CH-16

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bedroom window, casting a gentle glow across the room and making Orm blink awake. The quiet of the morning slowly pulled her out of her dreams, and as her consciousness fully returned, she felt a familiar warmth enveloping her. Ling's arm was wrapped securely around her waist, bringing a small smile to Orm’s lips.

Wanting to slip away without disturbing Ling’s sleep, Orm carefully touched Ling’s hand, trying to loosen the embrace. However, instead of letting go, Ling’s grip tightened around her waist, as if unwilling to part.

The slight movement stirred Ling awake. She slowly opened her eyes and lifted her head slightly to look at Orm. Without saying a word, she leaned in and placed a light kiss on Orm’s cheek. “Good morning,” she murmured with a smile, her hand gently stroking Orm’s arm.

“Good morning, P’Ling,” Orm replied, a sweet smile lingering on her lips.

Ling gazed at Orm for a moment before asking in a soft voice, “Did you sleep well last night?”

Orm nodded lightly, her expression warm. “Of course, P’Ling hug me all night. It made me sleep soundly,” she admitted, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of comfort.

Ling smiled at Orm’s words. “Me too. I slept much better because I was hugging you,” she replied before pressing another soft kiss to Orm’s cheek, this time lingering a little longer.

But the warmth between them was interrupted when Orm sighed and said, “But how long does P’Ling plan to keep hugging me like this? We need to get up soon. There’s a lot we have to do today.” Her voice was serious, though her smile remained.

Ling smirked playfully. “I don’t know,” she teased. “It feels like my hands just won’t let go of you.” Her tone was lighthearted, making Orm let out a small huff.

“If this continues, how are we supposed to get anything done today?” Orm asked, lightly swatting Ling’s hand, which was still firmly wrapped around her waist. “We also have to head home today.”

Ling chuckled before replying, “Then we’ll just do everything while staying like this. I don’t mind.”

“P’Ling!” Orm huffed in exasperation. She attempted to break free, but Ling only pulled her closer, reducing the already small space between them. Realizing it was pointless, Orm finally stopped struggling and simply fixed Ling with a firm stare.

“Stop,” she said, pointing a warning finger at Ling. “If you come any closer, I won’t talk to you for the rest of the day.” Her voice was serious, making Ling freeze in surprise.

Ling quickly raised her hands in surrender. “Alright, Nong. I won’t come any closer,” she said with a quick nod, though the mischievous smile still played at the corners of her lips.

Orm smirked in satisfaction. “Now, close your eyes. I need to grab my bathrobe and head to the bathroom,” she instructed, preparing to get up.

But Ling furrowed her brows, her playful grin returning. “Why? Did you forget? I already saw everything last night,” she teased, tilting her head slightly as she pointed toward Orm.

“P’Ling…” Orm hissed, her face instantly turning red. “Last night was…” She couldn’t even finish her sentence, too flustered by Ling’s relentless teasing. In a swift motion, she pulled the blanket over herself, covering her body before grabbing the clothes scattered on the floor. Hastily, she slipped into them and rushed toward the bathroom without sparing Ling another glance.

Ling chuckled softly, watching Orm’s flustered reaction, finding it utterly endearing. She then lay back down, still smiling, as she thought about how Orm had filled the emptiness in her life with warmth and happiness.

•••••

After spending their last few days visiting beautiful places in Phuket, Ling’s group prepared to return to Bangkok. They headed to the airport, bringing with them the wonderful memories of the trip. Some members of the group chose to sit in the waiting area, while others wandered around, browsing shops near the terminal to pass the time before departure. Feeling a growing sense of exhaustion, Orm decided to sit and wait for Ling, who had gone to buy drinks with Anda, Lookmhee, and Sonya.

"N'Orm," a soft voice called, making Orm flinch slightly. She lifted her head and turned to Anda, who was sitting beside her.

"What is it, P'Anda?" Orm asked with a small smile, trying to mask her surprise.

"Are you okay? Your neck... there are a lot of red marks, like something bit you," Anda said, having clearly been observing Orm for a while.

"Ah, I think I got bitten by mosquitoes last night, Phi," Orm quickly replied, instinctively touching her neck as if trying to hide it.

Lookmhee, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Mosquito bites?" she questioned skeptically.

Anda glanced at Lookmhee before patting her shoulder. "Lookmhee, do you think mosquito bites could be that big?" Anda asked, pointing at the marks on Orm’s neck.

Before Lookmhee could respond, Ling’s voice cut through the conversation, making everyone turn their heads. Ling arrived with Engfa and Charlotte, carrying a few drinks before settling next to Orm.

"What’s going on?" Ling asked, looking between Anda and Orm.

Not wanting Ling to get the wrong idea, Anda quickly explained, "I was just asking N'Orm about the red marks on her neck." Anda paused briefly before continuing, "She said they were mosquito bites, but I don’t think that’s the case."

Lookmhee leaned in to examine the marks more closely before commenting, "This looks a lot like the kind of marks Sonya leaves on my neck when she—"

Lookmhee’s sudden remark instantly shifted the atmosphere. Everyone exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and curiosity evident on their faces.

Engfa, sitting beside Ling, narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Don’t tell me..." she began, her tone filled with accusation as she looked back and forth between Ling and Orm. "You two did that, didn’t you?"

Ling, who had just taken a sip of her drink, responded calmly, "Yeah, and those are the marks."

Her nonchalant confession made Orm’s face turn red in an instant, the embarrassment impossible to hide.

"P'Ling! Why would you say that so openly?" Orm muttered, her voice low and filled with awkwardness. She lowered her head, desperately trying to conceal her flushed face.

Engfa chuckled and extended a hand toward Ling for a handshake. "Finally! Lingling Kwong has done what we taught her," she said with exaggerated pride.

Ling took Engfa’s hand and shook it confidently. "I did it well, exactly as you all taught me," she replied, her tone brimming with self-satisfaction.

"Good!" Engfa pulled Ling’s hand closer and looked at her seriously. "Now that you’ve done it, don’t ever think about leaving N'Orm—under any circumstances," she warned, emphasizing every word.

Orm remained silent, covering her face with both hands out of sheer embarrassment. She had no idea how to respond while Ling casually spoke about their night together without the slightest hesitation or shame.

°°°°°

Four Days Later...

The holiday had come to an end, and Ling was back to her routine as a celebrity. A packed schedule awaited her, and today, she had a refitting session for her new project, My Cherie Amour. The photoshoot location was already bustling with the production team, and as always, Ling arrived on time.

Upon reaching the venue, she settled into a chair prepared for her makeup session before the shoot began. Through the mirror in front of her, she caught sight of Orm, who was engrossed in her iPad, diligently handling various tasks on Ling’s behalf. Unknowingly, a smile formed on Ling’s lips. To her, Orm’s smile was one of the few things that could instantly lift her spirits, even in the midst of an exhausting schedule.

However, that smile gradually faded when her eyes caught the reflection of someone in the mirror—Mean, arriving with Khun Dew. Ling tensed slightly at the sight of her, especially when Mean walked closer and took a seat right beside her, preparing for her own makeup session.

"Sawadeekha, Khun Ling," Mean greeted first, flashing a bright smile in an attempt to ease the tension.

Ling turned briefly and responded, "Sawadeekha," her tone flat. There was no warmth in her expression—only a cold, unreadable look as she met Mean’s gaze for a moment before shifting her focus back to the mirror.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Mean tried once more. "It's nice to see you, Khun Ling," she said politely. But Ling remained silent. She chose not to respond, keeping her thoughts to herself while watching her reflection as the makeup artist worked on her.

Minutes passed, and once her makeup was done, Ling changed into her outfit and got ready for the shoot. There was still some time before the session began, so she took a seat beside Orm, who was still busy with her iPad. Seeing Ling approach, Orm immediately turned off her device and gave her full attention.

"Is something wrong, P'Ling?" Orm asked gently, noticing the tension lingering in Ling’s expression.

Ling offered a faint smile, though the unease in her eyes was still evident. "Nothing, just a little nervous. It’s the first day back at work after the break," she replied, trying to reassure herself.

Understanding Ling’s emotions, Orm gently rubbed her shoulder in a silent gesture of support. "Relax, P'Ling. You’re a professional actress. I know you’ll handle this just fine," she said with quiet confidence, hoping to ease Ling’s nerves.

Ling gave a small nod, feeling a bit of comfort in Orm’s words. She reached for Orm’s hand, which was still resting on her shoulder, and spoke with sincerity, "Thank you, N'Orm."

Orm responded with a warm smile, watching as Ling’s expression finally softened. She knew that Ling’s uneasiness wasn’t just about returning to work—it was about seeing Mean, her ex. But instead of bringing it up, Orm chose to keep the conversation light, engaging Ling in casual chatter to gradually dissipate the tension.

As they talked, Ling felt herself relax. Orm’s presence beside her gave her a sense of calm she rarely found elsewhere. And although the awkwardness of encountering Mean still lingered in her mind, Ling knew that as long as Orm was by her side, she could face anything with a little more ease.

•••••

After hours of photoshoots with the My Cherie Amour cast, the long session finally came to an end. The actors and staff began packing up to leave, including Ling, who quickly changed into casual clothes. Once ready, she made her way toward Orm, who was already waiting for her in the corner of the room.

"What do you want to eat after this?" Ling asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything that P'Ling wants to eat," Orm replied with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth as she looked at Ling.

Ling’s smile widened at that response. "Alright, let’s get something to eat. But how about we just eat at home?" she suggested, her gaze lingering on Orm with quiet affection.

"Okay kha~," Orm answered in a playful, childlike tone, which made Ling chuckle in amusement.

"Come on, let’s go," Ling said, reaching for Orm’s hand.

However, Orm gently pulled away and quickly glanced around before whispering, "Remember, P'Ling, we’re in a public place."

Ling froze for a moment, then nodded with a hint of regret. "You're right... sorry," she murmured, slipping her hands into her jacket pockets before stepping forward. Orm followed closely beside her.

They walked toward the elevator, passing through the now-emptying hallway. When the elevator doors slid open, they stepped inside together. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand suddenly blocked them, forcing them back open.

"Mind if I join?" a familiar voice spoke up.

Mean stepped inside with a bright smile, but the atmosphere instantly turned heavy. Now, only Ling, Orm, and Mean stood inside the confined space, surrounded by an awkward, suffocating silence.

"Ehm..." Mean cleared her throat, attempting to break the tension. She then turned to Ling, who stood rigidly beside her. "I honestly thought you would turn down Khun Dew’s offer the moment you found out I was your co-star," she said, trying to initiate conversation.

Ling kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge Mean’s presence. "I’m a professional. I don’t mix personal matters with work," she replied coldly, her lips pressing into a firm line.

Mean lowered her gaze momentarily but then tried again. "Do you have plans after this? If not, I’d like to take you out for a meal—to start off our collaboration on the right foot."

Ling exhaled sharply, visibly uncomfortable. "I don’t have time," she responded curtly, her tone sharp and unwelcoming. She kept her eyes locked on the elevator doors, making it clear she had no intention of entertaining this conversation.

For a moment, Mean stayed silent. Then, in a softer voice, she admitted, "To be honest, I miss you." Her gaze dropped slightly, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow. "Not a single day has passed without me regretting my mistakes. If only I could turn back time..."

Ling immediately turned to face Mean, her eyes sharp. "There is no turning back time," she cut in firmly. "Be professional. We’re colleagues—nothing more."

Mean met Ling’s gaze, her eyes brimming with lingering love and regret. "I know you probably hate me now, but I still love you, Ling. And I know, deep down, you still love me too. We can fix this."

For a brief moment, Ling simply stared at Mean, as if searching for any truth in her words. But then, in a steady yet quiet voice, she replied, "Listen, Khun Mean. I don’t love you anymore. There is nothing to fix between us. Remember that."

Mean stood frozen at Ling’s words, but a faint smile still played on her lips. "Then I’ll make you fall for me again," she murmured, just as the elevator doors finally slid open. Stepping out, she turned back slightly and said in a lighthearted tone, "Looking forward to working with you, Ling."

Ling remained still, watching Mean walk away. Meanwhile, Orm, who had been silently witnessing the entire exchange from the corner, chose to say nothing.

•••••

That night, the air felt chilly, with a gentle breeze brushing against Orm's face as she sat on the balcony of her room. On her lap, an open laptop glowed brightly under the dark sky. Orm was busy working on a university assignment that was due the next morning. Her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, creating a soft rhythm that matched the peaceful atmosphere of the night. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, focusing on every detail of the task at hand.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Ling, feeling bored, was lying on the bed, watching TV with little interest. Every channel she flipped through seemed unappealing, and her thoughts drifted off to various things, making it hard for her to concentrate. After a while, Ling decided to get up, turn off the TV, and slowly walk towards the balcony. She paused for a moment, observing Orm from the doorway, before stepping outside.

"Are you not done yet?" Ling asked softly as she sat beside Orm.

Orm glanced up briefly, offering a brief smile while continuing to type. "Almost done, phi," she replied, her focus still on the laptop screen. Her face remained calm, even though her concentration was fully on the task she was finishing.

Ling stayed silent for a moment, then shifted her gaze toward Orm’s laptop. Resting her chin on her hand, she watched Orm from the side, a faint smile on her lips. Orm’s face, illuminated by the laptop’s light, looked so serene and beautiful to Ling. She felt as though she were admiring a living painting, Orm's silhouette so captivating in the quiet of the night.

"Why are you staring at me like that with a smile?" Orm asked, not turning her head, but sensing Ling's gaze.

Ling chuckled softly. "I just think you look so sweet when you're focused."

Orm finally looked up, giving Ling a flat look, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "P'Ling, you've gotten good at flirting now..." Orm teased.

"I'm not flirting, just telling the truth. Especially when you're so focused on something, and your brow furrows like that," Ling said with a gentle smile, her eyes fixed on Orm’s face as she concentrated.

"P'Ling!!" Orm lightly tapped Ling's arm, pouting in mock protest. "Don’t tease me like that. You should go back to the room so I can finish my task faster."

"No way," Ling quickly replied, then, without warning, she kissed Orm's lips softly before resting her head on Orm's shoulder. "I won't disturb you, but let me just lean on your shoulder like this."

Orm sighed, though a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Alright," she agreed, though slightly distracted by Ling's presence. But she knew Ling wouldn’t really get in the way of her work. Orm returned her focus to the laptop, her fingers resuming their quick movements over the keyboard as she neared the completion of her task.

They sat together in silence for a while, the soft breeze of the night the only sound accompanying them on the balcony. Yet, in the midst of the tranquility, Ling broke the silence with her soft voice.

"N'Orm..." Ling called gently.

"Yes, phi?" Orm replied without turning, still engrossed in her work.

"About Mean," Ling continued with a more serious tone, "I don’t have feelings for him anymore."

Orm stopped typing, her hands still, but she didn’t immediately respond. Ling's words seemed to touch a sensitive spot in her heart, but she chose to remain silent, waiting for Ling to continue.

Ling, noticing the shift in Orm's demeanor, lifted her head from Orm's shoulder and turned to face her. She gently placed her hands on Orm’s shoulders, turning her body to meet her gaze. "My feelings right now are only for you, N'Orm. You believe me, don't you?" she asked with a serious, hopeful look.

Orm stared at Ling for a moment before giving a small nod, her voice soft as she replied, "I believe you, phi." She smiled faintly, though a hint of doubt lingered. "You don’t need to worry. P'Mean's presence doesn’t make me uncomfortable. To me, P'Mean is just your colleague, like anyone else."

Ling let out a relieved sigh, as though Orm’s words had dispelled the doubts that had been lingering. Slowly, Ling pulled Orm into her embrace, holding her tightly and allowing Orm’s head to rest against her chest, providing a sense of security and comfort. Gently, Ling ran her fingers through Orm’s long hair, placing a soft kiss on her forehead and lingering there for a moment.

For Orm, resting her head on Ling’s chest was one of the most comforting places to be. That chest always brought a sense of peace, especially when her heart was unsettled. Ever since seeing Mean and hearing his confession that he still loved Ling, Orm felt something uncomfortable gnawing at her heart. That unease had come suddenly, casting shadows of fear about the possibility of losing Ling.

However, after hearing Ling’s words just now, the unsettling feelings began to fade away. Ling had confirmed her feelings, and that brought Orm a sense of relief. Yet, deep inside her heart, Orm still held on to a small fear. A fear that one day, Ling might change her mind, a fear of losing the one she loved so deeply.