. She swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "I love you more."

The morning went on like every other October 11 before it. But this time was different. This time, she only had seven days left.

After breakfast, Orm stretched lazily and turned to Lingling. "So, can you take the day off today and spend time with me, what do you wanna do? Movie marathon? Go out? Sleep all day?"

Lingling reached for Orm's hand, holding it tight. "Actually, I told Nene I'm taking the whole week off."

Orm raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's rare. What's the occasion?"

Lingling hesitated for a moment before smiling. "I just want to spend more time with you."

Orm studied her for a moment, a curious look in her eyes, but then she grinned. "Well, I won't complain about that. So, what's the plan?"

Lingling squeezed her hand. "Let's go somewhere. Just the two of us."

Orm smirked. "Where?"

"Anywhere," Lingling whispered. "I just want to be with you."

Orm laughed and pulled her closer. "Alright then, an adventure it is."

Lingling smiled, but deep down, she wished time would stop. But she knew it wouldn't.

So she would make these seven days count.

____

After breakfast, Orm decided to take a shower. Lingling, who had been sitting on the couch, found herself drawn to the bathroom door. She moved quietly, settling down just outside as if standing guard, her thoughts drifting into a whirlwind of emotions.

She had spent so much time caught up in work, believing there would always be more tomorrows. But now, with the weight of only seven days pressing down on her, she knew she couldn't afford to waste another second. She had to make up for all the lost time.

Her mind raced, thinking of a million ways to show Orm just how much she loved her. Every small moment, every tiny detail—she would cherish them all.

The sound of water stopped. A few moments later, the bathroom door creaked open, and Orm stepped out, towel wrapped around her, her damp hair sticking to her skin.

But the sight that greeted her made her jump slightly. "Babe, you scared me!" Orm let out a small laugh, placing a hand over her chest.

Lingling didn't move. She just sat there, staring up at Orm with an expression that made Orm's smile fade. Concerned, Orm kneeled down in front of her and cupped her face gently. "What's wrong?" she asked, searching Lingling's eyes.

Lingling's throat tightened. She knew she had to keep it together, to not let Orm see the pain threatening to consume her. But even as she forced a smile, tears welled in her eyes.

Then, before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "Let's get married."

Orm blinked, taken aback. "Baby," she said, chuckling softly, "I am your fiancée. Why are you asking me again?"

Lingling shook her head, gripping Orm's hands tighter. "I mean sooner," she clarified, her voice trembling.

Orm raised an eyebrow, her amusement fading into curiosity. "How soon?"

Lingling took a deep breath, holding Orm's gaze. "The day after tomorrow."

Orm's eyes widened. "Wait—what?"

"I'll take care of everything," Lingling continued, desperation creeping into her voice. "I'll rush the paperwork for the marriage registration. We can do it. We will do it."

Orm studied her carefully. The urgency in Lingling's voice, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly—something didn't feel right.

She reached up, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear. "Babe... what's the rush?"

Lingling stiffened, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I just want to call you Mrs. Kwong sooner," she said, her voice cracking at the end.

Before Orm could respond, Lingling lunged forward, wrapping her arms around her tightly, burying her face in Orm's shoulder.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Orm hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around Lingling in return, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Baby," she murmured softly, "talk to me. What's wrong?"

Lingling squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn't tell her. She couldn't say, I only have seven days left with you.

So instead, she just held her tighter, as if by sheer will, she could keep Orm in her arms forever.

____

Just as planned, Lingling and Orm spent the day together, making their way through the city, hand in hand. The first stop was the government office, where they submitted all the necessary paperwork for their marriage registration. Lingling made sure everything was rushed—there could be no delays.

Orm had questioned the urgency again, but Lingling only smiled, reassuring her that she simply couldn't wait any longer. She wasn't lying—she truly couldn't.

After handling the paperwork, Lingling led Orm to an exclusive omakase restaurant. It was a place Orm had once mentioned wanting to try, but their schedules had never allowed it before. Lingling had made sure this time, nothing would get in the way.

As they stepped inside, Orm immediately noticed the silence. There were no other guests, just the two of them and the chef preparing their meal behind the counter.

Orm frowned slightly, glancing around. "Babe... are you sure they're open?"

Lingling smirked, nodding. "Of course. I booked the whole place last minute."

Orm's eyes widened in shock. "What? How?"

Lingling chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "I know someone." She winked. "Besides, I only booked it for a few hours. Just enough time for us to enjoy."

Orm shook her head in disbelief but smiled. "You're insane. But I love you for it."

They took their seats at one of the intimate dining tables, the soft lighting casting a warm glow around them. Course after course of beautifully plated sushi was served, each bite more exquisite than the last.

As they ate, they reminisced about their college days, laughing about the awkwardness of their first meeting.

"I still remember how you spilled coffee all over my notes the first time we talked," Orm teased.

Lingling groaned, covering her face. "Ugh, don't remind me. I was so nervous! You were too pretty, and I lost my balance just from looking at you."

Orm burst into laughter, squeezing Lingling's hand. "And yet, despite that disaster, I still fell for you."

Lingling smiled, warmth filling her chest. But as she stared at Orm's face—the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed, the way her dimples deepened—an unshakable sadness crept in.

She looked down at their intertwined fingers before suddenly asking, "Why do you love me, Orm?"

Orm blinked in surprise at the unexpected question. "What?"

Lingling exhaled deeply, staring at her lap. "I mean, I basically suck at everything. For the past few years, I've been so busy with work that I forgot things that really matter. I get annoyed easily whenever you're being extra sweet. So... I'm just wondering. Why?"

Orm studied Lingling for a moment before chuckling softly. She reached over, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind Lingling's ear. Then she took her hand, holding it firmly.

"Baby," Orm said, her voice tender, "I know you're not perfect. And I don't expect you to be."

Lingling felt her throat tighten.

"Sometimes you forget things unintentionally," Orm continued, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "But that's okay. You just need a little reminder that I'm here."

Lingling's heart ached. She wished she could tell Orm everything—about the time loop, about how she was desperately trying to change their fate. But instead, she just held Orm's hand tighter, savoring the warmth, etching the moment into her soul.

Because she knew—sooner than Orm could ever imagine—this warmth would be gone.